UN Fact-Finding Mission: Any Execution Without a 'Fair Trial' is a Clear Violation of International Law

The UN Human Rights Council's fact-finding mission strongly condemned the execution of protesters whose cases are still under legal review and whose judicial processes are incomplete. In a statement published on the Human Rights Council's website, it emphasized that 'there is serious evidence indicating the unjust execution of Majid Kazemi, Saleh Mirhashimi, and Saeed Yaghoubi on charges related to their participation in protests that began last September in Iran, and the accusations against them based on confessions obtained under torture lack legal validity.' The fact-finding mission, established to investigate the actions of the Islamic Republic, stated: 'This mission, tasked with investigating all cases of human rights violations related to the protests, has previously sought to gather and document information regarding the illegal imposition of the death penalty on protesters.' The statement warns that the fact-finding mission reminds all government officials and individuals involved in this process that any execution without a 'fair trial' constitutes 'deprivation of life' and a clear violation of international law. Following the violent crackdown on nationwide protests in Iran, which began after the death of Mahsa Amini in custody, many human rights activists called for the establishment of a fact-finding mission regarding the actions of the Islamic Republic. In the 35th special session of the UN Human Rights Council held on Thursday, December 3, member countries voted to approve a resolution to establish a fact-finding mission for Iran with 25 votes in favor, six against, and 16 abstentions. Saleh Mirhashimi, Majid Kazemi Sheikhsabani, and Saeed Yaghoubi Kordsefi, defendants in the 'Isfahan House' case, were executed early Friday, May 19. These three were accused of killing two Basij members and a police officer, allegations that they and their families have repeatedly denied. The three defendants also stated that they were forced to make televised confessions after enduring severe torture. A group of Iranians gathered in front of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs to protest the recent executions in Iran; on Friday, the 19th, the American PEN Association awarded Narges Mohammadi and reiterated the message 'Do not execute' to the Islamic Republic. The slogan 'Isfahan condolences' was chanted at the Aryashahr protest gathering on the day of the Isfahan executions. Hassan Nayeb Hashem stated: 'It is a vain hope that the protests of the Iranian people will cease with the execution of protesters.' There was significant anger and sorrow among users and public figures regarding the execution of Majid Kazemi, Saeed Yaghoubi, and Saleh Mirhashimi. International reactions to the execution of three more protesters in Iran: What we have done is not enough. The family of Majid (Mohammad) Kazemi at the grave of this executed protester in Isfahan. Abolfazl Ghadiani: Ali Khamenei and his repressive agents remain thirsty for blood.