Freedom House has condemned the execution in Iran of acclaimed poet and activist Hashem Shaabani.



The watchdog said Shaabani, 32, was put to death on January 27.



An Islamic Revolutionary Tribunal reportedly had sentenced the poet to death, along with 14 others, last July on charges that included "waging war on God."



In a statement on February 5, Freedom House said Shaabani was subjected to severe torture and interrogation during his three years in prison.



It said his death illustrates that Iran continues its violent repression of ethnic minorities and that human rights have not improved under President Hassan Rohani's rule.



Shaabani was an Iranian of Arab origin and a founder of the Dialogue Institute, which promoted understanding of Arabic culture and literature in Iran.

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