Sepideh Gholian's Reaction to 15-Month Prison Sentence: 'It Was Worth It, I Sacrifice for My People'

Sepideh Gholian, a civil activist and political prisoner, reacted on Saturday, September 2, to her 15-month prison sentence by stating: "It was worth it. I sacrifice for my people." Mehdi Gholian, her brother, shared her reaction on Instagram. The court's ruling was related to a complaint filed by Ameneh-Sadat Zibihpour, who has been dubbed 'interrogator-journalist' by opponents of the Islamic Republic and social media users. According to Mr. Gholian, his sister previously described her presence in court as 'not strictly for her defense' but 'for resistance' and 'what the people have achieved with their movement.' He also reported that the judge ordered her trial due to 'unveiling' and the charge of 'falsely creating grounds for corruption and prostitution.' After Sepideh Gholian refused to wear the mandatory hijab during the court session on August 22, the judge announced that a 'second indictment' would be issued against her. On the other hand, Ameneh-Sadat Zibihpour announced a new complaint against Sepideh Gholian following the court ruling. She stated that the current ruling against Gholian pertains to a case from 2019 and what she termed 'lies, slander, and dissemination of falsehoods,' and she indicated that she would file another complaint regarding accusations Gholian made against her last year. Following Gholian's testimony about Zibihpour's presence during interrogation sessions and the production stages of the television program 'Burnt Design' in 2018, this government television reporter had filed a complaint against her. Meanwhile, according to Mehdi Gholian, Zibihpour had no response to questions from Sepideh Gholian's lawyers about the making of the documentary 'Burnt Design' during his sister's last court session. Sepideh Gholian, who was sentenced to two years in prison for chanting 'Khamenei is a tyrant, we will bury you under the ground' last year, is currently in prison. Despite her imprisonment, this civil activist continues her human rights activities by sending letters and signing statements. Previously, the U.S. Department of State's Office of Human Rights and Democracy called for the immediate release of Sepideh Gholian, a human rights defender imprisoned in Iran. Zibihpour claimed, 'I did not see Sepideh Gholian to obtain a forced confession from her.' In an open letter, Gholian expressed to Mehdi Yarahee, 'I saw your place in the hearts of the people.' In a closed court session, Gholian spat at Zibihpour 'on behalf of the people.' Sepideh Gholian's lawyer requested that the court session be held publicly. Mehdi Gholian noted that Sepideh appeared in court without a headscarf or chador.