Judges Responsible for the Death Sentence of Hamid Hosseinnezhad Heydaranlou: Qasem Mazinani and Reza Najafzadeh

Hamid Hosseinnezhad Heydaranlou, a Kurdish political prisoner, was sentenced to death in July 2024 by Reza Najafzadeh, head of Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Urmia, on charges of "rebellion through membership in the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK)."

This ruling was handed down despite numerous pieces of evidence—including passport stamps and mobile phone signal data—proving that at the time of the alleged confrontation, Hosseinnezhad was in Turkey and not even present in Iran.

The court session, presided over by Judge Najafzadeh, was brief and closed-door, lacking thorough review of the defense arguments and supporting documentation. The verdict relied solely on confessions extracted under torture during solitary confinement, and the controversial principle of "the judge's knowledge" (elm-e-ghazi). During this process, the defendant was denied access to legal counsel, visits from his family, and the right to an effective legal remedy.

Later, on March 25, 2025, the death sentence was upheld by Qasem Mazinani, the presiding judge of Branch 9 of the Supreme Court of Iran. This confirmation came despite the following:

Exculpatory evidence was present in the case file

The defense attorneys had formally requested a retrial or judicial review

Yet, the Supreme Court finalized the sentence without meaningful examination
 

Qasem Mazinani: Head of Branch 9 of the Supreme Court and His Role in Upholding Death Sentences for Political Prisoners:

Qasem Mazinani has long been known for his role as the head of Branch 9 of Iran’s Supreme Court, particularly in upholding death sentences handed to political prisoners. He is widely recognized as a key figure in reinforcing capital punishment verdicts, often disregarding principles of fair trial.

The Case of Hamid Hosseinnezhad: A Symbol of Systemic Injustice:

The case of Hamid Hosseinnezhad, whose initial death sentence was issued by Reza Najafzadeh and confirmed by Qasem Mazinani, stands as a notable example of systemic judicial injustice within the Islamic Republic’s judiciary. It reflects the entrenched use of the judiciary as a tool of repression, rather than a mechanism of impartial justice.

Reza Najafzadeh: Head of Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Urmia and His Role in Issuing Death Sentences for Political Prisoners:

Reza Najafzadeh, through his repeated issuance of death sentences against political and ideological detainees, has emerged as a central actor in the state's machinery of repression. His judicial record demonstrates consistent violations of due process, particularly in high-profile political cases involving Kurdish activists and other marginalized communities.