Supreme Court Rejects Pakhshan Azizi’s Request for Retrial

HRANA News Agency – Attorney Amir Raisian announced that Branch 9 of Iran’s Supreme Court has rejected the request for a retrial in the case of Pakhshan Azizi, a political prisoner sentenced to death.

According to HRANA, quoting Shargh, Raisian provided details about Azizi’s latest legal status. In an interview, he stated that Branch 9 of the Supreme Court issued the rejection ruling on January 25, which was officially communicated to him yesterday.

Raisian  explained that the court justified its decision by arguing that the legal flaws in the case fall under substantive issues rather than procedural errors. However, he pointed out that in March 2024, a specialized criminal panel of the Supreme Court had stated that a retrial could be granted in cases where the convicted person’s actions do not constitute a crime or lack essential criminal elements.

Criticizing procedural flaws in the case, Raisian highlighted a key inconsistency in the ruling: “The rejection order states that Ms. Azizi is affiliated with both the Democratic Party and PKK (PJAK). It is unclear how she could simultaneously belong to both groups. More importantly, the ruling does not specify which organization she was allegedly a member of that warranted a death sentence. The document states that she was sentenced to death for ‘armed rebellion’ under Article 287 of the Islamic Penal Code, while also receiving a prison sentence for membership in ‘hostile and terrorist groups’—the Democratic Party and PKK (PJAK).”

Raisian further questioned the legal reasoning behind the verdict: “If she received a prison sentence under Article 499 of the Penal Code for alleged membership in either the Democratic Party or PJAK, then for which other group was she sentenced to death?”

He also noted that previous errors in defining the alleged “criminal group” in this case had set a precedent, and he expressed astonishment that such mistakes persisted at this stage of the legal proceedings.

In a separate development, Maziar Tataie, another defense attorney for Azizi, had stated earlier that when he followed up on her retrial request at the Supreme Court, the reviewing branch had agreed to suspend the execution of her sentence under the provisions of Note 478 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

Background on Azizi’s Case

On July 24, Azizi was sentenced to death and four years in prison by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, on charges of “armed rebellion (baghi)” through alleged membership in dissident groups.

On August 4, 2023, Azizi, along with her 67-year-old father Aziz Azizi (a lymphoma patient), her sister Parshang (49), and her sister’s husband Hossein Abbasi (49), was arrested in Tehran. The arrests were carried out by approximately 20 armed agents who stopped their moving vehicle, searched them, and transferred them to The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, known as Ward 209 of Evin Prison.

In protest against her family’s detention, Pakhshan began a hunger strike, which she ended after learning that her family members were released on bail after two weeks of solitary confinement. After being held in solitary confinement in Ward 209 for three months and three weeks, she was transferred to the women’s ward of Evin Prison on December 10, 2023.

Later, Aziz Azizi, Parshang Azizi, and Hossein Abbasi were sentenced to one year in prison each by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, also under Judge Iman Afshari, for “assisting a criminal in escaping prosecution and conviction.” Their sentences were upheld by the Tehran Court of Appeals on September 27, and their appeal was forwarded to the Supreme Court.

A source close to Azizi’s family told HRANA:
“Pakhshan has no affiliations with any groups. She worked as a social worker for 10 years in refugee camps in Rojava. The groups she worked with were fighting against ISIS—an enemy of both the Islamic Republic and the Quds Force. There was no direct conflict between Pakhshan’s associates and Iranian forces, a fact clearly evident in her case.”

In mid-October 2024, during a protest by female prisoners in Evin following the execution of Reza Rasaei and a clash with prison guards, Azizi was accused of “assaulting an officer and disobedience” and was sentenced to six months in prison by the Criminal Court.

Also, in August, 2024, Azizi faced new accusations of “inciting unrest in prison” during the second round of the 2024 presidential election, brought before Branch 3 of the Evin Prosecutor’s Office.

A native of Mahabad, Azizi has a history of arrests and judicial encounters. In 2009, she was detained on charges of political activity and was released after four months on bail.

Death Sentence for Pakhshan Azizi Upheld by Supreme Court

Amir Raisian , the lawyer representing Pakhshan Azizi, a political prisoner held in Evin Prison, has announced that her death sentence has been upheld by Branch 39 of the Supreme Court of Iran. Raisian criticized the court for disregarding numerous flaws in the case.

