Iranian Man Sentenced to Death Subjected to "Unrelenting Torment," Sister Says

Amid a relentless wave of executions across Iran, the family of a 34-year-old protester sentenced to death fears he might be executed soon after being subjected to inhuman treatment such as mock executions, his sister tells IranWire.

Mujahid Korkur's arrest was reported in mid-December 2022 and handed capital punishment earlier this year for allegedly killing several individuals during protests in the western city of Izeh on November 16. His alleged victims include Kian Pirfalak, a nine-year-old boy who was shot by the security forces in his parent's car on that day.

Fears of Korkur's imminent execution intensified following reports on May 12 that he had been transferred from Sheiban's prison to Tehran, his sister Raha Bakhtiari says.

"We believed my brother had been transferred from Shiban to Tehran. However, we have now learned it was his case that was transferred [to the Supreme Court in Tehran] to confirm the verdict," she explained.

During a brief meeting between Korkur and his parents, it became evident that his mental state had significantly deteriorated and that he has been subjected to acts of torture, according to Bakhtiari, who said the inmate had difficulties standing up.

She quoted Korkur as telling his parents that he remained unconscious for an entire week following his arrest.

"Since that meeting, which took place in the early weeks following his arrest, we have been left in the dark regarding his well-being," she said. "However, Mujahid confided in us that he has faced mock executions on three separate occasions."

"Every day, he lives under the constant threat of being told to prepare for his execution, with individuals announcing him that the sentence will be carried out that day...They subject him to unrelenting torment," the sister adds.

"After Mujahid was arrested and while he was still in solitary confinement, my family tirelessly sought his transfer from isolation to the general prison," Bakhtiari continues.

"One of our relatives went to our house accompanied by a member of the security forces. They took away all the savings accumulated through the years from my father's hard work, the earnings from my mother's small grocery store, a modest amount of gold belonging to my mother, and my sister's marriage loan, all in the hope of moving Mujahid to a public prison. However, their efforts were in vain."

According to the judiciary, Korkur has been charged with various crimes, including engaging in "waging war against God by brandishing weapons with the intent to kill and instigating fear and corruption on Earth through acts of shooting with combat weapons, causing significant harm to public order, and inflicting major damage to property and physical well-being."

Korkur is accused of murdering Pirflek and six other people. 

"Like all Iranians, Mujahid's heart bled after the murder of Kian and other children in Iran. He grew weary of oppression and joined protests, just like the rest of us. However, the narrative constructed around him to take away his life is wrong."

After partially recovering from injuries sustained during the shooting incident targeting his personal vehicle, Kian's father, Meysem Pirflek, released a video in which he refutes Korkur's involvement in the death of his son. 

"I, as the father of my son, have not made any complaints against Mujahid Korkur or the youth of Izeh because my wife and I witnessed firsthand the security forces, under the command of Eidi Alipour, firing at our car, injuring me and killing my son," he said.

Human rights activists say that more than 200 people were executed so far this year after unfair trials or for charges that under international law should not result in the death penalty. 

Rights groups accuse the Islamic Republic of using the death penalty as a means to intimidate Iranians after nationwide protests erupted in September 2022 following the death in custody of 22-year old Mahsa Amini. They also say that members of ethnic minorities have been disproportionately targeted by the spate of executions.

Bakhtiari implores civil society not to abandon her brother and family.

"All we ask is their support and encouragement. Some individuals keep telling my father that there's no way to save Mujahid and that his execution is inevitable. Such words took a toll on my father's health and led to long hours in hospital," she said. 

"Help us," Bakhtiari implored. "They want to execute my brother based on a fabricated story."