UN experts call on Iran to revoke death sentence of activist Mahmoud Mehrabi

Highlighting the broader context, the experts pointed out that at least five individuals were sentenced to death related to nationwide protests in 2022 following the death in custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini.

UN experts are calling on Iran to urgently revoke the death sentence of Mahmoud Mehrabi, an anti-corruption activist, and to cease the practice of issuing death penalties for expressions of dissent. Mehrabi was rearrested on March 16, 2023, for his online activism against corruption and injustice within Iran and has recently been sentenced to death by Iran's Revolutionary Court on charges of "corruption on earth"—a broadly defined term that encompasses various offenses, including blasphemy and violations of Islamic morals.

In addition to his initial charges, in September 2023, Mehrabi faced further accusations including propaganda against the state, inciting disobedience among police and military forces, incitement to war, crimes against national security, and insulting Iran's founder and Supreme Leader. This sentence marks a continuing trend in Iran's crackdown on freedom of expression, highlighted by the recent death sentence against Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi for similar reasons.

The UN experts emphasized that the penalties being imposed for expressions of opinion or dissent, such as the death penalty or long-term imprisonment, are in direct violation of international law and human rights standards. They also noted that such actions send a deterrent message to those wishing to freely express themselves within the country.

Highlighting the broader context, the experts pointed out that at least five individuals were sentenced to death related to nationwide protests in 2022 following the death in custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini. Furthermore, at least 15 others are reportedly at imminent risk of receiving the death penalty.

The experts urged Iranian authorities to amend both the Constitution and penal code to abolish the death penalty and to commute all existing death sentences, aligning with international human rights practices. This call underscores the critical importance of protecting freedom of expression as a fundamental right crucial for the development of a free and democratic society, sustainable development, and the personal growth of individuals.