Despite being acquitted of some charges in the appeals court, Mehdi Memar remains in limbo in Shiban Prison, Ahvaz.
Iran Human Rights Organization, Saturday, May 17, 2025 – Mehdi Memar, a young student from Ahvaz, has been detained for nearly 400 days without a final resolution to his case. Arrested on April 16, 2024, by security forces at his family home, he has been held in Shiban Prison ever since. His family’s persistent efforts to secure his release on bail have been met with silence or vague responses from authorities.
Contradictory Judicial Processes: From Conviction to Acquittal
According to available documents, on December 7, 2024, Mehdi Memar was tried in Branch 102 of the Ahvaz Criminal Court, presided over by Judge Poursaraj, and sentenced to six months of imprisonment. His lawyer appealed, and Branch 21 of the Khuzestan Province Appeals Court overturned the initial ruling, acquitting him of all charges in that case. However, this acquittal pertains only to part of his case, as another case pending in the Revolutionary Court remains unresolved.
Revolutionary Court Session: Over Two Months Without a Verdict
On March 10, 2025, a session for the second part of his case was held in Branch 3 of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court. Mehdi Memar faces charges including “assembly and collusion to commit crimes against internal/external security,” “propaganda against the state,” and “membership in opposition groups.” Despite over 65 days passing since the hearing, no verdict has been issued, and no official updates have been provided. This delay, causing confusion for his family and lawyer, clearly violates fair trial principles.
Heavy Charges Against a 20-Year-Old Student
Mehdi Memar’s case, alongside other defendants, was first raised on June 10, 2024, in Branch 13 of the Ahvaz Prosecutor’s Office. Other accused individuals include Aman Jalalinejad, Jafar Salmannejad, Mohammad Salamat, Rastin Qanavati, and Mahshid Lotfi. The charges against them include “moharebeh” (enmity against God), “corruption on earth,” “membership in opposition groups,” “illegal possession of weapons and ammunition,” and “possession of a stun gun.” None of these charges have been proven in court, and Memar has already been acquitted in part of the case.
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