Prosecutor of Robat Karim: Sattar Beheshti's Sister Released on Reduced Bail

The public prosecutor of Robat Karim confirmed the arrest of Sattar Beheshti's sister and the prevention of a memorial ceremony for this deceased blogger in an Iranian police detention center, stating that Sahar Beheshti is currently "released on reduced bail." Security forces attempted to prevent the memorial ceremony on Friday evening, detaining family members and at least one attendee. Reports indicate that Gohar Eshghi, Sattar Beheshti's mother, and some other detainees were released on Friday night, but Sahar Beheshti remained in custody. According to human rights activists in Iran, security forces also blocked the alley leading to the Beheshti family's home, filmed attendees at the ceremony, and confiscated identification cards or vehicle registration of several participants. In this context, the Mizan news agency, affiliated with the Iranian judiciary, reported on Saturday the statements of the public prosecutor of Robat Karim, who claimed that the participants in the memorial ceremony were "anti-regime political activists," and the prosecutor's office prevented the ceremony "to prevent any actions against security." Mohammad Hossein Qasempour, the prosecutor of Robat Karim, also accused Sahar Beheshti of "disturbing public order, insulting officials, resisting an officer, and physical confrontation," stating that she has been informed of the charges. An initial report from Mizan quoted the prosecutor as saying that Sahar Beheshti's detention continued "due to the lack of bail," although this news agency later reported that the sister of Sattar Beheshti was "released on reduced bail." Regarding the Friday night ceremony at Sattar Beheshti's home, Mohammad Nourizad, who attended the event, told Radio Farda that he was warned by the Ministry of Intelligence not to attend the ceremony. Mohammad Seifzadeh, a lawyer and another participant in the ceremony, also told Radio Farda that the event was held "in complete order," with several speeches and poetry readings taking place, and "no criminal acts" were committed. Sattar Beheshti was arrested in 2012 for publishing critical content about the Islamic Republic on his blog and died due to injuries sustained from torture during detention. The court ultimately ruled after much delay that Sattar Beheshti's death was "quasi-intentional murder" and sentenced his killer, an officer of the police force, to three years in prison.