TEHRAN: Iranian rights activist and journalist Narges Mohammadi, released from jail in October, has been handed a new sentence of 80 lashes and 30 months in jail, her lawyer said Thursday.
Mohammadi, 49, a campaigner against the death penalty, was spokeswoman for the Defenders of Human Rights Center in Iran — founded by lawyer and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi — when she was arrested in May 2015.
At that time, the mother-of-two was handed a 10-year prison sentence for “forming and managing an illegal group,” among other charges, but was released last year after her sentence was reduced.
However, on Tuesday, the reformist newspaper Etemad reported she had been tried and found guilty of “propaganda against the system” of the Islamic republic, as well as “defamation” ” and “rebellion against the prison authority.”
The paper said she was charged with having “issued a statement against the death penalty,” of having accused prison officials of “torture and harassment,” and of organizing a sit-in protest while in prison.
She was sentenced “to 80 lashes, 30 months in prison and two fines,” the paper reported.
Her lawyer, Mahmoud Behzadi-Rad, confirmed the report to AFP, adding that Mohammadi does not intend to appeal given the “circumstances,” without providing further details.
According to international press freedom organization Reporters Without Borders (RSF), during her detention Mohammadi was moved from Tehran’s Evin prison to a prison in Zanjan, in northwestern Iran.
The journalist had “lodged a complaint against her immoral and illegal transfer,” her lawyer said.
Etemad newspaper said the activist had also claimed she was “beaten and harassed” in Evin prison.
“Instead of examining her complaint, justice officials opened another case against my client,” Behzadi-Rad said.
The European Union called the sentencing “a worrying development.”
“Mohammadi has devoted her life to the cause of human rights,” an EU spokesperson said in a statement.
“The EU calls on Iran to review Mrs.Mohammadi’s case in compliance with the applicable international human rights law, and taking into account her deteriorating health condition.”
Iran sentences activist to 30 months jail, flogging
https://arab.news/bqckb
Iran sentences activist to 30 months jail, flogging
- Narges Mohammadi, a campaigner against the death penalty, was spokeswoman for the Defenders of Human Rights Centre in Iran
- Reformist newspaper Etemad reported Tuesday she had been found guilty of "propaganda against the system" of Iran
Southern Transitional Council welcomes Saudi invitation for Yemen dialogue
- Saudi Arabia announced the invitation earlier on Saturday at the request of Rashad Al-Alimi, president of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council
- Kingdom urged all factions to participate “to develop a comprehensive vision”
RIYADH: The Southern Transitional Council (STC) in Yemen on Saturday welcomed Saudi Arabia’s invitation to take part in an inclusive dialogue among southern Yemeni factions in Riyadh.
In a statement, the group said the move reflected the Kingdom’s commitment to resolving political issues through dialogue, particularly in relation to the southern people’s right to restore their state.
The STC stressed that any meaningful dialogue must recognize the will of the southern people, include full international guarantees, and consider a free referendum as part of any future proposals or political solutions.
The council said it had taken part in all stages of dialogue sponsored by Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council, beginning with the 2019 Riyadh Agreement, followed by the 2022 Riyadh Consultations, and culminating in the comprehensive Southern Dialogue that led to the adoption of the Southern National Charter in 2023—underscoring its consistent commitment to dialogue and political responsibility.
Saudi Arabia announced the invitation earlier on Saturday at the request of Rashad Al-Alimi, president of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council.
The Kingdom urged all factions to participate “to develop a comprehensive vision” that would fulfill the aspirations of the southern people.
The initiative has received broad regional and international support.
