By Gary Raynaldo     DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

The European Union  condemned Iran’s execution by hanging of a juvenile offender.  Shayan Saeedpour was executed in Iran Tuesday morning after being sentenced to death in October 2018 in connection with a fatal stabbing. He was 17 years old at the time of the crime that occurred in August 2015. Article 91 of Iran’s Penal Code authorises judges to use their discretion and not issue a death sentence against a minor who was not able to comprehend the nature and consequences of the crime at the time it has been committed.

“The European Union regrets that this possibility was not utilised on this occasion, and also notes that Mr. Saeedpour reportedly had a history of mental illness. Death penalty sentences for and executions of juvenile offenders are inconsistent with Iran’s international obligations under the International Covenant for Civil and Political Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The European Union reaffirms its strong opposition against the application of capital punishment in any circumstance. We will continue to work for its abolition in the few remaining countries, including Iran, that still apply it.”

Peter Stano, Spokesperson of EU High Representative Josep Borrell 

 Iran Human Rights warned about Shayan’s imminent execution earlier this week and called for the international community’s urgent reactions.  Despite being a signatory to the United Nations Children’s Rights Charter, Iran is one of the four countries in the world that executes juvenile offenders. The punishment is also carried out in Saudi Arabia, Huthi-controlled regions of Yemen and the Gaza Strip.

The family of Shayan Saeedpour, a death row juvenile offender in #Iran was told to come to Sanandaj Prison on Monday for a last visit with their son. Shayan was arrested at 17 after surrendering himself at a police station for the murder of a person during a fight in August 2015. pic.twitter.com/3obyy3JKkv

— IRAN HRM (@IranHrm) April 19, 2020

Iran  Execution of young man ‘vengeful and cruel’:  Amnesty International

Credit: Amnesty International

“The execution of Shayan Saeedpour today in Iran for a crime committed as a child is further proof of the authorities’ total disregard for the right to life, said Amnesty International.

“Shayan Saeedpour’s execution was vengeful and cruel,”

said Diana Eltahawy, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa.

“The use of the death penalty against Shayan – a child with a long history of mental illness – was strictly prohibited. By proceeding with his execution despite international opposition, the Iranian authorities have yet again made a mockery of juvenile justice,” Eltahawy added.