Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Update: Iranian execution halted
INTERNATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
Execution in Iran Halted: IGLHRC Cites Global Protest as Central
November 14, 2007
The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission has learned that the Iranian Chief Justice, Ayatollah Seyed Mahmoud Hashemi Shahrudi, has nullified the impending death sentence of Mr. Makvan Mouloodzadeh, a 21-year old Iranian citizen found guilty of multiple counts of anal rape (ighab), allegedly committed when he was 13 years old. The Iranian Chief Justice described the death sentence to be in violation of Islamic teachings, the religious decrees of high-ranking Shiite clerics, and the law of the land.
"This is a stunning victory for human rights and a reminder of the power of global protest," said Paula Ettelbrick, IGLHRC's executive director, who on November 5 sent a letter in Persian and English asking that Iranian authorities intervene to halt the execution.
The verdict in Mr. Mouloodzadeh's case was questionable from the outset. Although no one ever accused him of rape, the court declared otherwise. All parties involved in the case told the court that their statements during the investigation were either untruthful or coerced. The investigation was also riddled with procedural irregularities.
Recognizing that the death sentence in this case violated both international law and the Penal Code of the Islamic Republic of Iran, IGLHRC took action. In addition to writing letters to the Iranian authorities, IGLHRC issued an action alert on November 5, 2007, which prompted other human rights advocates to similarly object. Activists from around the world responded by sending over 100 emails demanding an immediate halt to Makvan's execution. Other human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the Iranian Queer Organization issued action alerts of their own.
"It is absolutely imperative that we halt the deplorable use of the death penalty to force social conformity," said Ettelbrick. "We hope that Makvan's case and the profound rejection of the death penalty by the Iranian Chief Justice sets the course for the future in Iran."
After a designated group of judges from the Chief Justice's office formally nullifies the court's decision, the case will be sent to a local court for retrial.
pemanent link posted by David Elliot @ 5:22 PM
Execution in Iran Halted: IGLHRC Cites Global Protest as Central
November 14, 2007
The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission has learned that the Iranian Chief Justice, Ayatollah Seyed Mahmoud Hashemi Shahrudi, has nullified the impending death sentence of Mr. Makvan Mouloodzadeh, a 21-year old Iranian citizen found guilty of multiple counts of anal rape (ighab), allegedly committed when he was 13 years old. The Iranian Chief Justice described the death sentence to be in violation of Islamic teachings, the religious decrees of high-ranking Shiite clerics, and the law of the land.
"This is a stunning victory for human rights and a reminder of the power of global protest," said Paula Ettelbrick, IGLHRC's executive director, who on November 5 sent a letter in Persian and English asking that Iranian authorities intervene to halt the execution.
The verdict in Mr. Mouloodzadeh's case was questionable from the outset. Although no one ever accused him of rape, the court declared otherwise. All parties involved in the case told the court that their statements during the investigation were either untruthful or coerced. The investigation was also riddled with procedural irregularities.
Recognizing that the death sentence in this case violated both international law and the Penal Code of the Islamic Republic of Iran, IGLHRC took action. In addition to writing letters to the Iranian authorities, IGLHRC issued an action alert on November 5, 2007, which prompted other human rights advocates to similarly object. Activists from around the world responded by sending over 100 emails demanding an immediate halt to Makvan's execution. Other human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the Iranian Queer Organization issued action alerts of their own.
"It is absolutely imperative that we halt the deplorable use of the death penalty to force social conformity," said Ettelbrick. "We hope that Makvan's case and the profound rejection of the death penalty by the Iranian Chief Justice sets the course for the future in Iran."
After a designated group of judges from the Chief Justice's office formally nullifies the court's decision, the case will be sent to a local court for retrial.
pemanent link posted by David Elliot @ 5:22 PM
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Sadly, in this country, with "Lets prosecute them as adults" mentality, we are not really that far behind these backwards countries.
I think if there were not laws saying a minor cannot be put to death, we would have alot of it. There seems to be a lot of blood thirsty prosecutors out there. Who only aim to win.
Its so odd, because if you are under 18, you are protected from sexual preditors, yet you can be "tried as an adult/" Go figure. What law makers need to realize is that you cannot pick and choose what you want to do with teens. People need to realize is that you either have to say teens need to be protected at all costs, including being tried as an adult or you treat them as adults in all things. You cannot pick one or the other, to suit your agenda.
Jackie
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I think if there were not laws saying a minor cannot be put to death, we would have alot of it. There seems to be a lot of blood thirsty prosecutors out there. Who only aim to win.
Its so odd, because if you are under 18, you are protected from sexual preditors, yet you can be "tried as an adult/" Go figure. What law makers need to realize is that you cannot pick and choose what you want to do with teens. People need to realize is that you either have to say teens need to be protected at all costs, including being tried as an adult or you treat them as adults in all things. You cannot pick one or the other, to suit your agenda.
Jackie
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