Amnesty condemns Iran’s ‘abhorrent’ executions of trader, accomplice

Rights group Amnesty International condemns Iran’s execution of a gold trader and his accomplice as “abhorrent” and says it follows a “grossly unfair show trial.”

Vahid Mazloomin and accomplice Mohammad Esmail Ghasemi were executed today after being found guilty of “corruption on earth,” Iran’s most serious capital offence, the judiciary’s Mizan website says.

Mazloomin had been dubbed the “Sultan of Coins” for allegedly exploiting a surge in gold demand from savers spooked by this year’s currency crisis in Iran.

“With these abhorrent executions the Iranian authorities have flagrantly violated international law,” says Amnesty’s Middle East and North Africa research director, Philip Luther.

“These men were convicted after a grossly unfair show trial that was broadcast on state television,” he says, adding that international law forbids the death penalty for non-lethal crimes.

Mazloomin and Ghasemi were found guilty in September and had their death sentences upheld by Iran’s supreme court on October 21.

— AFP