17 March 2026
We, the undersigned, express our deep concern over the case of Shahin Vassaf, a Kurdish political prisoner from Salmas and a resident of Urmia, and call for an immediate end to the unjust judicial proceedings against him and for his release.
According to available reports, Shahin Vassaf was arrested by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence shortly after returning to Iran in September 2022. He was held for approximately four months in a detention facility operated by the Intelligence Office in Urmia, where he was reportedly subjected to severe physical and psychological pressure to extract a confession to charges of “espionage for Israel.” It has also been reported that his father was detained and placed under pressure during this period.
Following his transfer to Urmia Central Prison, Branch One of the Islamic Revolutionary Court of Urmia sentenced him to death in October 2023. This ruling was issued after two brief videoconference sessions lasting only a few minutes, during which he was denied access to a lawyer of his choosing.
Upon appeal, Branch 39 of the Supreme Court overturned the death sentence due to deficiencies in the case and referred it back for further review. In subsequent proceedings, Shahin Vassaf was retried and sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment. Despite his request to accept the verdict, the Deputy Prosecutor of Urmia challenged the ruling, resulting in the case being returned once again to the Supreme Court and subsequently referred to the Court of Appeals in Urmia. A hearing was held in February 2026, but no final verdict has yet been issued.
This pattern of proceedings, particularly in light of credible reports of torture, coerced confessions, denial of access to chosen legal counsel, and lack of transparency in the judicial process, raises serious concerns regarding violations of fair trial standards and due process.
Our Demands
We call on the authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran to:
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Immediately halt all judicial proceedings against Shahin Vassaf and secure his release.
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Conduct an independent and impartial investigation into allegations of torture and coercion used to obtain confessions.
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Guarantee the right of all defendants to access legal counsel of their own choosing, to benefit from fair and public hearings, and to receive due process in accordance with domestic and international law.
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End the use of confessions obtained under coercion or torture in judicial proceedings.
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Comply with Iran’s international human rights obligations, including those under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
We further call on international human rights organizations, United Nations special rapporteurs, and relevant global bodies to closely monitor this case and take appropriate action to safeguard his rights.
The immediate release of Shahin Vassaf and the cessation of unjust judicial practices in his case are essential steps toward upholding fundamental human rights and the rule of law.
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