Defend International has urged the Iranian authorities to take serious steps towards imposing an immediate moratorium on executions. “As the world’s biggest executioner of child offenders, it is time for Iran to act immediately to restore some of the confidence of the international community,” said Dr. Widad.

Today at the United Nation after years of discussions and debates, the vast majority of governments – 153 in total – agreed a timetable to establish a “strong and robust” Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) with the “highest common standards” to control international transfers of conventional arms. “This is a tribute to the hard work done by campaigners around the world,” said Dr. Widad.

The Swedish authorities are preparing to deport asylum-seeker Mr. Bijan Ghahramani to Iran, where he would be at high risk of detention or other forms of serious harm such as torture.