Confirmation of Ehsan Faridi’s Death Sentence: A Symbol of Repeated Injustice and Human Rights Violations in Iran

The confirmation of Ehsan Faridi’s death sentence exemplifies the pattern by which the judicial system treats opponents, civil activists, and Christians who face severe sentences on similar charges.

Following the confirmation of the death sentence for Ehsan Faridi, a 22-year-old student at the University of Tabriz, by the Supreme Court of the country, concerns regarding human rights violations and corruption within Iran’s Islamic Republic judicial system have intensified. The sentence was issued despite the original charge against him being “propaganda against the system,” which was later changed to “corruption on earth” after the case prosecutor allegedly demanded a bribe from the defendant’s family.

Ehsan Faridi had previously been sentenced in Branch Three of Tabriz’s Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Hassan Fathpur, on charges of “corruption on earth.” After providing bail, he was temporarily released, but was arrested again weeks later following the change in charges against him.

According to Sina Yousefi, a legal representative, the case prosecutor—who was dismissed from the judicial system due to involvement in an economic corruption ring—had demanded that Faridi’s family pay a bribe during the investigation. When the family refused, more serious charges were brought against Ehsan. This action is not only a violation of human rights but also indicative of corruption within Iran’s judicial system.

Ehsan Faridi’s death sentence was issued at a time when previously, system opponents, civil activists, and Christian citizens have faced similar charges and severe sentences. This pattern demonstrates that Iran’s judicial system uses accusations such as “propaganda against the system” or “corruption on earth” in an attempt to suppress any form of protest, civil activity, or religious practice.

Given the human rights violations and corruption within the judicial system, international calls for the annulment of Ehsan Faridi’s death sentence have increased. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have called for a halt to the execution and the holding of a fair trial for him.

Human rights activists and international bodies must intensify their pressure for the annulment of the sentence and support human rights in Iran to prevent the repetition of such cases.