Iran Sentences 3 To Death In Post-Election Mass Opposition Trial

TEHRAN, Iran — Three defendants in Iran's mass trial of opposition figures accused of fueling the country's postelection unrest have been sentenced to death, an Iranian news agency reported Saturday.

Two of them were convicted of membership in a monarchist group seeking to topple Iran's Islamic Republic and restore a monarchy, the semiofficial ISNA news agency reported, quoting judiciary official Zahed Bashiri Rad.

The third defendant was convicted of having ties to a terrorist group for his alleged links to the People's Mujahedeen, an armed opposition group, ISNA quoted Rad as saying.

The three are the first defendants to be sentenced to death since the trial began in August.

More than 100 prominent opposition figures and activists are accused of offenses ranging from rioting to spying and seeking to topple Iran's Islamic rulers through what authorities have called a planned "soft overthrow."

The days of street protests were triggered by allegations of fraud in the June 12 re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

The judiciary official would only identify the three sentenced to death by their initials, the news agency reported. He said their lawyers have been informed of the rulings and that they can appeal the sentences, ISNA reported.

On Friday, Amnesty International identified one of those sentenced to death as Mohammad Reza Ali Zamani.

Amnesty said the 37-year-old was convicted of "enmity against God" through membership in a monarchist group. It also said he was convicted of making propaganda against the ruling regime and of leaving the country illegally to meet with U.S. military officials in Iraq.

Amnesty said it was concerned that the ruling against Zamani could open the way for more death sentences for those accused of similar crimes, and the rights group appealed to the authorities to rescind the ruling.

Zamani testified in August that he met with a U.S. intelligence agent called "Frank" in Irbil, the capital of Iraq's self-governing Kurdish region, and received money and a phone from him in return for information on the Iranian government and student movements, according to state media reports at the time.

Rights groups and opposition figures in Iran have criticized the proceedings, calling them a "show trial" and saying such confessions are coerced.

Comments

[wereeverywhere]

03:53 PM on 10/14/2009

Yet another reason for solidarity with the Iranian people, as opposed to their criminal government. Reactionary, religious bigots make our lives miserable; its part of their job description wherever they are. Thank gods Amnesty International can multitask in contrast to those posters on this site who for whatever reasons try to paper over IRI abuse.

http://www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/news/latest-juvenile-execution-iran-condemned-20091013
Latest juvenile execution in Iran condemned
Amnesty International has condemned the execution of Behnoud Shojaee, a 21-year-old Iranian, at Tehran's Evin Prison at dawn on Sunday, for a murder he was accused of having committed when he was 17.

http://feeds.bignewsnetwork.com/?sid=553385
Amnesty International has highlighted a case of a man facing execution in Texas.

The human rights group has revealed a Texas man faces execution after jurors at his trial consulted the Bible when deliberating his fate.

Khristian Oliver, 32, is set to be executed on 5th November.

Jurors used Biblical passages supporting the death penalty to help them decide whether he should live or die. Amnesty considers that the jurors' use of the Bible during their sentencing deliberations raises serious questions about their impartiality.

[BiBiJan]

09:58 PM on 10/12/2009

"For every sentence, for every tough new law, for every sensible measure, there's some bleeding heart liberals who are there wanting to get them off, get them out and reduce their sentence."

No, not Ahmadinejad. It is quote from David Blunckette, the British Home secretary justifying 5 to 8 year sentences for throwing stones in Bradford riots of 2002.

Did anyone gnash any teeth over this? Doesn't the round-the-clock negative news about / around / in Iran not make you wonder how a country that fits this description can even exist?

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/blunkett-lambasts-whining-maniacs-in-bradford-riots-642105.html

[wereeverywhere]

03:20 AM on 10/14/2009

How obscene to try to compare what Iranians face on an everyday level with what's happening to Brits*. Three people face death because of politics, and you complain that poor little IRI is being picked on. My sympathies are not with Ahamdinejad and his bad press (that he and his reactionary regime make, no one compels them to kill/ jail/ rape opponents), but with the Iranian people- they are on the receiving end; they're the victims. But they may yet rise above victimhood and implement marg bar dictator as death to the dictator means liberation.

*Please, everyone so moved protest and learn about UK, US, & other abuses everywhere and anywhere and raise hell. It's a target rich environment out there. Just don't let shilling f0ols try to squash one injustice by exploiting some other injustice.

