Two Iranian Protesters Face Charges Punishable by Death

The individuals—Nasim Gholami Simiyari, Hamidreza Sahlabadi, Amin Sokhanvar, Ali Harati Mokhtari, Hossein Mohammad Hosseini, Amir Shah-Velayati, Ehsan Ravazjian, and Hossein Ardestani—were tried by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

Among them, Gholami Simiyari and Sahlabadi faced charges of "armed rebellion against the Islamic Republic," which can lead to harsh sentences including the death penalty.

During the court session, Gholami Simiyari denied all charges, stating that her confessions were coerced through pressure and torture by security officers, and prolonged solitary confinement.

Sources close to the families of the protesters revealed that the six other defendants face various charges, including "membership in a rebel group, assembly and collusion to commit crimes against national security, propaganda against the Islamic Republic, disturbing public order, security, and public peace."

At the end of the court session, the judge informed the defendants and their lawyers that the trial had concluded, and a verdict would be issued soon.

Four individuals—Harati Mokhtari, Mohammad Hosseini, Shah-Velayati, and Ardestani—have been released on bail. However, Gholami Simiyari, Sahlabadi, Sokhanvar, and Ravazjian remain detained in Evin Prison for over a year after their arrest.

The Islamic Republic has repeatedly coerced detainees into testifying against themselves by recording and broadcasting forced confessions. Three other individuals—Shahin Zahmatkesh, Siamak Taddayon, and Siamak Golshani—also face charges but remain at large.

At least eight people were hanged over trumped-up charges related to the nationwide protests of 2022, with several more protesters currently on death row.