Amnesty International Reacts to Death of Imprisoned Child Convict Due to Prison Authorities’ Mistreatment
Seyyed Danial Zein-Alabedini, a child convict imprisoned on death row in Mahabad Prison who was transferred to Miandoab Prison during recent protests, died as a result of beatings by prison officials.
Amnesty International reacted on Friday, April 5, to the death of this imprisoned child in its latest statement and called on Iranian authorities to immediately launch an independent investigation into his death and hold those responsible accountable.
According to this human rights organization’s report, Danial Zein-Alabedini was initially transferred on Saturday, March 31, following protests that took place in Mahabad Prison due to Iranian authorities’ negligence regarding temporary release of prisoners following the outbreak of the coronavirus, along with a group of inmates to solitary confinement and then to Miandoab Prison.
Based on this report, the inmate stated on Tuesday, April 2, following contact with his family that he had been severely beaten by prison authorities, was having difficulty breathing, and needed help.
Following recent unrest in Iranian prisons due to the outbreak of the coronavirus, official reports and news published on social media indicate unrest in some Iranian prisons including Mahabad, Adel Abad in Shiraz, Sepiddar Prison in Ahvaz, prisons in Alborz, Tabriz, Sanandaj, and Hamadan; protests that occurred due to concerns about the sanitary conditions of these prisons’ wards.
Seyyed Danial Zein-Alabedini, born on August 10, 2001, was arrested at age 17 on charges of participating in the murder and arson of Sadegh Barmaki along with three other youths that occurred on September 22, 2017, and was sentenced to death by Mahabad Criminal Court. This sentence was upheld by Branch 37 of the Supreme Court.
This organization also expressed concerns in another section of its report regarding the condition and fate of 6 other inmates who are said to have been beaten during these protests and transferred to Miandoab Prison, and called on Iranian authorities to take all necessary measures to protect their lives.
Mike Pompeo, U.S. Secretary of State, said on Wednesday, March 27: “We have asked not only Syria, but the Islamic Republic of Iran to release not only American citizens, but all those who have been unjustly imprisoned in these circumstances. This is a humanitarian action, and aside from the fact that these individuals were illegally imprisoned, in these circumstances humanitarian principles dictate that they be released from prison.”
Source: Voice of America
