The Supreme Court of Iran has upheld the death sentence for Pakshan Azizi, a political prisoner currently held in Evin Prison. This verdict, issued by Branch 39 of the Supreme Court, was confirmed despite numerous legal and procedural flaws in the case.

Amir Raisian, Azizi's attorney, expressed concern about the trial process in an interview with Shargh newspaper. He emphasized that evidence proving his client’s peaceful activities was disregarded. Raisian stated that Azizi’s efforts were limited to humanitarian work aiding refugees from the ISIS conflict in Kurdish regions of Syria and had no political or military implications.

Pakshan Azizi, a 37-year-old resident of Mahabad in East Kurdistan, was sentenced to death and an additional four years in prison by Branch 26 of Tehran's Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari. She was charged with rebellion ("baghi") and membership in opposition groups.

Azizi, along with her 67-year-old father Aziz Azizi, her sister Porshang Azizi, and her brother-in-law Hossein Abbasi, was arrested on August 4, 2023, in Tehran by armed forces and subsequently transferred to Ward 209 of Evin Prison. In protest against her family’s detention, Azizi initiated a hunger strike, which she ended after their release on bail.

During her time in solitary confinement, Azizi faced new allegations, including instigating riots in prison and clashes with guards. These accusations led to additional charges being brought against her.

A source close to Azizi’s family revealed that she had no affiliation with political or military groups. For the past decade, she worked as a social worker in refugee camps, providing humanitarian aid in Syria’s war zones without any direct conflict with Iranian forces.

Her attorney criticized the ruling, stating it violates principles of fair trial and judicial integrity. Raisian announced plans to file an appeal with the Supreme Court, hoping for a thorough review of the case.

Azizi was previously arrested in 2009 for political activities and released on bail after four months. The confirmation of her death sentence has heightened concerns about the increasing pressure on political and human rights activists in Iran.

This development further underscores the urgency of addressing Iran's judicial practices and the need for international attention to the plight of political prisoners in the country.