In September 2024, the Supreme Court upheld the death sentence of Hatam Ozdemir, a Kurdish political prisoner. He had previously been sentenced to death by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Khoy on charges of Baghi (armed rebellion). Although the Supreme Court overturned this sentence in March 2023, the case was subsequently referred to Branch 3 of the Revolutionary Court of Urmia, presided over by Judge Najafzadeh. In May 2024, this court once again sentenced Ozdemir to death, this time on charges of Moharebeh (waging war against God).
Ozdemir’s lawyer appealed the ruling, and the case was once again referred to the Supreme Court. However, on March 13, 2025, the Supreme Court rejected his retrial request. This decision has significantly increased concerns about the imminent execution of this political prisoner.
About Political Prisoner Hatam Ozdemir
On July 2, 2025, Hatam Ozdemir was arrested by forces of the Hamzeh Headquarters of the IRGC in the border region of Chaldoran. He was shot and wounded during an armed confrontation and lost consciousness. He was then transferred by IRGC intelligence officers to the detention center of the IRGC Intelligence Organization in Urmia.
Ozdemir was subjected to 50 days of severe physical and psychological torture. During this time, he was denied access to a lawyer of his choice. After the interrogation period ended, he was transferred to Urmia Central Prison. His trial was entirely unfair and violated both domestic laws and international legal standards.
As a result of torture and poor prison conditions, Hatam Ozdemir developed a kidney disease. Despite repeated recommendations by doctors for urgent surgery, prison authorities have continued to deny him proper medical treatment.
