Exclusive: Two-Year Prison Sentence for Doctor for Writing About 'Shah' and Calling the Islamic Republic 'Murderous'

The judiciary of the Islamic Republic sentenced Iman Dastyar, a doctor from Yasuj, to two years in prison and a ban on leaving Iran due to comments made on his personal Instagram page, under the charge of 'spreading falsehoods with the intent to disturb public opinion.' According to documents obtained by VOA on Thursday, September 1, the 110th branch of the Yasuj Criminal Court, located in the Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, issued a two-year prison sentence and a travel ban for Iman Dastyar for the charge of 'spreading computer-based falsehoods' through posts on his Instagram page, which judicial authorities deemed 'false and misleading' and 'intended to disturb public opinion.' The court ruling claimed that the 'words used' by Mr. Dastyar were 'beyond the limits of citizens' right to criticize the government.' Phrases cited from this civil activist's Instagram page in the ruling include 'participation in elections means the continuation of the presence of murderers,' 'tomorrow the voice of the Shah will be broadcast on television,' and depicting the Islamic Republic as 'murderous and a violator of rights,' which were mentioned as examples of 'disturbing public opinion' and 'strengthening feelings of hatred and animosity towards the government.' The ruling from the 110th branch of the Yasuj Criminal Court for Iman Dastyar states 'two years of prison as the main punishment and a travel ban for 18 months as an additional punishment,' and it further notes that 'considering his youth' and 'lack of a significant criminal record,' this ruling will be suspended for two years. Additionally, the court ruling states that this decision can be appealed within 20 days from the date of notification in the appellate court of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province. Mr. Dastyar was also arrested on June 17 of this year in Yasuj regarding comments he made on his Instagram page. Also see: Two citizens arrested in Yasuj; Shahab Mohammadian and Iman Dastyar transferred to an 'unknown location.' Iman Dastyar was arrested in September 2022 during nationwide protests following the death of Mahsa Amini and was later released on bail. Warning from two human rights organizations about the 'alarming situation' in Iran: Immediate international attention is needed. The judiciary of the Islamic Republic filed charges against 89 citizens five years after the November 2019 protests. Iran Human Rights Campaign: At least 34 political prisoners have been deprived of adequate medical services in the past two and a half months. Sina Yousefi, a lawyer, was sentenced to prison for commenting on the crash of Raisi's helicopter. Three Baha'i citizens were sentenced to imprisonment, fines, and a travel ban in the Isfahan appellate court.