Saleh Nikbakht, the defense lawyer for Hashem Aghajari, an Iranian dissident, states that the judge responsible for handling the apostasy charge against his client, which carries the death penalty, has deemed it unfounded and dismissed it. However, according to Saleh Nikbakht, Aghajari, a war veteran and history teacher, still faces lesser charges that could lead to a five-year prison sentence. Aghajari was initially sentenced to death for making statements criticizing the clerical government in the Islamic Republic. However, in early June, the Supreme Court of the Islamic Republic annulled a ruling issued 23 months ago by a judge in the public court of Hamadan and ordered a retrial in a court in Tehran.
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Saleh Nikbakht: The Judge Has Dismissed the Apostasy Charge Against Hashem Aghajari
Feb 7, 2026
February 7, 2026
1 min read
📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway
Hashem Aghajari, an Iranian dissident, has had the apostasy charge against him dismissed by a judge, but still faces lesser charges that could result in a five-year prison sentence. This case is significant as it highlights the ongoing tensions between the Iranian government and dissenting voices.
🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line:
The dismissal of the apostasy charge against Aghajari is a small victory for dissenters in Iran, but significant challenges remain.
👥 Key Players
Saleh Nikbakht
MENTIONED
Defense lawyer for Hashem Aghajari
"Nikbakht plays a crucial role in defending dissenting voices against the Iranian government, highlighting issues of human rights and legal justice."
Hashem Aghajari
MENTIONED
Iranian dissident and war veteran
"Aghajari represents the struggle for freedom of expression in Iran, having faced severe penalties for criticizing the clerical regime."
Iranian Supreme Court
MENTIONED
Judicial authority in Iran
"The Supreme Court's decisions can significantly impact the legal landscape and the treatment of dissent in Iran."
📰 What Happened
A judge has dismissed the apostasy charge against Hashem Aghajari, which could have led to the death penalty, but he still faces lesser charges that could result in a five-year prison sentence. This follows a Supreme Court ruling that annulled a previous death sentence and ordered a retrial.
- The apostasy charge was deemed unfounded by the judge.
- Aghajari's previous death sentence was annulled by the Supreme Court.
💡 Why It Matters
🇮🇷 For Iran: This case underscores the tension between the Iranian government and those who challenge its authority, reflecting ongoing struggles for human rights and freedom of expression.
🌍 Regional: The outcome may influence other dissidents in Iran and could affect regional perceptions of Iran's human rights record.
🌐 International: International observers may view this case as indicative of Iran's treatment of dissent and could impact diplomatic relations.
📚 Background
Apostasy in Iran can carry severe penalties, including death, reflecting the strict interpretation of Islamic law by the clerical regime. Aghajari's case is emblematic of the broader struggle for civil liberties in the country.
Human rights in Iran
Freedom of expression
📡 Source:
OPPOSITION
📊 Confidence:
70%
This perspective may emphasize the plight of dissidents and criticize the Iranian government, so readers should consider the potential for bias in the portrayal of events.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%
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