On 18 June 2018, Mr Mohammad Salas, a 51-year old bus driver, was executed at Raji Shahr Prison in Iran.

The trial of Mr Salas raises serious questions about the respect for fundamental rights and due process. Mr Salas was reportedly forced to make a confession under torture and was denied access to the lawyer of his choice during the rushed legal proceedings. It appears that key evidence which could have proven his innocence was also rejected. The death sentence was upheld by the Supreme Court which later dismissed an application for a judicial review of the case.

The European Union is opposed to the death penalty under all circumstances and aims at its universal abolition. The death penalty is a cruel and inhumane punishment, which fails to act as a deterrent and represents an unacceptable denial of human dignity and integrity.