HRANA – In February 2024, Hrana’s monthly report unveils a grim tableau of human rights abuses in Iran, spotlighting 33 executions, numerous unfair convictions and summonses, extensive prisoners’ rights violations, suppression of free speech, unpaid worker protests, and more. The report, a comprehensive account provided by the Institute of Statistics, Publishing and Works of Human Rights Activists in Iran, highlights the country’s alarming rate of per capita executions, including “secret” executions and unfair trials, such as those of Kurdish political prisoners and others accused of espionage without due process. The suppression extends to freedom of thought and expression, where the aftermath of 2022’s protests sees ongoing arrests and coerced confessions under unjust trials. Additionally, the plight of Iranian women and workers is emphasized, detailing punishments for hijab non-compliance, political activism, and unsafe work conditions leading to numerous accidents and protests over unpaid wages. International actions include U.S. sanctions targeting Iranian officials and entities for cyber activities and financial support to the IRGC. Hrana publishes this detailed report with the aim of increasing global awareness of these pressing human rights issues. We invite readers to delve into the full text for a deeper understanding of the situation and to join in advocating for change.
February 2024:
During February 2024, a series of reports brought to light numerous human rights abuses, encompassing 33 executions, numerous convictions, summonses, extensive violations of prisoners’ rights, continued suppression of freedom of speech, worker protests—especially concerning unpaid wages—and various other incidents occurring across different provinces. The Data provided by Institute of Statistics, Publishing and Works of Human Rights Activists in Iran.
Executions
During February, a total of 8 executions were carried out, and a total of 20 individuals were sentenced to death. Iran currently leads globally in per capita executions of its citizens. None of these executions were reported by official sources
This month, three Kurdish political prisoners were executed, Mohsen Mazloum, Pejman Fatehi, Wafa Azarbar and Hajir Faramarez stood accused of spying for the Israeli government, similarly to other cases, their forced confessions were broadcast on domestic television channels and their trial process was unfair.
A Sunni prisoner, Farhad Salimi, was executed after spending more than 13 years in jail. A source close to Salimi’s family told Harana: “Our communication with them was cut off a few days ago, there was no contact from the prison with Salimi’s family regarding the execution of the sentence.”
It’s concerning that over 75% of executions in Iran occur without government or judicial notification, deemed “secret” executions by human rights organizations.
Freedom of Thought and Expression
The protests of 2022 led to a wave of arrests, ensnaring even those who were peacefully exercising their rights. Many find themselves entangled in a judicial system rife with injustices: inadequate legal representation, coerced admissions, and more. Among these cases looms the Ekbatan Case, where eight defendants stand accused of the murder of Basij member Arman Alivardi, a charge vehemently denied by all. Their apprehension occurred amidst the Ekbatan protest. Presiding over this contentious affair is Judge Abolqasem Salavati, notorious for his severe judgments and involvement in biased trials, notably those resulting in the execution of protesters. While the first hearing convened on Tuesday, February 20th, no verdicts have yet been rendered. Nevertheless, the proceedings have already become mired in controversy, with allegations of forced confessions and apprehensions about the integrity of due process.
Furthermore, the aftermath of these protests has revealed a troubling trend: the appeals court frequently affirms the initial sentences without addressing the injustices that marred the original trials. A stark illustration of this is the case of Amir Sheibani Zaveh, whose conviction for “propaganda against the regime” was upheld. His punishment entails a one-year imprisonment, a two-year ban on travel, and restrictions on internet and social media use for two years. According to a source close to the family, this charge stemmed from Zaveh’s communication with the families of protesters who suffered injuries or fatalities at the hands of regime forces. Similarly, three political prisoners also recently had their sentences upheld, and protest Rapper Toomaj Salehi’s One-Year Sentence also being upheld.
Furthermore, Iran continues to monitor its citizens’ online behavior, and uses it in their trials. The Intelligence Organization of the Tehran Police Command announced the arrest of 72 citizens for what it called “producing and publishing immoral advertising content on the Instagram platform”.
