YOUTH ARRESTED AT 17 AT RISK OF IMMINENT EXECUTION

Mohammad Reza Azizi, 21, is at risk of imminent execution in relation to a crime that took place when he was just 17 years old, in violation of international law prohibiting the use of the death penalty against children. His trial was grossly unfair; the court relied on his “confessions” obtained during interrogations without a lawyer present to convict him. Iranian authorities have previously scheduled his execution at least twice, including on October 21, 2024. While his execution was halted following public outcries, he remains under sentence of death and at risk of execution. 

PLEASE TAKE ACTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE UNTIL: December 31, 2024

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• Write a letter in your own words or using the sample below as a guide to one or both government officials listed. You can also email, fax, call or Tweet them.
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sample letter:

Dear Mr. Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei,

Mohammad Reza Azizi, aged 21, is at risk of imminent execution in Adel Abad prison in Shiraz, Fars province, following his conviction related to a crime that took place when he was just 17 years old. His execution was scheduled on two previous occasions including on October 21, 2024. Most recently, his execution was halted following public outcries, but he remains at risk of execution. 

Mohammad Reza Azizi was arrested in September 2020 and interrogated without a lawyer present. The court relied on his “confessions” made during interrogations to issue its verdict, according to legal documents reviewed by Amnesty International. The court also disregarded key evidence, including witness testimony from the defense.

Iran continues to sentence to death and execute people who were under the age of 18 at the time of the crime for which they were convicted, in violation of their obligations under international law. 

I urge you to immediately halt the scheduled execution of Mohammad Reza Azizi, quash both his conviction and death sentence, and grant him a fair retrial in full compliance with international law and the principles of juvenile justice, excluding “confessions” and without resorting to the death penalty.

Yours sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]

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