Iran is today criticized for widespread torture, arbitrary arrests and the death penalty after the extensive demonstrations in November last year.
A report by Amnesty International has documented at least 500 cases of harsh treatment of detainees in what the organization calls an epidemic of torture.
In the city of Shiraz, three brothers have been sentenced to severe punishment for demonstrations the year before. One of the brothers, wrestling master Navid Afkari, has been sentenced to double death.
In an audio recording, Afkari appeals from prison. He says that an innocent person should be executed, and that if his voice is not heard and his case is not noticed, he will be killed without anyone reacting or caring.
Navid Afkari is the famous wrestler who demonstrated against the government and its economic policies. He was sentenced to double death and 74 lashes for a confession which, according to him, came after torture.
His two brothers were also sentenced to long prison terms and flogging for participating in the protests. The brothers are convicted of participating in an illegal demonstration, conspiring to commit crimes against the security of the nation and insulting the supreme leader.
In a report today criticizes the human rights organization Amnesty International Iran for imposing the death penalty after confessions that have come under torture, and in trials that have been dealt with behind closed doors.
Iran is the country in the world after China that carries out the most death sentences, last year at least 251 executions.
It is unclear how long Navid Afkari has left to live, but, in Iran, there is growing opposition to the death penalty and domestic human rights groups are hoping for the support of the outside world – before it is too late.
Source: ICELAND NEWS