Death Sentence Issued for Mohammadreza Tabari, a Detainee from the January Nationwide Protests
2-May-2026
Category: Uncategorized
April 2026
News category: Death Sentences
Breathing in Confinement: Mohammadreza Tabari, one of those detained during the nationwide protests of January 2026, has been sentenced to death by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court on the charge of “enmity against God” (moharebeh).
According to Breathing in Confinement, the news outlet of the Prisoners’ Rights League in Iran, reports indicate that Mohammadreza Tabari, after attending protest gatherings on 8 January in the Baharestan area of Tehran, became aware through local residents that he was being pursued by security forces. He subsequently presented himself voluntarily to the Criminal Investigation Department.
Based on these reports, following his arrest, he was tried before Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, and sentenced to death on charges including “moharebeh” through the alleged use of a firearm, as well as “operational action in favour of opposition groups.”
At the same time, sources close to the case have stated that the judicial process was accompanied by significant ambiguities, including restrictions on access to an independent lawyer.
In a separate report, the Fars News Agency claimed that Mr Tabari had used a firearm to injure a member of the security forces. This claim has not been independently verified.
Additionally, parts of his court session held on 7 February were broadcast by official media. Observers noted signs of psychological pressure in his behaviour during these broadcasts.
Mohammadreza Tabari, 50 years old, originally from Bojnord and a resident of Eslamshahr in Tehran Province, is a carpenter. He was transferred to Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj on 10 January and is currently being held there.
Amid rising regional tensions, some officials have referred to exceptional conditions in the security and judicial spheres. In this context, the Head of the Judiciary has announced the adoption of a “wartime posture” and emphasised the acceleration of judicial proceedings and the enforcement of sentences. At the same time, reports indicate an intensification of the security atmosphere, including a significant increase in arrests and a widespread rise in the issuance and implementation of death sentences.