Independent UN human rights experts expressed deep alarm regarding Iran’s Supreme Court decision to uphold the death sentence of Pakhshan Azizi, a Kurdish activist and social worker. They condemned the charges against her, emphasizing that they do not meet the criteria for “most serious crimes” as defined by international law. Thus, they argue that her death penalty signifies a grave breach of human rights norms.
Pakhshan Azizi was apprehended by Iranian intelligence on August 4, 2023, and endured five months in solitary confinement within the infamous Evin Prison. The Tehran Revolutionary Court condemned her to death on July 23, 2024, citing “armed rebellion against the state” and her supposed affiliation with the Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK) as charges. The Supreme Court’s affirmation of her death sentence has added to the urgency of calls for justice.
The experts claimed that Azizi’s arrest was tied to her humanitarian work, notably her assistance to refugees from Iraq and Syria. Reports emerged revealing that she faced severe psychological and physical torture during her confinement, where efforts were made to coerce a confession. This included complete isolation, with denial of visits from family members and legal representation of her choosing.
Compounding her plight, several of Azizi’s family members were detained and charged with national security offenses to exert pressure on her. The experts denounced such tactics, stating, “The use of torture to extract confessions and the denial of fair trial rights render the death sentence against Ms. Azizi arbitrary in nature.” Iran’s execution count has exceeded 900 in 2024, with a notable uptick in sentences handed down to women.
Highlighting the troubling trend, experts drew attention to the targeted oppression of Kurdish women activists, declaring that Azizi’s case epitomizes the escalating persecution these minority figures endure in Iran. They expressed concern that this cycle of punishment aims to instill fear and suppress voices advocating for human rights. Urging immediate action, they called for revocation of Azizi’s death sentence and thorough investigations into allegations of torture and denial of fair trial rights.
– UN experts alarmed by the death sentence of Kurdish activist Pakhshan Azizi. – Charges against her deemed inappropriate under international law. – Azizi faced torture and confinement post-arrest in Evin Prison. – Execution rate in Iran exceeded 900 in 2024, with rising female executions. – Experts urge Iran to annul her death sentence and investigate human rights abuses.
The sustained oppression of Kurdish women activists like Pakhshan Azizi underscores a critical human rights crisis within Iran. The UN experts’ demands for an end to torture, an investigation into the arbitrary death sentence, and the cessation of persecution against activists highlight the need for accountability and protection of basic human rights in the region. Now, the international community watches closely, hopeful for justice and reform.
The situation surrounding Pakhshan Azizi exemplifies the broader struggles faced by Kurdish activists and women in Iran amidst a backdrop of political unrest and human rights violations. Iranian authorities often suppress dissent through harsh measures, particularly targeting minorities and activists speaking out against the regime’s policies. The UN experts’ concerns illustrate a grave breach of international human rights standards, particularly regarding the application of the death penalty and fair trial rights.
Original Source: news.un.org
