Another Moharebeh Charge Against Swimming Champion Parham Paroori

Parham Paroori, 26, a swimming champion and coach born in Saqqez, was arrested during Tehran protests and has been charged with moharebeh (armed rebellion) by Iran’s Islamic Republic judiciary.

Iran’s swimming champion Parham Paroori has recently been charged with moharebeh. Parham’s father announced his son’s charge by releasing a video. The Islamic Republic has accused Parham of this offense.

During his arrest in Tehran, Parham was beaten by security forces. After notifying his family by telephone, the news shocked the city of Saqqez regarding the moharebeh charge against one of its sports champions.

According to his father’s statements, Parham is the family’s only child who, after completing his education and military service, settled in Tehran. Parham was hired by a private company a few months before the nationwide protests began and was working and living there. He holds several championship medals and swimming coaching certification.

According to information from a source close to the Paroori family speaking to Iran Wire, responsible authorities initially told Parham’s relatives that they could secure his release on bail. The Paroori family prepared the bail, but ultimately this bail did not result in their son’s release.

Although Parham’s relatives had consulted with several lawyers to take on his case, the court did not allow the family to choose a lawyer and announced that a court-appointed lawyer would represent Parham’s case. However, to date, there is no report of Parham meeting with the court-appointed lawyer.

Through a message, Parham’s father asked domestic and international human rights organizations to support his son and prevent the execution of this sentence. Parham’s father announced that his son has been detained in Ward 209 of Evin Prison for 40 days and that this charge is very serious for his son. Parham’s father says: My son is a swimming champion and coach, and this charge is not befitting my only son. Please be his voice and do not allow this sentence to be carried out.

Many people have been charged with moharebeh during protests against regime overthrow, and the execution of this sentence is not justified for any of them, as they were arrested in legitimate self-defense and charged with this crime. According to Parham’s father, we should not only be the voice of Parham but also the voice of all protesters who have been arrested on this charge and are awaiting the execution of this sentence.