Narges Mohammadi : Death Sentence for Kurdish Activist Pakhshan Azizi Upheld, is our duty not to remain silent
Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO); January 8, 2025: The Supreme Court of the Islamic Republic of Iran has upheld the execution sentence for Pakhshan Azizi, a Kurdish political prisoner held in Evin Prison. Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) regards the issuance and confirmation of this sentence as part of the Islamic Republic’s strategy to instill fear following the nationwide “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests. Pointing to an unprecedented rise in executions, particularly of women, the organization has called on the international community to take action to stop the executions and demand the immediate cancellation of Pakhshan Azizi’s sentence.
Amir Raeisiian, Pakhshan Azizi’s lawyer, confirmed in an interview with the newspaper Shargh that her death sentence was upheld by Branch 39 of the Supreme Court. Azizi was sentenced to death and four years in prison by Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court, presided over by Iman Afshari, on charges of “rebellion through membership in opposition groups.”
The lawyer emphasized that numerous flaws in the case—such as investigative deficiencies and the lack of sufficient evidence linking Pakhshan Azizi to the charges—had been overlooked.
Narges Mohammadi sent out a note on this on 8th January 2025 :
“The Islamic Republic seeks to intensify fear and vengeance by beginning the execution of a female political prisoner. It is our duty not to remain silent.
The confirmation of Pakhshan Azizi’s death sentence by the Supreme Court reflects the regime’s determination to escalate the suppression of women and take revenge on the magnificent and powerful “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement.
I call on all Iranians, freedom seekers worldwide, international human rights organizations, and the United Nations to unite against the policy of executions.”
Raeisiian added: “Accusing Pakhshan Azizi of criminal actions such as belonging to an insurgent group not only lacks any legal or evidentiary basis in her case, but even if she had belonged to such a group, she was arrested unarmed, had never used weapons, and even when she was in the Kurdish region of Syria, she was at risk of ISIS attacks. She had no conflict with Iranian forces in Syria, Iraq, or Iran, which demonstrates that this sentence contradicts the judicial policies claimed to be followed.”
The lawyer has announced plans to request an appeal immediately. However, Pakhshan Azizi’s life is in grave danger.
