Iran News in Brief – July 29, 2024
The political landscape of Iran continues to evolve rapidly, with significant developments taking place almost daily. On July 29, 2024, the Iranian populace and international observers are still digesting the implications of the recent presidential election. Ebrahim Raisi, who ascended to the presidency in 2021, has been a controversial figure. His tenure has been marked by stringent policies and a crackdown on dissent. Notably, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei did not offer personal congratulations to Raisi following his appointment. Instead, Khamenei chose to commend the Iranian people’s participation in the electoral process, despite reports indicating that this election had the lowest voter turnout in the nation’s recent history. This low turnout has raised questions about the legitimacy and public support for the regime.
Ali Khamenei’s directive to the incoming president, Massoud Pezeshkian, to follow in Raisi’s footsteps suggests a continuity of the hardline policies that have characterized Raisi’s administration. This guidance underscores the supreme leader’s desire to maintain a firm grip on power and suppress any potential reforms that could threaten the status quo. The lack of enthusiasm for Raisi’s victory and the emphasis on public participation rather than individual achievement may also reflect internal divisions within the regime. As Pezeshkian prepares to assume office, he faces the daunting task of navigating these complex political dynamics while addressing the myriad challenges facing Iran, including economic hardship, international sanctions, and social unrest.
Amidst these political machinations, the plight of political prisoners in Iran remains a pressing human rights issue. Nasrin Hassani, a journalist and political prisoner, is currently detained in Bojnord prison under harsh conditions. Despite being sentenced by the Revolutionary and Criminal Courts of Bojnord to one year and seven months in prison, her incarceration has drawn international condemnation. Hassani is the only female political prisoner in the Bojnord facility and is held alongside inmates convicted of general crimes, in violation of the principle of crime separation. This principle mandates that political prisoners should be detained separately from those convicted of non-political offenses, to prevent undue hardship and ensure fair treatment.
The conditions in Bojnord prison are reportedly dire, with severe overcrowding and inadequate facilities. Inmates are crammed into cells, often with limited access to basic necessities such as clean water, food, and medical care. The presence of contagious diseases further exacerbates the suffering of prisoners, posing a significant health risk. Hassani’s case highlights the broader issue of human rights abuses within the Iranian penal system, where political prisoners are routinely subjected to harsh treatment and denied their basic rights. The international community has repeatedly called on Iran to improve prison conditions and adhere to international standards, but these appeals have largely fallen on deaf ears.
The situation in Iranian prisons is further compounded by the regime’s increasing use of the death penalty. On July 27, 2024, a woman was among four prisoners hanged in the central prison of Khorramabad. The identity of the woman has not been established, but all four were executed on drug-related charges. This execution marks the 15th woman to be executed in Iran since January 2024, reflecting a disturbing trend of rising execution rates. Reports indicate that between July 20 and July 27, the death sentences of 30 prisoners were carried out across the country. This surge in executions appears to be part of a broader strategy to instill fear and maintain control in the aftermath of the presidential elections.
The increase in executions has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organizations and activists. They argue that the Iranian regime is using the death penalty as a tool of political repression, targeting dissidents and marginalized groups under the guise of combating crime. The lack of transparency and due process in these cases raises serious concerns about the fairness of the judicial system. The execution of political prisoners, in particular, is seen as a means to silence opposition and deter activism. The international community has called for an immediate moratorium on executions in Iran and urged the government to uphold its obligations under international human rights law.
In addition to the executions in Khorramabad, three prisoners were executed at Parsilon prison on July 27 for drug-related charges. Two days earlier, a political prisoner from Mahabad was executed in Urmia prison. These incidents highlight the regime’s relentless crackdown on both criminal and political offenders. The use of the death penalty for drug-related offenses is particularly controversial, given the global trend towards decriminalization and harm reduction. Critics argue that Iran’s punitive approach is ineffective in addressing the root causes of drug addiction and trafficking and instead perpetuates a cycle of violence and injustice.
Despite the oppressive environment, there are signs of resistance and solidarity among the Iranian diaspora. On July 27, 2024, supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (MEK) held a book table in Essen, Germany, to raise awareness about the Iranian revolution. They organized a photo exhibition to convey the struggles and aspirations of the Iranian people to the international community. The event aimed to highlight the ongoing fight for freedom and justice in Iran and garner support for the resistance movement. Such initiatives play a crucial role in keeping the plight of Iranians in the global spotlight and mobilizing international pressure on the regime.
On the same day, MEK supporters rallied in Stockholm, Sweden, to protest the increasing wave of executions and the sham trials of MEK members and supporters. These demonstrations reflect the growing frustration and anger among the Iranian diaspora over the regime’s human rights abuses. The protesters called for an end to the death penalty and demanded the release of political prisoners. They also urged the international community to take stronger action against the Iranian regime, including imposing targeted sanctions and holding officials accountable for their crimes. The solidarity and activism of the Iranian diaspora are vital in amplifying the voices of those oppressed within Iran and pushing for meaningful change.
The history of resistance against the Iranian regime is long and storied. In July 1988, the National Liberation Army of Iran launched Operation Eternal Light, a military campaign aimed at overthrowing the regime. This operation resulted in the sacrifice of over 1,300 freedom fighters and remains a symbol of the ongoing struggle for freedom in Iran. The legacy of Operation Eternal Light continues to inspire new generations of activists and revolutionaries who are committed to challenging the oppressive rule of the Iranian regime. The memory of those who gave their lives for the cause of freedom serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination of the Iranian people.
The current political and human rights situation in Iran is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires urgent attention and action. The international community must continue to hold the Iranian regime accountable for its actions and support the efforts of those fighting for freedom and justice. This includes advocating for the release of political prisoners, condemning the use of the death penalty, and calling for improvements in prison conditions. It also involves supporting the Iranian diaspora in their efforts to raise awareness and mobilize international pressure on the regime. The struggle for freedom in Iran is far from over, but with continued solidarity and activism, there is hope for a brighter future.
As we reflect on the events of July 29, 2024, it is clear that the path to change in Iran is fraught with challenges. The regime’s efforts to maintain control through repression and violence have only fueled the resolve of those fighting for justice. The stories of individuals like Nasrin Hassani and the countless others who have suffered under the regime’s rule serve as a testament to the courage and resilience of the Iranian people. Their struggles and sacrifices must not be forgotten, and their voices must continue to be heard. The international community has a moral obligation to stand with the people of Iran in their quest for freedom and to support their efforts to build a more just and democratic society.