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

Esmail Zarafshan

About

Nationality: Iran
Religion: Presumed Muslim
Civil Status: Unknown

Case

Date of Killing: March 11, 1980
Location of Killing: Tehran, Tehran Province, Iran
Mode of Killing: Shooting
Charges: Adultery

About this Case

The execution of Mr. Esmail Zarafshan and two other convicts was reported in the Ettela’at daily (March 11, 1980)

The validity of the criminal charges brought against this defendant cannot be ascertained in the absence of the basic guarantees of a fair trial. International human rights organizations have drawn attention to reports indicating that the Islamic Republic’s authorities have brought trumped up charges against their political opponents and executed them for drug trafficking, sexual, and other criminal offences. Each year, Iranian authorities sentence to death hundreds of alleged common criminals, following judicial processes that fail to meet international standards. The exact number of people convicted based on trumped-up charges is unknown.

Arrest and detention

The circumstances of this defendant’s arrest and detention are not known.

Trial

The report mentioned that the verdict was issued by the fourth branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Tribunal of the Center (Tehran). However, no information regarding the circumstances of the trial was provided.

Charges

The report referred to Mr. Zarafshan’s “long past record in robbery” and specified that the verdict was issued based on his last charge described as “robbery that caused physical harm” as well as “rape.”

Evidence of guilt

This report contained no information regarding the evidence provided against the defendant.

Defense

No information is available on the accused’s defense.

Judgment

Mr. Zarafshan was sentenced to 10 years in prison for robbery and to death for rape. The death sentence was carried out in the morning.

Correct/ Complete This Entry