Letter by HDP to Iranian Ambassador for Penahi Sentenced to Death

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Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) Co-Chairs Pervin Buldan and Sezai Temelli have conveyed their concerns of 22-year-old Iranian Kurdish activist Ramin Hüseyin Penahi, who was sentenced to capital punishment, to Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Ebrahim Taherian Fard, called for stop of the execution.

Stating that they monitor developments about Penahi with concern, the HDP Co-Chair said, “The information that Penahi will be executed on September 4 Tuesday have greatly increased our concern” in the letter.

Penahi will allegedly be executed today (September 4) or Thursday.

Stressing that capital punishment is violation of right to live, which is the most basic human right, the capital punishment imposed on Penahi goes against universal humanitarian values, the letter sent via “urgent” code read.

Stating that this capital punishment has caused a great sorrow for Kurdish people living Turkey as well, the HDP Co-Chairs made called on the Islamic Republic of Iran administration to stop the execution of Kurdish activist Ramin Hüseyin Penahi.

Buldan and Temelli had sent another letter asking for stop of the execution in the past.

Message by Panahi: I am a civilian activist

Panahi's family has also shared a video message on social media, where Panahi has said,

"I would like to extend my thanks to my people and the ones supporting me. I am an activist in favor of the freedom of the people of Kurdistan. I would like to thank the people of both Kurdistan and Iran for their support.

"I deny the charges brought against me once again. I am not a terrorist. I am a civilian activist. I have been struggling for the freedom of the people of Iran and especially the freedom of the people of Kurdistan." (AS/TK)