Father Of Slain Protester Sentenced To 18 Years In Prison

Manouchehr Bakhtiari, the father of protester Pouya Bakhtiari who was killed during the November 2019 demonstrations, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison.

According to a report by the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) on Tuesday, Bakhtiari was also handed a sentence of 74 lashes as a result of a case opened against him during his detention.

The sentencing is the latest in a string of cases which has seen Iranians handed punishments such as finger amputation and lashings, amidst a nationwide crackdown on dissent.

The charges against Bakhtiari include "conspiracy and collusion with the intent to commit crimes against national security," "formation and management of a group in cyberspace with the aim of undermining national security," "spreading lies," "anti-establishment propaganda," and "disturbing public minds."

Bakhtiari’s son, Pouya, aged 27, sustained a gunshot wound to the head in Karaj amid the November 2019 protests. The family attributes his death to security forces and has openly advocated for holding the authorities responsible not only for his son's death but also for the alleged deaths of hundreds of others at the hands of security forces.

The trial for his father's charges took place through a video conference on December 24, reflecting the challenges faced in ensuring a fair legal process.

Earlier this year, Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court in Karaj had imposed an additional sentence of six months in prison on Bakhtiari on the charge of "insulting the leader" based on a separate case.

Bakhtiari was first arrested on April 28, 2021, when security forces used excessive force during the apprehension at his residence in Tehran. Subsequently, the Revolutionary Court convicted him to three years and six months in prison, two years and six months in exile, and a two-year travel ban.