In a powerful rallying cry, a coalition of activists is denouncing the death sentence imposed on Kurdish political prisoner Verisheh Moradi, urging all opponents of capital punishment to take decisive action against Iran’s state executions. The activists stress that Moradi’s impending execution must not be overlooked and signals a broader issue concerning human rights in the country. Arrested in August 2023, Moradi was sentenced to death for alleged “armed insurrection” by an Islamic Revolutionary Court—a charge activists argue contravenes Iranian law.
Verisheh Moradi is not just a statistic; she is a former Kung Fu instructor and dedicated civil rights advocate who has spent her life empowering vulnerable communities. She earned her stripes fighting against ISIS, notably sustaining injuries during the fierce battle for Kobani in 2014. After her recovery, she continued her advocacy for women in Kurdish regions but was arrested under dubious circumstances and subjected to harsh treatment, such as solitary confinement and denial of legal representation during her trial.
In an unprecedented act of defiance, Moradi publicly declared her opposition to the state’s execution spree, stating, “ISIS beheaded us, and the Islamic Republic hangs us.” Her sentence, according to her supporters, is a blatant violation of her rights under Iranian law, specifically Article 288, which dictates lesser sentences for individuals arrested before engaging in armed conflict.
Activists vehemently contest that Moradi’s sentencing reflects a grim attack not just on her but on all women who have long battled societal oppression in Kurdistan. Moreover, they express outrage at similar death sentences faced by numerous political dissidents and the general upward trend of capital punishment in Iran. They are calling upon everyone, irrespective of their political backgrounds, to unite against these barbaric practices, as dismantling the death penalty hinges on collective action and solidarity.
Activists have condemned the death sentence of Kurdish political prisoner Verisheh Moradi, urging global action against capital punishment in Iran. Moradi, a civil rights advocate and former fighter against ISIS, faces execution despite claims her sentencing violates Iranian law. The movement calls for solidarity across political lines to resist state executions and emphasises the broader implications for human rights in the region.
The plight of Verisheh Moradi epitomises the struggle against state-sanctioned executions in Iran. Activists from diverse political backgrounds are urging immediate action to save her and rally against capital punishment. The ongoing death sentences signify a troubling trend that affects countless dissidents and the very fabric of society, particularly for women fighting oppression. Collective action is imperative for challenging and eventually abolishing the death penalty in Iran.
Original Source: kurdistanhumanrights.org
