These 30-some individuals, including two 17-year-olds, are currently undergoing or awaiting trial proceedings and are at risk of receiving the death penalty as their trials proceed, according to Amnesty. Their charges include a variety of offenses against the regime, such as arson and connections to the death of a security officer. These proceedings are reportedly tainted by numerous significant violations of the right to a fair trial. Such violations include allegations of confessions obtained through torture, denial of access to legal representation during the investigation phase, and refusal to recognize independent legal counsel appointed by the families of the accused for the trial.
According to Amnesty, some individuals sustained severe beatings while being pressured to confess to the charges against them. One individual was reportedly forced to confess after interrogators placed a gun in his mouth. Amnesty also stated it believes that the actual number of individuals at risk of receiving the death penalty in Iran is much higher than the figures officially reported by the Iranian government. Iranian officials have arrested thousands of protesters in connection with the uprising and have repeatedly threatened to impose ‘the maximum punishment’ (death penalty) without delay. (Read More)
