Iran: Execution of human rights defender Yaghoub Mehrnehad

Your Excellency

I am gravely concerned following reports that human rights defender Yaghoub Mehrnehad has been executed. Yaghoub Mehrnehad was a journalist and human rights defender who worked in defence and promotion of the rights of Baluch peoples in Iran. Yaghoub Mehrnahad was also the founder of Anjoman Sedayeh edalat (Voice of Justice Association), a non-governmental organisation which organised cultural activities for Baluch people.

In May 2007 Yaghoub Mehrnehad, together with five other members of the Voice of Justice Association, was detained by Iranian security forces. He was subsequently tried for alleged involvement with Jondallah, an armed opposition group, and sentenced to death in February 2008. Reports indicate that the trial of Yaghoub Mehrnehad was subject to irregularities and did not respect due process. His execution was carried out on 4 August 2008.

I believe that the execution of Yaghoub Mehrnehad was directly related to his activities in defence of human rights, in particular the rights of Baluch peoples in Iran. I condemn this execution and believes that it forms part of systematic attempts to curb the work of human rights defenders in Iran.

I urge the Iranian authorities to:

1. Carry out an immediate investigation into the trial and execution of Yaghoub Mehrnehad, as I believe he was executed solely on account of his legitimate and non-violent human rights activities;

2. Guarantee the physical and psychological integrity of all human rights defenders while in detention and ensure that they enjoy a fair trial and the right to appeal;

3. Ensure that all human rights defenders in Iran, carrying out their legitimate work in defence of human rights, are able to operate free of all restrictions and harassment.

I respectfully remind you that the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, adopted by consensus by the UN General Assembly on 9 December 1998, recognises the legitimacy of the activities of human rights defenders and their right to carry out their activities without fear of reprisals.

I would particularly draw attention to Article 5: “For the purpose of promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, everyone has the right, individually and in association with others, at the national and international levels: (a) To meet or assemble peacefully; (b) To form, join and participate in non-governmental organizations, associations or groups”, and to Article 12 (2): “The State shall take all necessary measures to ensure the protection by the competent authorities of everyone, individually and in association with others, against any violence, threats, retaliation, de facto or de jure adverse discrimination, pressure or any other arbitrary action as a consequence of his or her legitimate exercise of the rights referred to in the present Declaration.”

Yours sincerely,