Iran: Further information on Death penalty/imminent execution: Makwan Moloudzadeh (m)
AI Index: MDE 13/142/2007
Further Information on UA 278/07 (MDE 13/125/2007, 26 October 2007) and follow-up (MDE 13/136/2007, 16 November 2007) – Death penalty/imminent execution
IRAN Makwan Moloudzadeh (m), aged 21, child offender
Child offender Makwan Moloudzadeh was hanged on 4 December in Kermanshah Central Prison. He had been sentenced to death in July 2007 for lavat-e iqabi (anal sex) in connection with the alleged rape of three boys in about 1999, when Makwan Moloudzadeh was aged 13.
His trial, held in the western cities of Kermanshah and Paveh, was grossly flawed. The alleged victims withdrew their accusations in the course of the trial, and reportedly said they had either lied or had been forced to “confess”. In sentencing Makwan Moloudzadeh to death, the judge relied on his "knowledge" of the case, as is allowed by Iranian law, deciding that Makwan Moloudzadeh could be tried as an adult, and that the alleged offence, otherwise unproven, had taken place.
The sentence was confirmed by the Supreme Court about a month later. His lawyer sought a judicial review of the case, and in November, the Head of the Judiciary, Ayatollah Shahroudi, granted a temporary stay of execution pending a further review of the case. On or around 1 December this review appears to have found no fault with the verdict and sentence. Makwan Moloudzadeh's lawyer was not given advance notice of his client's execution, although this is required by Iranian law.
Following his execution, the military presence in the city of Paveh was reportedly increased, possibly to deter protests. Makwan Moloudzadeh’s 15-year-old brother Pishro was detained. His family believe this was to prevent him from taking part in any protest.
See Iran: Execution of child offender Makwan Moloudazdeh is a mockery of justice (MDE 13/141/2007, 6 December 2007), http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGMDE131412007?open&of=ENG-IRN
Many thanks to all who sent appeals. No further action is requested from the UA network.