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

Mohammad Taher Sadri

About

Age: 16
Nationality: Iran
Religion: Non-Believer
Civil Status: Single

Case

Date of Killing: October 5, 1981
Location of Killing: Evin Prison, Tehran, Tehran Province, Iran
Mode of Killing: Shooting
Charges: War on God, God's Prophet and the deputy of the Twelfth Imam; Possession of arms; Plotting to overthrow the Islamic Republic; Participating in clashes with revolutionary guards and or Bassij brothers; Participating in armed demonstrations; Living in safe houses; Attempt to assassinate or assassination of state dignitaries; Armed rebellion against the Islamic Republic; Armed robbery; Fighting against the revolution/blocking the path of God; Corruption on earth

About this Case

The news of the execution of Mr. Mohammad Taher Sadri, along with that of 60 others, was released by the Public Relations of the General Prosecutor's Office in a press release published in the Jomhuri Eslami daily on October 6, 1981. The press release, which specifies that those executed were “members and sympathizers of the anti-people groups who had risen up against Islam and the Qur'an”, begins as follows:

“By purging the corruptors, clean the earth from corruption (Qur'an Karim). Those who have not embraced the faith are going down an idolatrous path. They are now joining against pious people, and, by martyring the best and purest men, are attesting to the fact that they are mercenaries of the great world powers. It is the duty of you pious men to stand up against them and uproot infidelity and hypocrisy.”

Mr. Mohammad Taher Sadri is one of the 12,028 individuals listed in an addendum to the Mojahed magazine (No 261), published by Mojahedin Khalq Organization (MKO) on September 6, 1985. The list includes individuals, affiliated with various opposition groups, who were executed or killed during clashes with the Islamic Republic security forces from June 1981 to the publication date of the magazine.

Additional information about Mr. Mohammad Taher Sadri is taken from the book Our Martyrs for Freedom and Socialism by Rah-e Kargar Publications. He was a high school student and a sympathizer of the Rah-e Kargar Organization.

"Rah-e Kargar" or the "Revolutionary Workers Organization of Iran" was established in the summer of 1979. The Organization was founded by individuals from various leftist groups who rejected the idea of armed struggle and believed in political action. They introduced themselves as Marxist-Leninists, promoting a socialist revolution and the leadership of the proletariat. They differed with the pro-Soviet communist party, Tudeh, in that they opposed the Islamic Republic and Ayatollah Khomeini's leadership.

Arrest and detention

According to the above book, Mr. Mohammad Taher Sadri was arrested in the summer of 1981, and taken to Evin Prison.

Trial

According to the above book, the trial date was October 5, 1981.

Charges

There is no mention of specific charges brought against this defendant. The General Prosecutor's Office does, however, provide specific charges against only one of the 61 individuals named in the press release. The press release notes that all the other defendants were members and sympathizers of unidentified “anti-people groups.” The charges against these groups, as specified in the press release, are as follows:

“[Rising] against Islam and the Qur'an by: participating in armed demonstrations and clashes with the Revolutionary Guards, imposing martyrdom on people who are faithful to the revolution, being present in safe houses, identifying and assassinating known clerics and state dignitaries, carrying arms and grenades to oppose defenseless people, taking action to blow up various centers, and being involved in armed car jacking and bank robberies”.

The book Our Martyrs for Freedom and Socialism states: “After returning from the trial, the defendant told his cellmates that there was no charge brought against him other than distribution of leaflets at school. Then, the judge asked him whether he prays or not and whether he wants to pray with the Revolutionary Guards? His answer was negative.”

The validity of the criminal charges brought against this defendant cannot be ascertained in the absence of the basic guarantees of a fair trial.

Evidence of guilt

The report of this execution contains no evidence provided against the defendant.

Defense

No information is available about his defense.

Judgment

Based on the Public Prosecutor’s Office press release, the defendant was sentenced to death for being “rebellious against Islam”, “an enemy of God”, and “a corruptor on earth.” The sentence was carried out at dawn on October 5, 1981 at Evin Prison. According to the above book, Mr. Mohammad Taher Sadri was executed by a firing squad. He was probably 16 at the time of execution.

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