McCain "deeply disturbed" as Ahari faces death penalty

U.S. Senator McCain "deeply disturbed" as Iranian human rights advocate Ahari faces death penalty

WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) -- U.S. Senator John McCain on Friday expressed disappointed regarding the case of Iranian human rights advocate Shiva Nazar Ahari, who will be facing the death penalty.

"I am deeply disturbed by reports that Shiva Nazar Ahari, a peaceful Iranian human rights advocate who is unjustly imprisoned by the government of Iran, will soon be put on trial for baseless charges that carry the penalty of death," McCain said.

"Ms. Ahari is 26 years old and was first arrested after September 11, 2001 for participating in a candlelight vigil for the victims. After her release, she continued working peacefully to support human rights in Iran and to help educate poor children. And yet, Ms. Ahari has been repeatedly detained, most recently in December of last year," McCain added.

McCain explained that since then, she has been held in the notorious Evin Prison without access to basic health and hygiene as she is scheduled to be tried in early September on charges of anti-government propaganda, posing threats to national security, and rebellion against God – the last of which carries the penalty of death.

"The charges against Ms. Ahari, and peaceful political prisoners like her, are contrary to the Iranian government's own international obligations, including those agreed to under the Universal Declarations of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Ms. Ahari's detention is unfounded and unjust, and I call on the Iranian government to release her immediately."