Fifth Court Session of Habib Asiyoud; Presentation of Charges Carrying Death Penalty
The fifth court session of Habib Farajallah Chaab, known as Habib Asiyoud, former leader of the “Harakat al-Nidal” group, was held on Sunday, the 8th of Esfand, in Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari.
The trial of Habib Asiyoud began on the 28th of Dey, and he has been charged with offenses that, under Iranian law, can result in the issuance and execution of a death sentence.
During this session, the continuation of Habib Asiyoud’s indictment was read, and the prosecutor’s representative once again raised charges of “corruption on earth” and “designing and executing terrorist operations” in Khuzestan, including “organizing a deadly attack on armed forces’ parade in Ahvaz” against him.
Recruiting, organizing, and training “separatist” individuals for membership in the “Harakat al-Nidal” group, forming and promoting a “takfiri sect” in Khuzestan, and collaboration with the “PJAK” and “Jaish al-Adl” groups were among other charges raised against Habib Asiyoud in the fifth court session.
Amin Vaziri, the prosecutor’s representative, claimed during this court session that Habib Asiyoud confessed to contact with Saudi Arabia’s intelligence service with the aim of “dividing Iran.”
The prosecutor’s representative had also accused Habib Asiyoud of “contact with the CIA and Mossad” in previous court sessions.
Amin Vaziri stated that the defendant has accepted all charges and confessed to them.
The prosecutor’s representative emphasizes Habib Asiyoud’s confessions, while previously several political prisoners have stated that their confessions were obtained under pressure and physical and psychological torture.
The 48-year-old Habib Asiyoud, who holds Swedish citizenship, was abducted by Islamic Republic security officials during his trip to Turkey in Mehr 1399 and transferred to Iran.
Iranian security agencies have abducted several political activists and opponents of the Islamic Republic from neighboring countries in recent years and transferred them to Iran, including the abduction and detention of Ruhollah Zam and Jamshid Sharmahd.
Source: Voice of America
