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Monday, 16 March 2009

IMHRO strongly condemning execution of Sufi man in Iran

Iranian Minorities’ Human Rights Organisation (IMHRO)

Ref.IMHRO.48


17/03/09

According to our sources in Uromiyeh city in North West of Iran, authorities executed Mehdi Ghasim Zadeh member of Sufi branch of Ahl-e-Haq. He was arrested along three other men, Sahand Ali Mohamadi, Baksh Ali Mohamamdi and younes Aghayan.

IMHRO researcher Reza Washahi said “He was kept in prison for 4 years ago along three others, and during this time reportedly tortured and forced to convert to Shia Islam. He started hunger strike in prison in objection to his treatment. While he was on hunger strike nearly one month and could not stand on his feet, authorities took him to the revolutionary court in same time and they added more charges on his case. They charge him with “corruption on earth” and “waging war against God”, which this is usual charge for those who do not believe in holiness of supreme leader of Iran. His case set an example of treatment of Sufi followers in Iran.

“According to Azerbaijani Human Rights News
[1], authorities denied allowing his family to Bury him. “Iranian government usually barring the executed prisoners and not allowing family to have a funeral, as they fear of discloser of their torture and mistreatment”

In recent years Sufi popularity had increased in Iran
[2].

The reasons are that Sufism promote more tolerance, more respect for human being and their music, poetry are some relaxing escape corner from today’s social and political life in Iran” IMHRO researcher added.

The all other three men, sentenced each one to 13 years in prison.

IMHRO strongly condemning execution of Mehdi Ghasim Zadeh and abuse of Human right of Sufi in Iran, In recent years suppression of religious minorities in Iran increased, in last month 3 Christian arrested, 7 Bahá’í leader announced to be put on trial in charge of spying for Israel.




[1] http://savalansesi.blogspot.com/2009/03/blog-post.html
[2] http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/4907406.stm


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