May 18, 2010

Five Year Prison Terms For Mohammad Davari and Mehdi Mahmoudian

Mohammad Davari, a member of the Teachers’ Association and Editor-in-Chief of Saham News’ website, and Mehdi Mahmoudian, a member of the Participation Front Party, have each been sentenced to five years in prison. Kalame News announced that the sentences were issued directly to the defendants in absence of their lawyers. The report stated that Davari and Mahmoudian have both objected to their sentences and are appealing the decision.

Davari was detained on 8 September 2009, during the closure of Mehdi Karroubi’s offices, and was instrumental in helping Mehdi Karroubi document statements made by detainees who reported rape and sexual abuse in prisons. In the past several months, several reports have surfaced about pressure on Davari to confess against Mehdi Karroubi. In a letter to Iranian authorities published recently, Karroubi demanded an end to forced confessions which are aimed to render “repentant” individuals. In his letter, Karroubi said that Davari’s only role had been to film the testimonies of rape and abuse victims and witnesses.

Mahmoudian played a significant role in publishing news about the Kahrizak Detention Center in which at least four prisoners lost their lives.