Foreign Policy Blogs

Child Executions in Iran Continue

Some 84 juvenile offenders in Iran currently await execution, however the true number may be much higher. Iran remains one of the only countries in the world which continues to execute children, all in violation of its commitments to international treaties, such as Under Article 37(a) of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, child executions are a clear violation of international law, which bans the practice. You can see further details regarding Iranian law, and past cases, in my previous post Child Executions in Iran Continue Despite Violation of International Law.

Child Executions in Iran Continue Despite the laws on June 10th, a teenager by the name of Mohammad Hassanzadeh was hanged. The execution has brought forward international condemnation, such as that of the Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on the execution of Mohammad Hassanzadeh.While Hassanzadeh's execution took place another teen put on death row, Mohammad Feda’i, now has a glimmer of hope as his execution has been postponed for another month. Feda’i has been on Iran's death row since he was 17 years old, following a trial for which he was not given adequate representation. Feda’i's confession was also laden with allegations of a torture. While Feda’i awaits his fate, others await their schedualed execution dates.

You can take action for Feda'i and other juvenile offenders, here. For further information on child executions in Iran please see Stop Child Executions; Minors on Death Row in Iran.

 

Author

Cassandra Clifford

Cassandra Clifford is the Founder and Executive Director of Bridge to Freedom Foundation, which works to enhance and improve the services and opportunities available to survivors of modern slavery. She holds an M.A., International Relations from Dublin City University in Ireland, as well as a B.A., Marketing and A.S., Fashion Merchandise/Marketing from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island.

Cassandra has previously worked in both the corporate and charity sector for various industries and causes, including; Child Trafficking, Learning Disabilities, Publishing, Marketing, Public Relations and Fashion. Currently Cassandra is conducting independent research on the use of rape as a weapon of war, as well as America’s Pimp Culture and its Impact on Modern Slavery. In addition to her many purists Cassandra is also working to develop a series of children’s books.

Cassandra currently resides in the Washington, D.C. metro area, where she also writes for the Examiner, as the DC Human Rights Examiner, and serves as an active leadership member of DC Stop Modern Slavery.


Areas of Focus:
Children's Rights; Human Rights; Conflict