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The ‘Death Sentence’ for an Iranian Activist: A Fight Against Time in Hamburg
In 2025, Ali Zarei arrived in Germany for eye treatment, an injury sustained during protests in Iran. Six months ago, he returned to his homeland, only to be condemned to death. His friends in Hamburg are now fighting a desperate battle against time, striving to bring his case to international attention and secure his release.
A video, several months old, shows Ali Zarei speaking into a camera at Hamburg’s Mönckebergstraße, protesting against the Islamist regime and advocating for a free Iran. Today, Hamid Parsa stands at the same spot, but his friend Ali is thousands of kilometers away, in solitary confinement in Ghezel Hesar prison near Karaj, Iran. Since late August, the grim reality is clear: Ali Zarei has been sentenced to death.
In September, Zarei managed to send a voice message from prison. "As I speak to you now, my death sentence has been confirmed by a court of the Islamic Republic. With every moment, I come closer to the gallows of the Islamic Republic," he states, pleading with human rights organizations, the United Nations, and the Iranian diaspora: "Be my voice and prevent my execution."
A Shared Struggle: How Ali Zarei and Hamid Parsa Met
Hamid Parsa, like his friend Ali Zarei, suffered an eye injury during protests in Iran. They initially connected online after both were wounded in the 2022 protests. "Once we had somewhat recovered, we found each other through social media and made contact," Parsa recounts. "We continued our fight as a civil engagement." Parsa describes Zarei as having a "kind heart", full of compassion for others, standing for humanity and against oppression.
"Ali and I, we know each other well. We were comrades, stood side by side, and fought for the freedom of Iran. Many memories connect me with him. We suffered the same pains and share bitter experiences. Similar things happened to us: the injury to our eyes, through which we lost our sight there." – Hamid Parsa, Ali Zarei’s friend.
The 2022 Protests: A Turning Point
Zarei’s story traces back to autumn 2022. Following the death of 22-year-old Jina Mahsa Amini in the custody of the morality police, mass protests erupted nationwide. Amini had been arrested for allegedly wearing her headscarf improperly. Under the slogan "Woman, Life, Freedom," the protests challenged the ruling system. Zarei was among the demonstrators.
On October 7, 2022, according to human rights organizations, he was hit by shotgun pellets in his right eye, losing his sight. In his voice message, he reports being arrested and interrogated in solitary confinement in 2023. He was later released. In early 2025, he managed to leave Iran during a prison leave, traveling via Turkey to Germany.
A Humanitarian Visa and Continued Activism
The Munich-based association "Munich Circle" assisted Zarei in obtaining a humanitarian visa. On April 23, 2025, he arrived in Munich for eye treatment. His ophthalmologist told tagesschau.de that Zarei would require at least three more surgeries, care he could not receive in Iran.
Once in Germany, Zarei remained politically active, speaking at rallies and spending considerable time in Hamburg, attending as many demonstrations as possible. He became an integral part of the Iranian community in the city. Videos show him in front of the Mediamarkt and at the Rathausmarkt. Parsa notes that these protests garnered significant attention. Zarei also appeared in other German and European cities.
The State Office for the Protection of the Constitution has warned of intimidation tactics against Iranian opposition members in Hamburg. Those affected report fear and threats.
An Appearance with Reza Pahlavi
In February 2026, Zarei spoke at a large rally in Munich’s Theresienwiese, attended by an estimated 250,000 people. Also on stage was Reza Pahlavi, son of the last Shah, overthrown in 1979, and a prominent opponent of the Islamic Republic in exile. Zarei supported him.
Danial Ilkhanipour, an SPD city council member in Hamburg with Iranian roots, noted that the support for Pahlavi among some opposition Iranians is often oversimplified in Germany. He explained that while some of Pahlavi’s supporters are monarchists, others are republicans who view him primarily as an opposition leader. Those advocating for a monarchy often envision a parliamentary system akin to Sweden or the United Kingdom. "Democracy is paramount," says Ilkhanipour, emphasizing that human rights, equality, and minority protection are central for most. Zarei aligned himself with this movement.
