Shahab Zahedi Sentenced to Death for Second Time; New Verdict Issued After Annulment of Previous Ruling

Shahab Zahedi, a detainee from the December 2024 protests and a prisoner held in Qazal Hesar Prison in Karaj, has been sentenced to death for the second time by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolqasem Salwati. This comes after the country’s Supreme Court had previously annulled his initial death sentence and returned the case to the same branch for retrial.

According to human rights organizations’ reports on Saturday, October 31, corresponding to November 9, Shahab Zahedi has been sentenced to death again following a retrial of his case. The charges against him include “enmity against God and corruption on earth through setting fires to public vehicles and facilities” and “assembly and conspiracy against domestic and foreign security.”

The Hrana news agency has also confirmed the issuance of a new death sentence, citing a source close to Zahedi’s family. According to this report, the new verdict was issued by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolqasem Salwati.

Shahab Zahedi was previously sentenced to death in February 2025 in connection with a case involving the burning of the Basij base “185 Shahid Mahmoud Kaveh” in eastern Tehran. However, in August 2026, Branch 9 of the Supreme Court annulled his death sentence and referred the case back to Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court for retrial.

With the reissuance of the death sentence by the same branch, Zahedi once again faces the risk of capital punishment.

According to Hengaw’s report, Shahab Zahedi was arrested on December 18, 2024, during nationwide protests. His case relates to the burning of the Basij base “185 Shahid Mahmoud Kaveh” in eastern Tehran, a case in which four other protesters named “Mohammad Amin Biglari,” “Shahin Vahdparast Kolor,” “Amirhossein Hatami,” and “Ali Fahim” were also tried.

Human rights reports indicate that all four other defendants in this case were executed in March 2025. Consequently, Shahab Zahedi is the only defendant in this case who, following the annulment of his initial verdict, remains imprisoned and has now been sentenced to death again.

One of the concerns raised regarding the proceedings in Shahab Zahedi’s case is the issue of his access to a defense lawyer. Hengaw has reported that his interrogation and court sessions have been held without the presence of a defense attorney. Hrana had also previously reported, citing an informed source, about court sessions being held without his lawyer’s presence.

These reports are being published at a time when the right to legal counsel and fair trial are considered fundamental principles of just legal proceedings. However, the full details of the case, documentation of the charges, and the official text of the new verdict are not publicly available.

The reissuance of a death sentence for Shahab Zahedi, following the annulment of his initial ruling by the country’s Supreme Court, has intensified concerns about the fate of this prisoner and the judicial process in handling cases of detainees from the December protests.

As of the time of this report’s publication, published news indicates the reissuance of the death sentence, and no report of its execution has been released. Shahab Zahedi remains imprisoned in Qazal Hesar Prison in Karaj and faces the risk of execution of the death sentence.