Mohammad Najafi, a defense attorney and human rights activist imprisoned in Evin Prison, is facing a new judicial case. The case pertains to a commentary piece titled “The Loose Tooth,” which, according to publishing sources, was released by him last year.
The imprisoned lawyer was initially summoned to Branch 4 of the Security Prosecutor’s Office to provide explanations but refused to appear. Following this, an indictment was issued, and the case was referred to Branch 21 of the Revolutionary Court for adjudication.
The hearing for this case was held today, but Mohammad Najafi once again refused to attend court. He announced that his decision was made in protest against what he described as “the December/January massacres,” “the absence of due process,” and “the lack of independence among Revolutionary Court judges.” He emphasized that he does not consider defending himself effective in a process that lacks impartiality and judicial independence.
This new case has been filed even as Mohammad Najafi has faced a series of security and judicial cases over the past few years. He was first arrested after investigating the suspicious death of Vahid Heydari, one of the detainees of the December 2017/January 2018 protests in Arak, a case that drew widespread reaction from public opinion and human rights organizations.
