Three weeks ago, Iran’s Supreme Court upheld the death sentences of two political prisoners, Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani, on charges related to their alleged affiliation with the banned People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI). The prisoners’ fates were sealed as the court confirmed their convictions, marking a grim moment in Iran’s ongoing crackdown on dissent.
On January 26, 2025, without prior notice, the authorities forcibly transferred Ehsani, aged 70, and Hassani, aged 48, from Evin Prison to Ghezel Hesar Prison. This notorious prison in Tehran is infamous for carrying out executions. The sudden move triggered an outpouring of protest from fellow inmates in Evin Prison, who gathered in defiance. They chanted slogans such as “This is the final message; if you execute, there will be an uprising,” and “Death to the dictator,” reflecting the anger and resolve of those resisting the regime’s brutal policies.
The charges against Ehsani and Hassani, first issued on September 16, 2024, included “rebellion against the state,” “enmity against God,” “spreading corruption on earth,” and “illegal possession of firearms.” These charges were linked to their alleged support of the PMOI, an opposition group outlawed by the Iranian regime. On January 7, 2025, the Supreme Court upheld the sentences, sealing their fate.
Urgent Call to Action:
Reports indicate that Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hasani have been transferred from Evin to Ghezel Hesar Prison, a facility known for carrying out executions. Reports indicate that prisoners in Evin are protesting following the transfer of Ehsani and Hasani.… pic.twitter.com/0aSYWmrbum— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) January 26, 2025
Ehsani, a political prisoner since the 1980s, was arrested in 2022. He was subjected to extensive torture during his imprisonment. Despite the looming death sentence, he sent a message to the Iranian people, declaring, “I will not bargain over my life… I am ready to sacrifice myself for the liberation of the Iranian people.”
Hassani, a father of three, was arrested in 2024 and also endured torture in Evin Prison. Amnesty International has condemned their trials, describing them as grossly unfair and highlighting the torture and ill-treatment used to coerce confessions.
In response to these executions, the European Parliament passed a resolution on January 23, calling for the immediate release of political prisoners and the abolition of the death penalty in Iran. The resolution also demanded the expansion of EU sanctions against those responsible for human rights violations, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
As the international community continues to pressure Iran, the regime’s brutal crackdown on dissent remains a stark reminder of the harsh reality faced by political prisoners in the country.
MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her site, Twitter & Facebook, NCRI (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu
