Reporting by PMOI/MEK
Iran, September 13, 2020—The horrific execution of Navid Afkari, a 27-year old Iranian wrestler, by the genocidal mullahs’ regime ruling Iran has launched a massive wave of international condemnations. As necessary as such condemnations are, this initiative should lead to lasting and meaningful measures punishing the ruthless mullahs starting by banning imposing harsh sanctions against this regime’s atrocious human rights violations.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo described this heinous murder as “a vicious and cruel act. We condemn in the strongest terms.”
The Iranian regime’s execution of Navid Afkari is a vicious and cruel act. We condemn it in the strongest terms. It is an outrageous assault on human dignity, even by the despicable standards of this regime. The voices of the Iranian people will not be silenced. #نویدمان_را_کشتند
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) September 12, 2020
U.S. Ambassador to the UN Kelly Craft condemned “the Iranian regime’s continued and audacious disregard for human life” and emphasized the “voices of the Iranian people will not be silenced.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Navid Afkari. We condemn the Iranian regime’s continued and audacious disregard for human life. The voices of the Iranian people will not be silenced. نویدمان_را_کشتند# https://t.co/PKJ6r8bCv6
— Ambassador Kelly Craft (@USAmbUN) September 12, 2020
Former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden described the cruel execution of Navid Afkari as a “travesty,” adding “No country should arrest, torture, or execute peaceful protesters or activists.”
Senator Marco Rubio of Florida emphasized Navid Afkari was “simply exercising his right to freedom of expression” and that his execution “should remind the world that the clerical regime which governs Iran is barbaric, cruel and evil.”
The European Union spokesperson also responded to Navid Afkari’s execution. “The EU condemns the execution of Navid Afkari in the strongest terms. The European Union is unequivocally opposed to use of the death penalty in any circumstance. It is a cruel and inhumane punishment, which fails to act as a deterrent and represents an unacceptable denial of human dignity and integrity. We have condemned this and other executions publicly (including in UN fora) as well as privately during our bilateral contacts with Iran. This most recent execution will be taken up with Iran immediately. Human rights remain a central feature of our engagement with Iran and we will continue to engage with Iranian authorities on this issue, including on individual cases.”
White House Communications Director Alyssa Farah used the words “cruel, barbaric and backwards” in her description of the mullahs’ regime. “The wonderful people of Iran deserve a better, brighter future than this. Our hearts are with the family of Navid Afkari and people of Iran.”
Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon, the UK Human Rights Minister, joined the voices in condemning Navid Afkari’s execution. “It is tragic news and deplorable that the Iranian authorities have executed Navid Afkari. The UK opposes the death penalty in all circumstances, as a matter of principle,” he said.
It is tragic news and deplorable that the Iranian authorities have executed Navid Afkari. The UK opposes the death penalty in all circumstances, as a matter of principle.
— Lord (Tariq)Ahmad of Wimbledon (@tariqahmadbt) September 12, 2020
Senator Leo Housakos of Canada called on the “international community to take action against these egregious acts.”
Fighting for freedom and human rights is always worth it. Another outrageous act from the Iranian Regime. It’s time for the international community to take action against these egregious acts. https://t.co/DoRhy9pYoi
— Senator Leo Housakos (@SenatorHousakos) September 12, 2020
Norway’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying they were “appalled by Iran’s execution of Navid Afkari.”
Appaled by Iran’s execution of Navid Afkari. Norway opposes the use of #DeathPenalty under all circumstances and as a matter of principle FM #EriksenSoreide #HumanRights
— Norway MFA (@NorwayMFA) September 12, 2020
Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod said the “use of torture in Iranian prisons and denial of right to due process is well-documented and must be condemned.”
Appalled by execution of #NavidAfkari by Iranian authorities.
Denmark remains categorically opposed to use of capital punishment.
Use of torture in Iranian prisons and denial of right to due process is well-documented and must be condemned.#Iran #IranProtests
— Jeppe Kofod (@JeppeKofod) September 12, 2020
