TEV-DEM: Bakhshan Azizi's death sentence as crime to silence voice of change

In a statement to the public, the TEV-DEM Women’s Office called on international human rights organizations and global women’s institutions to cancel the death sentence issued against Bakhshan Azizi.

The statement read:

"The issuance of death sentences against human and women’s rights activists in Iran has become a concern for all those working in the field of human rights and a stain on the conscience of humanity. It is part of the intimidation policy pursued by the Iranian regime following the 'Woman, Life, Freedom' uprising, as seen in the case of human rights activist and journalist Bakhshan Azizi. She has been detained in Evin Prison since August 4, 2024, in Tehran and has endured physical and psychological torture during her detention.

On July 24, the Revolutionary Court in Tehran sentenced her to death on charges of 'armed rebellion,' despite her years of humanitarian and relief work in the camps of Shingal and Syria. She carried out many activities to assist war refugees. Her presence in North Syria, the Shingal camps, and other camps was to heal the wounds and alleviate the pain of displaced people, both physically and emotionally.

Despite having no history of military activity, and with documents proving her work in refugee camps was purely humanitarian and non-political, the Revolutionary Court in Tehran issued a death sentence against Bakhshan Azizi. This ruling disregards the facts on the ground, is unlawful, and aims to suppress civil society and instill fear.

We, the Women’s Office of the Democratic Society Movement (TEV-DEM), affirm our commitment to continue the struggle to end injustice and unlawful rulings against women worldwide. We condemn the issuance of the death sentence against activist Bakhshan Azizi. We call on the international community to use all available means to save her life, as the death sentence could be carried out at any moment. It is a crime against a women’s and human rights activist and an attempt to silence the voice of change.

We urge the United Nations and relevant bodies, especially the Human Rights Council, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women, the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights Situation in Iran, and all organizations defending human and women’s rights, to take immediate action to save her life and ensure her immediate release.

All solidarity with Bakhshan Azizi and her family, and a demand for the immediate revocation of her death sentence."

A-H

ANHA