Iranian Lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh Appeals to Singapore President to Pardon Masoud Rahimi Mehrzad Set to Be Executed Nov. 29

Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO); November 28, 2024: Nasrin Sotoudeh, a human rights lawyer and recipient of numerous international awards, including the European Parliament's Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, the PEN/Barbara Goldsmith Freedom to Write Award, and the European Human Rights Award, has appealed to the President of Singapore to grant clemency to Masoud Rahimi Mehrzad, who is scheduled to be executed tomorrow, 29 November 2024.

In her appeal, she wrote: “I am certain that your pardon and compassion can have a significant and positive impact on the fight against the death penalty in Iran. I respectfully ask you not to withhold this opportunity from Iran’s civil society, and with your legal authority, support us in this struggle.”

Masoud Rahimi Mehrzad, Singaporean-Iranian dual national, was arrested 14 years ago at the age of 20 for possession of 31 grams of diamorphine in Singapore and sentenced to death. His execution is scheduled for Friday, 29 November 2024.

Yesterday, Iran Human Rights urged the Singaporean government to halt the execution and grant clemency to Masoud.

Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, the director of Iran Human Rights, stated: “The death penalty has consistently failed as a deterrent for drug crimes. Masoud’s case highlights the need for a more humane approach to justice, especially given his mental health challenges. We call on President Tharman Shanmugaratnam to intervene and grant clemency, saving Masoud’s life and demonstrating Singapore's commitment to "respect for all", while setting a powerful example for justice and compassion.”

FULL TEXT OF NASRIN SOTOUDEH’S LETTER:

Honourable President of Singapore,

Your Excellency Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam,

Greetings and respect,

I am Nasrin Sotoudeh, a lawyer in Iran, learned today that Mr Masoud Rahimi Mehrzad has been sentenced to execution by the judiciary of Singapore. As a lawyer, I must respect the decision of the esteemed judges, for the authority of justice lies in the respect citizens hold for the law and its processes.

However, at the same time, please allow me, as someone who opposes the death penalty and lives in a country with one of the highest execution rates in the world, to address you. Since Singapore is among the nations that respect human rights and civility, I respectfully request, based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Singapore’s progressive history, that you, in your esteemed capacity as President, use the powers granted under your Constitution to prevent the execution of Masoud Rahimi by any means you see fit.

Mr President,

I ask myself how I can make such a request of the President of a nation so far from my own, especially when I have been imprisoned multiple times in my own country for opposing the death penalty. Yet, I am hopeful, trusting in the respect your nation holds in the international community and your alignment with the values of global civilization, to make such a request.

In this specific case, where one of my compatriots has been sentenced to death, I am certain that your clemency and compassion could have a serious and positive impact on the struggle against the death penalty in Iran. I respectfully ask you not to withhold this opportunity from Iran’s civil society. By exercising this legal authority, you can help us in this struggle.

I thank you in advance for the love, kindness, and profound insight you bring to this matter.

With hopes for a better world,

Nasrin Sotoudeh

Tehran, Iran

28 November 2024

Source: Iran Human Rights, Staff, November 28, 2024

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