Iran HRM has obtained an open letter from three prisoners sentenced to amputation—Mehdi Shahivand, Mehdi Sharifian, and Hadi Rostami—who publicly urge human rights organizations to take immediate action to prevent their sentences from being carried out. They warn of the imminent threat posed by this inhumane punishment.
This comes after the amputation sentence for two brothers imprisoned in Urmia Central Prison was recently carried out. In July 2023, four prisoners were threatened with imminent amputation by Naser Atabati, the Chief Justice of West Azerbaijan Province, during a prison inspection. Accompanied by Mojidi, the Prosecutor of Urmia, Atabati informed the prisoners that their sentences would soon be enforced. These individuals, identified as victims of dire economic conditions caused by systemic corruption, include Hadi Rostami, Mehdi Shahivand, Mehdi Sharifian, and Kasra Karami.
Torture and Forced Confessions
Hadi Rostami, in a previous letter addressed to the Chief Justice of West Azerbaijan, detailed the torture he and his co-defendants endured to extract forced confessions. He wrote:
“After my arrest, along with my co-defendants Mehdi Sharifian and Mehdi Shahivand, we were subjected to severe torture by law enforcement officers. Given my pre-existing disabilities in my left leg, pelvis, and hand, enduring the torture was excruciating. I was coerced into confessing to several thefts that I had no knowledge of.”
The Prisoners’ Joint Appeal
In their joint letter, the three prisoners described their ongoing ordeal:
“We, Hadi Rostami, Mehdi Shahivand, and Mehdi Sharifian, have been imprisoned in Urmia Central Prison for nine years on theft charges. In 2019, we were sentenced to the amputation of four fingers on our right hands. For years, we and our families have lived in constant fear, as this horrifying nightmare could become a reality at any moment.
Around 20 days ago, the amputation sentence for two brothers in Urmia Central Prison was carried out, further deepening our terror. Since that event, we have been unable to sleep or eat, awaiting the enforcement of our own sentences. Despite multiple appeals to the head of the 8th Criminal Enforcement Branch and requests for clemency, we were informed that our sentences are in the final stage and will be executed within two months.
Although we have repeatedly submitted letters of repentance and requested amnesty, all our appeals have been denied. Officials have told us this is a divine punishment prescribed by Islamic law. However, we ask: If Islamic law emphasizes divine retribution, does it not also emphasize divine forgiveness?
God’s mercy and forgiveness are frequently mentioned in the Quran. As Muslims who have repented after nine years in prison, we expect to be treated with compassion and have our repentance accepted. Instead, we are faced with relentless efforts to implement this cruel sentence.
We urgently call upon human rights organizations and the United Nations to intervene and stop the enforcement of this inhumane punishment. If carried out, it will end any hope of returning to a normal life and leave us without a reason to live.”
Systemic Corruption and Poverty as Root Causes
The enforcement of such punishments occurs amid rampant corruption among Iran’s ruling elite, who have embezzled billions from public resources. This widespread plundering has exacerbated poverty and its associated social consequences, including theft, violence, and exploitation. The prisoners and others in Iran’s penal system are among the first victims of the systemic mismanagement and exploitation that have deepened economic hardships across the country.
Human rights organizations are urged to act swiftly to prevent the execution of these sentences, which represent a stark violation of international human rights standards.
