Uncertainty Over Saman Naseem's Execution in Iran

Uncertainty exists over Saman Naseem's death after international pressure to prevent his execution. Image taken from the Amnesty International campaign to stop Saman Naseem's execution.

Uncertainty exists over Saman Naseem's death after international pressure to prevent his execution. Image taken from the Amnesty International campaign to stop Saman Naseem's execution. Photo: Amnesty International.

Human rights activists are still in the dark about the status of Kurdish activist Saman Naseem, who was scheduled to be executed in Iran last week. Working until the last minute, several campaigns placed international pressure on Iran to stop the execution on February 19. His death sentence is reportedly unjustified under Iran's own laws and international obligations, given that Naseem was a minor (just 17 years old) when he was arrested.

Activists are still tweeting #SaveSaman. Meanwhile, conflicting reports about his execution and continued incarceration have circulated online. 

The International Campaign for Human Rights reported that Iran recently executed six prisoners on death row for drug trafficking. The United Nations has deemed drugged-related crimes to be ‘unqualified’ for capital punishment. 

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