Iran: In a discouraging turn of events, Iran has executed a 17-year-old boy, Hamidreza Azari, found guilty of murder, as reported by Norway-based Hengaw and Iran Human Rights (IHR) groups. The somber act transpired on November 24 in the eastern town of Sabzevar in Razavi Khorasan province, a revelation that has stirred perplexity and dismay among observers.
The execution of Azari, the lone child in his family, despite his tender age, was underscored by Persian-language satellite TV channel Iran International. The tale surrounding his sentencing to death emanated from a tragic brawl in May of the same year, marking a profound loss of life in the unfolding tragedy.
This draconian decision by the Iranian administration has triggered widespread condemnation from various rights groups. Iran’s distinct situation as one of the few countries executing individuals below this age threshold injects a burst of urgency into the global discourse on juvenile justice.
According to IHR, this disturbing event is not an isolated case. The data paints a troubling picture, revealing that at least 68 minors have faced execution in Iran since 2010. This revelation, loaded with complexity and gravity, serves as a call to action for the international community to reevaluate the effectiveness of existing frameworks and to advocate for more humane and just treatment of young offenders.
