|
Join the Campaign Against Execution of Children in Iran! Three youths were hanged this morning! To day, Wednesday September 20, 2006, the Iranian authorities tied the noose around the necks of four youths in Tehran and murdered three of them. One young man, Sina was dramatically spared at the last moment following a request by the relatives of his victim to delay the hanging. Vahid one of the hanged youth was under the age of 18. Sina and Vahid both had committed their crimes and had received their death sentences while less than 18 years of age. In an attempt to circumvent international pressure the Iranian authorities delay the carrying out of the death sentences served on young people and keep them in prison until they reach the age of 18 and then carry out the execution. This is blatantly against the demand to abolish handing out death sentences on offences committed by persons under the age of 18. Such an assault on humanity can not be tolerated. Most of these young people who are accused of committing offences are themselves victims of a society that has failed them. No one, especially young people, must be allowed to be subjected to death penalty. Two years ago we, thanks to a generous and extensive international support, managed to save the life of Zhila, a thirteen year girl sentenced to death by stoning. (www.zhilaa.com). An effective international campaign is needed to put an end to this wave of killings and executions of youths. I, hereby, call on all concerned people and the defenders of children’s rights to join our campaign to completely eradicate the death sentence against children in Iran. No one and no institution has the right to take anyone’s life, let alone the life a child, or subject them to physical and mental torture. Join us to end capital punishment and prevent child execution. Nahid Riyazi Tel.: 004540543992 For further information on this campaign please visit www.zhilaa.com.
|
