Abbas Akhoundi Sentenced to 60 Lashes and 3 Months Imprisonment

The Tehran Court of Appeals sentenced Abbas Akhoondi, former Minister of Roads and Urban Development of Iran, to 60 lashes and three months suspended imprisonment.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, quoting Tasnim news agency, Branch 78 of the Tehran Court of Appeals charged Akhoondi with “publishing lies”. The sentence was issued following the complaints from Seyed Mehdi Hashemi against the former Minister.

Iran is one of the few countries that has continued to use humiliating punishments despite the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights’ explicit prohibition of the use of inhumane and degrading punishments, including the death penalty and flogging.

Three Sentenced to Lashes in Qom on Charges of Corruption

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists (HRA), quoting Mizan News Agency, three economic defendants were sentenced to lashes in Qom on charges of corruption.

Per the report, referring to the case of Anbouh Sazan Abtin Qom [housing development company], Gholam-Hossein Esmaeili, spokesman of the Judiciary, outlined the punishment.

“Mehdi Darkhani, the CEO of the company, was sentenced to 74 lashes, 20 years in prison, confiscation of property, restitution, deprivation of board membership, and a fine,” the spokesman said.

“In this regard, another defendant named Mohsen Asadi was also sentenced to 74 lashes, 12 years in prison, restitution, confiscation of property, and a fine,” Gholam-Hossein Esmaeili stated. “In addition, Ali Karimian was sentenced to lashes, 16 years in prison, and restitution.”

Iran is one of the few countries that still uses humiliating punishments, despite the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights’ explicit prohibition of the use of inhumane and degrading punishments, including the death penalty and flogging.