[Durango]

01:56 PM on 10/12/2009

There is no question that repression of political dissent works. Works very well in the era of modern weaponry.

But if you look around the world you will find that the political culture has, for the most part, become less repressive. So Iran seems to be on the wrong side of history on this one.

More to the point however. As everyone should know, but especially a nation of Shia Muslims, martyrdom is one of the best organizing methods available to the political opposition.

Worked very well for the Islamic Revolution in 1979.

And don't forget, many of the archetigues of that revolution are the opponents of the current regime

[Durango]

02:10 PM on 10/12/2009

Sorry, I hit post instead of spell check

[wereeverywhere]

02:57 PM on 10/12/2009

It's ok. Misspelling in English is a human right. I just get annoyed at myself when I screw up grammar.

[greysells2]

12:46 PM on 10/12/2009

That said about his conviction, I am opposed to the death sentence anywhere including this situation.

[StJames]

12:37 PM on 10/12/2009

The U.S, response should be zilch...nada...nothing. It is not our business. They have convicted what they believe to be a terrorist. Think McVeigh here...and if our government ever felt sincerely THREATENED by a revolution, you can be sure they would act the same. Now, if they go ahead and sentence to execution dozens more for peaceful protest...that's another story. Still, I don't know what we could do about it.

[wereeverywhere]

01:24 PM on 10/12/2009

As I don't have much influence or affection for US govt., I'm not really sure what their response could be. However, for those who are pro- free speech and association, this latest barbarity by IRI stinks. These proposed killings are not in isolation but follow a deadly pattern of violence and death to those who speak out against the government and also arbitrary rulings by the courts that enforce tyranny rather than offer a refuge against it.

[Khirad]

01:29 PM on 10/12/2009

Add to that intimidation. The subtext to this, which no Iranian needs a decoder ring to decipher, is that you too, could be made out to be an Mohajedin or Monarchist. Whether these three really were is of no consequence. That is the message.

[StJames]

02:29 PM on 10/12/2009

It was botched U.S. policy that lead to the IRI, so I am very wary of our government doing or saying anything that contravenes Iranian law. Now as Durango posted, if the people of the world were to stage a demonstration of some sort...that would be a good thing.

[Durango]

02:01 PM on 10/12/2009

Wow, not sure where to begin, except by saying the opponents of the regime were protesting for a fair election.

And i would not believe the governments case for a second. Especially since torture was used.

Much like I didn't believe much of the nonsense the Bush Administration propagated.

I don't think the US Government should take a position on this. I agree there.

But I think the outrage of the American people might be another thing altogether. Or better yet. World outrage.

To be executed for demanding a fair and honest election?

Outrageous.

[StJames]

02:25 PM on 10/12/2009

The problem is, of course, we can't prove one way or the other what the real crimes were.
Which is why I'll give them these 3 (benefit of the doubt) hoping they'll commute the sentences...and will wait for reports about the others.

After 9/11, the Iranian people held a candlelight service in the streets honoring the dead and in sympathy for the families. Perhaps something like that would at least let the Iranians know they are not forgotten and not put the mullahs into repression overdrive.

I want normalized relations with Iran, I believe it could be a first step towards peace in the middle east. Maybe I'm just a dreamer

[greysells2]

12:25 PM on 10/12/2009

Zamani appears to be a spy and traitor. Those allegations appear to be much more than just anti-government protest. Assuming, of course, that the evidence as presented is correct. and that they did not torture him using enhanced interrogation techniques which are everywhere in the World illegal except in the US.

[Khirad]

01:25 PM on 10/12/2009

Precisely. That is the problem. They lack credibility, transparency and accountability. How many even in the US are executed for crimes they are exonerated of later? And with these, however shoddy the representation or unfair the trial, at least there is an open record. This has undertones of Sacco and Vanzetti to me - whose names were at least released (even if for r@cist propagandistic effect). Also, thank you for your consistency against the death penalty and torture. Fanned for thoughtfulness.

[Durango]

02:04 PM on 10/12/2009

You make Iran sound like Texas.

Many similarities there.

[Durango]

02:02 PM on 10/12/2009

And why would you assume anything else/

[Ayrshirelass]

11:14 AM on 10/12/2009

I bet the US response - official and public - isn't so upbeat and positive to this judicial killing though.

