Latest news with #AhmadrezaDjalali
Mint
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Israel struck a notorious Iranian prison. Its inmates are paying a price.
Authorities at Tehran's Evin Prison were still attending to the dead and wounded on the evening of June 23 when one of the highest-profile inmates held there, Swedish-Iranian scientist Ahmadreza Djalali, called his wife to tell her he was safe. Hours earlier, Israeli airstrikes hit the sprawling compound that holds thousands of detainees, many of them political prisoners. The destruction and damage was so extensive—far more than outside observers initially realized—that the prisoners were being transferred elsewhere, he told her in a brief phone call. She hasn't heard from him since. With reports that security services are moving quickly to round up and execute alleged spies, her fear was that Djalali, sentenced to death on espionage charges, could soon face a similar fate. 'We don't know where he is," his wife, Vida Mehrannia, said in a phone interview from Sweden. 'I am so worried about his situation." Israel struck the prison as part of a wave of strikes that Defense Minister Israel Katz said targeted elements of Iranian state oppression, also including what he said were headquarters for the paramilitary Basij force. The attack turned out to be among the deadliest of the 12-day war. At least 80 were killed, including family members visiting prisoners and locals living nearby, according to Iranian state media, which said more than 900 were killed during the war overall. Human Rights Activists in Iran, a nongovernmental organization that gathers data from official sources and other contacts, also reported hundreds dead from the Israeli campaign and said it had identified 47 of the people killed at Evin. The prisoners, male and female, were transferred to facilities that are more crowded and even less sanitary than Evin, according to several accounts shared by prisoners, their relatives and rights groups. The Israeli military and the prime minister's office declined to comment on the Evin attack and death toll. Iran's mission to the United Nations didn't respond to a request for comment. The Israeli campaign sparked a wider crackdown by Iran's clerical leadership, which is seeking to stamp out any real or perceived threats to its control. Security forces have detained more than 1,000 people accused of spying for Israel or other political crimes since the start of Israel's bombing campaign on June 13, rights group Amnesty International said. At least six men accused of espionage have been executed since the air campaign began, according to Iranian state media. Djalali, a physician and academic who specialized in disaster medicine, was detained in April 2016 while traveling to Tehran for a work trip. He was sentenced to death in 2017 on charges of spying for Israel after a trial that relied on confessions made under torture. Djalali denies the accusation against him. European governments and rights groups have repeatedly called for his release. The European Parliament called on Iran last month to release Djalali and abolish the death penalty. Iran has also held people for use in prisoner swaps. 'On one hand, they are keeping Djalali as a bargaining chip," said Saeid Golkar, an expert on Iran's security apparatus at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. 'But I'm very worried, because he already has a death sentence over him. In this atmosphere, he is the easiest target. It would be easy to get rid of him." Djalali was among the eight people on death row in Evin for charges related to spying, according to Amnesty. The prisoners' supporters worry that those sentences could soon be carried out. Iran's parliament is working on a bill that would impose harsher penalties for espionage, including the death sentence for collaborating with Israel. 'Israel's bombing only worsened the situation for political dissidents," said Tina Marinari, campaign coordinator for the Middle East at Amnesty. The Israeli military attacked Evin Prison around midday. The airstrikes hit locations including the prison's main entrance, the visiting room, the infirmary and a prison ward, according to Iranian state media, observations that prisoners relayed in phone calls with relatives or supporters, and rights groups. Images showed gaping holes in ceilings, piles of debris, shattered windows and broken hospital beds. Around 25 bodies were pulled out of the infirmary alone, according to an account by two political prisoners who were there, Abolfazl Ghadyani and Mehdi Mahmoudian, that was circulated by a relative. They also said dozens of conscripted soldiers were killed. As night fell, inmates were shackled in pairs and loaded onto buses with whatever belongings they could carry, from clothes to food to larger objects such as refrigerators. Around 70 women were transferred to Qarchak Prison, where they shared two rooms and two bathrooms between them, according to Amnesty. Some 180 men were sent to Greater Tehran Central Penitentiary, commonly known as Fashafouyeh Prison. Both prisons are crammed, hot and lack basic facilities such as access to clean drinking water and enough beds for everyone, according to statements by several prisoners circulated by their supporters and rights groups. Many inmates were transferred from Evin in such a hurry they weren't able to carry their medication. Kurdish activist Varisheh Moradi and two other female political prisoners now in Qarchak described filthy, grime-covered walls and beds 'the size of coffins." 'Although we are in worse conditions than before the transfer," the three prisoners said in a letter shared by activists and rights groups, 'the current conditions will not hinder our fight." Fashafouyeh Prison is no better. The air is suffocating, and the beds are infested with bedbugs. 'This prison cannot absorb its own inmates, let alone new arrivals," Reza Khandan, an imprisoned Iranian human rights activist, said in a recorded phone call distributed through his Instagram account and shared by rights groups. 'The hygiene and health situation is catastrophic." Djalali, the Swedish-Iranian dual national, was transferred to Fashafouyeh along with other male prisoners on the night of June 23, according to Ghadyani and Mahmoudian, who saw him there. 'However, immediately after entering the prison, he was hastily separated from the others and transferred to an unknown location," they said. Djalali's wife still didn't know his whereabouts. Write to Margherita Stancati at
