International Criticism of Recent Executions of Teenage Offenders in Iran

Amnesty International states that the execution of two individuals in Iran within a few days, who committed crimes as minors, highlights the 'horrific' nature of Iran's judicial system regarding children. The European Union has also criticized the execution of Fatemeh Salbeh, who, according to Amnesty International, was arrested at the age of 17 for the murder of her husband. Her husband was 30 years old at the time of the murder, and according to this human rights organization, Ms. Salbeh was 'forced' into marriage with him. Samad Zahabi is another citizen mentioned by the organization who was executed in recent days and was 17 at the time of the crime he was accused of. Amnesty International stated on October 14 that Ms. Salbeh could have at least undergone tests and investigations under Iranian law to prove her mental health and maturity at the time of the murder. However, these tests were limited to questions such as whether she prayed, read religious books in school, or knew that murder was 'haram' (forbidden). Consequently, the judge ruled on her mental health and maturity, and the execution was confirmed. Amnesty International considers this process to be contrary to the fundamental principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Iran is also committed. According to this international organization, the recent execution processes demonstrate that Iran's judicial mechanisms recklessly demean children's human rights, including their right to live. Samad Zahabi is another name mentioned by Amnesty International, who allegedly killed another shepherd during a shooting incident. According to the organization, Mr. Zahabi repeatedly emphasized that the shooting was unintentional and solely for defense during a dispute 'without personal intent.' The European Union has also criticized the execution of Fatemeh Salbeh, deeming it a 'violation of commitments' by Iran. On October 14, the EU stated that the execution of Fatemeh Salbeh, who committed a crime at the age of 17, violates Iran's commitments to the 'International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights' as well as the 'Convention on the Rights of the Child.' The EU has expressed ongoing concern over the high number of executions in Iran, particularly for drug-related offenses, which are not classified as 'serious crimes' under current international human rights laws. The EU opposes the death penalty in any case and for any purpose, and its members do not have such penalties in their criminal laws.