According to Express.co.uk, former Archbishop of Canterbury Dr. Rowan Williams has urged Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy to intervene immediately to stop the execution of two pro-democracy activists in Iran. The activists, Behrouz Ehsani, 70, and Mehdi Hassani, 48, were recently transferred to Qezelhessar Prison, a facility notorious for state executions. Their fate now hangs in the balance as human rights organizations and political figures rally for their release.
Dr. Williams has joined an international coalition of politicians, academics, and statesmen in a last-minute effort to save the two men. He emphasized that these executions should not be ignored by the international community. Express.co.uk quotes him saying, “These men, and other dissidents in Iranian prisons, need to know they are not forgotten.”
Amnesty International has also launched an appeal urging its members to pressure Iranian authorities to halt the executions. The organization highlights the unjust trials of Ehsani and Hassani, which were marred by torture, solitary confinement, and politically motivated charges.
The UK Foreign Office responded to calls for action, reiterating its opposition to the death penalty. A spokesperson stated, “We have repeatedly called on Iran to establish a moratorium on executions. The UK opposes the death penalty in all circumstances as a matter of principle.”
Former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams appeals to UK Foreign Secretary @DavidLammy to urgently intervene to stop execution of Behrouz Ehsani & Mehdi Hassani in Iran
Exclusive interview with @daily_express
CC: @drmaisato #StopExecutionsInIran pic.twitter.com/4vrkx7g9oO
— M. Hanif Jazayeri (@HanifJazayeri) January 28, 2025
Both Ehsani and Hassani were convicted under Iran’s Revolutionary Court system, which has a long record of issuing harsh sentences based on forced confessions and minimal evidence. Their charges included accusations of “rebellion,” “waging war against God (moharebeh),” and membership in the opposition group People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI). Judge Iman Afshari, known for overseeing politically charged cases, presided over their trials and handed down their death sentences.
Dr. Williams expressed concerns that Western reluctance to intervene stems from past foreign policy missteps, making nations hesitant to act against Iran’s human rights abuses. However, he insists that inaction is not an option. “It’s difficult to know if we can make a difference, but we must try,” he told Express.co.uk.
With international pressure mounting, the next few days will be critical in determining whether Iran proceeds with these executions or yields to diplomatic intervention. As global outrage intensifies, human rights advocates continue to push for urgent action to save the lives of these two political prisoners.