In the case of Amir Mirzaei Hekmati this is one of the most controversial cases of the 21th century Hekmati's trial took place as the US announced new, tougher sanctions against Iran over its nuclear programme.
On Tuesday, December 27, 2011 Amir Mirzaei Hekmati was on trial in Iran for espionage, he has been sentenced to death nearly five months after he was arrested for spying for the CIA. Washington says Hekmati has been denied access to Swiss diplomats, who represent U.S. interests in a country where it has had no mission since its embassy was stormed in 1979.
"Under any standard, this is not acceptable due process of law," A Summary of United Nations Agreements on Human Rights on UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS Preamble states: Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world, Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people, Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law, Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations, Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom, Whereas Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in co-operation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms, Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge,
Now, therefore,
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
“Proclaims this Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction.”
Article 5
No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
Article 6
Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.
Article 7
All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.
Article 8
Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law.
Article 9
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.
Article 10
Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair, and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against him.
Article 12
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.
Article 13 - Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each State.
- Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.
"The Allegations that Mr. Hekmati either worked for, or was sent to Iran by the CIA are false."
"The Iranian regime has a history of falsely accusing people of being spies, of eliciting forced confessions, and of holding innocent Americans for political reasons." The State Department has said Iran did not permit diplomats from the Swiss Embassy, to represent him before or during his trial.
Hekmati's parents issued a statement, signed by his mother, Behnaz Hekmati, denying their son was a spy and asking for mercy for him. They said the former U.S. military translator was visiting relatives in Iran for the first time when he was arrested. His father, a professor at a community college in Flint, Michigan, has said his son is not a CIA spy and was visiting his grandmothers in Iran when he was arrested.
The United States denies that Arizona-born Amir Mirza Hekmati is a spy, and White House National Security Council has demanded his immediate release. Iran has accused Hekmati of training with the U.S. military as a spy.
Amir Mirza Hekmati a 28-year-old was doomed from the start of his trial because he his military contracts included cultural competency training. He worked with American troops on military bases to promote understanding of, and positive communication, with people of other cultures including his own, and because of this "the court found him Corrupt on the Earth and Mohareb (one who wages war on God).
Please make an appeal to the Supreme Court for Amir Mirza Hekmati.
"Amir did not engage in any acts of spying, or 'fighting against God,' why he would take such a chance, as the convicting Judge has claimed in his sentence. Amir is not a criminal. His very life is being exploited for political gain."
Unfortunately, moves to execute Amir Mirza Hekmati have not been stopped; there is much work to be done. Amir Mirza Hekmati deserves his due process as an American citizen and Prisoner of War. I urge you to grant his release. "Amir Mirza Hekmati was sentenced to death Under Iranian law; he can be execute at any time now.
