Iran Sentences Olympiad Winner To Prison
Ali Ramazani, a prominent figure in Iran's academic community and winner of an international Olympiad, has been sentenced to three years and seven months in prison.
Ali Ramazani, a prominent figure in Iran's academic community and winner of an international Olympiad, has been sentenced to three years and seven months in prison.
Ramazani, known for his achievements as a member of the Iranian National Team in the Microelectronics Olympiad has been convicted of charges including "conspiracy and collusion against national security and propaganda against the Islamic Republic."
Ramazani was arrested on October 16 by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence at his private residence, allegedly in connection with student protests.
Despite his academic accolades, including winning the Best Bachelor Thesis Award from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers in 2021, Ramazani has been subject to what his supporters claim are fabricated charges.
The incident reflects a concerning trend in Iran, where elite students have faced unjust imprisonment. Notably, Ali Younesi and Amir Hossein Moradi, both award-winning science students from Sharif University, were arrested in April 2020. They were accused of possessing explosive devices and alleged ties to "counter-revolutionary groups." However, the claims are widely viewed as part of trumped-up charges.
Younesi and Moradi, recipients of prestigious awards including gold and silver medals at international and national Olympiads, have been subjected to severe torture and prolonged solitary confinement. Despite their academic achievements, they were both given 16 years in prison.
