The Hana Human Rights Organization has learned that the Supreme Court has upheld the death sentences of two Kurdish political prisoners, Raouf Sheikh-Maroufi and Mohammad Faraji. Both men, residents of Bukan and detainees of the “Woman, Life, Freedom” uprising, have had their cases forwarded to the Sentence Execution Branch, paving the way for the implementation of their sentences.
According to information received, the initial death sentences for the two prisoners were handed down by Branch One of the Mahabad Revolutionary Court. After the Supreme Court overturned that initial verdict, the case was remanded to the Miandoab Revolutionary Court for a retrial, which subsequently reinstated the capital punishment.
Ultimately, the Supreme Court upheld the latter ruling. The final confirmation of these sentences has severely heightened concerns regarding the imminent execution of the two men.
Reports indicate that Sheikh-Maroufi and Faraji are currently being held in Bukan Central Prison. Following the confirmation of the sentences, their families have expressed deep concern over the fate and well-being of the two prisoners.
According to available data, security forces arbitrarily arrested Sheikh-Maroufi on December 26, 2022, and Faraji on February 20, 2023, without presenting judicial warrants. Following their arrests, both men were transferred to the detention center of the Ministry of Intelligence in Orumiyeh, where they underwent interrogation. Informed sources had previously reported that the detainees were subjected to severe physical and psychological pressure aimed at extracting forced confessions.
On June 10, 2023, upon the conclusion of their interrogation phase, the two prisoners were transferred from the Orumiyeh intelligence facility to Bukan Central Prison. Throughout the judicial proceedings, they were deprived of access to independent legal counsel of their choosing for an extended period, relying solely on state-appointed attorneys.
Hana’s sources further report that over the course of their detention, which has spanned more than three years, judicial and security institutions have repeatedly denied requests for the temporary release of the two men on bail.
It should be noted that the death sentences for Raouf Sheikh-Maroufi and Mohammad Faraji were issued in March 2026 by Branch One of the Mahabad Revolutionary Court on charges of “Moharebeh” (enmity against God) and “Efsad-fil-Arz” (corruption on earth). These sentences were subsequently upheld by the Supreme Court after navigating the judicial appellate process.