According to HRANA, citing Shargh newspaper, the death sentence issued against Pakhshan Azizi by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court was upheld despite significant procedural and substantive errors highlighted by her defense.

In a statement, Raisian expressed concern that the court ignored evidence showing Azizi’s peaceful activities in refugee camps in northern Syria, specifically refugees from Sinjar and other areas affected by ISIS attacks. He emphasized that her humanitarian efforts, focused on aiding victims of ISIS aggression, had no political or militant nature.

The lawyer further argued that accusations of her membership in an armed group lacked any legal basis, noting that Azizi was unarmed at the time of her arrest and had never engaged in armed conflict. Raisian also highlighted contradictions with Iran’s judicial policies on capital punishment and questioned the legality of associating her actions with criminal offenses.

Raisian confirmed that a request for retrial will be submitted immediately, urging the new branch of the Supreme Court to consider the errors and prevent the execution of the current ruling.

On July 24, Azizi was sentenced to death and four years in prison by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, on charges of “armed rebellion (baghi)” through alleged membership in dissident groups.

On August 4, 2023, Azizi, along with her 67-year-old father Aziz Azizi (a lymphoma patient), her sister Parshang (49), and her sister’s husband Hossein Abbasi (49), was arrested in Tehran. The arrests were carried out by approximately 20 armed agents who stopped their moving vehicle, searched them, and transferred them to The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, known as Ward 209 of Evin Prison.

In protest against her family’s detention, Pakhshan began a hunger strike, which she ended after learning that her family members were released on bail after two weeks of solitary confinement. After being held in solitary confinement in Ward 209 for three months and three weeks, she was transferred to the women’s ward of Evin Prison on December 10, 2023.

Later, Aziz Azizi, Porshang Azizi, and Hossein Abbasi were sentenced to one year in prison each by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, also under Judge Iman Afshari, for “assisting a criminal in escaping prosecution and conviction.” Their sentences were upheld by the Tehran Court of Appeals on September 27, and their appeal was forwarded to the Supreme Court.

A source close to Azizi’s family told HRANA:
“Pakhshan has no affiliations with any groups. She worked as a social worker for 10 years in refugee camps in Rojava. The groups she worked with were fighting against ISIS—an enemy of both the Islamic Republic and the Quds Force. There was no direct conflict between Pakhshan’s associates and Iranian forces, a fact clearly evident in her case.”

In mid-October 2024, during a protest by female prisoners in Evin following the execution of Reza Rasaei and a clash with prison guards, Azizi was accused of “assaulting an officer and disobedience” and was sentenced to six months in prison by the Criminal Court.

Also, in August, 2024, Azizi faced new accusations of “inciting unrest in prison” during the second round of the 2024 presidential election, brought before Branch 3 of the Evin Prosecutor’s Office.

A native of Mahabad, Azizi has a history of arrests and judicial encounters. In 2009, she was detained on charges of political activity and was released after four months on bail.

Toomaj Salehi Released from Prison After Serving Sentence

The public relations office of Isfahan’s Judiciary has announced that Toomaj Salehi, a protest rapper, was released from prison on Sunday, December 1, 2024, after completing a one-year sentence for “propaganda against the regime.”

The Judiciary’s media center, citing the Isfahan Judiciary’s public relations office, confirmed that Mr. Salehi’s release marked the end of his imprisonment on these charges.

Recently, Mostafa Nili, one of Salehi’s lawyers, revealed that Branch 5 of the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan had closed his 2022 case, issuing a decision to discontinue prosecution.

Earlier, another of Salehi’s lawyers, Amir Raisian, had disclosed that the same court had dismissed the charge of “spreading corruption on earth” (efsad-e-fel-arz), which had initially resulted in a death sentence, and instead acquitted him of that charge.

In April of this year, Salehi was sentenced to death by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan on the charge of “corruption on earth.” However, following an appeal, Branch 39 of the Supreme Court overturned the death sentence in early July and referred the case to Branch 5 of the Revolutionary Court for further review.

