US Decries Iran’s Mock Execution And Torture Of Prisoners

Washington has called on the Islamic Republic to stop torture, mock execution and issuing death sentences without fair trial for prisoners.

In a statement issued Tuesday via the Farsi account of the US State Department on the social media platform X, the United States called on the Islamic Republic to cease the practice.

The State Department utilized the hashtag #SamanYasin in expressing deep concerns over the wellbeing of the imprisoned Iranian rap artist.

Saman Seydi, widely recognized by his stage name Saman Yasin, was arrested in October 2022 during anti-regime protests in Iran and was initially handed a death sentence. However, the sentence was later overturned by the Supreme Court.

Ahmadreza Haeri, a political prisoner held in Qezel Hesar Prison, revealed in a letter on Monday that Yasin had recounted a disturbing incident from December of the previous year. According to Yasin, Evin Prison officials took him out of his ward at three in the morning, stating, "If you have a will, write it."

Reportedly, Yasin was taken to the gallows with his hands tied and eyes blindfolded, where officials discussed tying the noose off-center to ensure a swift and less agonizing death.

In a turn of events, officials informed Yasin, after a phone call, that he was being given another chance for "cooperation," leading to the abandonment of his execution.

In response to the reports, the US Department of State emphasized, "The use of fabricated execution, torture, and issuing death sentences without a fair trial not only violates human rights but is also contrary to fundamental respect for human dignity."

The US called on the regime to "immediately cease such inhumane actions and conduct fair and transparent trials for their citizens."

In May alone, a record 142 prisoners were excited as the surge continues. In July, Iran Human Rights Organization reported at least 354 executions had taken place this year.