Emtedad News reports that a security police officer has been sentenced to death for the murder of Mohammad Jameh Bozorg during the 2022 nationwide protests. Three other officers received sentences of imprisonment and fines.
According to the verdict from branch 5 of Tehran’s Military Court, the officer who shot and committed the murder has been sentenced to death under the Islamic rules of Qisas (reprisal).
Payam Derafshan, the lawyer for the Bozorg family, stated, “The second-row defendant, a field commander and team leader, responsible for the illegal violent home invasion, has been sentenced to imprisonment. The court ruled without considering any reduction in punishment. The third-row defendant, showing remorse and having a good record, received a fine.”
Derafshan added, “The tenth defendant, charged with spreading false news and inciting overreaction among the forces, was sentenced to imprisonment. Mitigating sentence regulations were not deemed applicable by the court. The eleventh defendant, who assisted in disseminating fake news, was acquitted due to lack of proof of intent.”
Other defendants were acquitted of the charge of an illegal break-in as they were under the belief that a warrant had been issued.
Regarding the unit commander’s case, Derafshan mentioned, “Negligence and failure to follow regulations led to the tragedy. The unit commander’s complete negligence, from uniform provision to recruiting untrained forces with criminal records, arming them, facilitating midnight operations without judicial warrants, and violating citizens’ rights, is evident.”
Derafshan cited Article 54 of the Penal Code for Armed Forces Crimes, stating, “Whenever carelessness, negligence, or failure to observe regulations by commanders and officials of various ranks of the armed forces lead to loss of life or bodily harm, the perpetrator shall be sentenced to imprisonment from one to three years.”
This case underscores the crucial role of adhering to laws and regulations in preventing tragedies and safeguarding citizens’ rights. Mohammad Jameh Bozorg, a carpet retailer in Malard, Karaj, was murdered in his home by security law enforcement forces during the 2022 nationwide protests on September 25, 2022.