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Iranian Reformist Tajzadeh Receives Additional Prison Sentence While Already Incarcerated
Prominent Iranian reformist figure Mostafa Tajzadeh has been sentenced to an additional 14 months in prison on charges of “propaganda activity against the regime,” according to an announcement made by his wife, Fakhrosadat Mohtashamipour. The verdict was issued on February 16 by Branch 22 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court under Judge Taghizadeh.
This latest sentence adds to Tajzadeh’s mounting legal troubles. The former Deputy Interior Minister under the reformist Khatami administration was already serving time in Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison when authorities opened this new case against him. Tajzadeh was summoned on December 30 to Branch 23 of the Revolutionary Court to respond to the fresh charges.
According to his defense attorney, Houshang Pourbabayi, this new ruling increases Tajzadeh’s total prison sentences to 17 years. In July of last year, he received a five-year “cumulative” imprisonment term in a separate case that was also initiated while he was already behind bars.
Tajzadeh has established himself as one of Iran’s most outspoken reformists, known particularly for his direct letters to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei calling for structural reforms and democratization of the Islamic Republic. Unlike many of his reformist colleagues who have retreated from public criticism, Tajzadeh has maintained his vocal stance even from prison.
The charge of “propaganda against the regime” is frequently employed by Iranian authorities as a broad legal mechanism to criminalize political speech and dissent. In Tajzadeh’s case, this likely refers to social media posts and letters written from his prison cell that have been published outside.
His current incarceration began on July 8, 2022, when security forces arrested him and transferred him to Ward 2-A of Evin Prison, a high-security section controlled by the Intelligence Organization of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This section operates independently from the regular prison administration and is known for harsh interrogation tactics and solitary confinement.
In December 2024, Tajzadeh faced yet another verdict from Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court under the controversial Judge Abolqasem Salavati, receiving a one-year sentence for “propaganda against the regime” and five years for “assembly and collusion against national security.”
Judge Salavati, often called the “Judge of Death” or “Hanging Judge” by human rights organizations, has been sanctioned by both the United States and European Union for his role in trials lacking due process and for issuing severe sentences against activists, journalists, and dual nationals. Mohtashamipour has stated that this case was directly initiated by the IRGC Intelligence Organization.
Evin Prison, where Tajzadeh is held, has gained international notoriety as Iran’s primary detention facility for political prisoners, intellectuals, and others deemed threats to the Islamic Republic. Human rights organizations have documented systematic abuses within its walls, particularly in specialized sections like Ward 2-A.
Tajzadeh’s continuing legal troubles reflect the Iranian judiciary’s pattern of bringing successive charges against political prisoners, effectively extending their sentences while they remain incarcerated. This practice has been criticized by international human rights organizations as a means of silencing political opposition without the scrutiny that would accompany new arrests.
Throughout this ordeal, Mohtashamipour has served as her husband’s primary connection to the outside world, regularly updating the public about his legal situation and health condition while advocating for his release.
The case highlights the ongoing tension between reformist figures who seek changes within Iran’s political system and hardline elements within the judiciary and security apparatus determined to suppress such voices, particularly as the country faces both domestic unrest and international isolation.
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14 Comments
It’s deeply troubling to see Tajzadeh, a reformist politician, facing such harsh sentences for what seem to be politically motivated charges. This appears to be part of a broader pattern of the Iranian government cracking down on dissent and free speech.
This latest sentence against Tajzadeh is a disturbing development. As a prominent reformist, his repeated imprisonment suggests the Iranian government is unwilling to tolerate any form of political dissent, even from within its own system. I hope this case draws renewed attention to the need for real change in Iran.
Troubling news about Tajzadeh’s additional prison sentence. It seems the Iranian regime is further cracking down on reformist voices. I hope Tajzadeh’s case draws more international attention to the human rights situation in Iran.
Tajzadeh’s case is a troubling example of the Iranian government’s crackdown on dissent and free speech. As a reformist figure, his repeated imprisonment suggests the regime is unwilling to tolerate any form of political opposition, even from within its own ranks. This is a concerning trend that deserves closer scrutiny.
This latest sentence against Tajzadeh is deeply troubling. As a prominent reformist, his treatment is a clear indication of the Iranian regime’s intolerance of any political dissent, even from within its own system. I hope this case helps shine a light on the broader human rights issues in Iran.
Tajzadeh’s case is a stark reminder of the Iranian government’s intolerance of political dissent. As a reformist figure, his repeated imprisonment suggests the regime is determined to silence any voices of opposition, even from within its own ranks. This is a concerning trend that deserves close international scrutiny and condemnation.
Tajzadeh’s case is a stark reminder of the ongoing human rights abuses in Iran. The regime’s treatment of reformist figures like him is a clear attempt to silence critical voices and maintain its grip on power. The international community must continue to pressure Iran on these issues.
It’s troubling to see Tajzadeh, a reformist figure, facing such harsh sentences for what appear to be politically motivated charges. This case highlights the Iranian regime’s crackdown on dissent and its unwillingness to tolerate any form of political opposition, even from within its own system. The international community must continue to closely monitor and condemn such human rights abuses.
Tajzadeh’s additional prison sentence is a worrying development. As a reformist politician, his repeated imprisonment suggests the Iranian government is determined to silence any voices of opposition, even from within its own ranks. This case underscores the need for continued international pressure on Iran’s human rights record.
Tajzadeh’s case is a disturbing example of the Iranian government’s intolerance of political dissent. As a reformist figure, his repeated imprisonment suggests the regime is determined to silence any voices of opposition, even from within its own ranks. This is a concerning trend that deserves close international scrutiny and condemnation.
This is a concerning development for Iran’s political landscape. Tajzadeh is a prominent reformist figure, and his repeated imprisonment appears to be an attempt to silence dissenting views. I hope the international community continues to pressure Iran on its human rights abuses.
I agree, this is a worrying trend. The Iranian government seems intent on suppressing any opposition, even from within the reformist camp. Tajzadeh’s case highlights the need for greater international scrutiny of Iran’s human rights record.
The additional sentence against Tajzadeh is deeply troubling. As a prominent reformist, his treatment highlights the Iranian regime’s crackdown on political dissent and its unwillingness to tolerate any form of opposition, even from within its own system. I hope this case draws renewed attention to the broader human rights issues in Iran.
The repeated imprisonment of Tajzadeh is deeply concerning. As a reformist politician, his treatment highlights the Iranian regime’s intolerance of any political opposition, even from within the system. I hope the international community continues to closely monitor and condemn such human rights abuses.