Mehdi Bahman

Mehdi Bahman is an author, painter, and researcher in the field of the coexistence of religions. He was arrested during the national uprising in 2022 and was quickly sentenced to death. He was sentenced to death because of his interview with an Israeli TV channel.

The national uprising of 2022 centered around the “woman, life, freedom” slogan was triggered in response to the murder of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini. The protests began sporadically in several cities and online space but in just a few days it spread to dozens of cities across Iran and the goal of the protesters changed to overthrowing the regime. <symbol-timeline></symbol-timeline>

<coverage-outsourcing id='45366'> <reference source='https://www.radiozamaneh.com/747673/'> Security forces arrested Mehdi Bahman at his home. According to Radio Zamaneh, he later informed his family in a brief phone call that he is being held at lockup 209 of Evin Prison. </reference> </coverage-outsourcing>
<coverage-outsourcing id='45368'> <reference source='https://t.me/Followupiran/459'> The trial of Mehdi Bahman was held at the 28th branch of the revolutionary court of Tehran presided by Judge Amouzad. He was denied access to the attorney of his choosing. </reference> </coverage-outsourcing>
<coverage-outsourcing id='45369'> <reference source='https://t.me/Followupiran/459'> The committee that follows up on prisoners' situations reported that Mehdi Bahman has received a death sentence on the charge of espionage for his interview with Israel's channel 13. According to the report Mr. Bahman is still in lockup 209 and has only had one family visit. </reference> </coverage-outsourcing>
<coverage-outsourcing id='45372'> <reference source='https://t.me/VahidOnline/53275'> Vahid Online posted a video of Mehdi Bahman's interview with Israel's channel 13. The topic of discussion was peaceful coexistence among different nations and Mr. Bahman emphasized that the nation of Iran has no animosity toward the nation of Israel or Jewish people in the world. Only some people [close to the state] chant against Israel. </reference> </coverage-outsourcing>
<coverage-outsourcing id='45384'> <reference source='https://twitter.com/Israel/status/1608792424633204737?s=20'> The Foreign Ministry of Israel released a statement condemning the death sentence of Mehdi Bahman. The tweet emphasized that he received a death sentence just because of the interview with the Israeli channel. </reference> </coverage-outsourcing>
<coverage-outsourcing id='45367'> <reference source='https://twitter.com/JulienBargeton/status/1609229341140860929?s=20'> In a Persian tweet, French Senator Julien Bargeton accepted the political guardianship of Mehdi Bahman and demanded an end to the executions in Iran. </reference> </coverage-outsourcing>
<coverage-outsourcing id='63559'> <reference source='https://www.hra-news.org/2024/hranews/a-50534/'> HRANA reported that he suffers from various health conditions, including a heart condition, stomach issues, and chronic pain in his knees and back. According to the report, despite medical staff at the prison infirmary recommending his transfer to external medical facilities, he has continued to be denied hospital treatment and proper medical care by order of the relevant authorities. </reference> </coverage-outsourcing>
<coverage-outsourcing id='65318'> <reference source='https://www.hra-news.org/2024/hranews/a-52100/'> According to HRANA, he was sentenced to five years and one month in prison by Branch 54 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court. The report does not specify the charge that led to the sentence, but based on the initial accusations in the case, it appears the verdict was issued on charges of espionage under Article 501 of the Islamic Penal Code. </reference> </coverage-outsourcing>
<coverage-outsourcing id='68498'> <reference source='https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ4NfkCtUdv/?igsh=MWcyMnN2aXl1aHU5Ng%3D%3D'> An Instagram page attributed to him reported his release from Evin Prison. </reference> </coverage-outsourcing>