Call for Immediate Halt of Execution
The family of Hamid Hosseinnezhad Heydaranlou, a political prisoner sentenced to death, has launched a sit-in in front of Urmia Central Prison since last night in protest against the imminent execution of his sentence. They are demanding an immediate halt to the execution and a thorough review of his case.
According to received reports, on Friday, April 18, prison officials informed the family that the execution had been suspended by order of the Urmia prosecutor. However, Hamid’s family has stated they will continue their protest until they are able to have direct contact or a face-to-face meeting with him. So far, only a brief 50-second phone call has taken place between Hamid and his daughter and brother, which has not alleviated their concerns about his condition.
On Thursday, April 17, the family had their last in-person visit with Hamid under what they described as inhumane conditions. He was brought to the meeting area in shackles and chains, under heavy security, and shouted out his innocence during the visit. The day before, he had been transferred from the political ward to quarantine. According to his lawyer, the execution was scheduled to take place on Friday.
Hamid Hosseinnezhad Heydaranlou, a 39-year-old resident of Segrik village in Chaldoran, was arrested by security forces in April 2023. Although a bail order was initially issued after a few hours of interrogation, the Ministry of Intelligence prevented his release and transferred him to the Intelligence Detention Center in Urmia. He was subjected to severe physical and psychological torture and coerced into signing false confessions.
In July 2024, Branch 1 of the Urmia Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Najafzadeh, sentenced him to death on charges of “armed rebellion through membership in the PKK.” The verdict was based on the judge’s “knowledge” and issued within minutes. The Supreme Court later upheld the sentence.
Hamid is currently held in Ward 2 of Urmia Prison. Throughout his detention, he has only been allowed two brief phone calls with his family.
