Iran protester handed down three death sentences, rights group says

A Tehran court has sentenced protester Ahad Shokouhian to death three times over his involvement in January demonstrations, the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights reported on Thursday.

Shokouhian, 38, was arrested in Pakdasht on Jan. 15 and tried before Judge Iman Afshari in Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court.

He was charged with "acting against national security following calls by opposition groups," "assembly and collusion to act against national security," and "destruction of public property," the group said.

The court handed down the three death sentences despite Shokouhian being the third defendant in the case, according to the report. An official forensic medical report confirmed his severe asthma physically prevented him from carrying out the strenuous activities alleged by security forces, raising serious doubts about the charges.

Shokouhian was denied access to a lawyer of his choice during detention, while his court-appointed attorney attended only one hearing, Hengaw said. Evidence submitted by his private defense lawyer during the appeal process was also ignored.

Twelve other co-defendants in the case have also been sentenced to death, some multiple times, according to the rights group. Shokouhian has been held at Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj since late June.

Shokouhian, a worker at Tehran’s Imam Reza Flower Market, is the sole breadwinner for his family, caring for his 80-year-old mother and his 55-year-old disabled brother. His six-month detention has plunged the family into severe financial hardship and left them unable to cover basic living expenses, the group said.

Source: iranintl.com, Staff, July 23, 2026

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