Delara Darabi, aged 20, is an Iranian girl at the risk of
execution for a murder which took place when she was 17 years old.
She denies committing the crime. Iran is a state party to international
treaties that expressly prohibit the use of the death penalty for
crimes committed by those under the age of 18.
According to Delara the murder of her father's female cousin was
committed by committed by her 19 year old boyfriend Amir Hossein, whom she was in love with.
Delara Darabi initially confessed to the murder, but soon retracted
her confession. She claims that Amir Hossein asked her to admit
responsibility for the murder to protect him from execution, believing
that since she was under the age of 18, she could not be sentenced
to death.
Delara Darabi was sentenced to death by a lower court in the northern
city of Rasht. The sentence has been upheld by the Iran's Superior
Court. At this stage the Head of the Judiciary has the power to
order a stay of execution and a review of the case.
Amir Hossein has reportedly received a prison sentence of 10 years
for his involvement in the crime. Amnesty International has made
several public statements
public statements about Delara.
Delara is a talented artist and has used
paintings to express her feelings. Last year there was
en exhibition of her paintings in Tehran. According to the Iranian
Etemaad newspaper her death sentence has been confirmed by the Iranian
Supreme Court and her execution may be imminent. Her attorney is
intending to appeal the verdict. In January 20, 2007 Delara attempted
suicide by cutting her wrists, however her cell-mate noticed the
incident and called for help. Delara's was rushed to the hospital,
where she was revived. Delara physical and emotional health is still
unstable.
As a state party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights
(ICCPR) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child
(CRC), Iran has undertaken not to execute anyone for an offence
committed when they were under the age of 18.
Prisoner of Colors - 10 minute documentary about Delara Darabi:
