Ahmadreza Haeri, a key human rights defender, recently faced an updated prison sentence in Iran that increased to four years, stemming from his passionate advocacy against the death penalty and participation in the ‘Tuesdays No-to-Execution’ campaign. The arbitrary ruling by the Tehran Revolutionary Court has drawn international concern, underscoring ongoing judicial harassment of activists in the region. Organizations like Front Line Defenders call for his immediate release and an end to targeting human rights defenders in Iran.
On November 12, 2024, human rights defender Ahmadreza Haeri voiced his outrage as the Tehran Revolutionary Court arbitrarily extended his imprisonment to four years, citing disconcerting charges including “gathering and collusion against national security” and “propaganda against the state.” Esteemed for his fervent advocacy against capital punishment, Haeri participated in the influential “Tuesdays No-to-Execution” campaign that aims to spotlight the plight of inmates on death row in Iran.
Haeri’s commitment has made him a target, particularly for charges of state propaganda. Despite the growing momentum of his cause, the Iranian state responded with harsh retributions, magnifying his initial sentence established in October 2022 of three years for colluding against national security and propagating against the state. Following these events, he served his sentence in Evin Prison before being relocated to Ghezel Hesar Prison, where he currently resides with other political prisoners.
Haeri’s voice resonated on November 12 when he condemned the verdict dictated by the framework of article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, which permits the court to impose consecutive sentences. This procedure unfolded under a cloud of secrecy, as the verdict was withheld from both Haeri and his legal representatives until recently. The 2023 increase in his sentence followed an appeal for retrial that was left unaddressed.
The judicial harassment of Ahmadreza Haeri raises alarms for organizations like Front Line Defenders, which advocates for the protection of human rights activists facing state retaliation. The organization urgently calls on Iranian authorities to release Haeri unconditionally and halt the intimidation of those defending human rights within the country.
This tale reflects a broader narrative of struggle, resistance, and the relentless spirit of those who stand for justice, emphasizing the resilience required to endure such politically charged persecution. The winding road of Ahmadreza Haeri serves as a testament to the enduring fight for fundamental human rights amidst adversity in Iran.
Ahmadreza Haeri stands as a beacon of hope among human rights defenders in Iran, recognized for his fearless work against capital punishment and his advocacy for prisoner rights. The “Tuesdays No-to-Execution” campaign, which he championed, speaks volumes about the collective yearning for the abolition of the death penalty and heightened awareness concerning the conditions of death row inmates. Unfortunately, such noble intentions have attracted the ire of the Iranian regime, leading to retaliatory measures fraught with legal ambiguities and repressive actions. The recent increase in Haeri’s sentence showcases a concerning trend of judicial harassment towards advocates of human rights, painting a grim picture of the state of civil liberties within Iran.
Ahmadreza Haeri’s situation underscores the precarious position of human rights defenders in Iran, where the justice system seems wielded as a tool of oppression against those who dare to challenge state mandates. His arbitrary sentence increase reflects a disconcerting pattern of targeting activists for their peaceful efforts to foster human rights awareness. With organizations like Front Line Defenders rallying for his release, the hope for change persists amid the darkness overshadowing human rights practices in Iran. The narrative of Haeri serves not only as a reminder of the struggle for justice but also as an inspiration for unyielding resolve in the face of oppression.
Original Source: www.frontlinedefenders.org
