Death Sentence Issued for Ramin Zeleh, Political Prisoner Held in Naqadeh Prison
12-December-2025
Category: Prisoners
11 December 2025
News category: Prisoners –
Breathing in Confinement – Ramin Zeleh, a political prisoner held in Naqadeh Prison, has been sentenced to death by the judiciary of the Islamic Republic on the charge of “baghi” (armed rebellion).
According to Breathing in Confinement, the news outlet of the Prisoners’ Rights League in Iran, Ramin Zeleh, a political prisoner detained in Naqadeh Prison, was sentenced to death by Branch 1 of the Mahabad Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Siyami, in an extremely brief online hearing. He was convicted on the charge of “baghi” through alleged “membership in the Democratic Party.” The verdict was issued to him on 6 December 2025.
Ramin Zeleh, a native of Naqadeh, was arrested by security forces on 22 July 2024. According to published reports, the legal proceedings in his case lacked transparency, and the trial process involved serious violations of fair trial standards, including denial of access to a lawyer of his choosing and restrictions on presenting an effective defence. Such practices are contrary to Iran’s international obligations, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantees the right to a fair trial.
Reports also indicate that his family has been subjected to pressure and threats by security forces and prevented from sharing information about his situation—an action that not only heightens concerns over his personal safety but also constitutes a violation of the family’s right to access information and maintain contact with their loved one.
The issuance of a death sentence for Ramin Zeleh comes amid repeated warnings by human rights organisations regarding the widespread and politicised use of security-related charges and the imposition of death sentences without adherence to fair trial standards.