U.S. Official Criticizes Execution of Arvin Ghahramani, Iranian Jew

The U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism expressed concern over the execution of Arvin Ghahramani by the Iranian government and the proceedings in his case. Deborah Lipstadt emphasized in a post on 'X' that the circumstances of Mr. Ghahramani's case and the judicial process regarding the charges against him raise 'disturbing questions.' Ms. Lipstadt had previously warned Iranian officials about the judicial process concerning Jewish citizens in Iran, highlighting 'different standards' and urging them to respect all standards of fair trial and ensure the fair application of the law. The Iranian judiciary executed Arvin Ghahramani, who was accused of 'premeditated murder' of a Muslim citizen named Amir Shakouri during a street brawl at the age of 18, in the early hours of November 5 in Kermanshah. He was the first Jewish individual executed by the Islamic Republic in the past 30 years. Voice of America previously reported, citing documents it obtained, that Iranian judicial officials did not inform Arvin Ghahramani's family and defense lawyers about the execution of this young Jew. A source based in the U.S. sent a letter to the English section of Voice of America indicating that Payman Saket-Khoo, Arvin Ghahramani's lawyer, reported one day after his client's execution that he was executed without the knowledge of his family or defense lawyers. The execution of Arvin Nathaniel Ghahramani took place while his case had been established since November 2022, and his lawyers had submitted three requests for retrial, all of which were denied. His relatives stated that 'in Arvin's case, certain matters were deliberately overlooked, and his assistance to the injured person for transfer to the hospital and efforts to save his life were not mentioned in the verdict.' Human rights activists say that the laws of retribution and the differences in their application between Muslims and non-Muslims demonstrate systematic discrimination against religious minorities. The annual report of the U.S. State Department on international religious freedom, published in June 2024, cites the Tehran Jewish Committee stating that about 9,000 Jews reside in Iran. In the past month, Iranian judicial authorities have executed at least 161 prisoners in various regions of Iran, representing a 100% increase compared to the previous month. According to Amnesty International, 74% of recorded executions worldwide last year were carried out by the Islamic Republic. The execution of Arvin Ghahramani, an Iranian Jew, despite the efforts of the Jewish community, has been described as a 'humiliation of the regime' and 'revenge' against Israel. Exclusive Voice of America report on the coercion of Jews in Iran to participate in government 'elections.' Fifteen years in prison for Yasin Mousavi, a Christian convert, on charges of 'promoting Christianity.' Iran Human Rights Organization: The risk of executing Arvin Ghahramani is serious.