Death Sentence Issued for Ali Pishevarzadeh, Detainee of the January 2026 Protests
7-May-2026
Category: Uncategorized
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7 May 2026
News Category: Death Sentences Issued
Breathing in Confinement: Ali Pishevarzadeh, one of those arrested during the January 2026 protests, has been sentenced to death on charges of moharebeh (“enmity against God”).
According to Breathing in Confinement, the news outlet of the Prisoners’ Rights League in Iran, Ali Pishevarzadeh, a political prisoner held in Lakan Prison in Rasht, has been sentenced to death by a branch of the Revolutionary Court in this city on charges of moharebeh.
According to the report, Mr Pishevarzadeh, aged 28, was arrested on 9 January 2026 in Rasht. Informed sources have stated that following his arrest, he was subjected to interrogation for an unspecified period, and reports have emerged indicating that he was placed under pressure to obtain confessions. However, no official or independently verified details regarding the circumstances of his arrest, detention, or interrogation process are publicly available.
According to the indictment in this case, allegations include participation in the production of incendiary materials (including Molotov cocktails) and involvement in setting fire to several public and administrative buildings, including a courthouse, bank, market, mosque, insurance building, and a medical centre. However, in the absence of access to case documents and a public trial, the accuracy of these allegations and the extent to which they can be attributed to the defendant cannot be independently verified.
A source familiar with the case has claimed that threatening statements were made to the defendant during the investigative stage.
Prior to his arrest, Ali Pishevarzadeh was an athlete specialising in individual swimming and, according to reports, had won several medals in this discipline.
At the time of writing, no precise information has been released regarding the judicial process, including court hearings, access to a chosen legal representative, or the ability to exercise defence rights. Reports of confessions obtained under pressure have raised concerns regarding adherence to fair trial principles, including the right to legal counsel, prohibition of torture, and the presumption of innocence.
Under both domestic legal standards and international obligations, including fair trial principles, every defendant has the right to access independent legal representation, to a public and impartial hearing, and to be protected from any form of coercion or forced confession. Lack of transparency in these areas may give rise to serious concerns regarding the legal integrity of the case.