From Sheltering the Wounded to Death Sentences: Two Young Shiraz Residents Face Execution on “Enmity Against God” Charges
Two young men aged 23 and 27 from Shiraz face death sentences after allegedly sheltering injured protesters and attempting to provide them with medical care during recent demonstrations, according to human rights sources. The case has reignited concerns about the use of severe sentences to suppress dissent in Iran.
“Mojtaba Dehbandi,” 23, and “Kianosh Hamzehei-Kazerouni,” 27, both citizens of Shiraz, have been sentenced to death by the First Branch of the Revolutionary Court in the city. According to human rights sources, the verdict was issued after charges of “enmity against God” (moharebeh) were brought against the two young men.
Based on a report released by the human rights organization Hengaw, the initial death sentences have been issued against the two citizens, who are currently being held in dire conditions at Shiraz Central Prison, known as Adel Abad Prison.
The charges against Mojtaba Dehbandi and Kianosh Hamzehei-Kazerouni include “enmity against God through arson of public buildings and burning of the Quran,” as well as “acts against national security by sheltering protesters.” However, informed sources state that the actual basis for their arrest was providing assistance to several wounded protesters and transferring them to a shop for shelter and medical treatment.
According to the report, Mojtaba Dehbandi, who worked with his brother in curtain sales, and Kianosh Hamzehei, who owned a grocery shop, transferred several injured protesters to their workplaces for shelter and first aid during nationwide demonstrations.
Security forces allegedly identified the two young men after reviewing CCTV footage from inside the shop and arrested them eight days later by visiting their homes. Four wounded protesters who were still inside the shop at the time were also arrested by security forces and taken to an unknown location. Their families and relatives have received no information about their whereabouts, physical condition, or fate—a situation human rights organizations consider an instance of enforced disappearance.
The use of charges such as “enmity against God” in cases related to protests has faced widespread criticism from international human rights organizations in recent years. These bodies have repeatedly warned that such charges, particularly when they can lead to death sentences, should be reviewed according to clear standards of fair trial, access to independent counsel, and the right to effective defense.
Critics of the Islamic Republic argue that converting humanitarian assistance and aid to the injured during protests into security cases with severe punishments demonstrates a repressive approach toward citizens who have helped the injured during critical situations.
The case of Mojtaba Dehbandi and Kianosh Hamzehei-Kazerouni has once again drawn attention to concerns about the fate of young people who have faced severe judicial sentences during Iran’s protests—verdicts that, according to human rights activists, affect not only individuals’ lives but also the fundamental human right to help others.