[Paulo1]

09:44 AM on 10/12/2009

Got to love those nice progressive peaceful Islamic countries.

A thousand lashes for talking about sex in Saudi Arabia, A bit of death penalty for protesting in Iran. Yup nice and civilized.

Can we please have a hand lopping? Haven't read about one in a while and it is in the Koran.

As much as I love Islamic art and poetry, as many nice people as I meet who practice Islam, as much as I dislike the anti-Arab bigotry of the west, I am still confronted with these absurd acts of barbarism that make me wonder if the whole Islamic world is in the clutches of madmen.

[StJames]

12:32 PM on 10/12/2009

Try this perspective: Islam is about 1300 years old so think of the European Middle Ages and you'll get a better understanding of the backwardness of the true believers.

[Khirad]

12:55 PM on 10/12/2009

Yes, they're way behind the curve in barbarity and backwardness, in this perspective. What is needed, at least on the theological front, is an Enlightenment.

[Durango]

02:08 PM on 10/12/2009

Visit Texas.

They have a similar record of barbarity.

Or Maricopa County, Arizona. I hear the Sheriff there is a real respecter of human rights.

No country or people or religion have a lock on barbarity. And none are blameless.

Although I will admit some have progressed much further than others (Scandinavia v Texas)

[janmarie]

07:40 AM on 10/12/2009

BEIJING, China (CNN) -- Six people were sentenced to death for murder and other crimes in July riots that killed about 200 people in western China, state media reported Monday.

[phute]

09:18 AM on 10/12/2009

The death penalty - sickening sickening sickening.

[wereeverywhere]

12:15 PM on 10/12/2009

I'll assume you bring this story up to show consistency among fundamentally unfree countries with how they deal with dissent. Since the June election farce and tragedy and the amazing response of revolt by the Iranian people, life has gotten even worse with censorship and killings increasing. With the Iranian press being fettered even more than usual, thankfully Amnesty International and leaked reports from Iranians still get out.

[joabear]

10:00 PM on 10/11/2009

Iranian schools are turning into Army and Police garrisons

http://www.iranian.com/main/blog/azadeh-azad/iranian-schools-are-turning-army-and-police-garrisons

[Khirad]

01:00 PM on 10/12/2009

For the very same reason the Friday Prayers were institutionalized on the Tehran University campus.

[joabear]

05:15 PM on 10/11/2009

Capital punishment should be abolished, or at least reviewed; especially in a society where baseless, ridiculous, and subjective “crimes” such as ‘mohareb baa khoda' (enmity with god) and ‘mofsed-e fil-arz’ (being corrupt on earth) are punishable by death. How would one even provide a defense against these meaningless charges?

To question the very foundation of this outdated legal system can lead one to the gallows.

Nothing good can be expected from a legal system where it imprisons its citizens for months or years before they can even have their day in a court of law.

Let us not forget this gift to global jurisprudence either: “We kill them. If guilty, they get what they deserve. If innocent, they go to heaven!” – (Ayatollah Khalkhali’s justification). He was a chief Justice of the revolutionary court in 1980's.

Some cultures have produced Magna Carta or the Bill of Rights and we have produced Revolutionary Courts where they determine how large or small a piece of rock or stone should be when stoning women and men in Iran.

Ayatollah Khalkhali: from wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sadegh_Khalkhali

[Khirad]

01:11 PM on 10/12/2009

Precisely. The "enmity with God" charge is something which just begs itself to be abused, and the "being corrupt on earth" is even more so farcically vague and absurd on its face. However; changing this aspect of the Constitution would be nearly impossible given the clause over no changes being made to its 'Islamic' nature. It is why I continuously grapple with the idea of whether meaningful reform can ever be realized. It would be the most desired course, if possible.

[joabear]

05:07 PM on 10/11/2009

""Today, October 10th, is the World Day Against the Death Penalty. Morbidly ironic,

Behnoud Shojaee’s execution on this day is a stark reminder of the brutality of Islamic Republic of Iran’s policies in executing its citizens on a whole host of criminal and belief-based charges.
The judicial system in Iran has proven time and again to be unfair, discriminatory, and perversely criminal itself in dealing with social maladies inflicted upon its own society through implementation of barbaric laws.

