January 14, 2025 – The East Kurdistan National Centre (NNRK) has issued an urgent appeal to the international community and human rights organizations to intervene in the case of Pakshan Azizi, a Kurdish political prisoner and humanitarian worker. The Supreme Court of Iran recently confirmed Azizi's death sentence, a decision that has drawn widespread condemnation due to significant legal and procedural flaws.

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. She was charged with rebellion ("baghi") and membership in opposition groups. Her attorney, Amir Raisian, has raised serious concerns about the trial process, noting that evidence of her peaceful humanitarian activities was ignored. Azizi's work involved aiding refugees from the ISIS conflict in Kurdish regions of Syria, with no political or military implications.

Azizi and her family members were arrested on August 4, 2023, in Tehran and transferred to Ward 209 of Evin Prison. During her time in solitary confinement, she faced new allegations, including instigating riots in prison and clashes with guards, leading to additional charges. Despite her lack of affiliation with political or military groups, Azizi has been subjected to severe judicial injustices.

This case is part of a broader pattern of systematic oppression against the Kurdish population in Iran. In 2024 alone, Iran executed at least 901 people, with more than 50% of Iranian political prisoners being Kurds. The Iranian government continues to systematically kill Kurdish Kolbers, arrest civil society and NGO activists, and pursue an apartheid policy against the Kurds.

The NNRK urges the international community and human rights organizations to:

1. Condemn the Death Sentence: Publicly condemn the upholding of Pakshan Azizi’s death sentence and call for its immediate reversal.
2. Demand Fair Trials: Advocate for fair and transparent judicial processes for all political prisoners in Iran, ensuring that legal and procedural standards are upheld.
3. Highlight Systematic Oppression: Raise awareness about the systematic oppression of Kurds in Iran, including the execution of political prisoners, the killing of Kolbers, and the arrest of activists.
4. Support Humanitarian Efforts: Provide support to humanitarian organizations working to aid Kurdish refugees and other marginalized groups in Iran.
5. Pressure for Policy Change: Apply diplomatic and economic pressure on the Iranian government to end its apartheid policies and respect the human rights of all its citizens.

The confirmation of Pakshan Azizi’s death sentence and the broader context of oppression against Kurds in Iran demand immediate and decisive action from the international community. The NNRK calls for solidarity in upholding the principles of justice, human rights, and dignity for all.

East Kurdistan National Centre (NNRK) January 14, 2025