Iran Protest Case: Father Sentenced to Death, Daughter Given 25 Years in Prison

An Iranian court has sentenced a father to death and his daughter to 25 years in prison over their alleged involvement in protests that took place in January, according to their lawyer.

Ali Sharifzadeh Ardekani said Branch 15 of the Revolutionary Court handed down a death sentence to Mohammad Abbasi on charges of “enmity against God,” accusing him of involvement in the killing of a police colonel during unrest in Malard. His daughter, Fatemeh Abbasi, was sentenced to 25 years in prison in the same case.

He said the verdict was appealed and the case was referred to Branch 39 of the Supreme Court. However, the court reportedly refused to accept the family’s chosen lawyers at the review stage, citing procedural reasons. Sharifzadeh Ardekani added that he was informed the ruling was about to be issued and that no new legal representation would be allowed.

Judiciary-affiliated media have previously identified Mohammad Abbasi as the main defendant in the case and reported that the family of the slain officer had requested the death penalty.

Human rights groups have repeatedly voiced concerns over Iran’s handling of protest-related cases, pointing to the use of broad national security charges, restrictions on access to independent lawyers, and allegations of forced confessions and arbitrary detention.