KHRP wishes to express its continued concern regarding the welfare of the two Kurdish journalists, Hiwa Butimar and Adnan Hassanpur, who are facing execution in Iran. Despite pressure by the European Union, Italy and numerous NGOs, the Iranian Ministry of Justice has confirmed the death sentences.

Both men have been on a hunger strike for 38 days in protest against their arbitrary arrest, unfair trial, sentencing and the appalling conditions of their detention. KHRP has appealed to the United Nations Secretary General to take immediate action to encourage Iran to comply with its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The lives of these two men are seriously at risk unless immediate action is taken.

KHRP Executive Director Kerim Yildiz today stated: “Between their hunger strike and the looming threat of execution, the lives of Mr Hassanpur and Mr Butimar are in the balance. KHRP urges the international community, and in particular Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, to redouble its efforts on their behalf. We further call on Iran to fall into line with both Iranian and international law by immediately releasing these men back to their families”.