It is one thing to hear an ideological regime insist upon its right to take away lives in retribution for crimes (Qisas). It is entirely another to hear educated men and women defend the death penalty as a deterrent to crime. The death penalty is not and has never served as a real deterrent to major crimes. Its very existence on any country’s list of punishments for individuals has given that country unlimited and unchallenged authority over its citizens’ lives.

Iranian judicial system is devoid of any justice at all. Inadequate and ambiguous laws, open to interpretation by mostly illiterate and inexperienced judges, barbaric ideological princples governing those laws, and rampant corruption within the Iranian judiciary are only some of the reasons why nobody’s life and death should be entrusted in the hands of a court within IRI’s justice system. "...
http://www.worldcoalition.org/modules/accueil/

[Khirad]

01:15 PM on 10/12/2009

The best I could say about the IRI's judiciary is that it is capricious, and on the provincial level especially, at times thoroughly medieval.

[joabear]

04:19 PM on 10/11/2009

An American Artist Immortalizes Neda:

http://www.paulaslater.com/Slater/Sculptor/WorksInProgress.htm

“Paula Slater is a full-time professional sculptor and has been awarded many important commissioned monuments and prestigious bronze portraits installed throughout the United States and Canada. Believing in the old-world ideal of 'nothing rushed or left undone', she gives the time needed to bring each exquisite detail to life. This generous giving of time is rare in the art world today, setting her sumptuous sculptures apart and elevating the demand for her fine art ever higher.”

She started to sculpt a life size portrait bust of Neda, also known as “The Angel of Iran,” based on the photo that was released the day of her murder. It was the photo with the veil. She presented the first bronze bust at a rally, organized by a group called “United 4 Iran,” on the steps of San Francisco City Hall. It was Paula’s divine call. She wanted to memorialize the fallen Persian martyr. Only the spark of talent and genius can produce beauty and true art of lasting value.

The second portrait bust of Neda— she says, “It is the face on the other side of the coin.” The first sculpture was a historical portrait of Neda "Angel of Iran". http://www.rferl.org/content/San_Francisco_Artist_Pays_Tribute_To_Neda/1787443.html
http://www.paulaslater.com/Slater/Sculptor/Biography.htm

[joabear]

03:46 PM on 10/11/2009

To All:

Do not waste your time and breath on a Hizballlah and Basiji supporter like ERGON. He is an enemy of Iran. The people of Iran are on a path to self liberation. All these oppressive foes like the Basiji, Lebanese Hizballha trained thugs, Ansar e Hezbollah, Police, fake leftist and so-called anti-imperialist warriors, , hired thugs and killers will soon be cleared out of Iran regardless of what enemies of the Iranians people says here. This man couldn't care less about Iran or Iranians. His only concern is the Islamic Republic of Rapiest and their survival; hence, his paycheck.

ERGON be warned your days of oppresing the people of Iran with your filthy mindset are numbered.

The days of cutting off peoples hands, raping, eye-gouging, Tabooting (leaving prisoners in a coffin for days alive) stoning them to death, hanging them from cranes, raping them, executing them, cutting their throats, cutting their tongues, , sending oil revenues to train Lebanese Hizballah who turn around and kill Iranians in the streets of Iran, stealing from them, oppressing them, burning them .... these days are numbered.

Taraneh Mousavi was raped and her body was burnt by hired-Lebanese Hizballah. It will all be out in the open one day....Justice will prevail.

Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/10/iran-sentences-3-to-death_0_n_316454.html

[joabear]

03:07 PM on 10/11/2009

Our Laureate: Neda of Iran
President Obama has won the Nobel Prize for Peace -- but that's not his fault.

...The Nobel Committee's decision is especially puzzling given that a better alternative was readily apparent. This year, hundreds of thousands of ordinary people in Iran braved ferocious official violence to demand their right to vote and to speak freely. Dozens were killed, thousands imprisoned. One of those killed was a young woman named Neda Agha-Soltan; her shooting by thugs working for the Islamist theocracy, captured on video, moved the world. A posthumous award for Neda, as the avatar of a democratic movement in Iran, would have recognized the sacrifices that movement has made and encouraged its struggle in a dark hour.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/09/AR2009100903860.html

Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cynthia-boaz/a-discussion-with-a-nobel_b_316006.html

[Khirad]

12:57 PM on 10/12/2009

Yes, I had read this and liked this idea.