The Tehran Court of Appeal has confirmed the six-year sentence imposed on Ramin Alinia Tazeh-Kand, an Azerbaijani (Turk) activist who was apprehended during the nationwide protests in 2022.

Originally, Judge Salavati of the Tehran Revolutionary Court had pronounced a five-year sentence for “assembly and collusion against national security” and an additional year for “propaganda against the regime.” Alinia has also been subjected to a two-year ban on leaving the country, participating in political groups and parties, and engaging in activities on media and social platforms. Pursuant to Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the five-year term for the first charge will be enforceable.

Alinia was taken into custody by security forces in Ardabil on November 8, 2022. After spending 12 days in detention, he was granted release on bail from Ardabil Prison.

Background on the 2022 Nationwide Protests

The arrest of Mahsa Amini by Tehran Morality Police for her improper hejab and her suspicious death on September 16 sparked protests sweeping across Iran. Protesters came to the streets with the central slogan “Women, Life, Freedom” in protest against the performance, laws and structure of the regime. During the nationwide protests, thousands of people, including journalists, artists, lawyers, teachers, students and civil rights activists, were arrested.