U.S. State Department Expresses 'Deep' Concern Over Death Sentence for Mohammad Ali Taheri

On Friday, September 1, the U.S. State Department issued a statement expressing deep concern over the death sentence issued for Mohammad Ali Taheri, the founder of the Erfan Halqeh (Circle of Knowledge). The statement noted that charges such as forming 'a religious cult' and 'corruption on earth' contradict Iran's international commitments regarding freedom of expression and freedom of religion or belief. The State Department added that this ruling also contradicts Iran's obligations to issue death sentences 'only for very serious crimes.' The department also expressed deep concern over reports regarding the detention of followers of Erfan Halqeh. The U.S. has urged the Iranian government to refrain from any actions that would lead to the execution and other punishments of Mohammad Ali Taheri. In conclusion, the U.S. State Department called on Iran to adhere to human rights as outlined in Iranian law and international laws. On September 27, Mohammad Ali Taheri's lawyer announced in an interview with Radio Farda that a death sentence had been issued for his client, communicated by the Revolutionary Court. Mahmoud Alizadeh Tabatabai stated that the ruling is a 'first-instance ruling' and that defense lawyers have 20 days to appeal to the Supreme Court. The lawyer also mentioned that there is no evidence that his client's actions have caused widespread corruption, as defined by Article 286, 'corruption on earth,' and that Mr. Taheri cannot be subject to a law that was enacted after his actions and is therefore retroactive. According to Article 286 of the Islamic Penal Code, enacted in 2013, individuals who 'widespread commit crimes against the physical integrity of individuals, crimes against internal or external security of the country, spreading falsehoods, disrupting the economic system of the country, arson and destruction, spreading toxic and dangerous substances or establishing centers of corruption and prostitution or assisting in them in a way that causes severe disruption to public order, insecurity or major damage to the physical integrity of individuals or public and private property, or causes widespread corruption or prostitution' are recognized as corrupt on earth and sentenced to death. However, it remains unclear from which part of Article 286 the 'corruption on earth' charge against Mr. Taheri has been derived.