Washington, D.C. — October 15, 2025 — A full-page advertisement titled “Iran: Silent Massacre” appeared today in The Washington Times (Nation Section, Page A3), drawing global attention to the plight of 17 political prisoners in Iran who are reportedly facing imminent execution for their affiliation with the country’s main democratic opposition movement.
The advertisement, sponsored by the Iranian Academic Association, was published as part of a humanitarian campaign to save the lives of 17 of these prisoners currently under death sentences. The initiative was made possible through the association’s charitable efforts and commitment to promoting human rights and academic freedom.
The ad describes the Iranian regime as “the world’s leading per capita executioner” and calls upon the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations to take immediate action “before it’s too late.” It further warns that “silence and inaction are complicity” in the face of ongoing executions.
The names and ages of the prisoners are listed in the advertisement, including:
Pouya Ghobadi (32), Seyed Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani (30), Vahid Bani Amerian (32), Seyed Mohammad Taghavi (59), Manouchehr Fallah (41), and others.
Humanitarian Purpose
According to the Iranian Academic Association, the decision to fund this campaign was driven by a moral and humanitarian responsibility to stand against the Iranian regime’s increasing use of the death penalty as a political weapon.
“Our aim is to give a voice to those who have been silenced and to help stop the cycle of executions that continue to take innocent lives in Iran,” said a spokesperson for the Association.
The organization emphasized that international awareness and diplomatic pressure remain the most effective tools to prevent these executions and to support the struggle for freedom and justice in Iran.
About the Iranian Academic Association
The Iranian Academic Association is a nonprofit organization composed of Iranian scholars, students, and professionals committed to advancing education, democracy, and human rights. The association actively supports initiatives that promote freedom of expression, academic independence, and humanitarian advocacy for the people of Iran.