Ramin Hussein Panahi, a Kurdish political prisoner, was sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court (Branch 1) in Sanandaj on the charge of membership in Komala Party.
“According to the verdict, announced to me on Jan 25. issued by Judge Saeedi and another judge at the Revolutionary Court of Sanandaj (Branch 1), my client has been sentenced to death by hanging per Articles 279 and 288 of the Islamic Penal Code. I have 20 days to contest it.”, Hossein Ahmadi Niaz, lawyer to Hossein Panahi’s lawyer, told Kurdistan Human Rights Network (KHRN).
“I believe my client does not deserve such a harsh punishment. The sentence is against the law and I will contest it. I hope that the Supreme Court considers my defence statement and acquits my client of this punishment per law.”, his lawyer added while criticizing the judgement of the judges.
“My client was arrested while he was injured, he neither held a gun nor made a shooting. He was not involved in armed dispute.” the lawyer concluded.
Mr. Ahmadi Niaz said that such punishments would not be in anyone’s advantage and they violate the fundamental laws of Human Rights. He also reiterated that he hopes for his client to be acquitted of this sentence by the Supreme Court.
On Friday, June 22, Ramin was wounded and arrested by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) in Sanandaj. The political prisoner was then transferred to one of IRGC Intelligence Detention Centres in Sanandaj. He was transferred to Sanandaj central Prison on January 09 after 200 days.
According to the family of this political prisoner, as well as his statements in the court, Ramin’s health has deteriorated due to torture and medical negligence during his time in solitary confinement. As a result, he is now suffering from kidney failure and amnesia. He is in poor physical health and he has not been offered any medical treatment in prison despite suffering from persistent pain due to kidney problems.
It is worth noting that Ramin’s brother known as Afshin Hussein Panahi, who has a background in cooperation with environmental NGO’s, was sentenced to eight and a half years imprisonment by the Revolutionary Court on charges of holding a Nowruz ceremony and supporting the Kurdish parties. He is now in the central prison of Sanandaj. Zubair Hussein Panahi (Ramin’s cousin) has been also sentenced to six years in prison while Ahmad Amin Panah (the family’s son-in-law) was sentenced to five years in prison.
