Political activist Majid Tavakoli has been sentenced to two years in prison by Branch 21 of the Tehran Court of Appeals. The ruling also imposes additional penalties, including a two-year ban on leaving the country, residing in Tehran, and engaging in online activities. This decision comes after the Supreme Court overturned a previous six-year prison sentence and ordered a retrial.

A source close to Tavakoli’s family told HRANA: “Following the appeal by Mr. Tavakoli’s lawyers against his initial six-year prison sentence issued in January 2024, the case was referred to the Supreme Court after being accepted for retrial by Branch 54 of the Tehran Court of Appeals. The Supreme Court subsequently annulled the original verdict and sent the case to a parallel branch for reconsideration. Branch 21 of the Tehran Court of Appeals ultimately sentenced him to two years in prison for ‘assembly and collusion against national security.’ The complementary penalties, including a two-year ban on leaving the country, residing in Tehran, and online activities, were also upheld.”

Tavakoli was arrested in Tehran by security forces on September 23, 2022, during the nationwide protests. He was released on bail on December 19, 2022.

In July 2023, Branch 28 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced him to five years in prison for “assembly and collusion against national security” and an additional year for “propaganda against the regime.” The court also issued a two-year ban on online activities, residency in Tehran, and international travel. This verdict was later upheld by Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeals in late August 2023.

Tavakoli began serving his sentence in Evin Prison on October 7, 2023. However, following a temporary suspension of his prison term, he was released on bail in August 2023 pending further judicial review.

Majid Tavakoli is a well-known political activist with a history of arrests and convictions linked to his advocacy work.