Amnesty International:

The Iranian authorities must immediately halt the planned execution of a man sentenced to death after being convicted for the rape of a child, Amnesty International said today.

Farhad Salehi Jabehdar, 29, is scheduled to be executed in the Central Prison of Karaj in Alborz province this Saturday (20 June).

According to a court document obtained by Amnesty International, Farhad Salehi Jabehdar has been sentenced to death for “forced male-male intercourse” (lavat-e be-onf) with a 10-year-old boy.

“Iran continues to execute several hundred people every year, earning the shameful spot of the second top executioner in the world,” said Diana Eltahawy, Amnesty International’s Middle East and North Africa Deputy Director

“We urge the Iranian authorities to halt this planned execution. While the details of this case are truly abhorrent, the use of the death penalty for rape is not permitted under international law.

“The death penalty is the ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment. Its continued use in Iran is shocking, and it’s time to end this inhuman practice once and for all.”

Farhad Salehi Jabehdar’s family were summoned to prison yesterday (16 June) for their final visit. As a result, they are extremely concerned that his execution may now take place earlier than planned.

Under international law, states that retain the death penalty must restrict its use to the most serious crimes involving intentional killings.

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