Iranian blogger receives heavy prison term

Hossein Derakhshan

Iranian blogger, Hossein Derakhshan has been sentenced to 19 years in prison by the Iranian judiciary.

International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran reports that Mashregh website announced Judge Salavati has issued the sentence for “collaboration with hostile countries, propaganda against the Islamic Regime, insulting sanctities and launching and managing vulgar sites”, giving Derakhshan “19 and a half years in prison, five years prohibition from membership in parties and activities in the media as well as requiring him to return 3750 euros, 2900 dollars and 200 pounds which he had acquired through his activities. The sentence notes that Derakhshan or his attorney can appeal the decision.

International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran reports that “a source close to Derakhshan family” has told them neither Derakhshan nor his attorney is aware of the sentence and they have just read about it in the websites.

Two weeks ago a number of reports indicated that Derakhshan was sentenced to death by Tehran prosecutor’s office.

Hossein Derakhshan, who holds dual Iranian-Canadian citizenship, was arrested two years ago upon returning to Iran.

He has travelled to Israel and it is said that “links to Israel” is also amongst his charges.

While Derakhshan started out as an Islamic Republic critic, in his blogs he gradually changed his opinion and became a supporter of the Iranian government which culminated in his return to Iran and his eventual arrest.

There has been little news of him since his arrest. His mother wrote to the head of Iran’s judiciary in December urging the judiciary to clarify his situation.

Last year, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad also called on Saeed Mortazavi, Tehran’s prosecutor at the time, to avail Derakhshan “of all his legal freedoms and rights to defend himself against the charges laid against him.”