The New York City Bar Association (“City Bar”) expresses profound concern over the death sentences imposed on Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani by the Islamic Republic of Iran. Their convictions, reportedly linked to peaceful activism and alleged ties to the (PMOI), represent severe violations of international human rights laws. These cases highlight Iran’s ongoing suppression of dissent. Reports of their recent transfer to Ghezel Hesar Prison, infamous for its execution practices, underscore the urgency of the situation as both men face imminent execution.
Background and Charges
Behrouz Ehsani, a 69-year-old political prisoner, was detained on December 6, 2022, in Tehran and subjected to torture during his transfer to Ward 209 of Evin Prison. He was later relocated to Ward 4. Similarly, Mehdi Hassani, aged 48, was arrested on September 11, 2022, in Zanjan and endured torture in Ward 209 before being moved to Ward 8. The charges against them—including “rebellion (baghi),” “waging war against God (moharebeh),” and “spreading corruption on Earth”—are politically motivated. Authorities also accused them of illegal weapons possession and handling classified information.
Both individuals played key roles in the “No to Execution Tuesdays” campaign, advocating against Iran’s rampant use of capital punishment. While imprisoned, they penned letters urging the global community to abolish the death penalty, shedding light on the inhumane conditions in Ward 209 of Evin Prison.
Sentencing and Transfer
After enduring harsh conditions, Mr. Hassani and Mr. Ehsani faced politically motivated trials. Mr. Ehsani spent over three months in solitary confinement in Ward 240 before his transfer to Ward 4. On September 16, 2024, both men received death sentences. These rulings were affirmed on January 7, 2025. Recent reports indicate their transfer to Ghezel Hesar Prison, notorious for frequent executions, placing them at grave risk of imminent execution.
On January 11, 2025, 68 political prisoners denounced the death sentences against Mr. Ehsani and Mr. Hassani, condemning the death penalty as “state-sponsored premeditated murder.” Iran accounted for nearly 75% of global executions in 2024. Judge Afshari of Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, known for harsh rulings against political dissidents, presided over their cases.
Systemic Due Process Violations
These cases exemplify Iran’s systemic denial of due process and fair trial guarantees, which include:
- Denial of legal counsel and impartial trials.
- Physical and psychological torture, leading to coerced confessions.
- Prolonged solitary confinement and deprivation of medical care.
- Summary trials resulting in extreme punishments, including the death penalty.
Evin Prison, where they were initially detained, is infamous for overcrowding, poor hygiene, and inadequate nutrition. Political prisoners endure harsher treatment than other detainees. Ghezel Hesar Prison shares this notoriety, with a grim record of executions and harsh conditions.
Violations of International Law
The Iranian government’s actions breach multiple international legal standards, including:
- The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), particularly the prohibition of torture (Article 7), the right to security (Article 9), and the right to a fair trial (Article 14).
- The Convention Against Torture (CAT), which prohibits torture as a jus cogens norm of international law.
- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), particularly Articles 5 and 10 on freedom from torture and the right to a fair trial.
- UN guidelines on the treatment of prisoners and access to legal representation.
The right to peaceful dissent, enshrined in Article 19 of the ICCPR and UDHR, has been blatantly violated. The persecution of Mr. Ehsani and Mr. Hassani underscores Iran’s disregard for this fundamental right.
Call to Action
The New York City Bar Association urges the Iranian government to:
- Immediately halt the executions of Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani, overturn their convictions, and release them unconditionally.
- End the criminalization of peaceful dissent and guarantee legal counsel, medical care, and humane treatment for detainees.
- Comply fully with international human rights obligations, including the ICCPR and CAT.
The City Bar further calls on the international community, including the United Nations and global human rights organizations, to hold Iran accountable for these egregious violations and to act urgently to prevent the executions of Mr. Ehsani and Mr. Hassani.