HRANA News Agency – Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeals upheld the sentences against nine Azerbaijani-Turk activists and attorney Taher Naghavi. Judge Abolghasem Salavati had originally sentenced these individuals in the preliminary trial to a total of 81 years in prison and additional penalties.
Summary of the Sentences:
According to the ruling, issued by Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeals on January 15, 2025, and recently communicated to the defendants:
- Ayaz Seyfkhah: 14 years in prison (9 years for espionage and 5 years for conspiracy, with the 9-year sentence enforceable under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code).
- Araz Aman Zeynabad and Baqer Haji Zadeh Mazraeh: Each sentenced to 13 years (8 years for espionage and 5 years for assembly and collusion against national security, with the 8-year sentence enforceable).
- Karam Mardaneh Mostamali Beiglou: 11 years (6 years for espionage and 5 years for assembly and collusion against national security, with the 6-year sentence enforceable).
- Taher Naghavi and Morteza Parvin Joda: Each sentenced to 6 years (5 years for assembly and collusion against national security and 1 year for propaganda against the regime, with the 5-year sentence enforceable). Additional penalties for Naghavi include a two-year travel ban and deprivation of social and political rights.
- Salar Taher Afshar, Saeed Minaei Gheshlagh, and Fatemeh Atash Khiavi: Each sentenced to 5 years for “assembly and collusion against national security”. (Atash Khiavi’s and Minaei Gheshlagh’s sentences include partial suspensions).
- Hassan Ebrahimi: 3 years for conspiracy, with a two-year suspension for part of the term.
Arrest and Detention Background:
These individuals were arrested on February 6-7, 2024, in various cities, including Tabriz, Karaj, Ardabil, and Urmia, by security forces.
- Taher Naghavi was detained in Karaj on February 6, 2024.
- Activists Araz Aman, Baqer Haji Zadeh, and Ayaz Seyfkhah were arrested in Tabriz and later transferred to Evin Prison.
- Karam Mardaneh was detained in Ardabil on February 6, 2024.
- Salar Taher Afshar was arrested in Urmia and transferred to Ward 209 of Evin Prison. He was released on bail on February 28, 2024.
- Saeed Minaei was detained after appearing at the Ministry of Intelligence office in Bonab and later released on bail on March 13, 2024.
Legal Process:
The initial verdicts were issued by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Salavati, known for his harsh rulings against political and civil rights activists.
This case highlights ongoing pressures on political activists and their legal representatives in Iran.