Recent reports from Iran have unveiled grave concerns regarding the treatment of several political prisoners facing execution, amidst rising tensions over human rights issues linked to nationwide protests. Among those highlighted are three individuals: Souda (Mardiya) Ebrahimi Shams Abadi, Mahbubeh Shabani, and Ali Zarai Doozdarehsi, all of whom have been sentenced to death.
Harsh Sentencing Amidst Protests
According to the human rights organisation “Hengaw,” the 23rd Branch of the Revolutionary Court in Tehran sentenced Ebrahimi Shams Abadi, along with Mohammadinia and Tushmalani, to death on charges of “waging war against God,” “gathering and conspiring to disturb national security,” and “conducting operations for enemy states.” The three individuals, natives of Kermanshah, were arrested during the recent protests that erupted in January in Islamshahr, and are currently held at Qazal Hesar Prison in Karaj.
Additionally, an unnamed woman linked to the same case has been sentenced to five years in prison.
International Condemnation of Executions
On 30 September, 46 countries jointly condemned the spate of executions in Iran during the 63rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. They cited the execution of at least 31 protesters and urged Iranian officials to immediately halt these executions.
In a separate case, the Revolutionary Court’s 23rd Branch also sentenced Nami to death for “conducting operations for enemy states.” Nami, like the others, was arrested during the protests and is currently incarcerated in Qazal Hesar Prison.
Denial of Medical Care to a Political Prisoner
Souda (Mardiya) Ebrahimi Shams Abadi, a political activist imprisoned in Bandar Abbas, remains without adequate medical care despite suffering from multiple sclerosis and other chronic illnesses. She is also afflicted with psoriasis and gastrointestinal convulsions, enduring significant pain as a result of her condition.
Reports indicate that her file has been referred to the 41st Branch of the Supreme Court following her appeal against the death sentence, which was issued on the basis of “spreading corruption on earth.” On 12 September, “Iran International” reported that her death sentence was linked to charges of “security-related media and propaganda activities” and “engaging in espionage for hostile states.”
Allegations of Torture
Mahbubeh Shabani, another political prisoner, is reported to have been transferred to a monitoring division of Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad after a recorded message from her prison cell was made public. Sources indicate that she has endured physical abuse at the hands of prison officials, resulting in visible injuries.
Following her resistance, Shabani was taken to the prison clinic, where she was restrained to prevent evidence of her injuries from being documented. She had previously warned that the lives of political prisoners sentenced to death were in danger and called for assistance for them.
Isolation of Political Activists
Meanwhile, Ali Zarai Doozdarehsi was moved back to the general ward on 30 September after being placed in solitary confinement for several days as punishment for releasing a partial transmission of his situation. He had been sentenced to death on 23 September for a variety of charges including “corruption on earth through widespread political activity.” In a recorded message, he implored human rights activists, the United Nations, and individuals advocating for humanity and justice to become his voice and oppose his execution.
The Context of Political Repression
In a broader context, Iranian authorities have intensified measures against dissenters. Since the start of the year, approximately 70 political prisoners have been executed, while many others face death sentences on political grounds. A recent statement from the campaign “Every Tuesday No to Execution” announced that about 200 political and ideological prisoners have received death sentences, many for their involvement in recent public protests. This highlights the urgent need for increased international scrutiny and advocacy for the human rights situation in Iran.