Child Offender Sentenced to Death Attempts Suicide in Iran

Ali Arjangi, a child offender imprisoned in Iran who is reportedly accused of “premeditated murder” at age 17 and faces execution, attempted suicide at Ardabil Central Prison.

The Iran Human Rights Organization, citing an informed source, reports that Ali Arjangi, sentenced to death, attempted on Saturday, June 22nd to end his life by cutting his neck and veins before the execution of his sentence. He was transferred by Ardabil Central Prison officials to Fatemi Hospital in the city and is now in critical condition.

According to the human rights organization, the complainants in the case had given Ali Arjangi’s family until the end of Ordibehesht to provide the amount demanded by the complainants and obtain their consent. This deadline was extended until the end of Tir month of the current year due to the family’s failure to collect the required amount.

Mahmoud Amiri-Moghaddam, director of the Iran Human Rights Organization, stated: “Ali Arjangi’s suicide attempt may be his last effort to make his voice heard by the world. A voice that says, I want to live. I hope media and the international community will hear Ali’s voice and make efforts to save him.”

According to the human rights organization’s report, the mental development of Ali Arjangi Feridqoleh Beygloo, who has been detained for the past four years and faces execution, was previously confirmed by forensic medicine. His death sentence was issued by Branch 3 of Criminal Court One, specialized in children and adolescents, and was upheld by the Supreme Court.

Previously, Voice of America reported in multiple reports, citing human rights organizations and Amnesty International, that at least 90 child offenders in Iran face the risk of execution. Amnesty International has repeatedly urged Iranian authorities to completely abolish capital punishment for crimes committed by individuals under 18 years old by amending Article 91 of the Islamic Penal Code passed in 2013.

Source: Voice of America