Death Sentences of Youssef Mehrad and Saderolah Fazeli Zare Commuted
Early Friday morning, on the 15th of Ordibehesht, the death sentences of Youssef Mehrad and Saderolah Fazeli Zare were commuted and they were transferred to a general ward.
According to human rights activists’ channel, yesterday Youssef Mehrad and Saderolah Fazeli (political prisoners sentenced to death in Arak Central Prison) were transferred to solitary confinement for execution of their death sentences.
Youssef Mehrad and Saderolah (Amir) Fazeli were previously charged by the judiciary with “blasphemy” and “insulting the Prophet” due to insulting sacred figures, and death sentences were issued against them. This ruling was issued despite the fact that the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights does not consider these violations as serious crimes.
According to “Dadban” report regarding the details of these two political prisoners’ cases, the only basis of the case against Youssef Mehrad is “implied confession,” which according to law is not sufficient evidence to prove the charge of “insulting the Prophet,” and the only existing document against Amir Fazeli is membership in a Telegram channel whose content relates to criticism of religious superstitions.
Regarding the execution of Youssef and Amir’s death sentences, Youssef Mehrad’s sister, by posting a text on social media, called on people to gather in front of Arak Prison to prevent the execution of the death sentences. She wrote in this text: “Tomorrow at 3 AM, before the call to prayer, the death sentences of these two prisoners will be executed. Dear people, by gathering in front of the prison gate, do not allow this sentence to be carried out. Youssef is married and the father of three young children.”
Prince Pahlavi also posted regarding this matter: “Concerning reports have been released about the execution of death sentences of two political prisoners in Arak in the coming hours. I call on all defenders of freedom of expression in Iran and around the world to pressure the Islamic Republic to save the lives of Youssef Mehrad and Saderolah Fazeli Zare and commute their death sentences. Do not allow this bloodthirsty regime to take the lives of two more people merely for expressing their beliefs and opinions.”
As a result of the gathering and unity of people in front of Arak Central Prison, early Friday morning on the 15th of Ordibehesht, the death sentences of Youssef Mehrad and Amir Fazeli were commuted and they were transferred to a general ward. This means that public protest and unity are not without effect, and the system is terrified of this unity and solidarity.
The International Committee also called on all people, especially the people of Arak, to help the prisoners’ families and announced: “Rush to help the families and continue gathering in front of Arak Prison until the death sentences are completely commuted. We people must not allow the death sentences to be executed; we demand the complete commutation of the death sentences of Youssef Mehrad and Amir Fazeli. Citizens’ right to freedom of expression and criticism of religion and religious sacred figures must be recognized.”
