IRAN: UN Calls the Murder of Juvenile Offender Horrifying and Calls for Independent Investigation

In a statement published today, the UNHRC spokesperson said: "We are horrified at the death of a juvenile offender after he was reportedly badly beaten by security officers." 

"We are particularly shocked as Zeinolabedini was on death row for a crime he allegedly committed in September 2017 at the age of 17. His murder conviction and death sentence were upheld by Iran's Supreme Court in October 2018. He continued to profess his innocence," the spokesperson said, "as we have repeatedly said, the imposition of the death penalty for crimes committed by people below the age of 18 at the time of the offence is strictly prohibited under international human rights law and such sentences should be immediately quashed."

According to Iran Human Right, following a riot in Mahabad prison due to the prisoners’ fear of Coronavirus spread in the prison, death row juvenile offender Danial Zeinolabedini was beaten to death by prison guards. Danial’s body was handed over to his family on Thursday, April 2. 

Read the full story here

The spokesperson for UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has also reminded Iran "of its heightened duty to protect the lives of individuals in detention" and called on the Iranian authorities "to immediately conduct an independent and impartial investigation into Zeinolabedini's death and hold those responsible to account."

"We are also concerned at the fate of six other people who were also reportedly beaten during the riot on 28 March and taken to Miandoab prison. We urge the Iranian authorities to take all measures to protect their lives," the spokesperson said.