Saturday , 27 April 2024

Kurdish Political Prisoner Moved to Solitary in Iran, Execution Fears Rise

Iranwire – Iranian authorities have transferred Kurdish political prisoner Nayeb Askari to solitary confinement at Urmia prison, sparking concerns over his imminent execution. 

The motive behind the transfer remains unclear, but it aligns with the standard procedure of Iranian authorities to move inmates on death row to solitary confinement before execution

A close relative of Askari confirmed his relocation within the prison to the HRANA news agency.

The motive behind the transfer remains unclear, but it aligns with the standard procedure of Iranian authorities to move inmates on death row to solitary confinement before execution.

He was initially sentenced to death in April 2023 on charges of “waging war against God.” After a successful appeal for a retrial, the charges were changed to “rebellion.” 

However, in October 2023, the court reaffirmed the death sentence, reportedly in absentia of his lawyer. 

The charges stem from Askari’s alleged affiliation with a Kurdish opposition party.

Askari was arrested in March 2021 by Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) intelligence agents in Urmia.

According to the Iran Human Rights organization’s report, the Islamic Republic executed approximately 834 individuals last year.

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