Soha Mortazaei, Tehran University Student, Sentenced to Six Years in Prison
Reports indicate that Soha Mortazaei, a student who was arrested during last month’s December protests, has been sentenced to six years of imprisonment and a two-year ban from membership in political parties and groups.
Hrana website, which publishes human rights news in Iran, reported on Monday, September 26, that the graduate student of humanities and central student representative of Tehran University was sentenced to six years of imprisonment by Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Ahmadzadeh.
Heavy prison sentences against students arrested following last month’s December protests have drawn criticism from human rights activists.
Human Rights Watch also condemned the severe judicial sentences against students.
Heder Nawert, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, also tweeted: “We condemn Iran’s action in issuing prison sentences for students who were peacefully protesting.”
Early in September, the lawyer of Parisa Rafiei, a 21-year-old Tehran University student, announced that the Revolutionary Court sentenced this student to a total of 7 years imprisonment on charges of gathering and conspiracy with intent to commit crimes against national security, propaganda activity against the system, and disturbing public order.
During Iran’s nationwide protests that began on Thursday, December 7, and spread to more than 72 Iranian cities, approximately 100 students were arrested across Iran. Soha Mortazaei was arrested following these protests along with a number of other students.
Source: Voice of America