Salehi’s release concludes a complex legal ordeal that included facing and ultimately overcoming charges that carried the death penalty.

Salehi was arrested in late October 2022 in connection with the nationwide protests by security forces. Official news agencies claimed that he was attempting to illegally leave the country through the western borders, a claim denied by his associates. In July last year, he was sentenced by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court in Isfahan to six years and three months in prison, a travel ban, a ban on producing music and singing, and two years of mandatory behavior management and skills training. After this sentence was overturned by Branch 39 of the Supreme Court, he was released on bail on November 18, 2023.

Nevertheless, Salehi’s freedom was short-lived as he was re-arrested in Babol on November 30, just twelve days after being bailed out from Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan. The Judiciary spokesperson cited Salehi’s post-release statement as grounds for this subsequent arrest.

In January of 2024, in another part of his case, the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan sentenced him to one year in prison, two years of passport invalidation, and participation in behavior management courses on the charge of ‘propaganda against the regime.’ This sentence was upheld by the Isfahan Provincial Court of Appeals in late February. Late last year, Branch 117 of Criminal Court 2 in Isfahan acquitted him of the charges of ‘spreading falsehoods’ and ‘inciting violence.’

Toomaj Salehi, a protest rapper from Shahin Shahr, Isfahan, had previously been sentenced to six months in prison and a fine in 2021 for ‘insulting the Supreme Leader’ and ‘propaganda against the regime.’

Supreme Court Overturns Death Sentence Against Protest Rapper Toomaj Salehi

Amir Raisian, the lawyer for protest rapper Toomaj Salehi, announced that Branch 39 of the Supreme Court has overturned the death sentence against his client. The case will now be referred to another court branch for further review.

“In a precise verdict, the Supreme Court not only overturned the death sentence but also affirmed that even the previous sentence of six years and three months stands at odds with Article 131 and the rules of multiplicity of charges,” Raisian clarified.

In mid-May, Raisian announced the registration of his appeal to the Supreme Court, stating, “One day after this announcement about the initial verdict against my client, prison officials banned Salehi from making phone calls and even imposed restrictions on in-person visits.”

In April, the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan sentenced Salehi to death for “spreading corruption on earth.” At the time, Raisian commented on the ruling, stating, “Branch 1 of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court issued an unprecedented verdict by disregarding the Supreme Court’s resolution from 2022, labeling it as an ‘advisory verdict,’ and upheld the initial death sentence for ‘spreading corruption on earth.’”

Salehi’s legal saga began in late October 2022 when he was initially detained by security forces during nationwide protests. Subsequently, the Isfahan Revolutionary Court sentenced him to six years and three months in prison, among other penalties. However, he secured release on bail after the Supreme Court overturned the verdict.

Nevertheless, Salehi’s freedom was short-lived as he was re-arrested in Babol on November 30, just twelve days after being bailed out from Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan. The Judiciary spokesperson cited Salehi’s post-release statement as grounds for this subsequent arrest.

It’s worth noting that Salehi has a prior conviction from January 12, 2022, where he received a six-month prison term and a fine, with the imprisonment suspended for one year.

Protest Rapper Toomaj Salehi Sentenced to Death

The Revolutionary Court of Isfahan sentenced protest rapper Toomaj Salehi to death for “spreading corruption on earth,” according to Shargh Newspaper.

Salehi’s lawyer, Amir Raisian, commented on the ruling, stating, “Branch 1 of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court issued an unprecedented verdict by disregarding the Supreme Court’s resolution from 2022, labeling it as an ‘advisory verdict,’ and upheld the initial death sentence for ‘spreading corruption on earth.'”

Raisian explained that the Isfahan Revolutionary Court cited “assisting in armed rebellion (Baghi),” “propaganda against the regime,” and “inciting people to unrest” as per Article 512 of the Islamic Penal Code as grounds for the charge of “spreading corruption on earth.” The court emphasized the concept of widespread corruption, although Raisian argued that the evidence did not support the charge at the level required for the severest punishment.

In addition to the death sentence, the court imposed other penalties on Salehi, including a two-year travel ban, the annulment of his passport, and mandatory participation in behavior management and knowledge skills programs. The court also enforced a previously suspended sentence.

