Death Sentence Reissued for Yaghoub Derakhshan by the Revolutionary Court of Rasht
5-June-2026
Category: Uncategorized
4 June 2026
News Category: Death Sentence Issued
Breathing in Confinement: Yaghoub Derakhshan, a political prisoner held in Lakan Prison, Rasht, has once again been sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court of Rasht.
According to Breathing in Confinement, the news outlet of the Prisoners’ Rights League in Iran, Derakhshan’s previous death sentence had been overturned by the Supreme Court, and the case was referred to a parallel court for retrial. However, upon reconsideration, Branch Two of the Revolutionary Court of Rasht has once again sentenced him to death on the charge of “baghi” (armed rebellion against the state). The ruling was issued last week and has recently been formally communicated to him in prison.
Yaghoub Derakhshan, a 50-year-old native of Ardabil and resident of Bandar-e Anzali, was first arrested in July 2024. At that time, he was charged with “propaganda against the state” and was temporarily released on bail after several weeks. However, following his second arrest, he was informed of a new and more serious charge of “baghi through membership in the Mojahedin-e Khalq Organisation (MEK)” and was subsequently sentenced to death in the summer of last year by Branch One of the Revolutionary Court of Rasht, presided over by Judge Ahmad Darvish-Goftar.
According to the report, Yaghoub Derakhshan was subjected to severe psychological and physical pressure during interrogations, and forced confessions were obtained from him. These confessions were reportedly relied upon as the primary evidence in the judicial proceedings that led to the issuance of the death sentence.
It should be noted that, under the principles of fair trial and international human rights standards, confessions obtained under coercion are considered legally invalid. Reliance on such statements may be regarded as inconsistent with international obligations and the fundamental principles of due process and a fair judicial proceeding.