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Features

Four Tortured Protesters Face Death Penalty over "Killing" of Basij Member

May 24, 2023
Maryam Dehkordi
5 min read
Ali Abbasi
Ali Abbasi
Morad Bahramian
Morad Bahramian
On November 16 last year, three men named Ali Abbasi, Morad Bahramian and Muslem Hoshangi were shot and killed by security agents during mass protests in Samirom, a city in Isfahan province
On November 16 last year, three men named Ali Abbasi, Morad Bahramian and Muslem Hoshangi were shot and killed by security agents during mass protests in Samirom, a city in Isfahan province

On November 16 last year, three men named Ali Abbasi, Morad Bahramian and Muslem Hoshangi were shot and killed by security agents during mass protests in Samirom, a city in Isfahan province.

On December 31, which coincided with mourning ceremonies marking 40th days since their death, the streets of Samirom witnessed a surge of protests against the Islamic Republic amid heavy presence of security and military forces throughout the city.

Clashes resulted in the alleged death of Mohsen Rezaei, a member of the paramilitary Basij force.

In response, hundreds of special police forces were deployed to various points across Samirom starting from the morning of January 1, according to information received by IranWire.

Raids were conducted on the homes of some of the victims' families and arrested a number of people, including Abbasi's sister and Bahramian's two brothers.

IranWire understands that four people arrested for participating in the protests face the death penalty.

Since the November 16 incident in Samirom, security forces have intensified pressure on the families of the deceased and other demonstrators.

On the morning of January 1, alongside reports of arrests in Samirom, Morteza Amomehedi, the deputy commander of the Isfahan Revolutionary Guard Corps, claimed that a Basij member named Mohsen Rezaei had been killed during the previous night's protests.

The authorities alleged that the arrests were made in connection with this incident.

What Happened in Samirom on December 31?

During the first months of the "Women, Life, Freedom" protest movement, Samirom was the scene of widespread street protests.

On December 31, while mourners were gathered at the grave of Abbasi, his sister compared the youth of Iran to a resilient "phoenix."

"It's hard to believe, Ali, that no one has had the courage to hang your obituary on the door or the wall yet. Just a few days ago, your Mandatory Military Service Completion Card arrived by mail,” she said.

“But now the drums of war have started to beat.”

A resident of Samirom told IranWire that a large crowd attended the mourning ceremony for Abbasi.

“The following day, a significant number of citizens gathered in front of the governor's office to protest against the killings and oppression of the people.”

“At around 5 a.m., security forces launched an attack on Ali Abbasi's house with the intention of arresting his sister, who had delivered a speech at the gravesite. However, Ali's uncle resisted their actions. Mr. Shiri, Ali Abbasi's uncle, managed to help his sister escape, but during the confrontation with the officers, they threw him from the roof, resulting in a broken arm and leg."

According to the witness, Ali Abbasi's uncle was transported to Samirom Hospital by his relatives, but the hospital was swiftly surrounded by security forces.

The witness added that the authorities “attempted to apprehend Mr. Shiri…but the people prevented them from entering the hospital.”

“Mr. Shiri underwent surgery that night. However, on the same night, the agents arrested the two brothers of Murad Bahramian, who had lost his life during the recent protests."

What is the condition of the detainees?

According to IranWire’s source, Fazel and Mehran Bahramian, the brothers of Murad Bahramian, a close relative named Younes Bahramian and another man named Dariush Saadi have been subjected to torture to extract confessions related to the alleged murder of the Basij militiaman.

“Nearly 1,000 security forces and special units were dispatched from Isfahan to Semirom to apprehend these individuals, outnumbering the protesters on the streets,” the source said.

The Chief of Justice of Isfahan province claimed that Mohsen Rezaei was killed during "illegal" gatherings in front of the Semirom governorate.

"These citizens are well-known and highly respected in Semirom,” an informed source told IranWire. “The families of the victims are grieving and outraged over the killing of Mahsa Amini and the spilt blood of their loved ones.”

The bereaved families remain silent, fearing for the lives of those arrested. They are not allowed to hire legal representation. The authorities informed them that their sentences have not been announced to avoid further disturbance in Semirom. 

Based on information received by IranWire, Fazel and Mehran Bahramian were transferred to solitary cells at the Isfahan IRGC Intelligence Department, located in Dolat Abad, 10 days after their arrest.

According to a reliable source, the two prisoners endured severe torture until March 19, after which they were moved to Ward A of Dastgerd prison in Isfahan.

The Bahramian family had no knowledge of their condition until two months after their arrest.

Since April, they have been allowed one-minute phone calls, but any discussion regarding their physical condition and the torture they endured results in the immediate end of the calls.

IranWire has received information that Mehran suffered broken ribs and a torn eardrum due to beatings and torture, with no medical treatment being provided. Fazel Bahramian has informed his family that he sustained severe injuries to his head and face.

Dariush Saadi, was arrested on March 25, while he was returning from Borujen to Semiram. Simultaneously, IRGC intelligence agents raided the house of Yunus Bahramian and arrested him.

Both men are currently held in solitary confinement at the IRGC intelligence detention center in Dolat Abad, Isfahan province, with limited communication permitted with their relatives.

"Although no trial has taken place for these four individuals, the interrogators have informed them verbally that they are accused of waging war and corruption, leaving them with no choice but to confess to the charges leveled against them," a source told IranWire.

Both charges carry a death sentence.

“The people of Samirom are deeply concerned for the fate of their fellow citizens and urgently call upon freedom advocates worldwide to amplify their voices in support of these detainees before it is too late,” the source said.

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