The execution of protesters in Iran has sparked a reaction from 54 countries.
The six-week session of the United Nations Human Rights Council began in Geneva yesterday.
In the morning session today, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Costa Rica read a joint statement by 54 countries condemning the issuance and implementation of death sentences for protesters in Iran. In recent months, Iran has issued death sentences for dozens of participants in protests following the death of Mahsa Amini, or has been in the process of issuing such sentences.
The signatory countries stated that they are deeply concerned about the nature of the crimes, the speed of the trials, the lack of transparency, credible reports of lack of access to chosen lawyers, and torture or other inhumane behavior.
This statement reminded that countries that have not abolished the death penalty are only allowed to issue death sentences for the most heinous crimes, and only after a fair trial in accordance with the guarantees provided in international treaties.
The signatories emphasized that no government should use execution and intimidation of citizens as a means to suppress the activities of dissenters.
