Human Rights Watch Criticizes Treatment of Civil Society and Ethnic Minorities in Iran

On Friday, February 15, Human Rights Watch announced that officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran have issued heavy prison sentences for at least 24 activists from the Azerbaijani minority since the fall of last year, "without providing real evidence." The report states: "Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeals has upheld heavy sentences issued for 10 Azerbaijani activists by Judge Abolqasem Salavati in Branch 15 of the Islamic Revolutionary Court of Tehran." According to the report, they have been sentenced to prison terms ranging from 3 to 14 years on charges including "propaganda against the regime," "gathering and colluding to act against national security," and "espionage." Nahid Naghashbandi, head of the Iran desk at Human Rights Watch, stated: "Iranian officials systematically target civil society and ethnic minorities with harassing charges and heavy prison sentences to silence dissent. This repression is an attempt to dismantle civil society and prevent the demand for the fundamental rights of ethnic minorities." Human Rights Watch noted that it has interviewed five informed sources regarding the sentences issued against Azerbaijani activists and also reviewed court documents from two separate cases. According to the organization, Ayaz Saifkhah received a 14-year prison sentence, Araz Aman Zeynabad and Baqir Hajizadeh Mazraeh received 13 years, Karam Mardane Mostali Beigloo received 11 years, Taher Naqvi and Morteza Parvin each received 6 years, Salar Taher Afshar, Fatemeh Atash Khiyavinasab, and Saeed Minaei Qashlaq each received 5 years, and Hassan Ebrahimi received 3 years in prison. Earlier, the news agency HRANA reported that these activists were arrested in early last year in the cities of Urmia, Bonab, Ardabil, Tabriz, and Karaj. Some were released on bail, but others remain in prison. An informed source told Human Rights Watch that officials have not provided any specific evidence to substantiate the charges. These accusations are primarily based on these individuals' past activities concerning environmental concerns regarding Lake Urmia, and their defense of the civil rights of ethnic minorities and dissemination of these issues. Meanwhile, Taher Naqvi, a lawyer held in Evin prison, has been denied access to medical care. An informed source told Human Rights Watch: "Mr. Naqvi suffers from serious physical problems, and even the prison clinic has recommended that he undergo MRI and specialized treatment for prostate and spinal issues. However, officials have taken no action." He noted the deterioration of Taher Naqvi's physical condition, stating that "he cannot sleep due to severe pain, and his right hand has become so numb that he cannot lift or hold anything. We are extremely concerned for his health." Human Rights Watch pointed out that it has previously documented the pattern of prisoners being denied medical services in Iranian prisons, adding: "Iranian officials have consistently used this method as a tool to silence dissenters without facing accountability. Iranian officials have continually refrained from investigating their medical negligence cases and have not held accountable those responsible." According to the report, in another case, Branch 15 of the Islamic Revolutionary Court in Tabriz has summoned 13 Azerbaijani activists for their final defense. These individuals were arrested between September and November 2023 and have been held in solitary confinement for days, where they were subjected to psychological pressure to confess. The names of this group include "Araz Ebrahimnejad, Davood Shiri, Mehrdad Ghaderi, Ayat (Yurosh) Mehrali Beigloo, Hamed Yeganehpour, Seyed Mohammadreza Movahed, Amirhossein Aghaei, Ali Babaei, Javad Soodbar, Morteza Nourmohammadi, Hossein Azadi, Nasser Razmjou, and Ebrahim Avazadeh." They are accused of "membership in an opposition group" and "collusion against the country." Meanwhile, Mehrali Beigloo has been accused of "forming an opposition group against the regime." The human rights organization wrote: These accusations relate to their activities in defense of civil rights and the rights of ethnic minorities. However, during interrogations, the charges were based on unfounded claims, such as participation in the formation of the "Demokratlar" group and their role in leading field operations during protests about three years ago. Human Rights Watch noted the conviction of Mohammad Reza Faqihi in Branch 15 of the Islamic Revolutionary Court in Tehran to 5 years in prison and a 2-year ban from practicing law, adding: His charge was "collusion to act against national security," which stemmed from his participation in a gathering in front of the Central Bar Association in Tehran during the nationwide protests two years ago, as well as his legal defense of protesters during those protests and other human rights activists. Mr. Faqihi was transferred to Evin prison about a month ago to serve his 5-year sentence. Nahid Naghashbandi from Human Rights Watch stated: "Iranian officials target anyone who defends the rights of ethnic and religious minorities, labeling them as separatists and bringing unfounded charges against them." She urged the officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran to annul all illegal charges against these activists and release the prisoners, allowing people to advocate for civil and ethnic rights.