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🔴 Breaking ❓ Unknown

Campaign for the Freedom of Pakhshan Azizi: Hundreds of Thousands Demand Abolishment of Death Sentence

Apr 20, 2026 April 20, 2026 3 min read 📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway

A campaign for Pakhshan Azizi, a civil activist sentenced to death in Iran, has garnered over 413,500 signatures demanding his release and the abolition of the death penalty. The letter addressed to Iranian judiciary head Gholamhossein Mohseni Eje'i highlights Azizi's humanitarian work and calls for an end to all executions in Iran. This situation reflects ongoing tensions regarding human rights and the use of capital punishment in the country.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: The demand for the abolition of the death penalty in Iran is gaining significant public support.

👥 Key Players

Pakhshan Azizi (پخش شان عزیزی) TARGET
Civil activist
"Demanding his release and suspension of the death sentence."
Gholamhossein Mohseni Eje'i (غلامحسین محسنی اژه‌ای) QUOTED
Head of the judiciary
"The letter addressed to Gholamhossein Mohseni Eje'i calls for the suspension of the death sentence."
Abram Pili QUOTED
U.S. Special Representative for Iran
"The U.S. urges the Iranian government to revoke the death sentence."
Iman Afshari QUOTED
Judge
"Presided over Branch 26 of the Islamic Revolutionary Court in Tehran."
Maziar Tataei QUOTED
Lawyer
"Announced on social media that the reviewing branch agreed to the request for a stay of execution."
Narges Mohammadi (نگار محمدی) QUOTED
Human rights activist
"Executioners have raised gallows in Iran's prisons."

⚡ Actions

Citizens PROTEST Pakhshan Azizi
"Over 413,500 people have signed a letter demanding his release."
Confidence: 90%
U.S. Special Representative for Iran ANNOUNCE Iranian government
"The U.S. urges the Iranian government to revoke the death sentence of the humanitarian."
Confidence: 90%
Iranian judiciary SUSPEND Pakhshan Azizi
"The reviewing branch agreed to the request for a stay of execution."
Confidence: 80%

📰 What Happened

Hundreds of thousands demand the release of Pakhshan Azizi, sentenced to death in Iran.

  • Citizens protest Pakhshan Azizi
  • U.S. Special Representative for Iran announce Iranian government
  • Iranian judiciary suspend Pakhshan Azizi

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: Because the case highlights the ongoing human rights abuses and the use of capital punishment.
🌍 Regional: Because it reflects the broader issues of civil rights and activism in the Middle East.
🌐 International: Because it raises concerns about Iran's judicial practices and human rights record.

📚 Background

The demand for the abolition of the death penalty in Iran is gaining significant public support.

📝 Key Evidence

"Over 413,500 people have signed a letter demanding his release."
→ The scale of public protest against the death sentence.
"The U.S. urges the Iranian government to revoke the death sentence of the humanitarian."
→ International pressure on Iran regarding human rights.
📡 Source: NEUTRAL
📊 Confidence: 80%
VOA Persian is generally considered a credible source for news on Iran.

According to the report from the campaign for the freedom of Pakhshan Azizi, a civil activist sentenced to death, over 413,500 people have signed a letter to the head of the judiciary of the Islamic Republic of Iran, demanding his release. The letter addressed to Gholamhossein Mohseni Eje'i calls for the 'suspension of the death sentence against Pakhshan Azizi, the annulment of his conviction, and his immediate and unconditional release.' It also requests the suspension of all death sentences and the abolition of the death penalty in Iran. The letter published on the Avaz website highlights Ms. Azizi's peaceful humanitarian and human rights activities, including support for women and children in Syrian refugee camps. Previously, Maziar Tataei, one of Pakhshan Azizi's lawyers, announced on social media 'X' that on the third of Bahman, while he was visiting the Supreme Court of the Islamic Republic with Amir Reisiyaan, another lawyer for this civil activist, 'the reviewing branch agreed to the request for a stay of execution.' Pakhshan Azizi was sentenced to death and four years in prison on the second of Mordad this year by Branch 26 of the Islamic Revolutionary Court in Tehran, presided over by Iman Afshari, on charges of 'rebellion through membership in opposing groups.' He was arrested last summer by the intelligence forces of the Islamic Republic in Tehran. The U.S. Special Representative for Iran's Deputy on the 25th of Dey called for the abolition of Pakhshan Azizi's death sentence, who is a Kurdish activist and social worker. Abram Pili wrote on social media 'X' that the U.S. urges the Iranian government to revoke the death sentence of the humanitarian after his 'sham trial.' The Avaz website, which publishes in 17 European, Middle Eastern, and Asian languages, states that it was established in 2007 with a simple democratic mission: to organize citizens of all countries to bridge the gap between the current world and the world that most people want to achieve. This website mentions that it empowers millions from various sectors of society to act on important global, regional, and national issues, from corruption and poverty to conflicts and climate change. Avaz refers to actions such as signing petitions, funding media campaigns and direct actions, sending emails and contacting governments, lobbying, and organizing protests and in-person events. What does the suspension of Pakhshan Azizi's death sentence mean? Explanations by Mousa Barzini. The strike of shopkeepers in Qorveh in protest against the death sentence of Pakhshan Azizi and Vrishe Moradi. A member of the European Parliament called for the abolition of the sentences of Pakhshan Azizi and Vrishe Moradi. The father of Mahsa Amini was accused of 'propaganda against the regime' of the Islamic Republic. Narges Mohammadi: Executioners have raised gallows in Iran's prisons. The campaign for the freedom of Vrishe Moradi: the life of this political prisoner remains in danger.

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Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

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