One Million Signatures Campaign Member Gets One Year Suspended Term

PHOTO: Khadijeh Moghaddam

Branch 15 of the Revolutionary Court issued verdicts for Khadijeh Moghaddam and her husband Dr. Khosro Shahi.

RAHANA – Branch 15 of the Revolutionary Court acquitted Khadijeh Moghaddam on two counts of “propaganda against the regime” and “disobedience of police order,” but found her guilty of “assembly and conspiracy with intent to act against national security.” Moghaddam has been sentenced to one year suspended prison term which can be enforced in the 5 years that follow the verdict.

According to Nasrin Sotoudeh, who represents the feminist activist, the final court hearing was held on November 4, 2009 for her client to present her final defense. For unknown reasons, the judge decided to send the case back to the Ministry of Intelligence for further investigation and asked the ministry for their opinion. According to Nasrin Sotoudeh, the judge’s decision to ask the opinion of the ministry before the presentation of the final defense is unlawful, or at least raises doubts of his bias. She and the other lawyers on the case plan to file an appeal for the verdict.

Moghaddam’s husband, Dr. Khosro Shahi, who was the co-defendant, was acquitted on one count of “propaganda against the regime.” Khosro Shahi had been charged for interviews he gave two years ago during his wife’s detention. According to Iranian law, interviews should not be regarded as illegal acts.