Iran Court Sentences 11 Women’s Rights Advocates to Jail

Iranwire – An Iranian Revolutionary Court in northern Rasht has handed down severe sentences to 11 women’s rights advocates, amounting to a cumulative prison term of over 60 years and six months.

Judge Mehdi Rasekhi, who presided over the trial, sentenced Zohreh Dadras to nine years, six months, and two days in prison. 

Her alleged offense was “forming a group to act against national security.” 

Ten other activists, including Forough Saminia, Sara Jahani, Yasamin Hashdari, Shiva Shah Sia, Negin Rezaie, Azadeh Chavoshian, Matin Yazdani, Hooman Taheri, and Jelveh Javaheri, were each sentenced to six years and 47 days in prison for “assembly and collusion to act against national security.” 

Additionally, Taheri and Javaheri each received one-year sentences for “propaganda against the Islamic Republic.”

The trial had started on February 29. 

The activists were arrested on August 16 last year when security forces raided their homes in the cities of Rasht, Anzali, Lahijan, and Fuman.

They were later released on bail from Lakan Prison in Rasht while awaiting the outcome of their legal case.

In September, approximately 300 political and civil rights activists signed a joint statement calling for their “unconditional release.”