The Unanswered Question of His Return
In April 2026, Zarei returned to Iran, despite urgent warnings from authorities like the State Office for the Protection of the Constitution in Hamburg, who strongly advise Iranians involved in opposition activities against returning. The reason for his return remains unclear. A friend in Munich told tagesschau.de that Zarei’s mother was ill, and he wished to see her, initially speaking of a meeting in a neighboring country.
Regime Pressure: A Common Tactic
Ilkhanipour describes the internal conflict many exiles face: concern for relatives, longing for their homeland, and the constant danger posed by the regime. "This regime is unscrupulous. Family members are threatened. People are blackmailed into returning, otherwise family members will be put under pressure," he says. "What ultimately drove him in this personal conflict, we will hopefully find out if things turn out well."
Amnesty International also documents such pressure as a widespread pattern. Relatives of protesters are interrogated, arrested, or coerced into making false statements, says Secretary General Julia Duchrow. However, there is no evidence of pressure on Zarei’s family.
Chronology of Ali Zarei’s Case:
- October 7, 2022: Ali Zarei is injured by shotgun pellets in his right eye during protests in Tehran, losing his sight.
- 2023: According to his own statement, he is arrested, held in solitary confinement, and interrogated.
- Early 2025: Zarei manages to leave Iran during a prison leave, traveling via Turkey to Germany.
- April 23, 2025: Arrival in Munich with a humanitarian visa, eye treatment with the help of the Munich Circle.
- February 14, 2026: Speech at the Iran rally in Munich; according to police, up to 250,000 people attend.
- April 2026: Returns to Iran despite warnings from authorities and friends.
- April 28, 2026: Arrest by Ministry of Intelligence officials.
- August 23, 2026: Death sentence communicated to Zarei.
- September 2026: Voice message from Ghezel Hesar prison in Karaj and transfer to solitary confinement. An execution date is unknown.
Arrest Shortly After Entry
On April 28, 2026, shortly after his entry, Iranian Ministry of Intelligence officials arrested Zarei, according to HRANA (Human Rights Activists News Agency). In late June, he was transferred to Ghezel Hesar prison. On August 23, he was informed of his death sentence. The verdict reportedly cites "corruption on Earth" (efsad-e fel-arz) as the central accusation. This broadly defined and serious offense can be punishable by death. The charges include political activities, "propaganda against the system," false news, endangering national security, and illegal entry and exit.
According to Amnesty International, Iranian courts use this offense against political voices. "The judiciary is not independent, the proceedings are not fair," says Duchrow. The charge is used "to punish people who have been politically active and have also spoken out against the government." Zarei denies committing any terrorist or violent acts in his voice message.
Solitary Confinement Intensifies Concerns
In September, Zarei was transferred to solitary confinement, according to Amnesty International. The reason is unknown, as is a possible execution date. Amnesty assesses his situation as critical. The transfer could indicate preparation for execution, says Duchrow, though it is not certain. At the same time, less information about his condition is reaching the outside world. Zarei’s case is part of a drastic trend. Amnesty documented at least 853 executions in 2023, at least 972 in 2024, and at least 2,159 in 2025. These figures cover various charges; in 2025 alone, 998 people were executed in connection with drug offenses, according to Amnesty International. At the same time, the death penalty disproportionately targets critical voices.
What Germany Can Do
"The distressing case is known to the Foreign Office. We are in regular contact with members of the support group," the office informed NDR. They declined to provide further details to protect personal rights. Germany rejects the death penalty "under all circumstances" and advocates globally for its abolition.
The German government can address the case with Iran and exert pressure against an execution, says Duchrow. For Amnesty, public awareness remains crucial. "Publicity can save lives. I am simply convinced of that," says Duchrow. While it’s not a guarantee, attention can increase the political cost of an execution and show prisoners and their relatives that they are not alone.
Hamid Parsa relies on this. "Ali is like family to me," he says. At the spot in Hamburg where his friend spoke just a few months ago, he looks at his phone again. "Ali will always be a legend to me. We are doing everything in our power, hoping to save his life."
Source: tagesschau.de
