IRAN: PRISONER EXECUTED ON DRUG RELATED CHARGES

December 15, 2016: A prisoner sentenced to death on drug related charges was reportedly executed at Bandar Abbas Central Prison (Hormozgan province, southern Iran), according to close sources.
Close sources identify the prisoner as 39-year-old Behzad Salimkord. About 4 years ago, Mr. Salimkord was sentenced to death by branch 2 of the Revolutionary Court in Bandar Abbas for the charge of possessing and trafficking 2 kilograms of crystal meth and 250 grams of opium.
Mr. Salimkord was reportedly transferred to solitary confinement 2 days ago in preparation for his execution, and was permitted a visit with his wife and 2 young children.
"Behzad worked in a brick factory for 11 years to pay off the house we lived in. He eventually lost his job and we weren't able to pay for the house for 3 months, so he went to Bandar Abbas to find work. Behzad said that the drugs he was charged for weren't his. Behzad didn't even smoke cigarettes. He hated drugs. Nonetheless, they executed him on drug charges," says a relative of Mr. Salimkord.
Iranian official sources, including the media and Judiciary, have been silent on Behzad Salimkord's execution. (Sources: IHR, 17/12/2016)