Introduction: Sentencing of a Young Elite to Death
Vahid Bani-Amerian, born in 1992, from Sonqor, is a graduate of Electrical Engineering and holds a Master’s degree in Strategic Management from K. N. Toosi University of Technology in Tehran. He is a prime example of Iran’s educated and courageous youth who has been systematically targeted by the Iranian regime for his civic and political activism. The death sentence issued against him on December 1, 2024, by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court is not only a blatant violation of human rights but also a serious warning to the international community regarding the intensification of repression in Iran. This report aims to highlight Vahid Bani-Amerian’s situation and calls for urgent action to save his life.
Vahid Bani-Amerian: From Top Student to Political Prisoner
Vahid Bani-Amerian, an outstanding student and civil activist, has been arrested multiple times since 2017 for his courage in defending collective rights:
- 2017–2018: Arrested on charges of “propaganda against the regime and insulting the Supreme Leader,” sentenced to five years in prison in December 2018.
- March 2021: Re-arrested, tried in September 2021 by Judge Moghiseh in Branch 28 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, sentenced to 10 years in prison and two years of exile in Bashagard on charges of “acting against national security through membership in the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI),” “propaganda against the regime,” “destruction of government property,” and “assembly and collusion.”
- March 2023: Released from Gohardasht Prison and exiled to Bashagard.
- December 22, 2023: Violently arrested by Ministry of Intelligence agents in Tehran and transferred to Ward 209 of Evin Prison.
- On December 1, 2024, Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, sentenced Vahid to death on charges of “rebellion (baghi).”
His classmates describe him as an “ethical,” “honorable,” and “courageous” individual who was at the forefront of student protests.
Violation of Fair Trial Standards: Illegitimate Proceedings
The trials of Vahid Bani-Amerian have been marked by blatant violations of international standards:
- Torture for Forced Confessions: Following his arrest in December 2023, Vahid was subjected to brutal torture in Ward 209 of Evin Prison. Prison authorities were forced to obtain a written statement from him asserting that the torture occurred before his transfer to the general ward. Amnesty International has confirmed the beatings that caused eye injuries and bleeding.
- Denial of Legal Representation: From his arrest to his trial, Vahid was denied access to a chosen lawyer. The investigator at Branch 5 of the Evin Prosecutor’s Office refused to recognize his attorney.
- Baseless Charges: The charge of “baghi” was levied without concrete evidence, and Vahid was not given a fair opportunity to defend himself.
- Lack of Transparency: The court sessions were held behind closed doors without independent observers.
Inhumane Prison Conditions: A Threat to Vahid’s Life
Vahid Bani-Amerian has faced severe inhumane conditions in prison:
- Physical Torture: In December 2023, intelligence agents subjected him to severe beatings, leaving him bruised and bleeding. He was kept in solitary confinement in Ward 209 for over 4.5 months under continuous interrogation and torture.
- Denial of Medical Treatment: Vahid suffers from conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, a weakened immune system, and severe respiratory infections. However, he has been denied access to medication and medical care.
- Enforced Isolation: Since his arrest, he has only been allowed a brief phone call with his family and has been denied visits.
Death Sentence: Silencing a Courageous Voice
On December 1, 2024, Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced Vahid Bani-Amerian and five other prisoners (Pouya Ghobadi, Babak Alipour, Seyed Abolhassan Montazer, Seyed Mohammad Taqavi, and Ali Akbar Daneshvarkar) to death on charges of “baghi through membership in the PMOI.” This sentence was issued after an unfair trial based on forced confessions. Vahid’s classmates have described him as a top student, brave, and ethical—“the very embodiment of honor and humanity”—who stood fearlessly against university security forces during the 2011 student protests.
Impact on Family and Society: Silenced Cries
- Pressure on Family: Since Vahid’s arrest in December 2023, his family has been left in the dark, with authorities refusing to provide any information. Their attempts to secure a meeting with him have been unsuccessful.
- Fear in Society: The execution of Vahid, a university elite and civil activist, sends a threatening message to the youth of Iran.
- Classmates’ Tribute: Following the issuance of his death sentence, his friends have written about his bravery and humanity, calling for his name to be heard loudly.
A Pattern of Repression: A Recurring Tragedy
The issuance of death sentences against political activists like Vahid Bani-Amerian follows a long-standing pattern of state repression, reminiscent of the 1988 mass executions. Reports from the UN and Amnesty International have categorized such actions as “crimes against humanity.”
Urgent Appeals to the International Community
Given Vahid Bani-Amerian’s dire situation, human rights organizations are urged to:
- Immediately halt the death sentence: Apply pressure on Iran to revoke Vahid’s death sentence along with those of his co-defendants.
- Conduct an independent investigation: Examine the torture and unfair trials through a fact-finding committee.
- Ensure medical and legal support: Guarantee Vahid’s access to medical care, legal representation, and family contact.
Conclusion: Saving One Life, Saving a Generation
Vahid Bani-Amerian, a symbol of courage and honor, stands on the brink of execution. His life, dedicated to justice and collective rights, must not be sacrificed to an oppressive system. This report calls on international organizations to take immediate action to save this young elite’s life.
