On Wednesday, January 29, 2025, political prisoner Saeed Masouri addressed a letter to Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and to the ongoing Human Rights Council session, condemning the Iranian government’s use of executions as a tool of repression.
In his letter, Masouri draws a parallel between the Holocaust-era Auschwitz death camp and the current state of justice in Iran, stating that, just as fair trials held no meaning in Auschwitz, they are equally meaningless under Iran’s authoritarian rule. He asserts that executions in Iran serve solely to eliminate dissent and suppress public protests.
Masouri raises serious concerns regarding the death sentences imposed on two political prisoners, Mehdi Hassani and Behrouz Ehsani, arguing that their convictions defy even the Iranian regime’s own laws. He questions how it is legally possible for the two detainees to be simultaneously charged with rebellion (baghi), armed enmity against the state (moharebeh), and corruption on earth (efsad-e fel-arz)—three separate charges often used to justify the death penalty in Iran.
He further highlights the lack of due process, noting that: No murder occurred, No victim or complainant exists, No blood was shed, No legal claimant (vali-e-dam) has requested retribution (qisas).
Despite this, Masouri states, both prisoners face imminent execution, which he describes as nothing more than a tool of fear, repression, and public intimidation.
Addressing Volker Türk, Masouri warns that the Iranian authorities are rushing to carry out executions, with Hassani and Ehsani still held in execution cells. He urges the international community not to forget the case of Mohammad Ghobadlou, another Iranian prisoner who was executed suddenly in similar circumstances.
As one of Iran’s longest-serving political prisoners, Masouri declares that he will do everything in his power to prevent further executions, particularly those of Hassani and Ehsani, who are on the verge of being hanged.
Full Text of Political Prisoner Saeed Masouri’s Letter:
To the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr. Volker Türk, and the ongoing Human Rights Council session
Executions Are a Tool for Purging and Continuing the Killing of People in the Streets
On the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz death camp, we are reminded that in that place, fair trials had no meaning—just as they have no meaning under Iran’s authoritarian rule today. In Auschwitz, the sole objective was mass murder and ethnic cleansing, and in today’s Iran, the objective is nothing other than eliminating dissidents to prevent further uprisings.
How is it possible that, even under the regime’s own self-written laws, two political prisoners—Mehdi Hassani and Behrouz Ehsani—are simultaneously charged with rebellion (baghi), armed enmity against the state (moharebeh), and corruption on earth (efsad-e fel-arz)?
How is it that, in a case where: No murder has occurred, No victim exists, No plaintiff has filed a complaint, No blood has been shed, No legal claimant (vali-e-dam) has requested retribution (qisas), these two prisoners have still been sentenced to death?
If these executions are not meant to sow fear, purge society, and continue the killing of people in the streets, then what is their purpose?
Mr. Volker Türk, High Commissioner for Human Rights,
The Iranian government is rushing to carry out these executions—these two prisoners remain in execution cells. Even if the regime has temporarily postponed their executions, we must not forget the fate of Mohammad Ghobadlou, who was executed suddenly and without warning during this same period.
As one of Iran’s longest-serving political prisoners, I will knock on every door and raise every alarm to save the lives of those facing execution—especially Mehdi Hassani and Behrouz Ehsani, whose lives hang by a thread.
The Iranian people have done everything in their power to oppose these executions, including: Taking to the streets in protest, Going on strike, Signing petitions, Holding placards and banners, Sending letters and filing complaints with every possible authority. By breaking the silence and shouting the truth—despite the risk of imprisonment and torture—they have clearly distanced themselves from these inhumane criminals.
Now, it is your turn. As the leading international guardians of human dignity and human rights, I call upon you to demand that all diplomatic and political relations with Iran be conditioned on the immediate halt of these executions.
This regime has placed a noose around the neck of the entire Iranian nation, because it sees its survival in the execution of every single dissenter. To stay in power, it will inevitably kick the stool from under the feet of the people—unless it fears international accountability!
Saeed Masouri
Member of the “No to Executions on Tuesdays” Campaign
