On December 24, 2022, the Rasht Revolutionary Court held the first court session against Ali (Makan) Davari, accused of the charges of ‘enmity against God’ (Moharebeh) and ‘spreading corruption on earth.’ Davari, a resident of Langarud, was arrested over protests and is currently in pre-trial detention at Ezbaram Lahijan Prison, Gilan Province.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, on December 24, 2022, Ali (Makan) Davari’s trial began by the Rasht Revolutionary Court.

An informed source close to his family told HRANA: “In the first week of nationwide protests, on the way returning home from the gym, Makan helped several women in rescuing themselves from the assault of a group of men who later he found out that they were plainclothes security agents.”

According to this informed source, Davari’s mother, who is suffering from leukemia, was physically pushed and assaulted by the agents in the Langarud courthouse, where she had been to inquire about his son’s condition.

“In the first days following his arrest, they promised him and his family to drop the charges on the condition his family would not publicize his arrest and the charges. However, after three months, they did not keep their promise,” the informed source added.

In recent months, many protestors have faced charges such as Moharebeh and “spreading corruption on earth,” which can result in death.

HRANA has detailed the legal cases of 58 citizens sentenced to death or under the impending threat of death sentence over protests. Read this report here.