Women
In Iran, women continue to get punished for non-compliance with hijab laws and also for their political activism. This month several women witnessed a series of legal actions and incidents reflecting societal tensions and legal enforcement surrounding the issue of hijab and gender-based violence.
Leila Naqdi Pari, a member of the Board of Directors of the Iranian Cinema Designers Association, faced legal repercussions from Tehran Criminal Court No. 2 for her alleged ‘non-compliance with Hijab rules’ when she was observed in public without one. The court levied fines, revoked her passport, and imposed an 18-month travel restriction. Moreover, during the proceedings, a photo circulating online depicting her without a hijab at a funeral was presented as evidence against her.
Additionally, Shakila Monfared, a political prisoner, has been charged with “propaganda against the regime.” In Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, Monfared was sentenced to 15 months of imprisonment. Furthermore, she is subject to a two-year travel ban, a prohibition from residing in Tehran and surrounding provinces, a ban from joining political/civil groups, and restrictions on using a smartphone.
Forough Taghipour and Marzieh Farsi, political prisoners, have each been sentenced to 15 years in absentia by the Revolutionary Court of Tehran. The court, led by Judge Iman Afshari, accused them of “suspicious membership in anti-regime groups,” without specifying the supporting acts. Both women opted not to participate in the trial, contesting the court’s legitimacy.
Lastly, the highly controversial “Hijab and Chastity Bill,” was resubmitted to the Guardian Council by the Iranian Parliament. The Parliament’s scrutiny of the bill caused a significant delay, disputes, inconsistencies and errors in the bill all highlight the contentious nature of this bill. The bill advocates for severe penalties for violating mandatory hijab regulations , classifying non-compliance as “nudity.” Despite intensified enforcement efforts a growing number of Iranian women are appearing in public without head coverings.
Workers
In the past month, there have been 112 worker accidents across Iran due to poor environmental safety and working conditions, highlighting the country’s low ranking of 102 in global work safety compliance. February alone saw 82 injuries and 30 fatalities resulting from safety negligence. Incidents include deaths in various cities such as Islamshahr, Neishabur, Mirjaveh, Qom, Tehran, Borujen, Isfahan, Kerman, Babol, Semnan, and Nazarabad. Additionally, a worker named Abdul Rahman Ahmadi committed suicide in Sanandaj due to financial struggles, particularly the inability to afford his needed eye treatment.
Further, there were at least 197 protest rallies held, these protests often occur due to unpaid wages, overtime payment and unsafe working conditions. For example, there are teachers who have not received wages since October 2023. The dire financial situation has caused one worker, Abdul Rahman Ahmadi, to commit suicide. He was not able to pay for his eye treatment which amounted to 70 million Tomans($1,665).
International News:
On February 2, 2024, the USA sanctioned Hamid Reza Lashgarian, head of the IRGC-CEC and a commander in the IRGC-Qods Force, along with senior officials of the IRGC-CEC: Mahdi Lashgarian, Hamid Homayunfal, Milad Mansuri, Mohammad Bagher Shirinkar, and Reza Mohammad Amin Saberian. These designations were made pursuant to Executive Order 13224 for their involvement in IRGC cyber and intelligence operations, particularly malicious cyber activities against critical infrastructure in the United States and other countries
On February 14, 2024, the USA sanctioned the Central Bank of Iran primarily for their role in providing financial support to the IRGC. Additionally, Pouria Mirdamadi and Seyed Abotaleb Najafi were both individually sanctioned for their role in facilitating the illegal export of goods and technology from over two dozen U.S. companies to end-users in Iran, including the Central Bank of Iran (CBI).
Between February 2nd and 5th, the Deputy UN Commissioner for Human Rights undertook a visit to Iran amidst considerable controversy. HRA expressed concerns regarding the timing of the proposed visit, citing its proximity to the upcoming session of the Human Rights Council (HRC). There is a significant risk that Iranian authorities may exploit this visit to undermine support for the renewal of crucial accountability mechanisms. They could potentially use this engagement to discredit the factual and evidence-based reports scheduled to be delivered in the coming month.