Prosecutor's Allegations Against Ghancheh Ghavami: Links to Opposition Abroad and Satellite Networks

The Tehran Prosecutor's Office, in a statement released on Tuesday, November 27, denied any connection between the allegations in Ghancheh Ghavami's case and her attending volleyball matches, accusing her instead of having links with opposition groups abroad and satellite networks, participating in anti-regime gatherings, and filming the police station where she was detained. Ghancheh Ghavami, a British-Iranian citizen, was arrested on June 30 while attending a volleyball match at Azadi Stadium in Tehran due to her protest against the exclusion of women from the venue and was released hours later. She was re-arrested a few days later while attempting to retrieve her personal belongings. According to the Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA), the Tehran Prosecutor's Office stated that Ms. Ghavami was 'accidentally' detained by police stationed at Azadi Stadium on June 30, despite having a 'previous arrest record.' The statement also accused Ghavami of taking photographs of the police station and individuals present there after her arrest. The Tehran Prosecutor's Office noted that during her arrest on June 31, a mobile phone was 'discovered' containing 'numerous images and videos' related to the 'elements' of the 2009 election protests. The statement mentioned that Ghavami was summoned on July 8 and stated, 'She has participated in propaganda activities against the regime and has had connections with the operatives and affiliates of satellite networks, including BBC Persian and opposition groups abroad, and has participated in anti-regime gatherings and marches.' Mahmoud Alizadeh Tabatabai, Ghavami's lawyer, announced on November 11 that a one-year prison sentence had been 'issued' for his client, while also stating that the court had sent the case back to the prosecutor's office. The Tehran Prosecutor's Office confirmed the return of Ghavami's case to the prosecutor's office. Hadi Sadeghi, the cultural deputy of the judiciary, mentioned on Tuesday, November 20, that Ghavami's accusations included 'propaganda against the regime and some interactions with anti-revolutionary elements' and called for the judiciary to provide information on this case. Previously, Mohammad Reza Davarzani, the head of the Iranian Volleyball Federation, had stated that Ghavami's arrest was one of the 'pretexts' for canceling Iran's hosting of the World Youth Volleyball Championships. The International Volleyball Federation has introduced Argentina as the host for the youth championships, while the 2014 World Congress in Italy had assigned this event to Iran. Reports also indicate that the heads of volleyball federations from 200 countries have sent a letter to the Iranian president requesting Ghavami's release. In this context, a European Parliament representative told Ghavami: 'Stay strong. You are not alone.' This marks the fifth day of Ghavami's dry hunger strike. The spokesperson for the judiciary stated that no ruling has yet been issued for Ghavami, while her lawyer urged the court to make a logical decision about his client as soon as possible.