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:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=533103998986446192&hl=en
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Comments: 12
This, of course, makes no difference to those who want her dead.
Unfortunately, I know nothing about the laws in Iran, so I am less than qualified to speak.
She is quite a beautiful lady, young......and talented, with so many things to offer in her future should she now have one. I do remember signing a petition a while back listed by another Gather member against Delara being executed.
Niki, thank you very much for posting/reposting this article. I appreciate you. ~j
The fact now about her guilt is questionable as she has changed her story. If the change is the truth, then how guilty is she in truth? How much did she know and help with it? This we do not know, and only the story laid out by someone that has changed it at least once.
And in a rogue state like Iran, how do you define truth? It will be what they will allow told, and what they will tell the courts is truth.