Journalist Mehta Sadri Convicted for Reaction to Ibrahim Raisi’s Death
Mehta Sadri, a journalist, has been convicted of responding to Ibrahim Raisi’s death and sentenced to pay a monetary fine.
Mehta Sadri, editor-in-chief of the analytical news website Gilan Sadr, was arrested in June 1402 by the Sepah Intelligence Forces in Gilan and transferred to Lakan Prison in the city. After 21 days, she was released on bail.
The charges against Mehta Sadri following her reaction to Ibrahim Raisi’s death included propaganda against the system and spreading false information with the intent to disturb public opinion. Although she was acquitted of the charge of spreading false information, the court convicted her on the charge of “propaganda against the system” and sentenced her to pay a fine of six million tomans.
It should be noted that the payment of the aforementioned fine is in lieu of six months imprisonment, and this verdict was issued while Mehta Sadri was deprived of access to a lawyer during her detention, and her court hearing was held without her lawyer’s presence.
In an interview with Ensef News, Mehta Sadri attributed her arrest to media work and the creation of an environment by some organizations and hardline groups in Gilan Province. Her conviction for reacting to a news event demonstrates the forceful treatment of critics and the restriction of space for freedom of expression in Iran, highlighting the necessity of drawing the world’s attention to the human rights situation in the country.
It is worth noting that this verdict has once again increased the concerns of the international community and human rights organizations regarding the restrictions on freedom of expression and the suppression of journalists in Iran.
