13 November 2009

The Iranian authorities must halt the imminent execution of Sherko Moarefi, a Kurdish man convicted of “enmity against God” over his alleged membership of a proscribed Kurdish organization, Amnesty International said today.

Sherko Moarefi was transferred to solitary confinement in the death row section of Saqez prison on Thursday. It is feared this is a prelude to his execution, which could take place as early as tomorrow.
Another Iranian Kurdish man, Habibollah Latifi, is also feared to be at imminent risk of execution.

On Wednesday, Ehsan Fattahian was executed in Sanandaj by the Iranian authorities after being convicted on similar charges.

The executions appear to have been scheduled in reprisal for a spate of assassinations and attempted assassinations of officials in Kordestan province which took place between 9 and 19 September and were widely reported in Iran. Amnesty International has condemned the attacks, which targeted civilian officials.

At least 10 other Kurdish men and one woman are believed to be on death row in Iran in connection with their membership of and activities in support of proscribed Kurdish organizations.

Amnesty International continues to urge the Iranian authorities to impose an immediate and comprehensive moratorium on executions, as a first step towards ending the use of this punishment.

Ends

Notes to editors

Sherko Moarefi’s lawyer, Khalil Bahramian, is available for interview.

To request an interview please contact Amnesty International Press Office on +44 20 7413 5566