Mohammad-Taqi Akbarnezad Removes His Turban in Support of the Iranian People
Mohammad-Taqi Akbarnezad removed his turban in support of the Iranian people and to stand alongside them during difficult times.
While the Islamic Republic attempts to preserve itself through severe suppression, many clergy and military officials have distanced themselves from the government’s official lines and joined the Iranian people.
Mohammad-Taqi Akbarnezad, a former professor at the Qom Seminary and Shiite clergy, following confirmation of his defrocking and imprisonment sentence, removed his turban in support of the Iranian people and announced through a published video that he is unwilling to remain silent in the face of pressures. His action symbolizes opposition and resistance against suppression and disregard for the critical conditions of the Iranian people’s lives.
The details of his sentence and charges are as follows: The Special Court of Review for the Clergy confirmed Akbarnezad’s sentence of 23 months and six days imprisonment and three years of defrocking without modification. His charges include “weakening the system,” “insulting the leaders of the Islamic Republic,” and “defaming the clergy.”
Akbarnezad was previously released from Qom Prison in March 2024 after posting bail. His initial arrest on February 17 of that year was carried out by Revolutionary Guard intelligence forces. After his sentence was confirmed, Akbarnezad released a video on social media addressing the Iranian people, saying: “I cannot close my eyes to reality. I see that the fathers of this society are ashamed before their families. After decades, people still struggle to meet the most basic needs such as water and electricity, and crushing inflation has driven them to desperation. If I am to be a mere spectator and remain silent, what use is this robe to me? Instead of flattering power, I prefer to stand with the people and pay the price for it.”
Iran is currently facing widespread economic and social pressures. Severe inflation and the livelihood crisis have brought people’s lives to the breaking point. Water and electricity shortages have intensified fundamental problems in citizens’ daily lives. The Islamic Republic, through increased suppression, is attempting to silence the voice of the people and opposition. However, a considerable number of clergy and even military officials have left the government’s path and turned toward the people. Many clerics have also been defrocked and have chosen to stand with the Iranian people, refraining from flattering power.
Recent examples such as Mohammad-Taqi Akbarnezad’s action send a clear message to the government: even traditional and religious circles are unwilling to remain silent in the face of suppressive policies.
The resistance of some clergy and military officials and their solidarity with the people during critical circumstances is considered a point of hope for real change in Iran’s power structure. This movement shows that even within the most militaristic and conservative institutions, a spirit of criticism and solidarity with the people is spreading and can increase internal pressure for respecting people’s rights and government accountability.