Raisian expressed his surprise at the “obvious conflict within the initial verdict and with the Supreme Court’s decision.” He also dismissed rumors of Salehi receiving amnesty or commutation, clarifying that the court only mentioned the potential for a one-degree reduction in punishment through the Amnesty Commission.

Salehi’s legal saga began in late October 2022 when he was initially detained by security forces during nationwide protests. Subsequently, the Isfahan Revolutionary Court sentenced him to six years and three months in prison, among other penalties. However, he secured release on bail after the Supreme Court overturned the verdict.

Nevertheless, Salehi’s freedom was short-lived as he was re-arrested in Babol on November 30, just twelve days after being bailed out from Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan. The Judiciary spokesperson cited Salehi’s post-release statement as grounds for this subsequent arrest.

It’s worth noting that Salehi has a prior conviction from January 12, 2022, where he received a six-month prison term and a fine, with the imprisonment suspended for one year.

 

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Protest Rapper Toomaj Salehi Acquitted of Disseminating False Information and Inciting Violence

Toomaj Salehi, the protest singer, has been acquitted by the Criminal Court of Isfahan of charges related to “disseminating false information” and “inciting people to violence.” His lawyer, Amir Raisian, confirmed this development, clarifying that these charges stemmed from a video Salehi published in November 2023.

Presently held in Dastgerd Prison, Isfahan, Salehi faces a one-year prison sentence imposed by the Revolutionary Court for allegedly “spreading propaganda against the regime.” Alongside this verdict comes a two-year travel ban, revocation of his passport, and mandatory enrollment in behavior management and knowledge skills programs. This sentence was upheld on appeal.

Salehi’s legal saga began in late October 2022 when he was initially detained by security forces during nationwide protests. Subsequently, the Isfahan Revolutionary Court sentenced him to six years and three months in prison, among other penalties. However, he secured release on bail after the Supreme Court overturned the verdict.

Nevertheless, Salehi’s freedom was short-lived as he was re-arrested in Babol on November 30, just twelve days after being bailed out from Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan. The Judiciary spokesperson cited Salehi’s post-release statement as grounds for this subsequent arrest.

It’s worth noting that Salehi has a prior conviction from January 12, 2022, where he received a six-month prison term and a fine, with the imprisonment suspended for one year.

Protest Rapper Toomaj Salehi’s One-Year Sentence Upheld on Appeal

The Appeals Court of Isfahan Province has upheld the one-year sentence for protest singer Toomaj Salehi, as reported by ILNA.

Amir Raisian, Salehi’s lawyer, revealed that the Court of Appeal dismissed their complaint against the initial verdict, rendering it final. Despite this setback, Raisian announced plans to pursue a retrial based on Article 477 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

Salehi’s conviction for “propaganda against the regime” comes with additional consequences, including a two-year travel ban, the revocation of his passport, and mandatory participation in behavior management and knowledge skills programs.

Furthermore, Raisian clarified that this verdict is connected to a legal case initiated this year, stemming from the publication of a photo by Salehi.

He emphasized that Salehi faces an even greater challenge from a separate legal case dating back two years. On January 21, 2024, the Public and Revolutionary Courthouse of Isfahan indicted Salehi on multiple charges, including Baghi, an accusation of armed rebellion that carries the potential for severe punishment, including execution. In response, Raisian, expressed concerns about due process, labeling it as “unusual,” “illegal,” and “peculiar.” The Criminal Court has undertaken another part of this legal, adding more legal challenges to this protest rapper.

Mohammad Ghobadloo Executed in Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj

Mizan, the judiciary’s news agency, has reported the execution of Mohammad Ghobadloo, a detainee connected to the 2022 nationwide protests, in Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj.

Amidst growing controversy, Amir Raisian, Ghobadloo’s lawyer, publicly disclosed yesterday that despite the Supreme Court overturning the death sentence, he was informed of the imminent execution scheduled for Tuesday, January 23.

Raisian clarified, “The death sentence (Qisas or reprisal) had been overturned by the Supreme Court, and the case was transferred to another branch (Branch 5 of the Criminal Court of Tehran), awaiting the results of forensic re-examinations for the verdict. However, after several months, the case was unexpectedly reassigned to Branch 39 following a Supreme Court directive. Now, just hours before the scheduled execution, we have been notified of this sudden development.”

