IRAN: IHR STRONGLY CONDEMNS EXECUTION OF THE GONABADI DERVISH MOHAMMAD SALAS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam (Director of IHR)

Phone: +47 917 42 177

Email: [email protected]

In spite of all civil society protests and despite the repeated warnings of human rights groups, the death sentence of Mohammad Salas was carried out early the morning of June 18. Noting that the death penalty in its entirety is inhumane, IHR insists that the principles of due process have not been implemented in the trial of this Gonabadi dervish.

Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, the spokesperson of IHR, said: "The Islamic Republic of Iran's judiciary not only failed to investigate the reports of torture under the interrogations and confessions but also ignored the claims by Mr. Salas’ lawyer and family on the existence of new evidence proving his innocence demanding for new investigations. Mohammad Salas was executed innocently since he was not provided a fair trial and he insisted on his innocence. The responsibility for this execution lies with the authorities of the Islamic Republic, especially its leader Ali Khamenei, and they must be held accountable for this crime."

IHR also calls on the European governments, especially the EU and Norway, to play a more active role in dealing with human rights abuses in Iran.

Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam emphasized: "Perhaps more international pressure could have saved Mohammad Salas from execution. The international community, especially the European countries, should recognize their role and responsibility and must work harder to stop executions and other human rights abuses in Iran."