Shocking execution of prisoner charged with drinking alcohol

On Wednesday morning, July 8, 2020, a prisoner in Mashhad was executed on shocking charges of drinking alcohol in Mashhad prison.

According to “No to Prison – No to Execution”, a prisoner who was inhumanely charged with “drinking alcoholic beverages” last year was hanged on Wednesday morning, July 8, 2020.

The director of the Criminal Procedure Unit of Branch 1 of the Criminal and Revolutionary Courts of Mashhad District 10, Davood Shoushtari, informed Hossein Habibi, the prisoner’s lawyer in a statement: “According to Article 543 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, he can participate when the execution of the death sentence is carried out.”

The prisoner was married and father of two. He was imprisoned for one year and was then executed.

Hossein Habibi, the inmate’s lawyer said in an Instagram post:
“Today was doubtlessly one of the hardest days of my entire career as a lawyer.

I had a client who was sentenced to death due to charges of “drinking alcoholic beverages”. By the Supreme Court’s verdict, the death sentence was carried out during the morning call to prayer…

Regarding the documents, I personally had high hopes for a more appropriate sentence, but what occurred in reality was the exact opposite.

What affected me the most, was the strict approach of the investigating authority to the accusation, it seemed like executing my client would solve all the problems of the country.
…
Today, I am ashamed towards my client’s two young children and wife. Despite my efforts for one year and using all of the options in my power as well as consultation with my great professors and dear colleagues, this defense failed, and today my client’s children no longer have a father.

I don’t know what the future holds for them and what will happen to them in a world full of problems.

It is a pity that the existing laws have tied my hand to defend and, the hands of the judiciary to issue a more appropriate sentence.

When faced my silence in response to his enthusiasm when he asked for the news during our last meeting, he understood everything and said under his breath towards the sky: “In God we trust”
I don’t know what to say, it was very, very difficult.

And this morning he went without saying a word and with a look that was holding thousands of unsaid words.

As my friend and colleague says, if a day of Judgment exists, we will definitely clear our accounts, Mr. Morteza…

Rest in peace sweet man and forgive me for failing to defend your rights.”

This execution hasn’t been published in any news.

Even according to the corrupted judicial laws of the Velayat-e Faqih, carrying out such an inhuman sentence is unprecedented.

This is at least the 66th execution since the beginning of the Persian new year (21st March).

“No to Prison – No to Execution” condemns death sentences for any reason and under any pretext and emphasizes that it must be stopped. The death penalty violates the most basic human rights.

We call on all human rights organizations to intervene immediately to prevent the continuation of these inhumane sentences. Click here to join our Telegram.

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