May 20

May 20 Executions

Jack Siegel

Chicago, Demonstrations, Protest, Public Declarations

“5 more minutes to go
Won’t somebody come and cut me loose ”

— Shel Silverstein, 25 Minutes To Go, from Inside Folk Songs (1962)

“All this energy calling me
Back where it comes from”

— Ian Hunter, Cleveland Rocks, from Your're Never Alone with A Schizophrenic (1979)

It certainly wasn’t the largest demonstration in Millennium Park’s almost 20-year history—probably no more than 125 souls. But it certainly was electric. Chicago’s Iranian community came together to call out and highlight the Iranian government’s continued practice of executing those who disagree with its rule and edicts. The recent wave of executions trace back to the regime’s treatment of Masha Amini, the 22-year old Kurdish woman who was beaten to death while in custody for failing to adhere to Iran’s dress code for woman. Following her death, protests erupted in Iran and around the world.

Today’s group gathered on the park’s north end, in the large, open green space dubbed Wrigley Square, although most stood on the cement plaza surrounding the large circular fountain. No doubt the Iranian community has its act together when it comes to demonstrations, as I’ve witnessed before. The signs are graphically engaging, many professionally printed. The leaders come with the largest bullhorns I’ve ever seen—they might want to turn the volume down a bit (ear plugs were essential).

Most notably, the Iranians bring compelling street theater that makes their point come alive. Today, several demonstrators wore nooses around their necks, suspended from handheld gallows. During the early portion of the demonstrations, the assembled formed a circle, with two blindfolded and bound demonstrators standing in front of an Iranian flag surrounded by candles and a large, red noose lying on the ground.

Following 45 minutes of short speeches and chants, the group marched along Michigan Avenue, then turned westward on Wacker, and brought matters to a conclusion several blocks shy of the Merchandise Mart.

Mixed in the crowd were several abortion-rights demonstrators. I find the connection a bit tenuous, but last fall, following Masha Amini’s murder by the Iranian morality police, the Iranians showed up in force at an abortion-rights rally in Federal Plaza. So I am in a distinct minority when it comes to connecting the two causes. Apparently, both groups have an affinity toward each other because both are focused on women’s rights. My own preference is that events should focus on a single issue, which strikes me as the more impactful approach.

As I walked alongside the marchers, I was struck by the names on their signs. Who are these individuals? In some cases, the better question: Who were these people? After some research, I now know the answer to both questions.

[Click on an Image to Enlarge It]

Toomaj Salehi: Salehi is a 32-year old Iranian hip hop artist, who is known for his work commenting on Iranian society. He was arrested on October 30, 2022 during protests honoring Mahsa Amini. One of the regime’s mouthpieces characterized Salehi as one of “the leaders of the riots who promoted violence.” The government charged him with “corruption on earth,” along with spreading propaganda, cooperating with a hostile government, and “inciting violence.” He currently is imprisoned after being convicted in a trial that was held behind closed doors. Mouse Hole video; and Confession Video.

Saeed Yaghoobi: Yesterday, Saeed Yaghoobi was executed in the central city of Isfahan. He was one of three men (the other two were also executed) arrested following the September 2022 protests over the death of Mahsa Amini. The regime claimed that the three men killed a policeman and two members of Basij, a paramilitary group operating out of Isfahan. Human rights groups claim that the regime obtained the televised confessions after torturing the three.

**Adding Some Color to the Cultural Center**

Mohammad Hosseini: On January 7, 2023, Iran hanged Mohammad Hosseini, claiming that he had killed a member of the Basik paramilitary force during anti-government protests in the Fall of 2022. He was arrested on his weekly visit to his parents’ graves. According to a German official, Hosseini will be remembered for his volunteer efforts on behalf of children.

Mohammad Mehdi Karami: On the same day, Mohammad Mehdi Karami was also executed, on similar charges. He was a noted karate champion, winning at the Iranian national championships. His family claims that he was tortured in prison, and his father was denied visits with his imprisoned son.

Saman Yasin: Yasin was found guilty of “enmity against God” after his arrest in Tehran for firing a gun in the air and setting a bin ablaze. He had also posted several Instagram stories supporting anti-government protests. He is a well-known rapper, who rapped about inequality, corruption, and torture. For his “crimes,” he was sentenced to death, but his appeal was accepted for review by Iran’s Supreme Court.

**Lighting Candles in Remembrance of the Victims**

**The Banner Passes While the Police Block Traffic**

Majid Kazemi: Kazemi was one of the three prisoners executed yesterday, despite pleas from prominent Iranians to halt the executions, and protests in Berlin, London, and Stockholm. According to news reports, Kazemi was subjected to mock executions at least 15 times, and suspended upside down while being forced to watch videos of his brother being tortured.

Mohsen Shekari: Twenty-two year-old Mohsen Shekari was executed on December 8, 2022 following his conviction for using a machete against a member of the security forces during the Mahsa Amini protests earlier in the year. His alleged action caused injury, but not death. His was the first execution directly attributable to those protests. Iranian officials refused to return Shekari’s body to his family for burial.