Hossein Rahmanifar and his 16-year-old son need your help!

Hossein Rahmanifar and his son fled Iran to Denmark 7 years ago, seeking asylum to avoid persecution from the Iranian regime.

Hossein is keen to speak out against and criticize the Iranian regime while living in Denmark. He is very politically active and often speaks in front of the Iranian embassy here in Denmark as a form of protest. Below is an excerpt from one of his speeches where he addresses Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, directly.

“Today I speak for most people who love Iran. These words are only for Khamenei. Maybe you could kill Mahsa, Neda and Khoda Noor. Maybe you can kill Tomaj. But you must know that thousands of Mahsas, Nedas and Tomajs are born and you know that and you can see that and you must know, Khamenei, the mad man, that there is no way out in your stupid mind. You will have to face your criminal deeds very soon and the time is approaching. Death to Khamenei.”

For the past 7 years, Hossein has been living with and caring for his son in Denmark, trying to create a fulfilling life together. His son is now 16 years old and has spent his childhood and adolescence here. Naturally, he considers Denmark his home and identifies with the culture, norms and language. He doesn’t feel the same connection to Iran and doesn’t want to continue his life there. He shares his father’s beliefs about the Iranian regime and believes they are committing crimes. Therefore, he has also been active in helping his father carry out his political activities.

The Iranian regime has already sentenced Hossein to 91 lashes and 6 years in prison. If Hossein and his son return to Iran, there is no doubt that the Iranian regime will carry out this sentence on Hossein. It is likely that Hossein’s son would also be subjected to similar treatment.

According to the European Convention on Human Rights, Article 3:
“No one shall be subjected to torture or to inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.”

Currently, Hossein and his son are in danger of being deported. While Hossein and his lawyers have presented the case that his conviction by the Iranian regime is proof of the violation of the above article, the Danish state has refused to so much as look at the document.

We value the right to protest, freedom of expression and religious safety and believe that no one should be subjected to torture for these actions. We ask for your help in urging the Danish state not to be complicit in the impending persecution of Hossein and his son.