Dissolution of the Freedom Movement of Iran - 2002-07-27

The Revolutionary Court in Iran has dissolved the largest opposition party and sentenced more than 30 members of this party to prison terms of up to 10 years. The convicted individuals are members of the Freedom Movement of Iran, found guilty of attempting to overthrow the regime and other charges, including publishing falsehoods and collecting confidential government documents. All of these individuals were arrested during the crackdown on this group last year and were tried in a closed court on Saturday. According to IRNA, the official news agency of the Islamic Republic, 33 members and leaders of the Freedom Movement of Iran have been sentenced to prison terms ranging from 9 months to 10 years, while others must spend between four months to two years in prison. Eight others were fined up to six thousand dollars. According to this report, the convicted individuals will be deprived of civil rights and political activities for 10 years. Eleven others were acquitted. Ibrahim Yazdi, the leader of the Freedom Movement of Iran, stated in a phone conversation with Western news agencies that the court's action is unconstitutional and politically motivated. He said that according to the constitution, political crimes and party misconduct should be tried in public courts and before a jury.