HRANA – Benjamin Naghdi, arrested during the nationwide protests of 2026, has been sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz on the charge of “spreading corruption on earth” (efsad-e fel-arz). His attorney, Mostafa Nili, has announced that he will appeal the verdict before the Supreme Court.
According to HRANA, citing Emtedad, Benjamin Naghdi, who was arrested during the nationwide protests in January 2026, has been sentenced to death.
According to Mr. Naghdi’s lawyer, Mostafa Nili, he was initially charged with “attempted murder,” but the charge was later changed to “enmity against God” (moharebeh). Following the completion of the preliminary investigation, an indictment was issued against him on charges including “enmity against God,” “membership in groups disrupting national security,” “assembly and collusion against national security,” and “propaganda against the regime.” At the same time, the charges of “causing bodily harm to law enforcement officers” and “carrying a cold weapon” were dismissed, and no prosecution was pursued on those counts.
Mr. Nili further stated that the court judges determined that all of the alleged offenses constituted “spreading corruption on earth” and, on that basis, issued a death sentence for his client.
The attorney also said that he and his colleagues will file an appeal within the legal deadline. He expressed hope that, given that no individuals were injured during the incident, the Supreme Court would overturn the sentence.
According to the defense lawyer, Mr. Naghdi was arrested in Shiraz on January 3, 2026, for “igniting a fire extinguisher and directing it toward law enforcement officers.”
Before his arrest, Benjamin Naghdi was active in kickboxing and Muay Thai and had won championship titles in competitions in those disciplines.
It should be noted that protests and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025, and within two days spread beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests became one of the largest protest movements of recent years. Following the crackdown by security and law enforcement forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security agencies. For more information, readers may refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “Crimson Winter,” documenting the first fifty days following the outbreak of Iran’s nationwide protests.
