Trial of Three Journalists from Abadan Who Addressed Metropol Collapse and Corruption of Officials

The lawyer of Mandana Sadeghi, Reza Mohammadi, and Arash Ghaleh Golab, three journalists in Abadan, told Shargh newspaper that their case hearing was held on Wednesday, March 6, in the Revolutionary Court. Farzaneh Zilabi told Shargh that these three individuals have been accused by the Abadan Revolutionary Court of 'propaganda against the regime, assembly and collusion to commit a crime against the security of the country, and communication with hostile governments.' According to Ms. Zilabi, the writings of these three journalists and authors reflect the problems of the people of Khuzestan, including the Metropol collapse, corruption and nepotism of some provincial managers, the situation of the Haft Tappeh sugarcane factory, and the Arvand Free Zone Organization, as well as the protests of 2022. She added, 'Journalists and writers are pressured for stating facts and exposing corruption... but that is the job of a journalist or writer.' Mandana Sadeghi and her husband Reza Mohammadi were arrested at their home in Abadan on October 19, 2022, and were imprisoned in Ahvaz for about four months. Arash Ghaleh Golab was also arrested on June 25, 2022, near the collapsed Metropol building while mourning the victims and was imprisoned for several weeks. The building known as Metropol Tower No. 2 collapsed on June 25, 2022, leaving 43 dead. This incident led to protests and marches against the corruption of officials in Abadan. Official sources have stated that one of the victims of the Metropol incident was Hossein Abdolbaghi, the owner of 'Abdolbaghi Holding'; however, citizens of Abadan have expressed doubts about this news and also about the news of the killing of his brother, Majid Abdolbaghi, in an armed attack. Farzaneh Zilabi told Shargh that it is 'very disappointing' that these journalists are being questioned in court for reflecting the slogan 'Abdolbaghi is not dead' or for writing about garbage collectors under the title of 'propaganda activity.' She also mentioned that she had requested this case to be handled in the 'Press Court,' but after 'months of confusion and disorientation,' the case was once again placed under the jurisdiction of the Abadan Revolutionary Court.