US concerned over imminent execution of Iran opposition actitvist

By Jubin Katiraie   Iran Focus, Washington, DC,   Commenting on the reports regarding

the imminent execution of Mr. Gholamreza Khosravi Savadjani, charged with providing material assistance to the main Iranian opposition group, the Mujahedeen-e Khalq (MEK), a US State Department Official, speaking on background, said, “We have seen the reports that Gholamreza Khosravi Savadjani, jailed since 2007, faces imminent execution by Iranian authorities.  We have serious concerns regarding the lack of due process in this case, as we do with many other cases in Iran.  We remain deeply troubled by Iran’s increasing use of capital punishment, including public executions, many of which occur without due process.  Human rights activists report Iran executed nearly 500 people in the last 12 months, and sentenced to death more than 300.  We urge Iranian authorities to uphold the freedoms of all its citizens, including the right to a fair trial, and to respect its own laws and constitution which guarantee such rights.”   Earlier, EU’s Foreign Policy Chief, Catherine Ashton, had called on Iranian authorities to stay Mr. Khosravi Savadjani’s execution.