Source: U.S. Department of State
Statement by Philip J. Crowley, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Public Affair
March 5, 2010 – The United States notes with great concern reports the Iranian courts have upheld a death sentence for 20-year-old university student Mohammad Amin Valian. Valian was arrested for throwing stones during the December 27 Ashura demonstrations, a crime to which he confessed. For this minor act, he was found guilty of ‘warring against God.’ It appears this would be the first person facing execution after the election, although we do note due process concerns about other executions. We find this disproportionate punishment deplorable and urge his immediate release.
Furthermore, we join the international community in calling on Iranian authorities to release all political prisoners. If the Iranian government wants the respect of the international community, it must respect the fundamental freedoms of its people.
