On Wednesday, January 8, a group of political prisoners, supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), in the notorious Evin Prison, issued a statement condemning the confirmation of death sentences for Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani, both PMOI supporters and part of the “No to Execution Tuesdays” campaign.
Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani were arrested in November 2022 during a nationwide crackdown following the eruption of anti-regime protests in Iran. They were accused of “spreading corruption on Earth” and “waging war against God” (moharebeh), charges commonly used by the Iranian judiciary to suppress dissent. These charges were based on their alleged involvement in organizing Resistance Units and participating in activities opposing the regime’s policies.
Both individuals were held in solitary confinement for months, denied access to proper legal representation, and subjected to severe physical and psychological torture to extract forced confessions. Their trials were carried out behind closed doors with no adherence to international standards of justice. Despite the lack of evidence and the arbitrary nature of their charges, their death sentences were upheld by Iran’s Supreme Court, signaling the regime’s intent to suppress dissent through fear and executions.
The statement issued by their fellow political prisoners condemned these sentences as baseless and politically motivated. It declared that such actions by the regime would only strengthen the resolve of Resistance Units and inspire greater unity among those fighting for freedom and justice in Iran.
The statement reads:
“What false hopes does this regime’s judiciary cling to by confirming the death sentences of our brothers Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani?”
- Do they believe their regional defeats, internal divisions, crumbling forces, and fear of uprisings can be masked with executions? Such illusions are in vain.
- Do they think they can suppress the spread of the Resistance Units? Every blow they strike only fuels our fire.
- Do they imagine they can break the resolve of resistant prisoners? Never. We refuse submission or disgrace.
The issuance of such sentences, or the execution of any prisoner, will only fuel the flames of the “No to Execution” campaign and strengthen the call for uprising and regime change. This fight will not end.
We, the PMOI supporters imprisoned here, stand alongside the courageous men, women, and youth of our nation. We will continue until the victory of Iran’s democratic revolution and the establishment of a free republic. We are ready to give our lives for the liberation of our people.
Long live freedom!
Down with this execution-driven regime!
PMOI Supporters
Evin Prison – Ward 4, Ward 8, and Women’s Ward