The Supreme Court of the ruling regime in Iran has upheld the death sentence of 22-year-old political prisoner and university student Ehsan Faridi. Arrested in June 2024 for supporting the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), Faridi was sentenced to death on the fabricated charge of “corruption on earth.” His trial was marred by torture, bribery attempts, and denial of fair defense. With the verdict now final, his execution could occur at any moment. On the eve of the World Day Against the Death Penalty, human rights organizations urge immediate international action to stop this unlawful execution and save Faridi’s life.
Supreme Court Upholds Death Sentence amid Rising Fears of Imminent Execution
The Supreme Court of the ruling regime in Iran has upheld the death sentence against Ehsan Faridi, a 22-year-old student at the University of Tabriz and supporter of PMOI/MEK. His lawyer, Sina Yousefi, announced on Thursday, October 9, 2025 (17 Mehr 1404), that the verdict issued by Branch 3 of the Tabriz Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Hassan Fathpour, has been confirmed and the case sent for implementation.
Arrest and Fabricated Charges
Faridi was arrested on June 18, 2024, and after months of interrogation in the Ministry of Intelligence detention center, was sentenced to death in May 2025 on the regime-fabricated charge of “corruption on earth.” The verdict was based solely on intelligence agents’ reports and coerced confessions extracted under torture, with no independent judicial evidence presented.
From “Propaganda Against the Regime” to “Corruption on Earth”
According to sources close to the family, Faridi was initially charged with “propaganda against the regime.” He was temporarily released on bail but was re-arrested only 40 days later by Branch 15 of the Tabriz Prosecutor’s Office. His charge was then arbitrarily upgraded to “corruption on earth,” placing him at risk of the death penalty.
Bribery Attempt and Judicial Retaliation
The investigating prosecutor, Seyed Ali Mousavi—later dismissed after being implicated in a large-scale corruption network—reportedly demanded a bribe from Faridi’s family during the proceedings. When the family refused, the judicial authorities retaliated by intensifying the charges and accelerating the death sentence.
Denial of Fair Trial and Coerced Confessions
According to human rights sources, Faridi and his lawyer were denied full access to the case file and the right to an effective defense. In brief phone calls to his family, Faridi reported being subjected to psychological pressure and threats. He stated that his so-called “confessions” were obtained under duress and intimidation.
Domestic and International Reactions
The confirmation of Faridi’s death sentence has sparked widespread condemnation from human rights advocates and student organizations inside and outside Iran. Amnesty International described the verdict as a blatant violation of the right to life and fair trial standards and called for its immediate revocation. Students at the University of Tabriz also issued a statement condemning the ruling and demanding Faridi’s release, stressing that “Ehsan was arrested solely for his peaceful political views and online expression.”
Violations of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
Faridi’s case illustrates multiple violations of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Iran is a party: Article 6 – Right to life; Article 7 – Prohibition of torture and cruel or degrading treatment; and Article 14 – Right to a fair and public hearing by an independent tribunal. Legal experts emphasize that the Supreme Court’s confirmation of this sentence without independent review demonstrates the regime’s systematic use of the judiciary to suppress dissent, especially among students and young activists.
Call for Urgent International Action
With Ehsan Faridi now facing imminent execution, his family has appealed to the international community, the United Nations, and human rights organizations to intervene urgently and prevent his death. On the eve of the World Day Against the Death Penalty, Faridi’s case serves as a stark reminder of the ruling regime’s policy of systematic repression against Iran’s youth and academic community. Human rights organizations are calling for coordinated international pressure to save his life and those of other political prisoners on death row.
