The recent news of Iran secretly executing a man, Milad Zohrevand, in connection with the 2022 anti-government protests has brought to light serious concerns over human rights violations in the country. This execution, if confirmed, would be the eighth protester to be executed following the rallies last year. The execution highlights the lack of due process and a fair trial in these cases, as information suggests that the judicial proceedings did not meet the required standards. Additionally, access to legal representation was frequently denied, and there have been reports of coerced confessions obtained through torture.
The anti-government protests that erupted in September 2022 were a result of public dissatisfaction with Iran’s clerical establishment. The death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who was detained by morality police for alleged improper hijab, triggered mass demonstrations. These protests have faced a brutal crackdown by security forces, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of detentions. The authorities have branded the protests as “riots” in an attempt to delegitimize them.
The execution of Milad Zohrevand at Hamadan Central Prison has raised further concerns about the lack of transparency and the disregard for human rights in Iran’s judicial system. The fact that his body has not been handed over to his family and that he was not notified about his imminent execution or granted a final meeting with his family is deeply troubling. This violates not only Zohrevand’s right to life but also infringes upon the human rights of his family.
Human rights group Hengaw has strongly condemned the execution, emphasizing that it violates fundamental human rights. They allege that pressure from the Revolutionary Guards, a powerful military and political force in Iran, may have played a role in pushing for the execution. Hengaw also highlights the lack of explicit consent from the family of the officer whom Zohrevand was accused of killing.
It is crucial to recognize the significance of this execution within the wider context of human rights abuses in Iran. The country ranks second only to China in terms of the number of annual executions. The UN secretary general’s report further highlights that Iran is carrying out executions at an alarming rate, with a 30% increase compared to the previous year. This surge in executions not only spreads fear among the population but also raises serious concerns about the state of human rights in Iran.
The international community must not turn a blind eye to these human rights violations. It is essential to call for transparency, accountability, and respect for due process in Iran’s judicial system. Pressure must be exerted on Iranian authorities to ensure fair trials, access to legal representation, and an end to executions carried out without proper consent and notification to the families involved.
This case also highlights the importance of independent human rights organizations like Hengaw in shedding light on such violations. Their efforts to document and condemn these executions play a crucial role in advocating for justice and human rights in Iran.
The execution of Milad Zohrevand should serve as a wake-up call for the international community to address the dire human rights situation in Iran. It is imperative to support and protect those who strive for justice and uphold the values of human rights in the face of adversity. Only through collective action and awareness can we bring about meaningful change and ensure a brighter future for individuals in Iran.
