HRANA – Reza Babrnejad, the brother of Mehdi Babrnejad, who was killed during Iran’s 2022 nationwide protests, has been sentenced to a total of six years in prison by Branch 101 of the Criminal Court of Quchan. Four years and six months of this sentence have been suspended.
Recently, Branch 101 of the Criminal Court of Quchan, presided over by Judge Pour Aria, issued and formally notified Mr. Babrnejad of its verdict. Under the ruling, he was sentenced to five years in prison on the charge of “membership in anti-state groups” and one year in prison for propaganda against the regime. Pursuant to Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, only the severest punishment, five years’ imprisonment, will be enforceable. Four years and six months of the five-year sentence have been suspended.
It should be noted that, under Article 302 of Iran’s Criminal Procedure Code, charges such as “propaganda against the state” fall within the jurisdiction of the Revolutionary Court. However, in some counties, such charges are reviewed by criminal courts. This practice, which stems from the absence or structural limitations of Revolutionary Courts in smaller cities, is not fully consistent with the law but has become common in practice due to the lack of specialized judicial institutions and resources.
Reza Babrnejad was released from Quchan Prison on July 21, 2024, after posting bail. He had been arrested by security forces on June 6, 2024, and transferred to Quchan Prison.
Reza Babrnejad, the brother of Mehdi Babrnejad, one of those killed during the 2022 nationwide protests, has previously faced arrest and judicial action due to his activities.
Mehdi Babrnejad, a 22-year-old resident of Quchan, was killed on September 21, 2022, after being shot by security forces during the nationwide protests in the city. Security forces withheld his body for three days before returning it to his family upon obtaining a written commitment from them. His funeral was held under heavy security measures in the village of Shark, located in Quchan County