Wall Street Journal
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Wall Street Journal
Israel Struck a Notorious Iranian Prison. Its Inmates Are Paying a Price.
Authorities at Tehran's Evin Prison were still attending to the dead and wounded on the evening of June 23 when one of the highest-profile inmates held there, Swedish-Iranian scientist Ahmadreza Djalali, called his wife to tell her he was safe. Hours earlier, Israeli airstrikes hit the sprawling compound that holds thousands of detainees, many of them political prisoners. The destruction and damage was so extensive—far more than outside observers initially realized—that the prisoners were being transferred elsewhere, he told her in a brief phone call.
Scoop
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
UN Experts Urge Iran To Choose Protection Over Repression After Ceasefire
Geneva, 4 July 2025 UN experts* today expressed alarm over the crackdown in the Islamic Republic of Iran since hostilities began on 13 June 2025 and the subsequent ceasefire. 'Post-conflict situations must not be used as an opportunity to suppress dissent and increase repression,' the experts said. Acknowledging the impact of unlawful military attacks by Israel and the United States of America, the experts nevertheless expressed concern over reports of executions, enforced disappearaces, and mass arrests. Since 13 June 2025, at least six individuals have reportedly been executed on charges of 'espionage for Israel', including three Kurdish men. Hundreds of individuals, including social media users, journalists, human rights defenders, foreign nationals—particularly Afghans—and members of ethnic and religious minorities such as Baha'is, Kurds, Balouchis and Ahwazi Arabs, have been detained on accusations of 'collaboration' or 'espionage'. Those detained include human rights defender Hossein Ronaghi and his brother. Meanwhile, Swedish-Iranian researcher Ahmadreza Djalali faces imminent execution with his whereabouts unknown. The conflict has also substantially exacerbated Afghan deportations from Iran, with 256,000 returned in June alone amid serious refoulement concerns. The experts expressed alarm at official statements announcing expedited trials on accusations of espionage, putting individuals at heightened risk of summary execution or punishment without adequate due process. They also found equally concerning reports of incitement to discrimination, hostility and violence in the media, which have labelled entire minority communities as traitors and used dehumanising language such as 'filthy rats.' This rhetoric in state-linked Persian and Arabic media outlets has reportedly included calls for surveillance, and killing of Baha'is, echoing the 1988 atrocities. The experts warned that Iran's Parliament is concurrently advancing legislation that would classify intelligence or espionage activities carried out for 'hostile Governments' as 'corruption on earth'—an offence punishable by death. 'Criminalising the sharing of information in broad language violates the rights to freedom of expression and information,' the experts said. 'This legislation also represents a worrying expansion of the death penalty that violates international human rights law.' The experts urged the international community to prioritise sustained support to Iranian civil society actors, including technical and financial assistance to independent media outlets and human rights groups. 'The survival of civic space depends on the ability to document human rights violations, preserve collective memory, and coordinate action, which is essential during this critical period,' they said. They also condemned the deteriorating conditions faced by prisoners transferred from Evin Prison after Israeli attacks on its facilities. Prisoners were reportedly moved to the Great Tehran Penitentiary and to Qarchak Prison and held in abysmal conditions. The fate and whereabouts of some prisoners remain unknown, placing them outside the protection of the law—a situation that amounts to enforced disappearances. 'Following the ceasefire, the world is watching closely to see how Iranian authorities treat their own people. This will be a defining measure of the country's commitment to human rights and the rule of law,' the experts said. 'Iran must not allow history to repeat itself by resorting to the same dark patterns of repression that have devastated its people in previous post-conflict periods.' The experts have been in contact with Iranian authorities on this issue. *The experts: Mai Sato, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic republic of Iran, Nazila Ghanea, Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Morris Tidball-Binz, Special Rapporteur on extra-judicial summary or arbitrary executions, Nicolas Levrat, Special Rapporteur on minority issues, Richard Bennett, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Gabriella Citroni, (Chair-Rapporteur), Grażyna Baranowska (Vice-Chair), Aua Baldé, Ana Lorena Delgadillo Pérez, Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, Margaret Satterthwaite, Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, Laura Nyirinkindi (Chair), Claudia Flores (Vice-Chair), Dorothy Estrada Tanck, Ivana Krstić, and Haina Lu,.
