Imprisoned civil rights activist Mohammad Nourizad has been handed a two-year prison sentence by the Tehran Revolutionary Court, following a new legal case opened against him while in prison. As per Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, one year of the sentence will be enforceable.
Judge Mohammadrezza Amoozad issued the verdict, sentencing Nourizad to one year for “propaganda against the regime” and another year for “destruction of property within the prison head’s office.” The court session pertaining to these charges took place on June 14, 2023.
The court session pertaining to these charges took place on June 14, 2023.
Nourizad’s legal ordeal began on August 11, 2019, when he was arrested by security forces for participating in the drafting of an open letter with 13 other civil rights activists, calling for the Supreme Leader of Iran to step down. In the initial case, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison, three years of exile in Izeh, and a two-year travel ban. Although the prison sentence was upheld on appeal, the duration of exile and travel ban were reduced to two years.
In late April 2020, Nourizad received an additional one-year imprisonment for expressing support for Baha’i citizens in Eyvanki, Semnan Province.
Concerning the second part of his legal case, the Mashhad Criminal Court sentenced Nourizad to 8 months in prison and 74 lashes, along with exile to Tabas, for “disturbance of public order.” He also received an additional 74 lashes for “spreading falsehood.” This verdict was upheld on appeal as well.
Nourizad was released from Evin Prison on November 17, 2021, based on an early release order. However, on January 23, 2022, he was summoned and re-incarcerated in Evin Prison to serve the remainder of his sentence.
Nourizad has a history of arrests and convictions linked to his peaceful activism. He is a prominent filmmaker, writer, director, and journalist from Iran. While previously known as an outspoken religious journalist, he has become an active critic of the Islamic Republic in recent years.
