Execution of Three Kurdish Prisoners Accused of Espionage in Urmia Central Prison
Wafa Hanareh, Aram Omari Bardiani, and Rahman Parhazo, three Kurdish polit
Date: Friday, December 29, 2023
Wafa Hanareh, Aram Omari Bardiani, and Rahman Parhazo, three Kurdish political prisoners from Urmia, were executed in the city's central prison. They had previously been sentenced to death, along with their female co-accused, Nasim Namazi, on charges of "spying for Israel."
According to a report received by Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at 11:00 p.m., the death sentences of Wafa Hanareh, Aram Omari Bardiani, and Rahman Parhazo, who were sentenced to death, were carried out in Urmia Central Prison. These three prisoners had been transferred to solitary confinement alongside Nasim Namazi.
As a human rights organization, we vehemently condemn the execution of these three Kurdish political prisoners. These actions not only flagrantly violate the right to life and human dignity but also demonstrate a profound disregard for international laws and human rights principles. Urgent intervention by the international community is necessary to address these systematic violations and ensure justice for the victims and their families. This tragedy serves as a stark warning, compelling us all to stand against oppression and advocate for human rights.
Nasim Namazi's execution has been temporarily postponed, as confirmed by reliable sources.
Security institutions have conveyed to the prisoners' families that the bodies will not be handed over to them.
A few hours ago, Hengaw reported that the execution of these prisoners was imminent, citing, 'This is revengeful behavior in response to the killing of Raza Mousavi, a high-ranking IRGC commander, by Israel in Syria.'
The Supreme Court’s 39th branch recently confirmed the death sentences of Wafa Hanareh, Aram Omari Bardiani, and Rahman Parhazou. Mansour Rasouli’s death sentence was overturned and replaced with a life imprisonment verdict.
These three individuals were sentenced to death in February 2023 by the third branch of the Revolutionary Court of Urmia, presided over by Judge Najafzadeh, on charges of “participating in intelligence and espionage cooperation for the benefit of Israel.”
