Iranian journalist sentenced in absentia

Saeed Razavi Faqih

Iranian journalist and social activist, Saeed Razavi Faqih was tried in absentia and sentenced to four years in prison and 74 lashes.

Jaras website reports that the Revolutionary Court has charged Razavi Faqih with “propaganda against the regime”, “participation in illegal gatherings” and “insulting the supreme leader” and tried him in absentia.

The reformist journalist is now summoned to Evin Prison to serve out his sentence.

Razavi Faqih denies all charges and has demanded a retrial where he can be afforded a chance to defend himself.

Razavi Faqih is a prominent Iranian journalist whose was arrested seven years ago and held in solitary confinement for two months for his critical articles regarding harsh judicial treatment of dissidents.

He was spokesman for Mehdi Karroubi campaign during the controversial presidential election of Iran in 2009 which has been followed by persecution of numerous supporters of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s opponents.