Several high profile political prisoners have voiced condemnation over the recent sentencing of Saeed Madani, a prominent university professor and political activist, to exile.

The prisoners described the action as “a desperate attempt to quell dissent”.

"The sentencing of Madani is a clear demonstration of the authorities' willingness to oppress even non-violent dissenters," said one prisoner.

The statement, released by the prisoners, denounced the government's ongoing systematic suppression of political dissent which has seen hundreds of arrests of academics and students in the wake of the 2022 unrest. Universities have been at the heart of the Women, Life, Freedom movement sparked by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini.

Saeed Madani, known for his involvement in the national-religious movement, faced a nine-year prison sentence in November 2022 on various charges including “forming and managing opposition groups, conspiring against national security, and propagating against the regime.” The Tehran Appeals Court upheld the verdict, with eight years deemed executable.

"Saeed Madani's resilience in the face of adversity is commendable," stated a fellow inmate. "His unwavering commitment to activism despite immense pressure serves as an inspiration to us all."

Among the signatories are Golrokh Iraee, Alireza Eradati, Rasoul Bodaghi, Mostafa Tajzadeh, Mahvash Sabet.