I wonder what goes through a mind of someone who is about to be executed. When they put that cloth to cover your eyes, and all you see is darkness, what runs through a persons mind? Do we think of past failures? Do we think of family? Things we were not able to achieve or most imporantly a life that ended too soon. Behnoud was only 17 when convicted and given the death penalty for doing what any human being would do, defend him or herself. He stabbed another boy for pulling a knife out on him. A young life that had yet to understand the world and its cruelty received it today.

 

   Two hundred strong came to show support for Behnoud chanting and asking the victims family to allow him to live, on the outside of the prison the family agreed however when they went inside it was a twist of faith. An optimistic crowd turned into a state of awe. All due to confusion and as some would call it the heat of the moment.  

 

   When they brought him in the chamber, there were accounts that Behnoud was begging the executioners not to kill him and according to some accounts the mother who seemed to be confused on what to do kept saying ” I have to see the rope around his neck.” And in a matter of seconds it was all over, the room turned black just like Behnouds vision. The stool was removed and Behnoud collapsed to his death. Behnoud was in peace, for once in a very long time. After suffering months of pain and sorrow, this roller coster life comes to an abrupt end due to the prevention of blood reaching the brain. Another family being forced to have their child die before them and a lawyer with questions unanswered. It’s interesting with lawyers, they are taught when they lose a case to move on and to not be so attached when its over, but how does a lawyer go home and sleep knowing an 18 year old has been executed? How can a lawyer wake up the next morning and live with him or herself knowing that no matter how hard he tried his word was no good? Lawyers are also taught to not be over emotional after a case is done, so a lawyer cannot shed tears when something as inhumane such as this happens? I ask questions that I cannot give answers to and I’ll probably never get answers to these question by anyone.

 

   The struggle continues for those in this movement, in the eyes of some Behnoud dies as a murderer but in the eyes of many he falls as young man who got caught up in a terrible system. It’s reported that Behnoud was executed in front of the victims family, how can that family live with themselves? Is ‘eye for an eye’ really satisfying in today’s world, especially for a 17 year old? For Behnoud its all over and he deserved better, for once in his life he will get something he has not had in a long time peace and quiet. As tragic as this is, he was put out of his misery and a dark chapter is over for his life. As for everyone else who has wittnessed this moment, one noose has dropped however, two more remain for Mohamad Zamani and Safar Anghooti , if they could easily move the stool from Behnoud’s feet they wont hesitate to do it to anyone else. As the world cries for him, Behnoud Shojaei sheds tears of joy from heaven.