The German Solidarity Committee for a Free Iran (DSFI) has expressed grave concern over the death sentences issued for three Iranian political prisoners, supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK). The statement, released on September 20, 2024, calls for urgent international action to stop the executions and secure the prisoners’ release. The DSFI directs its plea to the United Nations, the European Union, and human rights organizations.
Two political prisoners, Behrouz Ehsani (69) and Mehdi Hassani (48), were sentenced to death on charges including “waging war against God” and membership in the MEK. Both men, detained in Iran’s notorious Evin Prison, have been subjected to severe torture. A third individual, 29-year-old boxing coach Mohammad Javad Vafaie Thani, also faces execution after being sentenced to death for the third time for alleged “corruption on Earth.”
The DSFI denounced the charges as fabricated, stating that these sentences are part of a broader campaign by the Iranian regime to suppress dissent. In its statement, the DSFI urged the international community to act swiftly, warning that “the lack of a firm international response to these human rights violations emboldens the regime.” The organization stressed, “Immediate international intervention can save lives and demonstrate a global commitment to upholding human rights.”
Full Text of the DSFI Statement:
Statement by the German Solidarity Committee for a Free Iran (DSFI)
Date of Release: September 20, 2024
Iran: Three Political Prisoners Supporting the MEK Sentenced to Death
– Call for Immediate Action –
The German Solidarity Committee for a Free Iran (DSFI) is deeply concerned about the death sentences imposed on three political prisoners who are supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK). These prisoners, Behrouz Ehsani, Mehdi Hassani, and Mohammad Javad Vafaie Thani, have been sentenced to death based on fabricated charges.
Details of the Sentences:
Behrouz Ehsani, aged 69, was arrested on December 6, 2022, in Tehran and subjected to torture in Ward 209 of Evin Prison. He is currently being held in Ward 4 of Evin Prison. Mehdi Hassani, aged 48, was arrested on September 11, 2022, in Zanjan. After enduring physical and psychological torture, he is now imprisoned in Ward 8 of Evin Prison. Both prisoners have been sentenced on charges including “waging war against God” and “membership in the MEK.”
In addition, Mohammad Javad Vafaie Thani, a 29-year-old sports champion and boxing coach from Mashhad, was arrested in March 2020. After being subjected to severe torture, he has been sentenced to death for the third time on charges of “corruption on earth” and “destruction of specific properties.” His death sentence was issued on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, and he now faces an immediate risk of execution.
Call for Immediate Action:
The DSFI views these sentences as part of a systematic campaign by the Iranian regime to intimidate and suppress dissidents and critics. The lack of a firm international response to these human rights violations emboldens the regime to continue its repressive practices.
The DSFI urgently calls upon the United Nations, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the European Union, and its member states to take immediate action to halt these executions and ensure the release of these political prisoners. Immediate international intervention can save lives and demonstrate a global commitment to upholding human rights.
