A Death Sentence for Writing Poetry
149
Signatures
500
Goal
May 12, 2025
Only in the Islamic Republic of Iran can writing poetry be punished by death. As unbelievable as it sounds, on May 1 of this year, the Revolutionary Court in Rasht sentenced Gilani poet Peyman Farahavar to death on the charge of moharebeh (“waging war against God”). In this case, the alleged “warfare” appears to refer to his writings -- his poetry, his protest literature, and his critical voice. The trial was held behind closed doors, and Farahavar was denied the right to choose his lawyer. These conditions have kept details of the case and the judge’s rationale for such a harsh sentence from reaching public awareness.
Peyman (Amin) Farahavar has been held at Lakan Prison in Rasht since September 2024. He is the father of a ten-year-old child. According to the Iran Human Rights Society, “This political prisoner suffers from serious health issues, including complications from gallbladder surgery, lymphatic sensitivity, multiple abscesses, and severe pain in the surgical area. Despite his deteriorating condition, prison authorities have refused to transfer him to a medical facility. He also experienced internal bleeding during interrogation and continues to be denied appropriate medical care.”
Peyman Farahavar is a young poet devoted to social and environmental justice. In his native Gilan Province, he has spoken out against illegal construction projects and the destruction of local forests. He is the voice of conscience -- a model citizen using his words to defend the earth and dignity. His rightful place is not in prison, let alone under a barbaric death sentence.
We, the undersigned, demand the following from the Iranian Judiciary:
- Immediate repeal of the death sentence against Peyman Farahavar and dismissal of all charges related to the peaceful exercise of his freedom of expression.
- Unconditional release of Peyman Farahavar and all prisoners of conscience detained for their artistic, literary, or political expression.
- Access to proper medical treatment for Peyman Farahavar and all political prisoners following international human rights standards.
- Transparency in judicial proceedings, including the right to a fair trial with legal representation of one’s choice and public access to court decisions.
- An end to the criminalization of literature, poetry, and dissent, and the repeal of vague charges such as moharebeh used to suppress freedom of speech.
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Recent events
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See where all the votes are coming from
Province Number of signatures Alborz 3 Ardabil 1 Bushehr 0 Chahar Mahaal and Bakhtiari 1 East Azerbaijan 2 Fars 6 Gilan 8 Golestan 1 Hamadan 3 Hormozgan 1 Ilam 0 Isfahan 3 Kerman 1 Kermanshah 3 Khuzestan 3 Kohgiluyehv And Boyer Ahmad 0 Kurdistan 0 Lorestan 1 Markazi 0 Mazandaran 2 North Khorasan 0 Qazvin 0 Qom 0 Razavi Khorasan 4 Semnan 0 Sistan and Baluchestan 0 South Khorasan 0 Tehran 18 West Azerbaijan 0 Yazd 1 Zanjan 0 This petition has received 149 signatures so far. Approximately 85% of signatures come from Iran. Approximately 15% of signatures come from outside of Iran. Learn how Daadkhast generates signature maps. -
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an Anti-Death Penalty Campaigner started this petition
