The NGO Human Rights Watch said Monday that the execution of two protesters by Iranian authorities in connection with anti-government protests is «a grave miscarriage of justice and a dangerous escalation.»
«The trials of those facing capital charges related to the protests have been a total travesty of justice,» said Tara Sepehri Far, Iran researcher at HRW.
«Depriving those facing capital charges of access to a lawyer of their choice is a coordinated move to accelerate the Iranian authorities’ sham trial campaign aimed at sowing fear and projecting power,» Sepehri explained.
The organization has denounced that the charges against the protesters are «vaguely worded» offenses, which include national security charges such as enmity against god, corruption in the land or armed rebellion. In addition, court proceedings in which lawyers of the defendants’ choice are not allowed to participate «appear not to comply with international standards».
«Defendants are reportedly tortured into confessing, deprived of access to lawyers of their choice, and rushed through court proceedings that circumvent the safeguards of Iran’s own penal code and criminal procedure law,» the NGO added in its missive.
In addition, the revolutionary courts have issued at least 11 other death sentences and are expected to try dozens more people, including minors, on charges that can carry the death penalty, human rights groups denounce.
Human Rights Watch has stated that it opposes the death penalty in all circumstances and in all countries because it is «inherently cruel and irreversible».
«The Iranian authorities should immediately halt these trials and rescind the death sentences,» reads the NGO’s statement.
On Monday, Iranian media reported that the authorities had publicly executed Majid Reza Rahnavard, 23, for the alleged murder of two policemen.
The defendant has been executed 13 days after the trial began, which is why HRW criticizes that «it is unclear how the appeals process progressed at such a pace.»
In addition, on Thursday the media announced the first execution of a participant of the protests in Iran, Mohsen Shekari, 23, investigated for injuring a police officer and blocking a road.
Authorities have issued at least 1,680 indictments nationwide in connection with the protests, according to official statements, while human rights groups estimate that more than 18,000 people have been arrested in connection with the social demonstrations.
Iran is one of the countries that uses capital punishment most frequently, with human rights organizations estimating that more than 300 citizens were executed between March 21 and September 12, according to HRW.
