Iran Accused of Using War as Cover for Executing Political Dissidents

Activist Sheyda Rahbari’s Alarming Claims

Iranian activist Sheyda Rahbari highlights a concerning rise in executions of political dissidents by Iran’s regime. She emphasizes the regime’s increased pressure, with threats of arrest and execution becoming more frequent. Rahbari points to the case of Amir Hussein Hamedi, an 18-year-old protestor executed by the regime, as a stark example of its harsh measures.

Tragic Case of Alireza Sepahi

On October 5, Alireza Sepahi, an Iranian anti-regime protester, was executed at dawn inside Isfahan Central Prison. Hours before, Sepahi married his imprisoned fiancée, Mahshad Keshani, over a jail phone line. Human Rights Iran reported that Sepahi and co-defendant Alireza Raisi were executed following their death sentences related to anti-government protests at Isfahan’s Alikhani Square on January 8.

Sepahi and Keshani had known each other before being arrested. Keshani, a student activist serving a five-year sentence, arranged an informal wedding as fears for Sepahi’s imminent execution grew after a final family summons.

The Wedding Ceremony

The couple exchanged vows over the prison phone, witnessed by their fathers. The ceremony was facilitated by human rights lawyer Amirsalar Davoudi, who read the vows for parental blessing. Keshani’s family offered a Quran, saffron rock candy, and a single red rose as a dowry.

Davoudi expressed admiration for Keshani’s bravery and recalled cautioning her about the permanence of her decision. Despite the emotional ceremony, Sepahi’s execution proceeded the following Monday morning.

Reactions and Consequences

Sepahi’s execution led to emotional scenes, even among prison officers. Previously, Sepahi had survived a scheduled execution due to a heart attack. After recovering, authorities rescheduled his hanging.

Sepahi was one of seven defendants executed in connection with the Alikhani Square protests, accused of involvement in the deaths of four security personnel. Following his execution, Sepahi’s family was barred from burying him in his hometown.

Calls for International Intervention

Amirsalar Davoudi criticized the Iranian regime’s actions, claiming they seek revenge for their international humiliation. Human rights groups report that Keshani remains detained, facing further security charges.

Maryam Rajavi, the president-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), has urged U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres to take swift international measures to stop the executions. Rajavi appeals for accountability, independent investigations, and diplomatic and economic pressures on Tehran.