More than 30 women’s rights groups in the Middle East and North Africa issued a joint statement urging Iranian judicial authorities to halt the death sentences of Pakhshan Azizi, a imprisoned social worker, Varisheh Moradi, a political prisoner, and several others. This statement, published on Monday, February 22, emphasizes the necessity of adhering to due process principles and conducting fair trials, describing the death penalty as an inhumane punishment and a blatant violation of human rights 'that should be eliminated from Iran's legal system.' These human rights organizations pointed out that the details of Pakhshan Azizi's case indicate that she has committed no criminal act, and her conviction was not based on any criminal action but rather on an intention attributed to her by the Iranian judiciary. Amir Raeisian, Pakhshan Azizi's lawyer, reported on February 18 that his client's request for retrial was rejected, putting her at risk of execution. Pakhshan Azizi had previously worked as a social worker in Syria, assisting Yazidi women who had escaped from ISIS. However, according to Mr. Raeisian, the appellate judge confirmed her death sentence based on the 'misconception' that Ms. Azizi was a member of ISIS. The statement from regional women’s rights organizations also called for the abolition of Varisheh Moradi's death sentence. Ms. Moradi has also been sentenced to death by the Iranian judiciary on charges of membership in armed groups opposing the Iranian government, and her case is currently under appeal. The statement also referenced several other political prisoners in Iran who have been sentenced to death, including Mojahid Korkor, Mahdi Hasani, and Behrouz Ehsani, calling for the abolition of the death penalty. This statement was signed by organizations such as the International Coalition for Women’s Rights Defenders, Women’s Initiatives for Gender Justice, the Middle East Democracy Center, and the Kurdish Human Rights Network.
30 Women’s Rights Groups Call for the Abolition of Death Sentences for Pakhshan Azizi and Varisheh Moradi
Over 30 women's rights organizations have called for the cancellation of death sentences for Pakhshan Azizi and Varisheh Moradi in Iran, highlighting the inhumane nature of capital punishment and the lack of fair trial standards. The statement emphasizes that Azizi's conviction is based on unfounded allegations rather than actual criminal acts. This issue is significant as it reflects broader concerns about human rights violations and the judicial system in Iran.
👥 Key Players
⚡ Actions
📰 What Happened
30 women’s rights groups urged Iran to halt death sentences for Azizi and Moradi.
- women’s rights groups announce Iranian judicial authorities
- Iranian judiciary reject Pakhshan Azizi
- Iranian judiciary sentence Pakhshan Azizi, Varisheh Moradi
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The death sentences for Azizi and Moradi symbolize the Iranian regime's harsh treatment of dissent.
📝 Key Evidence
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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Translation confidence: 85%