Perisa Rafiee, Tehran University Student, Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison
Perisa Rafiee, a 21-year-old student at Tehran University, has been sentenced to 7 years of imprisonment by the Revolutionary Court.
Perisa Rafiee’s defense lawyer announced this news on Sunday, Shahrivar 4th, regarding the young student activist who was arrested in Esfand 1396.
Saeid Khalili told ISNA: “Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court sentenced Ms. Perisa Rafiee to a total of 7 years imprisonment on charges of assembly and conspiracy with intent to commit crimes against national security, propaganda activities against the regime, and disruption of public order.”
Ms. Rafiee’s lawyer stated that unfortunately, with the issuance of this verdict, justice, fairness, and legal and religious principles have been trampled upon. According to him, this ruling was issued due to her participation in the December 16th protests and expression of student labor demands and similar matters.
This verdict is subject to appeal, and Ms. Rafiee’s lawyer hopes it will be overturned upon review.
During the nationwide protests in Iran that began on Thursday, the 7th of Dey and spread to more than 72 Iranian cities, approximately 100 students were arrested across Iran. Ms. Perisa Rafiee was arrested in Esfand along with several other students following these protests.
Human Rights Watch and the United States have condemned the suppression and imprisonment of protesting students in Iran.
Human Rights Watch recently issued a statement declaring that Iranian authorities have intensified the suppression of protesting students by issuing prison sentences and imposing restrictions on peaceful activities.
Also, Heather Nauert, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, tweeted last month: “We condemn Iran’s sentencing of students who peacefully protested.”
The tweet continued: “Students should not be punished for expressing their views through peaceful protests. These are universal human rights that Iran has international obligations to respect.”
Source: Voice of America
