Hashim Aghajari's Trial Behind Closed Doors

Hashim Aghajari, a supporter of reformist President Mohammad Khatami, is being tried behind closed doors in Hamadan on charges of insulting religious sanctities. Aghajari was recently arrested for delivering a speech in Hamadan, during which he called for extensive religious reforms. In that speech, he stated that Muslims should not blindly follow clerics. Aghajari's remarks led conservatives in several cities in Iran to hold protests against him, accusing him of blasphemy and insulting sacred beliefs, which set the stage for his arrest and trial. If confirmed in court, the punishment for such charges under Islamic law is death. Aghajari is a journalist, university professor, and political activist who became disabled due to his participation in the Iran-Iraq war. The Hamadan judiciary announced that due to the immoral and religiously offensive content that may arise during the trial, and to avoid hurting the religious sentiments of the people, Aghajari's trial will not be public. The Hamadan judiciary has warned the media not to attempt to exploit the trial for political purposes.