An Iranian facing the death penalty for insulting Islam was allegedly tricked into signing his own death warrant.
Sina Dehghan was 19 when he was arrested by the Iranian revolutionary guard for insulting the national religion via an instant messaging app.
According to human rights activists, he was fooled into signing a confession in the belief that prosecutors would be released without punishment.
But, having signed the confession document, Iranian authorities allegedly went back on their promise – and Dehghan is now stuck on death row with little hope.
According to a press release by the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI), his death penalty – punishment for “insulting the prophet” was confirmed in January.
He was also reportedly found guilty of the lesser charge of insulting the supreme leader – which carries a 16-month prison sentence.
Almost all Iranian executions are carried out by hanging.
A source close to Dehghan told the CHRI: “During his interrogation, Sina was told that if he signed a confession and repented, he would be pardoned and let go.
“Unfortunately, he made a childish decision and accepted the charges. Then they sentenced him to death. Later he admitted that he signed the confession hoping to get freed.”
Dehghan has reportedly been in Arak Prison since his arrest in October 2015.
Iran is one of the most prolific state executioners in the world.
In recent years, the nation has been accused of executing children – although officials have denied the claims.
Blasphemy is punishable by death in much of the Islamic world. Other nations which share the penalty include Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Yemen and Nigeria.