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Iran hangs three more accused of spying as fears grow for Swede
Iran on Wednesday hanged three men convicted of spying for Israel after what activists decried as an unfair trial, bringing to six the number of people executed on such charges since the start of the war between the Islamic republic and Israel. The hangings have also amplified fears for the life of Swedish-Iranian dual national Ahmadreza Djalali who has been on death row for seven-and-a-half years after being convicted of spying for Israel which his family vehemently denies. The executions also bring to nine the number of people executed by Iran on espionage charges since the start of 2025, with activists accusing the Islamic republic of using capital punishment as a means to instil fear in society. Idris Ali, Rasoul Ahmad Rasoul and Azad Shojai were executed earlier Wednesday in the northwestern city of Urmia, the judiciary said, the day after a truce between the Islamic republic and Israel came into effect. They had "attempted to import equipment into the country to carry out assassinations," it added. Iran had executed three other men accused of spying for Israel since the start of the conflict on June 13, in separate hangings on June 16, June 22 and June 23. "The Islamic Republic sentenced Idris Ali, Rasoul Ahmad Rasoul, and Azad Shojai to death without a fair trial and based on confessions obtained under torture, accusing them of espionage," Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, director of Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights (IHR), told AFP. He said Ali and Shojai were two border porters -- known locally as kolbar -- who carry goods over the border. "They were arrested on charges of smuggling alcoholic beverages but were forced to confess to espionage for Israel," he said. Ali and Shojai were members of Iran's Kurdish minority while Rasoul, while also Kurdish, was an Iraqi national. - 'Imminent risk' - He warned that in the coming weeks the lives of "hundreds" more prisoners sentenced to death were at risk. "After the ceasefire with Israel, the Islamic republic needs more repression to cover up military failures, prevent protests, and ensure its continued survival." Djalali was arrested in 2016 and sentenced to death in October 2017 on charges of spying following what Amnesty International has termed "a grossly unfair trial" based on "'forced confessions' made under torture and other ill-treatment." Long held in Tehran's Evin prison, which was hit by an Israeli strike on Monday before the truce, he has now been transferred to an unknown location, raising fears that his execution could be imminent, his family and government said. "He called me and said, 'They're going to transfer me.' I asked where, and he said, 'I don't know,'" his wife Vida Mehrannia told AFP. "Is it because they want to carry out the sentence? Or for some other reason? I don't know," she said, adding that she was "very worried" following the latest executions. The Swedish foreign ministry said it had received information that he has been moved to an "unknown location" and warned there would be "serious consequences" for Sweden's relationship with Iran were he to be executed. Amnesty International said Tuesday it was "gravely concerned" that he "is at imminent risk of execution". - 'Grossly unfair trials' - Rights groups say defendants in espionage cases are often convicted under vaguely-worded charges which are capital crimes under Iran's sharia law including "enmity against god" and "corruption on earth". Analysts say that Israel's intelligence service Mossad has deeply penetrated Iran, as shown by its ability to locate and kill key members of the Iranian security forces in the conflict. But rights groups say that those executed are used as scapegoats to make up for Iran's failure to catch the actual spies. Iran's judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei had ordered swift trials against people suspected of collaborating with Israel with rights groups saying dozens of people have been arrested since the conflict started. "A rush to execute people after torture-tainted 'confessions' and grossly unfair trials would be a horrifying abuse of power and a blatant assault on the right to life," said Hussein Baoumi, deputy regional director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International. According to IHR, Iran has executed 594 people on all charges this year alone. Iran executes more people every year than any nation other than China. sjw/ekf/giv
