Isa Chari, a 37-year-old political prisoner detained in Karaj’s Ghezel Hesar Prison, has been sentenced to death by Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court on charges of membership in the PMOI/MEK and engaging in anti-security activities.
Iran Human Rights Society, Saturday, July 25, 2026 – Isa Chari, a political prisoner held in Karaj’s Ghezel Hesar Prison, has been sentenced to death by Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court. According to received information, this verdict was issued under the presidency of Judge Mohammad-Mehdi Shahmirzadi, with charges against him listed as “membership in the PMOI/MEK” and “engaging in anti-security activities.”
This sentence was issued while Isa Chari has been held in temporary detention since his arrest, and details of the judicial proceedings, including his access to legal representation and court hearings, have not been officially published.
What You Will Read in This Report
- Details of the death sentence issuance for Isa Chari
- What charges resulted in Isa Chari’s death sentence?
- Background of arrest and transfer to Ghezel Hesar Prison
- Personal life and family status of Isa Chari
- Legal review of the case based on domestic laws
- Human rights violations in the case of Isa Chari
What Charges Resulted in Isa Chari’s Death Sentence?
According to published information, Isa Chari was sentenced to death by Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Mohammad-Mehdi Shahmirzadi, on charges of membership in the PMOI/MEK and conducting anti-security activities.
Details regarding the evidence presented in court, the judicial proceedings, the defense presented by the defendant and his lawyer, as well as the exact date of the sentence issuance, have not been officially disclosed.
Arrest of Isa Chari by IRGC Intelligence
Isa Chari was arrested on December 7, 2025, by the Intelligence Forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Based on available information, following his arrest, he was transferred to security detention facilities and is currently being held in Suite 35 of Unit 3 in Karaj’s Ghezel Hesar Prison.
Since his arrest, official information regarding his interrogation process, detention conditions, and case status has remained limited.
What Claim Did the Qarchak Prosecutor Raise Regarding Isa Chari?
Prior to the issuance of the death sentence, the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor of Qarchak County claimed that Isa Chari was one of the “security-disrupting elements affiliated with foreign-based movements and groups” and had carried out actions of a security nature in Qarchak County.
However, the specifics of these claims, the evidence provided to substantiate the charges, and Isa Chari’s response or defense have not been publicly released.
Who Is Isa Chari?
Isa Chari, 37, is from Aq Qala in Golestan Province and is the father of two young children.
Prior to his arrest, he worked at a poultry farm in Varamin County to provide for his family.
The issuance of a death sentence for this political prisoner comes as his family now faces severe anxiety regarding the future of his case and his fate.
Death Sentences for Political Prisoners Continue
The death sentence for Isa Chari comes at a time when, in recent months, a significant number of political prisoners and security case detainees have faced heavy sentences, including capital punishment.
Human rights organizations have repeatedly expressed concern regarding the handling of security cases, the use of broad charges, restrictions on defendants’ access to chosen legal representation, and the lack of transparency in judicial proceedings.
Legal Review of the Case Based on Domestic Laws
The judicial framework governing Iran in recent years has drawn repeated criticism from legal experts and human rights organizations due to contradictions with fair trial standards, ambiguities in handling security cases, and the widespread application of the death penalty. Nevertheless, under these same laws, defendants possess rights that are mandatory to observe throughout all stages of judicial proceedings.
Legal Ambiguities in Isa Chari’s Case
Based on published information, details regarding the judicial proceedings of Isa Chari’s case, his access to chosen counsel, the quality of court hearings, the evidence used to prove charges, and the possibility of an effective defense by the defendant have not been officially published.
In cases involving capital punishment, full adherence to fair trial principles, transparency in proceedings, and the ability to utilize all defense rights are of paramount importance.
Relevant Legal Provisions
- Article 32 of the Constitution: Prohibition of arbitrary arrest and the requirement for immediate notification of charges.
- Article 35 of the Constitution: The right to choose legal counsel.
- Article 37 of the Constitution: The presumption of innocence until guilt is proven in a competent tribunal.
- Article 38 of the Constitution: Prohibition of torture to extract confessions.
- Code of Criminal Procedure: Emphasis on the right to defense, access to legal counsel, and a fair hearing.
Potential Violations of Law
- Ambiguity regarding the defendant’s access to chosen legal counsel.
- Lack of transparency concerning proceedings and case documents.
- Issuance of a death sentence in a security case without releasing trial details.
- Necessity of fully observing the defendant’s defense rights at all stages of proceedings.
Human Rights Violations in the Case of Isa Chari
From the perspective of international human rights standards, Isa Chari’s case raises serious questions regarding fair trial principles and the right to life. The issuance of death sentences in security cases, especially when trial details remain unpublished, continuously draws scrutiny from international human rights bodies.
Relevant Human Rights Articles
- Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: The right to life, liberty, and security of person.
- Article 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Prohibition of arbitrary arrest and detention.
- Article 10 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: The right to an independent and impartial tribunal.
- Article 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: The right to a fair trial and effective defense.
- Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: The right to life and strict limitations on the application of the death penalty.
In the absence of full guarantees for a fair trial, executing this death sentence could stand in direct conflict with the international human rights obligations of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
See also the below articles:
- UN Fact-Finding Mission Demands Immediate Halt to Protester Executions in Iran
- Ahad Shokohian Death Sentences: Detainee Handed Triple Capital Verdict
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