‘Repression and injustice’: Canadians want fair trial for imprisoned Iranian philanthropist

Two Canadians are seeking public assistance in an effort to save the lives of two imprisoned philanthropists who may face the death penalty in Iran.

Farzaneh and Dr. Hamid Ghare-Hassanlou are among 28 people who may face execution in connection with the ongoing freedom protests in the Middle Eastern country sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini.

The couple were recently put on a sham trial for “pervasive corruption on earth”, related to crimes against national security, activities that disrupt Iran’s public order and economic structure, spreading lies and committing crimes. arson, etc.

This is a capital offense known to be prosecuted against activists and journalists.

According to Dr. Hooman Hosseini Nik, Barry, Ontario. Radiologist, no evidence against the couple.

Hosseini Nik, who completed his residency with Dr. Ghare-Hassanlou at the Iranian Medical University in Tehran, said his friend and colleague is a prominent radiologist in the country.

“We want a fair trial by an independent and impartial court, something that seems impossible in Iran’s current judicial system,” Hosseini Nik told Global News.

“We just want to raise awareness and we need the support of the world community to put pressure on Iran to prevent these atrocities, oppression and injustice. We need to put pressure on the Islamic Republic, not Iran.” I have.”

Galle Hassanrouth, a married couple, were arrested last month after attending a ceremony to mark the 40th anniversary of the death of protester Hadith Najafi in Karaj, west of Tehran.

Najafi, who was reportedly shot dead by security forces, became a symbol of the freedom movement after a video surfaced of him tying his hair during anti-regime protests on September 21. That was days after Amini died in Iran’s moral police custody. Her hijab is said to be worn too loosely.

Since then, the activist news agency HRANA said some 470 protesters, including 64 minors, had been killed. At least he had 18,210 demonstrators arrested and his 61 members of the Iranian security forces killed.

As of last week, the United Nations reported over 300 deaths and 14,000 arrests.

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Kamran Malekpur, an Iranian investigative reporter, said he has been in touch with Galle Hasanrouth’s family in Iran and is closely following the case from his home in Metro Vancouver.

Notably, he added, the short time between the couple’s arrest and trial could result in state-sanctioned death. , was given a public defender assigned by the government.

“While he was in the hospital, they took[Dr. Ghare-Hassanlou]to court and made him confess what they wanted, even though he didn’t,” Malekpour said. Told.

“The entire trial, just for Dr. Ghare-Hassanlou and his wife, took very little time. It was open to the public, but only a handful of government-affiliated media attended the court.

He said the couple were being tried in groups of 15, some of whom could receive life imprisonment instead of the death penalty. -Hassanlou is suffering from injuries sustained during or after his arrest, including four broken ribs and internal bleeding, Malekpour added.

Both he and Hosseini Nik have praised the pair’s philanthropic efforts. Together they built three schools in underserved communities in southern Iran.

“He was a very ethical and professional doctor, and besides, he was a humble man,” Hosseini Nik said, adding that he thinks of Galle Hassanruth day and night.

“The residency is one of those times when you build very deep friendships with people. I’ve been in Canada for about two years now and it’s friendships that will last forever.”

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Malekpour calls on the Canadian Medical Association and the Canadian people to speak for the innocent and generous doctor and his wife. The Islamic Republic of Iran wants to “silence” her.

Last month, the United Nations Human Rights Council voted to establish an inquiry into state crackdowns on freedom protesters. Tehran has refused to investigate and said it will not cooperate.

Like Ghare-Hassanlous, famed Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi has also been indicted for global corruption and is one of 28 people likely to be executed.

Iran blames foreign enemies and their proxies for the unrest. The attorney general last month ordered judges to give harsher sentences to “major elements of the riots.”

– wReuters ith file

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