The Alahwazi Organization for Human Rights (A.O.H.R) Condemns the Death Sentence Against Ahwazi Youth ‘Ilya Bin Rashid’ and Demands an Immediate Halt to Its Execution
The Alahwazi Organization for Human Rights (A.O.H.R) issued a statement condemning the sentence handed down by the Fifth Branch of the Revolutionary Court in Isfahan, which orders the execution of 22-year-old Ahwazi youth Ilya Bin Rashid, a resident of Shahin Shahr city in Isfahan Province.
In its statement, the Organization reaffirmed its rejection of the death penalty under all circumstances and without exception, whether sentences are issued under domestic laws or following formal trials, emphasizing that the right to life is a fundamental and non-negotiable right. The death penalty must never be used as a means to punish individuals or to deter them from expressing their opinions and participating in peaceful protests.
Ilya Bin Rashid is an Ahwazi citizen born in Shahin Shahr, where he lives with his family. His family displaced from Ahwaz to Shahin Shahr during the Iran–Iraq War that broke out in 1980, amid waves of displacement that affected the presence of Arab Ahwazi families across various regions.
The Organization clarifies that Shahin Shahr is not Ahwazi territory in terms of geographic location, but it has become home to a large number of Ahwazi families who were displaced during the war and settled there decades ago. Nevertheless, the Organization stresses that Ilya’s case is presented in this news item as an Ahwazi citizen facing a death sentence, not as a matter directly linked to the Ahwazi cause or Ahwazi rights.
According to information available to the Organization, Ilya Bin Rashid was arrested in the month of Dey 1404 Solar Hijri (January 2025) during popular protests in Shahin Shahr demonstrating against living and economic conditions.
The Fifth Branch of the Revolutionary Court in Isfahan sentenced him to death on charges of ‘Moharebeh’ (Enmity against God) through the destruction of public property. He was officially notified of the verdict on 28 Mehr 1405 Solar Hijri (October 2026), and he is currently detained in Dastgerd Central Prison in Isfahan Province.
Additional sentences were also issued against him, including a total prison term of 4 years, 3 months, and 2 days, a 2-year travel ban, as well as a previous ruling by the Revolutionary Court for 6 months’ imprisonment and 20 lashes.
The Organization stresses that the death penalty contradicts the fundamental right to life and human dignity, and that it cannot be justified by referencing internal laws, official courts, or judicial procedures.
It added that the state is obligated to protect the right to life, and that any penalty resulting in the deprivation of life, including execution, constitutes a core violation of this right, regardless of the charges brought or the nature of the proceedings under which the sentence was issued.
The Organization expresses its deep concern that the ruling was issued under circumstances raising grave doubts regarding the lack of basic guarantees for a fair trial, including the defendant’s right to access an independent lawyer, an effective defense, and investigation before an independent and impartial judicial authority.
The Organization emphasized that any death sentence must only be issued after a public and fair trial guaranteeing all defense rights under Article 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Carrying out an execution in the absence of these guarantees may constitute an arbitrary deprivation of life within the meaning of Article 6 of the same Covenant.
Furthermore, the Organization stated its concern regarding Ilya Bin Rashid’s detention conditions, especially after information indicated he was subjected to physical and psychological torture, deprivation of medical care and adequate food in solitary confinement, and denial of access to a lawyer during the investigation phase.
The Organization demands immediate disclosure of his health status, the cessation of all forms of torture or cruel and degrading treatment, and the guarantee of his access to an independent lawyer and family visits.
Additionally, The Alahwazi Organization for Human Rights (A.O.H.R) demands:
– An immediate and permanent halt to the execution of the death sentence issued against Ilya Bin Rashid.
– The annulment of the sentence and his immediate release.
– The disclosure of his health status, an end to torture and solitary confinement, and the provision of necessary medical care.
– Guaranteeing the right of all detainees to an independent lawyer, family visits, and humane treatment.
– Intervention by the United Nations, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Special Rapporteurs, and human rights organizations to pressure Iranian authorities to prevent the execution.
