Iranian Playwright, Director Transferred To Prison To Serve Sentence

Renowned Iranian playwright and theater director, Ali Nourani, has been transferred to Evin Prison to begin serving a one-year sentence for supporting protests.

Nourani was detained on Wednesday and subsequently moved to Evin Prison.

The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) revealed on Saturday that his detention is in connection with serving his sentence, and he now faces additional charges.

According to HRANA, he was summoned to Evin's courthouse last week. Following his court appearance, he was detained and transferred to Evin Prison to commence his sentence. It was disclosed during the court proceedings that a new case has been opened against him.

In December, Nourani was sentenced to six years in prison by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari. The charges against him included “propaganda against the regime, conspiracy against the state, and acts against national security.” However, upon appeal, his sentence was reduced to one year in behind bars. These charges are typical to trumped-up accusations routinely made against dissidents and protesters.

Nourani’s arrest on September 16, coinciding with the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's government murder, occurred alongside several other artists, including Leila Naqdi Pari. Reports indicate that security forces raided Nourani’s home, confiscating personal belongings and mobile phones before violently arresting him.

After spending twenty-four days in custody, Nourani, the acclaimed playwright and theater director, was released from prison after posting bail of thirty billion rials, approximately $60,000, an astronomical sum for Iranians.