Asharq Al-Awsat
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Iran Hangs Three More Accused of Spying for Israel
Iran on Wednesday hanged three men convicted of spying for Israel after what activists decried as an unfair trial, bringing to six the number of people executed on such charges since the start of the war between the Islamic republic and Israel. The hangings have also amplified fears for the life of Swedish-Iranian dual national Ahmadreza Djalali who has been on death row for seven-and-a-half years after being convicted of spying for Israel which his family vehemently denies. The executions also bring to nine the number of people executed by Iran on espionage charges since the start of 2025, with activists accusing Tehran of using capital punishment as a means to instil fear in society. Idris Ali, Rasoul Ahmad Rasoul and Azad Shojai were executed earlier Wednesday in the northwestern city of Urmia, the judiciary said, the day after a truce between the Islamic republic and Israel came into effect, AFP reported. They had "attempted to import equipment into the country to carry out assassinations," it added. Iran had executed three other men accused of spying for Israel since the start of the conflict on June 13, in separate hangings on June 16, June 22 and June 23. "The Islamic Republic sentenced Idris Ali, Rasoul Ahmad Rasoul, and Azad Shojai to death without a fair trial and based on confessions obtained under torture, accusing them of espionage," Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, director of Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights (IHR), told AFP. He said Ali and Shojai were two border porters -- known locally as kolbar -- who carry goods over the border. "They were arrested on charges of smuggling alcoholic beverages but were forced to confess to espionage for Israel," he said. Ali and Shojai were members of Iran's Kurdish minority while Rasoul, while also Kurdish, was an Iraqi national. - 'Imminent risk' - He warned that in the coming weeks the lives of "hundreds" more prisoners sentenced to death were at risk. "After the ceasefire with Israel, the Islamic republic needs more repression to cover up military failures, prevent protests, and ensure its continued survival." Djalali was arrested in 2016 and sentenced to death in October 2017 on charges of spying following what Amnesty International has termed "a grossly unfair trial" based on "'forced confessions' made under torture and other ill-treatment." Long held in Tehran's Evin prison, which was hit by an Israeli strike on Monday before the truce, he has now been transferred to an unknown location, raising fears that his execution could be imminent, his family and government said. "He called me and said, 'They're going to transfer me.' I asked where, and he said, 'I don't know,'" his wife Vida Mehrannia told AFP. "Is it because they want to carry out the sentence? Or for some other reason? I don't know," she said, adding that she was "very worried" following the latest executions. The Swedish foreign ministry said it had received information that he has been moved to an "unknown location" and warned there would be "serious consequences" for Sweden's relationship with Iran were he to be executed. Amnesty International said Tuesday it was "gravely concerned" that he "is at imminent risk of execution". - 'Grossly unfair trials' - Rights groups say defendants in espionage cases are often convicted under vaguely-worded charges which are capital crimes under Iran's sharia law including "enmity against god" and "corruption on earth". Analysts say that Israel's intelligence service Mossad has deeply penetrated Iran, as shown by its ability to locate and kill key members of the Iranian security forces in the conflict. But rights groups say that those executed are used as scapegoats to make up for Iran's failure to catch the actual spies. Iran's judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei had ordered swift trials against people suspected of collaborating with Israel with rights groups saying dozens of people have been arrested since the conflict started. "A rush to execute people after torture-tainted 'confessions' and grossly unfair trials would be a horrifying abuse of power and a blatant assault on the right to life," said Hussein Baoumi, deputy regional director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International. According to IHR, Iran has executed 594 people on all charges this year alone.
