Amnesty International Condemns Execution of Man in Iran for 'Committing a Crime in Adolescence'

Amnesty International condemned the Iranian government's execution of an individual who was under 18 at the time of committing the crime, accusing Iran of gross violations of international human rights laws. The statement from this human rights organization was published on Thursday, June 4, stating that Iran has completely disregarded children's rights by executing a man who was only 16 at the time of the crime. The statement references reports from Iranian media, which only published the first name of the executed individual, stating that 'Asghar' was hanged on Wednesday in Karaj prison, approximately 30 years after the crime occurred. The statement reflects comments from Philip Luther, a director at Amnesty International's Middle East and North Africa section, who said: 'This execution shows that the constant claims by Iranian officials at the United Nations and to European Union officials about the abolition of the death penalty for juvenile offenders are utterly hollow and empty.' Mr. Luther further added: 'Iran ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child two decades ago, yet continues to show alarming disregard for children's rights. It is truly horrific.' According to this Amnesty International director, Iran has executed three individuals this year who were considered children at the time of their crimes, with the latest being 'Asghar.' According to Persian-language media reports, Asghar was sentenced to death in 1988 for the murder of a 12-year-old boy, and the Supreme Court confirmed this sentence to be carried out as soon as he turned 18. However, he managed to escape from prison and was a fugitive until 2015, when he was eventually captured and executed. Philip Luther emphasized the need for Iran to abolish the death penalty for juveniles and comply with international human rights laws. Iran is one of the few countries that still issues death sentences for juvenile offenders, while international laws strongly prohibit the imposition of the death penalty on individuals under 18. Amnesty International is fundamentally opposed to the death penalty at any age and for any crime, urging all countries to abolish it altogether.