Hashem Aghajeri, a history professor at Tarbiat Modares University, has been released on bail by Branch 26 of the Tehran Public Court. His lawyer, Saleh Nikbakht, stated that Aghajeri's release follows the payment of a bail of 97 million tomans (approximately 112,000 USD), which was covered by a friend of Aghajeri, although over 160 people had offered to assist with the payment. Aghajeri, who was disabled during the Iran-Iraq War, was imprisoned nearly two years ago after he stated in a speech in Hamadan that Muslims are not monkeys and should not blindly follow their leaders. Initially, a court in Hamadan sentenced him to death for insulting sacred beliefs and apostasy, but the Supreme Court rejected this ruling and sent the case back for retrial to Branch 1083 of the Tehran Public Court. On July 20, the court sentenced Aghajeri to five years in prison—three years mandatory and two years suspended—and five years of social rights deprivation. Aghajeri will remain free on bail until the Supreme Court issues a final ruling regarding the duration of his imprisonment. On Saturday, a few hours after his release, Aghajeri met with family and friends at his home in northern Tehran. Ignoring the court's order not to speak with the media, he told reporters outside his home that he hopes for a day when no one in Iran is imprisoned for expressing their opinions and beliefs, let alone sentenced to death.
Hashem Aghajeri Released on Bail
Hashem Aghajeri, a history professor, has been released on bail after being imprisoned for nearly two years for remarks made during a speech. He was initially sentenced to death for apostasy but had his case sent back for retrial. His case highlights ongoing issues of free speech and human rights in Iran.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Hashem Aghajeri was released on bail after nearly two years of imprisonment for comments made during a speech. He had faced a death sentence for apostasy, which was later reduced to a five-year prison term after retrial.
- Aghajeri was initially sentenced to death for insulting sacred beliefs.
- His release on bail was facilitated by a friend, with over 160 others offering financial support.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Iran has a history of suppressing dissent and punishing individuals for expressing their views, particularly those that challenge religious or political authority.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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