In Iran, the Supreme Court upheld another death sentence against a protester in connection with the protests. As reported by the Misan justice portal, Mohammed B. was convicted of allegedly wounding security forces with a weapon. According to Islamic legal opinion in Iran, the charge was “waging war against God”, which is punishable by death.
Human rights activists have repeatedly criticized the fast-track negotiations as “mock trials”. After confirmation by the Supreme Court, the sentences can no longer be appealed.
So far, two protesters have been executed in Iran for involvement in protests. According to Iranian media, more than 20 other protesters are on the judiciary’s death list. More than 500 protesters were killed during the protests, according to human rights groups. The violent crackdown on demonstrators and, in particular, the two executions were condemned at home and abroad.
Exile oppositionists confident of victory
Meanwhile, representatives of the Iranian opposition in exile were unusually united and confident of victory in a joint statement. “With organization and solidarity, 2023 will be the year of victory for the Iranian nation,” the activists wrote in the statement released today on social media. Signatories include cultural workers, human rights activists and athletes. 2023 will be “the year of freedom and justice in Iran”.
The statement was widely publicized on social media by signatories, including US journalist Masih Alinejad, son of the last Iranian shah, Resa Pahlavi, deposed in 1979, former Iranian footballer Ali Karimi and well-known Iranian actress Golschifteh Farahani. “We are united to achieve freedom,” Farahani wrote on Instagram.
Iranian Nobel Peace Prize winner Shirin Ebadi also released the statement. In an interview with the “Süddeutsche Zeitung” published on Monday, the human rights lawyer was also convinced that “this regime will not remain in power much longer”.