The Court of Appeal in Tehran has upheld a six-year prison sentence for Majid Tavakoli, a former political prisoner who was detained during the nationwide protests in 2022.
Yesterday, August 23, the Tehran Court of Appeals, Branch 36, communicated its decision to Tavakoli’s legal representative. Initially, he was handed a one-year sentence for “propaganda against the regime” and a five-year sentence for “assembly and collusion against national security.” In addition to the prison term, he has been subjected to further restrictions, including a ban on engaging in online social activities for two years. Moreover, Tavakoli faces a two-year ban on residing in Tehran and a two-year ban on leaving the country.
Pursuant to Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the five-year imprisonment term will be enforceable.
Tavakoli, recognized as a student activist and former political detainee, was apprehended by security forces in Tehran on September 23, 2022, during the Mahsa Amini Protests. He was subsequently granted release on bail on December 19, 2022.
Background on the 2022 Nationwide Protests
The arrest of Mahsa Amini by Tehran Morality Police for her improper hijab and her suspicious death on September 16 sparked protests sweeping across Iran. Protesters came to the streets with the central slogan “Women, Life, Freedom” in protest against the performance, laws and structure of the regime. During the nationwide protests, thousands of people, including journalists, artists, lawyers, teachers, students and civil rights activists, were arrested.
