In a troubling affirmation of its harsh measures against dissent, Iran’s judiciary has upheld the death sentences for political prisoners Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani. Charged with crimes such as “rebellion (baghi),” “waging war against God (moharebeh),” and “spreading corruption on Earth,” the two were accused of involvement with the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), possession of classified information, and illegal weapons.
The sentences, originally issued in September 2024 by Judge Iman Afshari of Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, were confirmed despite widespread international outcry. Judge Afshari is known for his role in sentencing numerous political prisoners.
Arrests and Torture
Ehsani, 69, a former political prisoner from the 1980s, was arrested in December 2022 in Tehran, while Hassani, 48, was detained in October 2022 in Zanjan. Both men were subjected to severe physical and psychological torture during their detention in Ward 209 of Evin Prison, notorious for its brutal treatment of inmates. Currently, Ehsani is held in Ward 4 and Hassani in Ward 8 of the same facility.
Both men actively participated in the grassroots “No to Execution Tuesdays” campaign, which raises awareness about the regime’s high execution rates. In open letters written last year, they urged international human rights organizations to support their efforts to end state-sanctioned executions.
Ehsani’s Message to the Iranian People
Following his sentencing, Ehsani penned a poignant message:
“This execution-driven regime can do nothing else. I will not bargain over my life with anyone and am ready to sacrifice my insignificant life for the liberation of the Iranian people.”
His defiance resonates with the spirit of Iran’s 2022 nationwide protests, which were sparked by government oppression and resulted in over 700 deaths.
Iran HRM calls for urgent intervention in these cases to save the lives of these political prisoners.
