New Court Ruling Against Mashallah Karami: 8 Years and 10 Months in Prison, 19 billion Rials Fine, and Asset Confiscation
The new court ruling against Mashallah Karami comes despite his activities not falling under the laws of embezzlement, bribery, or money laundering. Legally, he was not in a position that would allow for bribery, embezzlement, or fraud.
According to the Iranian Human Rights Society on Sunday, August 18, 2024. Mashallah Karami, is the father of Mohammad Mehdi Karami, who was killed in the fight for freedom. Now sentenced to 8 years and 10 months in prison. And also 19 billion rials fine, and the confiscation of his assets. This verdict was issued by Branch 102 of the Criminal Court 2 of Nazarabad on Thursday, August 15.
In this ruling, Mashallah Karami was sentenced to 14 months in prison for “acquiring wealth through illegitimate means”. And 7 years and 8 months in prison for “participation in money laundering.”
Previously, Branch 2 of the Revolutionary Court of Karaj had sentenced Mashallah Karami to 5 years in prison for “assembly and collusion with the intent to commit crimes against national security” and 1 year in prison for “propaganda against the regime.” The hearing for these charges took place on April 23, 2024, in Branch 2 of the Revolutionary Court of Karaj.
The New Ruling Lacks Legal Basis
The new court ruling is questionable because Mashallah Karami’s activities did not qualify under the laws related to embezzlement. Andbribery, or money laundering. Legally, he did not hold a position that would enable him to engage in bribery, embezzlement, or fraud. Karami had no access to public or governmental funds and was not a government official capable of accepting bribes. Moreover, the funds transferred to his account given with the consent of the individuals, and he has no private complainant in this case.
The court’s decision reflects the government’s intent to increase pressure on Mashallah Karami and his family to prevent them from seeking justice for the death of Mohammad Mehdi Karami.
About Political Prisoner Mashallah Karami
Mashallah Karami is a political prisoner and the father of the late Mohammad Mehdi Karami, who executed in 2022. Mashallah Karami was arrested by security forces on August 22, 2023. His family left in the dark about his whereabouts for months following his arrest.
Destruction and burning of Mohammad Mehdi Karami’s Medals and Memorial Plaques
In the latest raid on the residence of Mashallah Karami, security forces not only ransacked the house but also destroyed the wardrobe containing Mohammad Mehdi’s mementos. All of Mohammad Mehdi’s belongings, including his medals and memorial plaques, destroyed, and his clothes set on fire. Due to the immense pressure on the family, Mashallah Karami’s wife and child forced to leave their home. And relocate to an undisclosed location.
Mohammad Mehdi Karami and Mohammad Hosseini were among the defendants in the case related to the 40th day memorial of Hadish Najafi, who sentenced to death in an unfair trial. Their executions carried out on January 7, 2023.
Many legal experts and human rights activists have condemned the trial process of Mohammad Mehdi Karami and Mohammad Hosseini as hasty and unjust, with the judge’s verdict being highly questionable. After the execution of his son, Mr. Karami publicly protested and became a symbol of justice-seeking for the families of those who were executed.
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