UN Experts Condemn Death Sentence for Kurdish Activist Pakhshan Azizi in Iran
“The charges against Ms. Pakhshan Azizi fail to meet the 'most serious crimes' threshold required under international law for imposing the death penalty,” stated experts appointed by the UN’s Human Rights Council. “Her death sentence represents a grave violation of international human rights law.”
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Solitary Confinement and Trial
Ms. Pakhshan Azizi was arrested on August 4, 2023, in Tehran by Iranian intelligence services. Following her arrest, she was held in solitary confinement for five months in the infamous Evin Prison.
On July 23, 2024, the Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced her to death on charges of “armed rebellion against the state” and “membership in opposition groups.” Additionally, she was given a four-year prison sentence for allegedly being a member of the Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK). Her death sentence was upheld by Iran’s Supreme Court last week.
The independent UN experts emphasized that “Ms. Azizi’s arrest and sentencing seem entirely linked to her legitimate work as a social worker, including assisting refugees in Iraq and Syria.”
Reports suggest that Ms. Azizi endured severe psychological and physical torture while in solitary confinement to force a confession. She was also denied access to family visits and the ability to choose her legal representation.
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Pressure on Family Members
UN experts noted that several members of Ms. Azizi’s family were temporarily detained and charged with national security violations, likely as a means to coerce her into confessing.
“The use of torture to extract confessions, paired with the denial of fair trial rights, makes Ms. Azizi’s death sentence arbitrary in nature,” the experts argued.
They also pointed out that the number of executions in Iran surpassed 900 in 2024—a sharp increase—including a rise in the number of women executed.
The experts have called on Iranian authorities to cease executions that contravene international law and violate fundamental human rights.
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Stop Targeting Kurdish Women Activists
The experts expressed particular concern over the systematic targeting of Kurdish women activists, describing the charges against Ms. Azizi as politically motivated.
“Her prosecution highlights the intensified persecution of minority women activists in Iran, illustrating efforts to punish and silence them while fostering a climate of fear,” they said.
They urged Iran to revoke Ms. Azizi’s death sentence, investigate the allegations of torture and unfair trial procedures, and put an end to the harassment of women activists.
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Independent Nature of UN Human Rights Experts
The UN Special Rapporteurs and Working Groups who monitor allegations of rights violations operate independently of any government or organization. They are not UN staff and work in their personal capacity, receiving no salary for their efforts.
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