Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Iran Faces Backlash for Executing 17-Year-Old Boy Convicted of Murder

Iran has sparked international condemnation after executing a 17-year-old boy named Hamidreza Azari, who was convicted of murder. The Norway-based Hengaw and Iran Human Rights (IHR) groups reported that Azari’s execution took place on November 24 in the town of Sabzevar in Razavi Khorasan province.

The IHR highlighted the fact that Azari’s execution violated the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which defines a child as any individual under the age of 18. Despite being the only child in his family, Azari was sentenced to death for his involvement in a fatal brawl that occurred in May this year.

Iran International, a Persian-language satellite TV channel, also covered the execution and emphasized the young age of the victim. The channel expressed shock that Azari was put to death despite being a minor. This incident has further raised concerns about Iran’s adherence to human rights principles.

Violation of International Norms

The Iranian government’s decision to execute a juvenile has drawn widespread criticism from human rights organizations worldwide. The IHR stated that Iran stands out as one of the few countries that sentences individuals under the age of 18 to death, and has executed more juveniles than any other nation. According to their records, at least 68 minors have been executed in Iran since 2010.

Director of Iran Human Rights, Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, expressed his concern over this distressing trend. He remarked, “In Iran, a person must be 18 years old to obtain a driver’s license, yet a 15-year-old can be sentenced to death.” This stark contradiction highlights the urgent need for reform within Iran’s judicial system.

Alarming Execution Statistics

The execution of Hamidreza Azari is just one among hundreds that have taken place in Iran this year. According to the IHR, a staggering 684 individuals have been executed, primarily on charges related to drug offenses and murder.

The high number of executions in Iran has not only raised concerns about the country’s human rights record but has also sparked debates about the effectiveness of capital punishment as a deterrent. Many argue that the use of the death penalty is not only a violation of human rights but also fails to address the root causes of crime.

Global Outcry and Calls for Change

The international community has strongly condemned Iran’s continued use of the death penalty, particularly in cases involving minors. Human rights organizations, activists, and governments worldwide have called for Iran to halt these executions and abide by international standards.

As the news of Azari’s execution spreads, it serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform within Iran’s legal system. The international community must continue to apply pressure on Iran to respect human rights, particularly in relation to the treatment of juveniles accused of serious crimes.

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