Leader of the Islamic Republic                                                                                                 by Azarin Sadegh
His Excellency Ayatollah Sayed ‘Ali Khamenei,

Your Excellency,

I am writing to you regarding Behnoud Shojaee.

He is going to be executed very soon for a crime he committed when he was 17 years old. When I read about him, I remembered my son, who is 14 years old. As I look at him, I realize how immature he is, despite the fact that he has been loved and nurtured constantly. I also remember how easily he makes careless mistakes, or pure misjudgments. As a parent, I try to help him to learn through his mistakes, and to grow up to become a responsible adult. 

As we know, Behnoud Shojaee never got this chance, but he seems to be a wonderful kid. His mistake? He mainly tried to end the fight between two of his friends, and unfortunately, at some point, he made a wrong choice. And after the accident, he never received any help and support from his parents or from his family.

A 17 years old had to face a terrible situation all by himslef and I truly find it unfair to this kid. Of course, he made a big mistake, but his young age should explain the resaon of this mistake, and it is so painful to know that this same mistake is going to end his young life.

I am sure he regrets it more than anybody else.  

At this point, you are his only hope.  

As a mother, I am asking for your forgiveness. Please give Behnoud a new chance to live, so he can believe in the values of humanity and empathy.  

With highest regards, 
Azarin Sadegh