Tehran Court Upholds Five-Year Sentence For Political Activist

The Tehran Revolutionary Court has upheld the verdict of a five-year prison term and two-year exile for long-time activist and political detainee Majid Tavakoli.

According to the court's statement, Tavakoli, a prominent student leader and human rights activist, was found guilty of attempting to "overthrow the Islamic Republic and establish a liberal system," as stated in a letter from the ministry of intelligence.

Tavakoli's activism traces back to his involvement in the student protests following the disputed Presidential Election of 2009, during which he was arrested multiple times by Iranian intelligence authorities. 

His arrest sparked international attention, particularly after allegations surfaced that he had cross-dressed as a disguise to evade capture. In a show of solidarity, a campaign protesting his imprisonment emerged, with men posting photos of themselves wearing hijabs.

He was arrested again during the Iranian protests following the death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022.

Tavakoli's incarceration began in October 2023, as he was transferred to the notorious Evin maximum-security prison in Tehran.

In response to his conviction, Tavakoli maintained his innocence, stating, "This verdict is issued only because of my writings in the last few years. Due to my insistence on independent activity, there is no evidence of such activities or connection with the hostile government."