Abdorrahman Boroumand Center

for Human Rights in Iran

https://www.iranrights.org
Omid, a memorial in defense of human rights in Iran
One Person’s Story

Abolfazl M.

About

Nationality: Iran
Religion: Presumed Muslim
Civil Status: Unknown

Case

Date of Killing: May 12, 2015
Location of Killing: Arak, Markazi Province, Iran
Mode of Killing: Hanging
Charges: Drug trafficking; Drug possession

About this Case

News of the execution of Mr. Abolfazl M., along with three others, was published on the website of the Markazi Provincial Courthouse on May 13, 2015. According to this source, these executions took place to combat drug traffickers.

Arrest and detention

The circumstances of Mr. Abolfazl M.’s arrest and detention are not known.

Trial

Branch One of the Islamic Revolutionary Court of Arak tried Mr. Abolfazl M. No information is available on his trial.

Charges

According to the Markazi Provincial Courthouse, the charges brought against Mr. Abolfazl M. were announced as “possession of 4 kilograms and 188 grams and 50 centigrams of heroin and attempting to sell 21 grams and 5 centigrams of heroin.”    

The validity of the criminal charges brought against this defendant cannot be ascertained in the absence of the basic guarantees of a fair trial. International human rights organizations have drawn attention to reports indicating that Islamic Republic authorities have brought trumped-up charges against their political opponents and executed them for alleged drug trafficking, sexual, and other criminal offences. Thousands of alleged drug traffickers have been sentenced to death following judicial processes that fail to meet international standards. Scores of them were executed based on a 1989 law imposing mandatory death sentences on drug traffickers found in possession of specified amounts of proscribed narcotics (5 kg of hashish or opium, and more than 30 grams of heroin, codeine or methadone). The exact number of people convicted based on trumped-up charges is unknown.

Evidence of guilt

The report of this execution did not provide any specific information on the evidence presented against Mr. Abolfazl M.

Defense

No information is available on Mr. Abolfazl M.’s defense.

Judgment

Branch One of the Islamic Revolutionary Court of Arak condemned Mr. Abolfazl M. to death, the Supreme Court and the Head of Judiciary confirmed the ruling. He was hanged, along with three others, at the Arak Central Prison yard on May 12, 2015.

Correct/ Complete This Entry