Security forces raid home, arrest sister of Iranian protester facing execution

The sister of an Iranian protester on death row, Mojahed Kourkour, was arrested after security forces raided the family home.

His sister, Negar Kourkour, said "there is no information available about the detaining authority or the location" where Rana has been taken.

This latest raid is not an isolated incident. The Kourkour family home has been targeted by security forces before.

Mojahed Kourkour was arrested following an incident in November 2022, when shots were fired on protesters in the southwestern city of Izeh, resulting in the deaths of several residents, including nine-year-old Kian Pirfalak.

In April 2023, Iran's judiciary sentenced him to death on charges of "enmity against God" (moharebeh), "corruption on earth," and "armed rebellion against the state."

He was denied access to his chosen lawyer, and his coerced "confessions" were broadcast by state media shortly after his arrest in December 2022.

The Iranian authorities have labeled the Izeh incident a "terrorist" act, blaming opposition groups. However, Kian Pirfalak's mother contested these claims at her son's funeral, stating that government forces had fired at their family car.

Amnesty International has called on Iran's judiciary to halt Kourkour's execution and overturn his death sentence, which comes amid record numbers of state-sanctioned executions.

The organization also urged the regime to provide him with immediate access to his family, an independently chosen lawyer, and adequate medical care.

Furthermore, Amnesty International has pressed for independent observers to be allowed access to capital trials related to the protests and called for a moratorium on executions with the ultimate aim of abolishing the death penalty in Iran.

Last year, over 850 Iranians were executed in the highest numbers in years.