Cross-party group urges UK Government and international community to intervene on behalf of Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani
A cross-party group of British parliamentarians has issued an urgent appeal calling for international diplomatic pressure to halt the execution of two Iranian political prisoners, Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani. The letter, spearheaded by Bob Blackman MP and signed by several current and former Members of Parliament, raises serious concerns over Iran’s ongoing human rights violations and flawed judicial practices.
Ehsani and Hassani have both been sentenced to death by Iranian authorities on charges widely viewed as politically motivated. Their alleged affiliation with the (PMOI), an opposition group, led to their prosecution in a judicial process reportedly marred by forced confessions and torture.
Amnesty International has launched an urgent campaign for their release, citing the case as a troubling example of Iran’s systemic persecution of dissidents and defenders of democratic values. The British MPs echoed this concern in their letter, emphasizing that the two prisoners’ cases “are emblematic of Iran’s ongoing human rights violations, particularly against those who advocate for democracy and fundamental freedoms.”
In a symbolic act of solidarity, the parliamentarians have adopted Ehsani and Hassani under political sponsorship—an initiative designed to give a voice to persecuted individuals and draw international attention to their plight. The move also signals growing pressure on the UK Government to take a firm stance against Iran’s use of the death penalty as a political weapon.
“The international community cannot remain silent in the face of such blatant human rights violations,” the letter states. “We call on the UK Government to work with allies at the UN to hold Iran accountable under international law.”
Signatories of the letter include Bob Blackman CBE MP, The Rt Hon. the Lord Dholakia OBE DL, The Baroness O’Loan DBE MRIA, The Lord McCabe, Baroness Redfern, Rt Hon David Jones, and Baroness Verma.
The group is urging the UK Government to use all diplomatic avenues to raise the issue with relevant international bodies and press for the immediate and unconditional release of the prisoners. They also emphasize the importance of coordinated global pressure to ensure that Iran complies with international human rights standards.
The appeal ends with a request for a formal response and action from the government, underlining the urgency of the situation.
As the international spotlight turns to Iran’s human rights record once more, this latest intervention from UK lawmakers adds to growing calls for justice, accountability, and the protection of those who dare to speak out against authoritarianism.