UN Experts React to the Execution of Mohammad Qabadolou: The Islamic Republic Must Halt the 'Terrifying Wave' of Executions

A group of United Nations experts strongly condemned the execution of Mohammad Qabadolou and urged the Islamic Republic of Iran to adhere to its commitments under international human rights law. The UN experts expressed concern over reports of the 'unfair' trial processes concerning Mr. Qabadolou and others, which violate the standards of fair trial under international human rights law. They stated in a statement that they were 'shocked' that Iranian authorities executed Mr. Qabadolou despite the fact that he and his lawyer had no knowledge of the legal basis for the intended execution. They also expressed 'serious concern' over receiving 'credible reports' indicating that executed individuals in Iran were deprived of access to a lawyer during their detention and trial. The statement noted that four others related to the nationwide protests in Iran, including Mojahid Korkor and Gholamreza Rasayi, are at imminent risk of execution, and at least 15 others also face the death penalty. The experts expressed 'horror' at the increase in executions, citing that in 2023 alone, at least 834 people were executed, including 8 solely in connection with nationwide protests in Iran, and called on the Islamic Republic to stop the terrifying wave of executions. The UN experts urged the Iranian government to strictly and unambiguously respect the independence of the judiciary and adherence to fair trial standards under international human rights law concerning the death penalty. They requested that the Iranian authorities consider the death penalty only for 'the most serious crimes' as defined by international law. The experts issuing this statement include Javaid Rehman, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran; Morris Tidball-Binz, the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions; Margaret Satterthwaite, the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers; and Lalaing Mofokeng, the Special Rapporteur on the right of individuals to enjoy the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.