UN experts urge Iran to stop Zahra Tabari execution immediately. The 67-year-old faces death over unfair trial and vague charges. Serious human rights violations exposed.
UN Experts Urge Immediate Halt to Zahra Tabari Execution
Iran Human Rights Society, Wednesday, December 24, 2025 –United Nations human rights experts demand Iran stop the Zahra Tabari execution right away. This 67-year-old electrical engineer sits in Lakan Prison in Rasht. Her case reveals grave breaches of fair trial rights and death penalty abuse.
Experts highlight multiple violations. They stress that authorities ignore international duties and local laws. Furthermore, they warn that the process lacks basic legal protections.
Key UN Rapporteurs Involved
Several UN specialists issued the urgent call. They include:
- Mai Sato, Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran
- Members of the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls: Claudia Flores (Chair), Ivana Krstić (Vice-Chair), Dorothy Estrada-Tanck, Hina Jilani, and Laura Nyirinkindi
- Reem Alsalem, Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls
- Morris Tidball-Binz, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial executions
These experts examined the case closely. Therefore, they call for a full review and immediate stop to the sentence.
Security Charges Behind Zahra Tabari Death Sentence
Authorities sentenced Zahra Tabari to death on October 25, 2025. The Rasht Revolutionary Court charged her with “baghi,” or armed rebellion.
Judges relied on weak evidence. They pointed to a cloth bearing the slogan “Woman, Resistance, Freedom.” They also used an unpublished audio message.
UN experts argue these items do not justify death. Moreover, the charge seems disproportionate and politically motivated.
Tabari remains in Lakan Prison. She faced prior arrests for alleged links to the People’s Mojahedin organization.
Arrest and Transfer to Prison
Security agents raided Tabari’s home in Rasht. They arrested her without a warrant. Agents seized her communication devices and her daughter’s too. They transferred her directly to Lakan Prison. She stays there now under harsh conditions.
Short Trial and Lack of Legal Choice
The trial lasted under ten minutes. Authorities held it via videoconference. Tabari could not choose her lawyer. Instead, the court appointed one. Judges issued the death sentence immediately after.
Ongoing Violations in Zahra Tabari Case
Family sources report the main charge as “propaganda against the system.” Authorities often use this vague label. It suppresses free expression and political activity. Months pass without a proper trial. Her selected lawyer still cannot access the file.
Tabari suffers chronic illnesses. Prison lacks medicine. Psychological pressure worsens her health severely.
Major Human Rights Breaches Identified
UN experts list clear violations in the Zahra Tabari execution case. These include:
- Arbitrary detention. Authorities ignore Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. They detain without warrant or notice.
- Denial of fair trial. This breaks Article 14. No public or impartial hearing occurs.
- Rushed proceedings. Article 14, paragraph 3 suffers. She gets no real defense time.
- Excessive death penalty. Article 6 protects life. The sentence violates this right.
- Vague charges. The principle of legality under Article 15 fails. Broad terms lack clarity.
- Coerced confessions. Article 7 bans cruel treatment. Pressure tactics appear evident.
Experts insist Iran halts the execution now. They demand a thorough, independent review. Human rights groups echo this urgent plea.
See also the below articles:
- No to Execution Tuesdays Campaign: 100 Weeks of Defiant Resistance Against Iran’s Death Penalty Regime
- Iran Executions December 2025: Multiple Hangings in Prisons Nationwide
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