Statement by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on the confirmed death sentences and potentially imminent executions of five Ahwazi Arab men in Iran

“It was with great concern that I learned that an Iranian High Court has upheld the death sentences against Ahwazi Arab activists Mohammad Ali Amouri, Hashem Sha’bani Amouri, Hadi Rashidi, Sayed Jaber Alboshoka and his brother Sayed Mokhtar Alboshoka. Reports that the executions of these men are imminent are very worrying, and I urge the Iranian authorities to commute the
sentences.

I am concerned by reports that these men did not receive fair trials, and were forced to confess. I would like to remind the Iranian authorities of their obligations under international law, in particular regarding the protection of the civil and political rights of members of ethnic minorities.

In line with the EU’s strong and principled position on the death penalty, I reiterate my call on Iran to halt all pending executions, and introduce a moratorium on this cruel and inhumane
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