Elite students Ali Younesi and Amirhossein Moradi face fabricated charges in Iran. Younesi’s absence at trial raises concerns of state-sponsored abduction.
Iran Human Rights Center, Monday, July 21, 2025 – Iran’s judicial system continues to target academic elites with fabricated charges, as seen in the case of Ali Younesi and Amirhossein Moradi, two Sharif University students. On July 20, 2025, a court session at Branch 29 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court addressed new accusations of “propaganda against the regime.” Shockingly, Ali Younesi was absent, having been transferred to an unknown location over a month ago. This absence raises serious concerns about state-sponsored abduction and human rights violations. The ongoing suppression of these political prisoners highlights a broader pattern of silencing dissent in Iran’s academic community.
Fabricated Charges Against Elite Students
On July 20, 2025, Branch 29 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Seyed Ali Mazloum, held a session for Ali Younesi and Amirhossein Moradi. Authorities charged them with “propaganda against the regime.” Amirhossein Moradi faced additional accusations for issuing statements from prison. He appeared in court under heavy security, restrained in handcuffs and shackles. However, Ali Younesi was not present. His sister, Aida Younesi, noted that their mother attended the session, hoping to see her son, but left disappointed. Ali’s lawyers protested his absence, demanding answers about his whereabouts. The judiciary has provided no explanation, leaving his family and supporters in distress.
This case reflects a troubling trend of targeting academic elites. The charges seem designed to intimidate students and suppress dissent. Human rights activists argue that such actions create fear within universities, discouraging criticism or protest. Without transparency, the judicial process violates basic legal standards.
Ali Younesi’s Mysterious Disappearance
On June 18, 2025, authorities abruptly transferred Ali Younesi from Ward 4 of Evin Prison to Ward 209, managed by the Ministry of Intelligence. Reports suggest this followed an attack on Evin Prison, targeting specific sections. Since then, no information about Younesi’s health, location, or conditions has surfaced. Aida Younesi shared that, apart from a brief call with their mother 21 days ago, the family has no news. This lack of communication has sparked fears of mistreatment or worse. Many activists label this as a “state-sponsored abduction,” a tactic to pressure political prisoners.
The absence of updates violates Younesi’s rights to family contact and legal representation. His family remains in anguish, unable to confirm his safety. This situation underscores the judiciary’s disregard for transparency and accountability.
Background of the Students’ Arrest
Security agents arrested Ali Younesi and Amirhossein Moradi on April 10, 2020, without a judicial warrant. IRGC agents stormed their homes, using extreme violence. During the raid on Younesi’s home, 12 agents attacked him, leaving a gash on his forehead. Both students endured months of solitary confinement in Ward 209 of Evin Prison, facing intense interrogations. After 808 days, on June 26, 2022, authorities sentenced them to 16 years in prison and transferred them to Evin’s general wards.
Amirhossein Moradi, a physics student, earned a silver medal in the 2017 National Astronomy Olympiad. Ali Younesi, a computer engineering student, won a silver medal in 2016, a gold medal in 2017, and a gold at the International Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad in China. Their academic achievements made them prominent figures, yet they now face relentless persecution.
Suppression of Academic Elites
The charges against Younesi and Moradi fit a broader pattern of targeting Iran’s academic and political elites. Authorities often use vague accusations like “propaganda against the regime” to silence dissent. Human rights groups argue that these cases aim to create an atmosphere of fear in universities. By targeting high-achieving students, the regime sends a message: no one is safe from scrutiny.
Furthermore, the lack of transparency in Younesi’s case violates domestic and international laws. Every prisoner deserves access to a lawyer, family, and a fair trial. Denying these rights reflects a systematic effort to suppress dissent. The judiciary’s actions not only harm individuals but also stifle intellectual freedom across Iran.
Public Outcry and Human Rights Concerns
Ali Younesi’s disappearance has sparked widespread concern. Social media platforms buzz with demands for answers, with many comparing his case to other political prisoners who faced torture after similar transfers. Aida Younesi stated, “My brother was denied the basic right to attend his own trial. Authorities provide no answers, violating legal and human standards.”
Human rights activists echo her concerns, pointing to the judiciary’s pattern of opaque and unjust practices. The international community has also taken notice, with organizations highlighting the need for accountability. The treatment of Younesi and Moradi serves as a stark reminder of Iran’s ongoing human rights challenges.
Clear Violations of Human Rights Standards
The treatment of Ali Younesi and Amirhossein Moradi violates several international human rights standards:
– Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights prohibits arbitrary detention. Younesi’s transfer to an unknown location without updates breaches this right.
– Article 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights guarantees a fair trial and legal counsel. Holding a session without Younesi denies him this right.
– Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights bans torture and inhumane treatment. Younesi’s abduction and lack of communication suggest psychological and possibly physical pressure.
– Article 10 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights ensures a fair and public trial. The closed-door session lacks transparency, undermining justice.
These violations highlight a systemic issue within Iran’s judicial system. The targeting of academic elites like Younesi and Moradi reflects an intent to suppress intellectual and political dissent.
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