Branch 13 of the Court of Appeals of Khuzestan Province upheld the verdict of Saleh Tamuli Torfi (Munabi) and Abdullah Childawi. These citizens were previously sentenced to a combined eight years in prison. The three years for Karim Torfi and 5 years for Childawi is enforceable according to Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, Torfi was sentenced in the initial trial to three years in prison on charges of “propaganda against the regime”. and “assembly and collusion to act against national security” Childawi was sentenced to 5 years on charges of “propaganda against the regime” and “membership in anti-regime groups.” The case was delivered to the executive unit of the Public and Revolutionary Court of Ahvaz City for enforcement.

According to political activist and human rights defender focused on Iran’s Arab communities, Karim Dahimi, the conviction is due to the defendent’s participation in a protest held in 2017 against the illegal confiscation of farmlands by the government.

“They also have to face another legal case in which there has not yet been a verdict,” he told HRANA.

On November 6, 2018, Torfi and Childawi were arrested by security forces in Ahvaz City and transferred to Sheyban Prison after interrogation. Ultimately, Torfi and Childawi were released on bail on September 7, 2019 and October 6, 2020, respectively.

Childawi is 43 years old, married and the father of four children. Torfi has other arrests and convictions due to his civil activities.