Lawyers Express Hope for 'Overturning of Initial Verdict' for Pakhshan Azizi

Lawyers for Pakhshan Azizi, a political prisoner sentenced to death, told 'Emtedad' on Tuesday, December 3: 'Despite oral reports, we are hopeful for the overturning of his initial verdict due to the presentation of solid evidence to the court.' Amir Reisiyaan and Maziar Tataei, in an interview with this media outlet, expressed concern about the possibility of 'hasty proceedings' in their client's case and called for the Supreme Court's attention to the 'solid evidence' presented that indicates Azizi's innocence. They emphasized that the documents confirmed by official authorities show that this prisoner was focused on humanitarian and aid activities in the war refugee camps of ISIS and had no involvement in military activities. Referring to the handling of Azizi's case in one of the branches of the Supreme Court, they noted: 'Despite the evidence and documents submitted to the Supreme Court, the reports do not carry pleasant news, but at the same time, existing records show that in multiple similar cases, death sentences have not been issued for those who did not participate in military activities, which keeps us hopeful for the overturning of the verdict issued in the initial court.' Pakhshan Azizi was arrested on August 4, 2023, in Tehran and was accused of 'rebellion through membership in opposing groups' in the winter of the same year, leading to his death sentence in June 2024. He and his lawyers have denied any involvement in armed operations.