Eight Defendants in Telegram Channels Case Sentenced to Imprisonment

The Tehran prosecutor announced the sentencing of eight individuals involved in the Telegram channels case to prison terms ranging from six months to five years. The newspaper 'Hemayat' reported on Tuesday (September 7) that these individuals have also been subjected to additional penalties, including a ban on membership in political parties, groups, and media activities. The defense attorney for two of the defendants also reported that the Revolutionary Court had issued rulings for his clients. Ali Mojtahedzadeh, the attorney, stated, 'I have been informed that the sentences for the defendants in the Telegram channels case have been issued, and my clients have been asked to refer to the Revolutionary Court to view the ruling.' The sentences for these eight individuals were issued by Branch 15 of the Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Salavati, following three court sessions to address their charges. These Telegram channel managers have been identified by some media as 'reformists' or 'government supporters' and were arrested in March 2017, later released on bail. President Hassan Rouhani and Minister of Intelligence Mahmoud Alavi have strongly criticized the arrest of these individuals, deeming it politically motivated. However, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, the judiciary spokesperson, stated in late April that the charges against these individuals pertain to security issues and violations of 'public decency.' The social media platform 'Telegram' is one of the most widely used networks in Iran, with officials claiming millions of users in the country. In recent years, judicial and security officials of the Islamic Republic have made significant efforts to block 'Telegram,' but have been unsuccessful due to government opposition. Meanwhile, many officials and institutions of the Islamic Republic, including the office of Ayatollah Khamenei, maintain an active presence on this information network. On January 18 of the previous year, Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Reza Salehi Amiri announced the closure of over 160,000 'corruption channels' in cyberspace, which he claimed were engaged in 'heretical' and 'corrupt' activities. In recent years, Reporters Without Borders has repeatedly condemned internet censorship and the repression of cyber activists in Iran. Following the events of 2009, commanders of the Revolutionary Guards and the Basij Organization have frequently spoken about their intention to establish virtual headquarters to counter what they call the 'soft war of the enemy.'