Amnesty International calls for clemency for Iranian Kurd

GVF -- On Friday, Amnesty International called on Iranian authorities to halt the imminent execution of a Kurdish law student, scheduled for 26 December, and to commute his death sentence.

The lawyer of Habibollah Latifi, a law student at the Islamic Azad University of Ilam province, has been informed by authorities that his client’s execution will take place on 26 December in Sanandaj Prison, in Kurdistan province.

“We are urgently appealing to the Iranian authorities to show clemency, halt the imminent execution of Habibollah Latifi, and commute his death sentence,” said Malcolm Smart, Amnesty International’s Director for the Middle East and North Africa.

“While we recognise that governments have a responsibility to bring to justice those who commit crimes, this must be done according to international standards for fair trial. Amnesty International is unconditionally opposed to the death penalty - the ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment - in all cases.”

According to Amnesty, Habibollah Latifi was arrested on 23 October 2007 in Sanandaj, the Kurdistan provincial capital, north-western Iran. His trial was held behind closed doors and his lawyer and family were not allowed to be present during the court proceedings.

He was convicted of moharebeh (enmity against God), by the Sanandaj Revolutionary Court, in connection with his alleged membership of and activities on behalf of the Kurdistan Independent Life Party (PJAK) terrorist group.

Habibollah Latifi was sentenced to death on 3 July 2008 and his death sentence was upheld by the court of appeal in Sanandaj on 18 February 2009.

“It is not known whether the Iranian authorities have notified Habibollah Latifi’s family of his planned execution,” said Amnesty.

“It is clear that Habibollah Latifi did not receive a fair trail by international standards, which makes the news of his impending execution all the more abhorrent,” said Malcolm Smart.