Iranian Court Sentences Protester To 11 Years In Prison

A Revolutionary Court in Tehran has handed down an 11-year prison sentence to Sajjad Iman-Nejad, one of the detainees from last year's anti-government protests.

According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), Iman-Nejad faces charges of "armed confrontation" and "intentional assault on law enforcement officers with a cold weapon."

In addition to the prison term, the court has mandated restitution, requiring Iman-Nejad to pay over 50,000 USD to seven law enforcement officers. The court session addressing the charges against the political prisoner took place on November 20 but the verdict became public Sunday.

HRANA, citing an informed source close to Iman-Nejad's family, reported that there are seven complainants by alleged victims, with three of them stating that Iman-Nejad did not assault them. The source further highlighted Iman-Nejad's health challenges, stating, "He is suffering from a disc herniation and physical problems. Despite being transferred to the hospital multiple times for treatment during his detention, he was told there were no available beds. Despite his serious need for treatment, he was returned to prison."

He was arrested on October 8, 2022, in connection with the Iranian uprising against the regime in Tehran. Currently detained in Evin Prison, Iman-Nejad, born in 1991 in Ardabil and residing in Tehran, is single and holds a bachelor's degree in architecture.