HRANA – The prison sentences of Azerbaijani-Turk activists Ayaz Seifkhah, Araz Aman Zeinabad, and Baqer Hajizadeh Mazraeh have been upheld by the Supreme Court. The three had previously been sentenced by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court to a combined total of 40 years in prison.

According to HRANA, the sentences were confirmed by Branch 39 of the Supreme Court, presided over by Judge Kuhkamari. Based on the ruling of the country’s highest judicial authority, Ayaz Seifkhah was sentenced to 14 years in prison, while Araz Aman and Baqer Hajizadeh were each sentenced to 13 years in prison.

The prison terms issued against these three political defendants were previously upheld in January 2024 by Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeals.

The three were tried in October 2024 by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati. According to the verdict, Ayaz Seifkhah was sentenced to nine years in prison for espionage and five years for “assembly and collusion against national security.” Araz Aman and Bagher Hajizadeh were each sentenced to eight years for espionage and five years for “assembly and collusion against national security.”

In addition, all three were sentenced to two years of deprivation from membership in political parties, media activity, and social media presence, as well as a two-year travel ban as complementary punishments.

Hearings on their cases, along with several other political defendants, were previously held at the same court, during which they defended themselves against the charges.

All these Azerbaijani-Turk activists were arrested in February 2024 by security forces and later transferred to Evin Prison.