The execution of protesters in Iran prompted a reaction from 54 countries
The six-week meeting of the United Nations Human Rights Council began yesterday in Geneva
In this morning’s session, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Costa Rica read a joint statement from 54 countries condemning the issuance and execution of death sentences for protesters in Iran. In recent months, Iran has issued or sought to issue death sentences for dozens of participants in the demonstrations following the death of Mahsa Amini
The signatory countries expressed deep concern about the nature of the crimes, the speed of the trials, the lack of transparency, credible reports of denial of access to chosen legal counsel, and torture or other inhumane treatment
The statement reminded that countries which have not abolished the death penalty are only permitted to issue death sentences for the most heinous crimes and only after a fair trial in accordance with the guarantees set forth in international covenants
The signatories emphasized that no government should use execution or intimidation of citizens to punish individuals participating in protests with the aim of reducing opposition activities