A somber scene unfolded on Oct. 6 in Tehran’s Revolutionary Court that underscores the brutal clampdown on dissent in Iran. Seven political prisoners, including seasoned activists and young professionals, faced grave charges under the watchful eyes of the regime.
Among the accused is Abolhassan Montazer, a 65-year-old with a storied history of political resistance dating back to the 1980s. Despite suffering from serious health conditions, Montazer faces charges that could lead to the most severe penalties. Alongside him are young professionals like Pouya Ghobadi and Vahid Bani-American, whose only crime appears to be their unyielding demand for a free Iran.
The Iranian judiciary, acting as an arm of suppression rather than a pillar of justice, has begun resorting to increasingly harsh measures. The recent trial of these seven men is conducted by Judge Iman Afshari, who is known for his harsh rulings. The proceedings lack the most basic standards of fairness and due process, and they are often characterized by predetermined outcomes and accusations of torture and forced confessions.
This crackdown occurs within the broader context of the Iranian regime’s efforts to control an increasingly volatile societal atmosphere, as public discontent simmers due to the new President Masoud Pezeshkian’s failure to alleviate the severe difficulties faced by Iranians.
The judiciary’s oppressive measures extend well beyond the courtroom. Recent months have seen a sharp rise in the number of executions. Specifically, in the last week of October, at least 25 prisoners were executed, contributing to an alarming surge that resulted in 170 executions that month alone — an 85 percent increase compared to the previous year. Among those executed was Jamshid Sharmahd, a German-Iranian citizen who was controversially abducted in Dubai in 2020 and later sentenced to death following a sham trial, which was widely denounced by Amnesty International, Germany and the European Council.
These executions typically follow trials lacking fair legal representation, with defendants often charged with ambiguous crimes like “waging war against God.” The execution tally rose to 438 people since Pezeshkian assumed office in August. Fearing the increasing appeal of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran among the Iranian public, the ruling regime has intensified its actions against the dissident group, detaining its supporters and issuing death sentences to suppress the organization’s activities.
In a stark demonstration of both economic and political suppression, assets linked to the group are being confiscated. A glaring example is the absurd trial in absentia of 104 members in Tehran, during which the judge mandated the confiscation of all defendants’ properties.
The plight of these political prisoners is a stark reminder of the ongoing human rights crisis in Iran. Their trial is a test of global commitment to human rights. The world must stand in solidarity with those who have the courage to demand change in the face of such peril.
Iran is at a pivotal moment, and the choices made by the international community now will resonate not only within its borders but globally. It is imperative that global powers increase their examination of Iran’s human rights practices and hold the regime to account for its violations. Every international interaction with Iran, be it economic or diplomatic, should be contingent upon tangible improvements in human rights, such as the release of political prisoners and the cessation of torture within its prisons.
The call for action extends beyond mere rhetoric; it demands substantive, collaborative efforts that unequivocally support human rights and justice. This involves not only sanctions and diplomatic pressure but also support for the Iranian populace’s quest for freedom from oppressive theocratic rule. The global response should thus be robust and unwavering, aiming to empower the Iranian people in their fight for a democratic and just society.
Dr. Majid Rafizadeh is a Harvard-educated political scientist.
