Introduction
The Iranian regime continues its relentless campaign of oppression, executions, and unjust trials. While the international community demands respect for human rights and an end to political executions, the treatment of political prisoners in Iran reveals a judicial system that serves as a tool of repression against dissidents and activists. Death sentences are issued not based on justice but through fabricated security-related cases and forced confessions.
This report is the second installment in a special series on political prisoners sentenced to death in Iran. The first issue covered the cases of Behrouz Ehsani Eslamloo and Mehdi Hassani, two prisoners currently awaiting execution in the special ward for death row inmates.
In this edition, we examine the case of Manouchehr Fallah, a political prisoner held in Lakan Prison in Rasht, who has been sentenced to death through an unfair judicial process.
Silent Execution: The Story of Manouchehr Fallah, a Victim of a Ruthless System
Manouchehr Fallah, a political activist born in 1989 and a resident of Kish Island, was arrested by security forces at Rasht Airport on June 17, 2023. Despite a bail order issued by the investigating judge, security and judicial authorities prevented the finalization of his release, keeping him detained in Lakan Prison. Initially, he was sentenced to 22 months and 17 days in prison for “insulting Khamenei” and “propaganda against the regime.” However, after serving this sentence, a new case was fabricated against him.
On December 12, 2024, the Revolutionary Court of Rasht, presided over by Judge Darvish Goftar (junior), held a new trial via video conference. He was charged with “enmity against God (Moharebeh) through actions against national security.” This charge was brought forth without sufficient evidence and under conditions where he was denied access to legal representation. Ultimately, on February 3, 2025, he was sentenced to death, and the verdict was conveyed to his family and lawyers.
Resistance Until the Last Breath: Manouchehr Fallah’s Hunger Strike
On July 23, 2024, Manouchehr Fallah began a hunger strike in protest against his indefinite detention and the authorities’ failure to address his request for release. The hunger strike lasted 28 days, during which his health severely deteriorated. On the twentieth day, he lost consciousness due to low blood pressure and extreme weakness. Despite this, Lakan Prison officials refused to provide him with medical care.
In solidarity, his fellow inmates launched a collective hunger strike, condemning his detention and denial of medical treatment as clear examples of human rights violations in Iranian prisons.
A Justice System That Does Not Exist: Unfair Trials and Silent Torture
Manouchehr Fallah’s case is yet another example of the inhumane treatment of political prisoners in Iran. His denial of legal representation, the holding of virtual court sessions without adherence to fair trial standards, and the refusal to provide medical services all illustrate the regime’s repressive approach and blatant disregard for fundamental human rights.
A Gift to My Daughter, Hoping for the Dawn of Freedom
In one of his last letters from prison to his daughter, Asal, Manouchehr Fallah expressed his hope for freedom, his love for his family, and his steadfast resistance against oppression:
“My dearest Asal,
One day, the sun of freedom will rise over this land, a freedom for which a heavy price must be paid. This time, fate has chosen me to bear that cost. But know that hope never dies, and one day, our homeland will be liberated from tyranny and injustice.
Asal, my dear,
The day you first opened your eyes, my world became brighter. Your first cries, your innocent laughter, the moment you uttered ‘Baba’ for the first time, your first steps, and even your stumbles—all of these gave meaning to my life. Seeing you grow filled my heart with love and hope.
Now, at sixteen, you stand at the threshold of a new chapter, while our homeland remains trapped in a harsh and dark winter. And here I am, behind the cold bars of Lakan Prison, waiting to see you again.
You may have often asked yourself, ‘Why my father? What did he do to deserve imprisonment?’
Asal, my love, they have imprisoned me for a crime I did not commit. I have never deprived anyone of their rights, looted wealth, or stolen bread from the people’s table. I have not plundered an oilrig, nor have I issued unjust rulings as a judge. My only crime was to protest against poverty, inequality, and injustice—to refuse to remain silent in the face of such oppression. However, in this struggle, I have never harmed anyone nor resorted to violence…
Asal, my precious daughter, my sweetest joy, happy birthday.”
Nowruz under the Shadow of the Gallows: Protests against the Executions of Manouchehr Fallah and Sharifeh Mohammadi
On Thursday, March 20, 2025, a protest was held in front of Lakan Prison in Rasht to commemorate two political prisoners sentenced to death—Manouchehr Fallah and Sharifeh Mohammadi—and to denounce their death sentences. Protesters gathered outside the prison, set up a Haft-Seen table, and held pictures of political prisoners on death row, calling for the immediate annulment of these sentences.
Iran Cries Out—Will the World Listen?
Despite repeated international calls for an end to political executions in Iran, will the world remain silent once more? Or will decisive action be taken to save prisoners like Manouchehr Fallah?
Further updates on this case will be published in subsequent reports.
