Narges Mohammadi: My Charges Are Groundless

Narges Mohammadi, spokesperson for the "Human Rights Defenders Center" in Iran and a signatory of the "Step-by-Step Abolition of the Death Penalty" campaign (known as "LAGAM"), is set to appear in court in Tehran on Sunday for trial. Mohammadi is accused of conspiracy and collusion against national security, membership in an illegal organization, and propaganda against the regime. Less than two years ago, she met with then-European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton during her visit to Tehran. Following the 2009 presidential elections, she was sentenced to six years in prison, of which she served six months. Radio Farda began a conversation with Narges Mohammadi (winner of the "Ernst Langer" and "Sweden's Government and Living History Foundation" human rights and democracy awards) to discuss the details of her charges and her defense. In her conversation with Amir Masoud Katouzian, Mohammadi stated that after her meeting with Ashton on March 8, 2014, a case was opened in security agencies, which began its judicial process in May 2014. This has now led to an indictment against her on three charges, which have been sent to Branch 15 of the Revolutionary Court. Her first charge is conspiracy and collusion against national security, the second is propaganda against the regime, and the third is establishing the anti-security and illegal group "LAGAM." According to her, during interrogations, it was made clear to her that her opposition to the death penalty was seen as a contradiction to divine verses, as retribution is part of the Quran. Regarding the first two charges, one of the reasons cited was her meeting with Ashton, where she advocated for civil society, the freedom of political prisoners, and the lifting of house arrest. It was explicitly stated in her case that she is seeking the realization of civil society, which she does not deny. Her ongoing activities in the Human Rights Defenders Center, including her connection with Shirin Ebadi, the center's president, were also mentioned. Moreover, her involvement in civil society activities, such as organizing seminars on air pollution and discussions on the Charter of Citizens' Rights, which align with the government of President Rouhani's agenda, have been used as reasons for her charges of propaganda against the regime and conspiracy. She argues that these charges cannot be accepted because they are part of the government's program, which aims at civil society, combating air pollution, and presenting a charter of citizens' rights. She also points out that many officials, including Foreign Minister Zarif, have met with Ashton regarding nuclear negotiations, and her meeting was focused on civil society issues. Therefore, she believes none of these can be considered valid accusations. Regarding the charge related to activities of those who signed the campaign to abolish the death penalty, she argues that the issue of the death penalty in Iran is pursued not only by members of the LAGAM campaign but also by parts of the government. The LAGAM campaign has become one of the major challenges for the Islamic Republic of Iran in the international arena concerning human rights violations, with rising execution statistics. She notes that even discussions in the Cultural Commission of Parliament address the execution of minors under 18. Mohammadi acknowledges her history of opposing the death penalty, as she previously initiated a campaign against the execution of minors in 2009. She emphasizes that it is natural for anyone faced with the death penalty in Iran to seek a logical and legal solution, and she does not deny being an activist in this area. The judge presiding over her trial on Sunday is Mr. Salavati, and the Revolutionary Court's Branch 15 will hold the proceedings.