Behrouz Ehsani’s defiant letter from death row: A call to end executions in Iran

Behrouz Ehsani’s story of resistance

Behrouz Ehsani, a 70-year-old political prisoner in Iran, has been sentenced to death after enduring months of solitary confinement, torture, and prolonged uncertainty. His case is part of a broader wave of repression aimed at silencing dissent and crushing the spirits of those fighting for justice and freedom in Iran.

Despite his dire circumstances, Ehsani remains undeterred. From Evin Prison, where he has been held since 2021, he issued a heart-wrenching and defiant letter calling on the people of Iran, international organizations, and human rights advocates to take immediate action against the execution of political prisoners. His courageous stand against tyranny is a powerful reminder of the brutality faced by those who resist oppression in Iran.

Full message from political prisoner Behrouz Ehsani

To the Honorable and Brave People of Iran,

I am Behrouz Ehsani, currently held in Ward 4 of Evin Prison. I was arrested by the Ministry of Intelligence in November 2021 and transferred to solitary confinement in Cell 240 (under the supervision of 209). After three and a half months, I was moved to Ward 4 of Evin Prison.

After 22 months of being left in limbo, they have now sentenced me to death without any substantial evidence. This is exactly what can be expected from a regime that thrives on executions. As I said during my interrogations, echoing the words of the martyr Khosrow Golsorkhi, I will not bargain over my life—especially not at the age of 70. I am not concerned about the little time I have left. I am ready to sacrifice my life for the freedom of the people of Iran.

The regime delivered our death sentences on the second anniversary of the 2021 uprising. I salute the pure souls of the more than 700 martyrs of that great uprising and bow my head in respect. This bloodthirsty regime feeds on repression and executions. Beyond political prisoners, ordinary prisoners are also being hanged every day, victims of the very crimes and accusations that originate from this regime. These defenseless individuals are the product of this system and its oppressive conditions.

We have now completed the 34th week of our “Tuesdays No to Executions” hunger strike, along with 21 other prisons across the country. We will continue our Tuesday strikes as long as heads are being hanged.

I ask the people of Iran, international organizations, and human rights institutions to take immediate action against executions in Iran—because tomorrow will be too late. Join us in the “Tuesdays No to Executions” campaign. The people who demand freedom and a democratic republic do not deserve death. The silence of the international community has only emboldened this regime to carry out more executions. Enough with the appeasement of this regime.

With greetings to all the martyrs of the path to freedom, and with respect for the dignity of Iran and all Iranians.

Behrouz Ehsani

Evin Prison, September 18, 2024

The Fight Against Executions in Iran

Ehsani’s letter is a powerful call to action. His defiance in the face of death is a testament to the resilience of political prisoners in Iran and the brutal reality they face. The international community, including human rights advocates and global organizations, must stand united to demand an immediate end to executions in Iran.

The “Tuesdays No to Executions” campaign is a weekly hunger strike led by political prisoners like Ehsani to raise global awareness and protest against the use of the death penalty. This campaign has gained momentum as executions in Iran continue to escalate.

How you can help

To support the campaign to end executions in Iran and help protect the lives of political prisoners, we urge you to:

• Amplify Ehsani’s message by sharing his letter across international platforms.
• Join advocacy efforts by contacting your local representatives and international human rights organizations to take urgent action against Iran’s use of the death penalty.
• Donate to organizations actively working to protect human rights in Iran and support the families of political prisoners.

Your voice matters. Help us end the unjust executions and stand in solidarity with those risking their lives for freedom and justice in Iran.