PUBLIC STATEMENT OF THE SOCIETY OF HUMAN RIGHTS- SOURTHERN CALIFORNIA- May 10th

Society for Human Rights in Iran-Southern California PUBLIC STATEMENT OF THE SOCIETY OF HUMAN RIGHTS- SOURTHERN CALIFORNIA May 10, 2010 Once again Iranian court upheld death sentences for 5 political activists, 4 men and one woman. These prisoners of conscience who were executed in Evin prison on May 9th, 2010 were: Ms. Shirin Alam-Hooli Farzad Kamangar Ali Heydariyan Farhad Vakili Mehdi Eslamiyan Shirin Alam Hooli, the young woman who was executed had appealed her sentence, but no judgment was rendered. The attorneys of these prisoners were not informed of the judgment and the phone of the notorious Evin Prison was disconnected prior to the executions. This is an alarming act and it is done with the intention to create a state of fear and intimidation a month away from the disputed Iranian election on June 12th. The election which was followed by mass demonstration and the widespread opposition of Iranian people. The surge in executions in the last 11months is an indication that the Iranian authorities are using the death penalty to silence political dissidents. The execution of these prisoners of conscience brings the chilling memories of execution of activists, especially Kurdish activists in the early years of the establishment of Islamic Republic of Iran and once again opens the wounds of the massacre of Iranian political prisoners during 1980s. These harsh violations of basic human rights and execution will only amplify the demand of Iranian people to end death penalty and free all political prisoners. The Society of human rights in Iran-Southern California expresses it's deep condolences to the families of these political activists and calling on the International community at large United Nations Secretary General, UN Security Council and High Commissioner for Human Rights to hold Iranian government accountable for these crimes against humanity and condemn this latest hideous act.