Important: Click here to read this clarification about some of our previous statements regarding 'Moharabeh'.
Two Sunni prisoners, Arash Sharifi and Alim Bermashti, have been sentenced to death in Iran.
Arash Sharifi, a 24 year old, has already spent 12 months in solitary confinement in an Iranian Intelligence prison in the town of Sanandaj. He was moved to Rajaee Shahr prison in Karaj, where he now awaits execution. Alim Bermashti, a 32 year old, is also awaiting execution in Rajaee Shahr prison. He is allegedly charged with offences related to 'religious activities'.
Sunnis in Iran are coming under increasing pressure, with widespread persecution of those actively involved in verbally defending their beliefs. Attacks against Sunni Islam are common in the Iranian media; and Sunni beliefs are ridiculed and insulted by many public figures. Often, Sunnis who are seen to be vocal in propagating their beliefs are arrested and accused of 'Wahhabism', a vague charge that serves to legitimize any penalty the authorities wish to impose.
Two Sunni prisoners, Arash Sharifi and Alim Bermashti, have been sentenced to death in Iran.
Arash Sharifi, a 24 year old, has already spent 12 months in solitary confinement in an Iranian Intelligence prison in the town of Sanandaj. He was moved to Rajaee Shahr prison in Karaj, where he now awaits execution. Alim Bermashti, a 32 year old, is also awaiting execution in Rajaee Shahr prison. He is allegedly charged with offences related to 'religious activities'.
Sunnis in Iran are coming under increasing pressure, with widespread persecution of those actively involved in verbally defending their beliefs. Attacks against Sunni Islam are common in the Iranian media; and Sunni beliefs are ridiculed and insulted by many public figures. Often, Sunnis who are seen to be vocal in propagating their beliefs are arrested and accused of 'Wahhabism', a vague charge that serves to legitimize any penalty the authorities wish to impose.
The judge was named by the European Union as an individual subject to sanctions for human rights violations
The sentencing comes at a time when at least 26 other Sunni political prisoners are facing execution in Iran. Amnesty International has confirmed that four of the prisoners could be executed 'within days'.
Both Arash and Alim were sentenced in Branch 28 of the Iranian Revolutionary Court, by Judge Mohammad Moghisseh, a judge notorious for harsh sentences and judicial irregularities. In April 2011, Judge Mohammad Moghisseh was named by the European Union as an individual subject to sanctions for human rights violations. A lawyer quoted by the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran (ICHRI) said that 'no honest judge would ever confirm his rulings', and said Moghisseh served only as a 'signature machine for heavy and baseless sentences'. The Official Journal of the European Union reported in 2011 that Moghisseh imposed long sentences during 'unfair' trials, and stated that he issued death penalties against protesters and political activists.
Both Arash and Alim were sentenced in Branch 28 of the Iranian Revolutionary Court, by Judge Mohammad Moghisseh, a judge notorious for harsh sentences and judicial irregularities. In April 2011, Judge Mohammad Moghisseh was named by the European Union as an individual subject to sanctions for human rights violations. A lawyer quoted by the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran (ICHRI) said that 'no honest judge would ever confirm his rulings', and said Moghisseh served only as a 'signature machine for heavy and baseless sentences'. The Official Journal of the European Union reported in 2011 that Moghisseh imposed long sentences during 'unfair' trials, and stated that he issued death penalties against protesters and political activists.
Iranian authorities allegedly tortured the men using various methods, including floggings and electrocutions.
In addition to the flawed trial endured by the prisoners, Arash and Alim were also tortured. After their arrest in 2011, it is alleged that the Iranian authorities abused the men using various methods, including floggings and electrocutions.
We urge all readers to highlight the case of these two men, whilst continuing to raise awareness about the suffering of Ahlus Sunnah in Iran. We request that you make du'aa for our brothers who are facing such devastating oppression.
We urge all readers to highlight the case of these two men, whilst continuing to raise awareness about the suffering of Ahlus Sunnah in Iran. We request that you make du'aa for our brothers who are facing such devastating oppression.
Arash Sharifi
- Age: 24
- Arrested in 2011
- Currently held in Rajaee Shahr prison, Karaj
- Sentence: Execution
- Petition: http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/stop-the-execution-of-arash-sharifi.html
Alim Bermashti
- Age: 32
- Arrested in 2011
- Currently held in Rajaee Shahr prison, Karaj
- Charged with offences related to 'religious activities'
- Sentence: Execution
- Petition: http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/do-not-execute-aalem-barmashti.html