Amnesty International : Planned execution of man for rape must be stopped
18th June 2020
According to “No to Prison – No to Execution”, Amnesty International released a statement on Thursday, June 18, 2020, and demanded for the immediate halt of the planned execution of a man sentenced to death after being convicted for the rape of a child.
The prisoner, Farhad Salehi, 29, was sentenced to imminent execution in Karaj Central Prison, charged with sodomy. The death sentence was foreseen to be carried out on June 20, 2020.
According to a court document obtained by Amnesty International, Farhad Salehi Jabehdar has been sentenced to death for (lavat-e be-onf) with a 10-year-old boy.
“Iran continues to execute several hundred people every year, earning the shameful spot of the second top executioner in the world,” said Diana Eltahawy, Amnesty International’s Middle East and North Africa Deputy Director.
“We urge the Iranian authorities to halt this planned execution. While the details of this case are truly abhorrent, the use of the death penalty for rape is not permitted under international law.
“The death penalty is the ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment. Its continued use in Iran is shocking, and it’s time to end this inhuman practice once and for all.”
Farhad Salehi Jabehdar’s family were summoned to prison yesterday (16 June) for their final visit. As a result, they are extremely concerned that his execution may now take place earlier than planned.
Under international law, states that retain the death penalty must restrict its use to the most serious crimes involving intentional killings.
According to court documents, the victim was 10-years-old when the incident occurred in 2017, and the criminal case was opened after the child’s father filed a complaint.
Farhad Salehi Jabehdar was identified and arrested on 10 June 2018, and was convicted and sentenced to death by Branch 1 of Criminal Court One of Alborz Province on 12 March 2019. The sentence was subsequently upheld on appeal by Branch 31 of the Supreme Court.
In November 2019, the child’s father formally retracted his complaint, and pleaded to authorities that they close the case.
Farhad Salehi Jabehdar’s lawyer has appealed to the head of the judiciary to stop the execution, and order a review of the case. Further requests for judicial review have also been rejected.
“In response to horrific sexual violence against children, the Iranian authorities should work on ensuring adequate prevention and protection mechanisms, and ensure survivors’ access to the medical and psychological care they require,” said Diana Eltahawy.
Amnesty International recorded at least 251 executions in Iran in 2019 in its annual Death Penalty report.
“No to Prison – No to Execution” had previously (on Wednesday, June 17, 2020) warned and demanded for international organizations to act and stop the planned execution of this prisoner.
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