Lawyer Summoned to Evin Prison Courts — Aftershocks of the Stoning Story?

Mohammad Mostafaee, an Iranian lawyer who represents many political and human rights cases in Iran, was summoned to the security branch of Evin Prison Courts. “I was in my office when a court clerk served me the summons to appear before the Second Branch of Shahid Moghaddas Courts inside Evin Prison within three days. This is the security branch,” Mostafaee told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran. Asked whether he knew the reason for his summons to the security courts he said, “I have not committed any crimes to be summoned by that branch.”

There have been reports on some websites about pressure on Sakineh Ashtiani’s family, as well as her son having been called to appear to answer questions. “It’s not like the family are under pressure,” said Mostafaee about the reports. He also emphasized that over the past several years, he has accepted many cases in order to defend the defenseless. He said he has tried to help prevent executions and the conviction of innocent individuals, and this has helped to protect the political image of the country. Mostafaee also told the Campaign that in the past few years, he has conducted all his legal activities within the framework of the law, trusting that it is possible to defend the suspects fairly through cooperation with judicial authorities.

Following the stoning stay of Sakineh Ashtiani, there has been contradictory news about a fresh round of interrogations for her in prison, as well as pressure on her son to maintain silence with the media about her case. Mostafaee has frequently discussed his clients’ cases in his personal blogs and in interviews with the media.

Read Mohammad Mostafaee’s personal blogs