“Today we have gathered here to protest and call on the UN to put tough pressure on halting the verdict of the execution of Ramin Hossein Panahi, as in a so-called court and in an unjust way an execution verdict was issued to him and it could be implemented at any time and on any date,” reads a statement from the protesters. “All the preparations have been made to carry out the execution.”
“We are appealing to you, to do your utmost to help stop the execution of this youth and help restore life to him. We are waiting to see your efforts,” the statement adds.
Public executions are on the rise in Iran, said the protesters, which included members of Iranian Kurdish parties based in the Kurdistan Region.
Panahi, 22, was arrested in June 2017 in Sanandaj and charged with being a member of the Kurdish opposition party Komala. Prosecutors said Panahi had received military training and was carrying a gun and a grenade at the time of his arrest.
His lawyer denied Panahi was armed and said his client was simply visiting family at the time of his arrest.
Membership in an opposition party is not an offence that warrants the death penalty, his lawyer has said.
The case has attracted international attention with UN human rights officials and Amnesty International both advocating for the Kurdish man.
Panahi was injured earlier this week in a violent incident in Sanandaj jail where he is being held awaiting execution.
A riot broke out when a group of prisoners tried to prevent guards from taking Panahi out of the prison. His execution was scheduled to take place after Ramadan, which ended Friday.
About 20 prisoners were injured, the Ramin Hossein Panahi Campaign announced on Telegram on Saturday.
Panahi’s brother, Amjad, confirmed to Rudaw the fight had occurred and his brother was injured. He urged civil activists to continue their efforts to save his brother’s life.
