SANANDAJ, Iran – Two protesters, Reza Rasaei and Mojahed Kourkour, have been sentenced to death and are facing imminent execution in Iran.
Rasaei’s mother, Azardokht Haqjouyan, has spoken out, insisting on her son’s innocence and seeking help to stop his execution. She revealed that her son’s extensive 1,500-page case file was reviewed in just one week.
Rasaei is accused of “murder” linked to the death of Nader Beirami, the head of intelligence in Sanandaj, during a protest in the city on November 17, 2022. Meanwhile, Kourkour, who was arrested during a nationwide uprising in Izeh, is facing a death sentence that has been confirmed by the Supreme Court.
The situation has raised concerns about due process and human rights in Iran, particularly in light of the recent report from Human Rights Activists In Iran (HRANA). The report highlights a significant increase in executions and death sentences issued compared to the previous year.
The sentencing of Rasaei and Kourkour has sparked international outcry, with calls for the Iranian authorities to reevaluate the cases and ensure a fair trial for both individuals.
In its latest annual report, HRANA documented a 32 percent increase in executions and a 68 percent rise in death sentences compared to the previous year, underlining a worrying trend in Iran’s legal system.