Over 9 Years in Prison; Sentence for 'Prince Serin', Iranian-New Zealand Dual National, Announced

Serin Badiei, a dual national Iranian-New Zealand citizen and a well-known blogger referred to as 'Prince Serin', who was arrested after returning to Iran, has been sentenced to over 9 years in prison. Ali Sharifzadeh Ardekan, Badiei's lawyer, stated in an interview with 'Emtidad' that three charges of 'insulting sacred beliefs', 'propaganda against the regime', and 'encouraging corruption and prostitution' were the basis for Badiei's sentence. He added that this sentence includes '66 months in prison for encouraging corruption and prostitution, 36 months in prison for insulting sacred beliefs, 7 months and 16 days in prison for propaganda against the regime, and a 2-year ban on leaving the country and engaging in social media activities.' According to Ali Sharifzadeh Ardekan, Badiei has residency in the United States but holds New Zealand citizenship, and the embassy of that country has been informed about his case. Mr. Sharifzadeh pointed out that his client 'was hospitalized for two weeks at Rouzbeh Hospital in Tehran and suffers from bipolar disorder', adding: 'We requested that he be sent back to a three-member medical commission.' He further stated: 'In our opinion, Serin, aside from being a criminal, is ill. A person who came to Iran from the U.S. via Mashhad and claims that his goal was to convey a message of peace, friendship, and goodwill from Iran to the world. According to my client, he intended to declare that Iran is not a terrorist country.' According to this lawyer, Badiei's assets, including jewelry and some currency, were seized, and he is facing financial difficulties in prison. He noted: 'Due to my client's bipolar disorder, which is considered a type of schizophrenia and occasionally leads to sudden madness, we remind that this type of illness affects individuals who are not permanently insane.' Mr. Sharifzadeh expressed hope that, considering these issues in proving his client's mental instability, the ruling issued in the Karaj Court of Appeals would be carefully reviewed. Serin Badiei, known as 'Prince Serin', announced his return to Iran in early Farvardin (March-April) through social media posts. He claimed to be related to the Sassanian kings and introduced himself as 'Prince Serin.' The transfer of a dual national citizen from solitary confinement to a general ward; 'Prince Serin' remains 'in limbo.'