The U.S. Says Executions Following Sham Trials Are an Insult to Human Rights and Human Dignity in Iran and Worldwide

On Thursday, the Deputy Spokesperson of the U.S. State Department referred to the death sentences of three prisoners in Iran during a press conference, stating, "The execution of these individuals after what is widely recognized as sham trials will be an insult to human rights and human dignity in Iran and the world." Vedant Patel added, "It is clear that the Islamic Republic regime has not learned from the protests that began with the death of Mahsa Amini last September." Patel noted that Iranian officials may soon execute Majid Kazemi, Saleh Mirhashemi, and Saeed Yaqoubi due to their participation in the protests in Iran, adding, "We, alongside the people of Iran and the international community, urge the Islamic Republic not to carry out these executions." In response to a question from a Voice of America reporter about whether U.S. allies and partners share the same view, Patel said, "I cannot speak for our allies and partners, but when it comes to confronting the challenges posed by the Iranian regime, including blatant human rights violations, ongoing support for Russia in the Ukraine war, and supplying arms to proxy groups in the Middle East, there is alignment among the U.S. and our allies and partners. Therefore, we will continue to coordinate with our allies and partners to hold [Iranian officials] accountable." Robert Malley, the U.S. Special Envoy for Iran, also reacted to the "imminent execution of Majid Kazemi, Saleh Mirhashemi, and Saeed Yaqoubi in Iran" via a tweet, emphasizing that the U.S. will continue to stand with the people of Iran. The three protesters at risk of execution had sent a message from inside the Dastgerd prison in Isfahan, asking for help from the people of Iran. Social media users responded positively to their plea by trending the hashtag "Don't let them kill us." A knowledgeable source told Voice of America on May 14 that officials had informed Majid Kazemi's family that these three detained protesters would be executed within "the next couple of days." During the protests on November 25 in the "House of Isfahan" neighborhood, three Basij members named "Mohsen Cheraghi, Mohsen Hamidi, and Mohammad Karimi" were killed. Iranian officials attributed their deaths to a "terrorist act" and arrested six protesters in connection with it. The father of Hossein Ronaghi warned Iranian officials: "Fear the people's anger and stop the executions." The mothers of the seeking justice in Sanandaj chanted "No to executions," demanding the cancellation of the death sentences for the protesters in the "House of Isfahan" case. The requests of the defendants in the "House of Isfahan" did not go unanswered; protesters gathered. Robert Malley reacted to the potential execution of three protesters in Iran: the regime has not learned from the protests. Hamid Rasai called on the judiciary to execute Taraneh Alidoosti. The requests of the three death-sentenced protesters in the "House of Isfahan" case to the people: "Don't let them kill us." The Iranian Writers' Association called for the halt of the "repressive machine of the Islamic Republic." Taghi Rahmani: Iranians abroad should continue to be the voice of the people inside.