Raisian strongly denounced the execution, asserting, “This execution lacks any legal basis and should be considered a case of manslaughter.”

The execution of Ghobadloo has triggered widespread condemnation on Farsi-speaking social media platforms. Concurrently, Mizan released a video featuring Ghobadloo’s coerced confessions. The judiciary’s news agency has dismissed claims that Ghobadloo suffered from major mental disorders, including bipolar disorders.

Initially sentenced to death by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, Ghobadloo faced charges such as “spreading corruption on earth through crimes against the physical integrity of people.” Additional allegations included “destruction of public property” and “acting against national security by causing unrest.”

During the court proceedings, Ghobadloo emphasized “being influenced by the psychological consequences resulting from the non-use of his medications on the night of the incident.” Simultaneously, the prison doctor of the Great Tehran Penitentiary and the prison supervisor confirmed the mentally precarious condition of the accused, a factor overlooked by forensic experts during the trial.

Protest Singer Toomaj Salehi Faces Charges of Armed Rebellion (Baghi)

On January 21, 2024, the Public and Revolutionary Courthouse of Isfahan indicted singer Toomaj Salehi on multiple charges, including Baghi, an accusation of armed rebellion that carries the potential for severe punishment, including execution.

Amir Raisian, Salehi’s lawyer, stated, “During the inquiry session, Salehi faced not only the charge for which he had already been acquitted, but he was also notified of two new charges not cited in the indictment, namely, assisting in Baghi (group armed rebellion against the regime) and assembly and collusion against national security. Firstly, the charge of assisting in Baghi appears inconsistent with the fact that there is no co-defendant whom Salehi is accused of assisting, let alone a group. Secondly, no weapons were discovered on Salehi, not even a knife, let alone a firearm.”

Earlier, Amir Raisian, Salehi’s lawyer, expressed concerns about the due process, labeling it as “unusual,” “illegal,” and “peculiar.” He stated, “Regarding the arrest case in October 2022, the Supreme Court has already overturned five charges, leaving only three remaining charges to be addressed. Consequently, the case was returned to the Revolutionary Court. The Court had also emphasized that the defendant could be included in a general pardon. However, after three months, the Revolutionary Court has introduced two new charges, bringing the total number of charges to ten.”

Salehi has also recently received a one-year sentence and additional punishment in another legal case.

Salehi was re-arrested in Babol on November 30, twelve days after his release on bail from Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan. The Judiciary spokesperson cited Salehi’s statement after his release as the grounds for this subsequent arrest.

In late October 2022, Salehi was initially detained by security forces during nationwide protests. Subsequently, the Isfahan Revolutionary Court sentenced him to six years and three months in prison along with additional penalties. However, he was released on bail after the Supreme Court overturned the verdict.

It is worth noting that the protest singer already has a prior conviction in a separate legal case. On January 12, 2022, he was sentenced to a six-month prison term and fined, with the imprisonment suspended for one year.

Protest Rapper Toomaj Salehi Receives One-Year Sentence and Additional Penalties

In the latest development, Toomaj Salehi, the renowned Iranian protest rapper, has been sentenced to one year by the Revolutionary Court. Additionally, he faces a two-year travel ban, the annulment of his passport, and is required to participate in behavior management and knowledge skills programs.

Revealing the verdict publicly, Amir Raisian, Salehi’s lawyer, expressed concern over the due process, labeling it as “unusual,” “illegal,” and “peculiar.” Raisian asserted that the court session concluded without prior notice to Salehi and in the absence of his attorney.

Salehi was re-arrested in Babol on November 30, twelve days after his release on bail from Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan. The Judiciary spokesperson cited Salehi’s statement after his release as the grounds for this subsequent arrest.

In late October 2022, Salehi was initially detained by security forces during nationwide protests. Subsequently, the Isfahan Revolutionary Court sentenced him to six years and three months in prison along with additional penalties. However, he was released on bail after the Supreme Court overturned the verdict.

It is worth noting that the protest singer already has a prior conviction in a separate legal case. On January 12, 2022, he was sentenced to a six-month prison term and fined, with the imprisonment suspended for one year.