HRANA – HRA’s Statistics Department has released its monthly report for March 2024, uncovering a concerning array of human rights violations across Iran. The document highlights an alarming number of 19 executions, including a rare instance of a woman being put to death, with many cases falling short of international legal standards for the death penalty.
Notably, the report points to significant suppression of freedom of expression, detailing arrests and convictions of journalists and activists. This includes a transgender individual arrested under dubious charges and a teacher’s union advocate fined for purportedly destabilizing public perception.
In addition to freedom of speech violations, the crackdown on women’s rights activists and harsh sentences handed down to 11 women in Gilan Province for allegedly acting against national security are emphasized. The plight of Iranian workers is also underlined, with instances of unpaid wages, unsafe work conditions, and the tragic suicide of a worker following the demolition of his livelihood.
This comprehensive report sheds light on the depth of human rights abuses in Iran, offering a sobering reminder of the ongoing challenges within the country.
Executions
This month Iran executed 19 individuals of whom 18 were men and 1 woman. A total of 11 individuals were sentenced to death. Additionally, Iran continues to execute individuals for crimes that do not meet the threshold set by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, on March 18th, 2024, a couple was executed for drug-related crimes.
Similarly, on March 25, 2024, Abbas Aghaie was also executed for drug-related crimes, however, no official sources confirmed his death. Iran continues to execute prisoners in secret, often without the family even knowing.
This month only 4 of the 19 prisoners executed were confirmed by official reports 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 Expression and Thought
Iran persists in its suppression of freedom of expression and thought, as evidenced by recent events. This month, authorities arrested a transgender individual under the pretext of allegedly orchestrating traffic disruptions in Gonbad-e Kavus to promote indecency and promiscuity by gathering young motorcyclists. While the specifics of these purported actions remain undisclosed, the police chief suggested the individual’s motive was to impress friends and seek thrills.
Furthermore, in a concerning development, four journalists faced convictions this month. Among them, Ali Moslehi received a severe sentence of six years and two months, while Omid Pahdi, known for publishing politically sensitive material, was handed a two-year jail term for his critical publications.
The relentless crackdown on dissent extends to activists like Mahmoud Safdari, a teacher’s union advocate, who was fined for allegedly spreading falsehoods aimed at destabilizing the public perception and undermining the regime. These incidents highlight a worrying trend of censorship and repression, underscoring the urgent need for greater respect for fundamental freedoms in Iran.
Women
A continuing crackdown on women’s rights activists persists. On February 29, 2024, the trial of 11 women commenced, all of whom were detained during a mass arrest of citizens in Gilan Province on August 16 and 17, 2023. Their trial concluded this month with Judge Mehdi Rasekhi issuing severe sentences. Zohreh Dadras received a nine-year, six-month, and two-day sentence for her alleged involvement in “forming a group to act against national security,” while Forough Saminia, Sara Jahani, Yasamin Hashdari, Shiva Shah Sia, Negin Rezaie, Azadeh Chavoshian, and Matin Yazdani each received six years and 47 days for charges of “assembly and collusion to act against national security.” Additionally, Hooman Taheri and Jelveh Javaheri were sentenced to one year in prison for “propaganda against the regime.”
Furthermore, Iran continues its surveillance of social media activity, exemplified by the sentencing of Zainab Khaniabpour to two years in prison for sharing pictures without hijab online. Another case of repression emerged when Bita Rasouli, a female singer from Lahijan, Iran, was arrested by security forces on March 18th, only to be released on bail the next day. Rasouli, who had traveled from Turkey to participate in a private ceremony, was detained for reasons including dancing, singing, and accompanying a male musician in a women’s club. Allegations of physical and verbal abuse during her 24-hour detention surfaced, and her case is currently under review by the FATA Police and Security Department.
Workers
Workers in Iran continue to face dire conditions and perilous work environments. This month alone, 13 fatalities tragically occurred due to work-related accidents, with an additional 27 workers sustaining injuries. Furthermore, a staggering 1,600 workers reported unpaid wages spanning 63 months, while 270 workers were denied their insurance rights. Moreover, a total of 169 businesses were sealed. Additionally, one distressing case involved the confiscation of a worker’s house and property. Lastly, a tragic incident occurred when 38-year-old Bapir Khalidi committed suicide after his shoe shed was destroyed and confiscated by officials of the municipal highway barrier.
These distressing statistics underscore the profound challenges confronting workers and emphasize the urgent necessity for enhanced labor protections and enforcement mechanisms. In an effort to bring to light these injustices, workers and trade unions often protest, this month there were 89 trade union gatherings and 2 strikes.
International News
This month, significant attention was directed towards the human rights situation in Iran as the Human Rights Council convened multiple sessions. Dr. Javaid Rehman, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran, delivered his conclusive report to the United Nations Human Rights Council. During this session, he shed light on the alarming frequency of death penalty sentences, notably for drug-related offenses and involving juvenile offenders. Moreover, he highlighted violations of the right to a fair trial and the mistreatment of human rights defenders.
In addition, the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran presented its comprehensive findings to the Human Rights Council. Meticulously documenting various incidents and recurring patterns of rights violations, the report offers a distressing glimpse into systemic abuses. From the tragic case of Mahsa Amini to the use of violence against peaceful protesters resulting in unlawful killings, the report illustrates a concerning trend. Furthermore, the documented violations, which include extrajudicial killings, torture, rape, enforced disappearances, and gender persecution, underscore the pressing need for accountability and justice for the victims and survivors.
