There are growing fears for women’s rights activists imprisoned in Iran following a surge in executions since the election of the new Iranian president in July.
At least 87 people were executed in July, including Reza Rasaei who was sentenced to death for participating in anti-hijab protests. Another 29 people were executed earlier this month.
About 70 women are currently political prisoners in Evin prison in Tehran, including two who have been given death sentences – journalist Pakhshan Azizi and industrial engineer Sharifeh Mohammadi.
Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi and other women in Evin prison were reportedly beaten by guards after protesting the execution of Rasaei. The guards flooded the women’s ward and assaulted protesters.
Azizi and Mohammadi were sentenced to death in July on charges of “armed rebellion against the state”. Azizi reported being tortured and subjected to mock executions during interrogations.
Activists say the death penalties against women and ethnic minorities are aimed at dismantling the unified protests against the regime following Mahsa Amini’s death.
The article raises concerns that more executions could take place around the second anniversary of the protests in September.
Source: the Guardian
