Iman Afshari, presiding judge of Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court, has gained notoriety for his harsh rulings against political prisoners, human rights activists, and ethnic and religious minorities. Despite being sanctioned by several Western governments, Afshari remains a central figure in Iran’s oppressive judiciary, wielding the law as a tool for state repression.
Judicial Career and Methods
Afshari has served as head of Branch 26 since at least 2017, overseeing trials widely condemned for lacking due process. Defendants under his jurisdiction frequently face charges like moharebeh (waging war against God) and efsad-e-fel-arz (corruption on Earth), which the Iranian regime uses to silence dissent. Revolutionary Courts, including Afshari’s, operate in secrecy, denying defendants access to independent legal counsel and heavily relying on forced confessions extracted under duress.
#IranRevolution2022
According to reports, Mohammad-Reza Qanbartalab [left] formally withdrew his complaint, saying, "I don't want compensation. I fix my motorcycle. Don't hang Mahan."
However, the mullah-judge Iman Afshari insists on executing Mahan Sadrat [right].#MahsaAmini🌹 pic.twitter.com/1LYAn8UZY3— Iran News Update (@IranNewsUpdate1) December 9, 2022
Landmark Cases and Human Rights Abuses
Afshari has been instrumental in a series of high-profile cases that resulted in death sentences and lengthy imprisonments:
- Execution of Six PMOI Supporters: Sentenced Akbar Daneshvar Kar, Seyed Mohammad Taghavi-Sangdehi, Babak Alipour, Pouya Ghabadi-Biston, Vahid Bani-Amarian, and Seyed Abolhassan Montazer to death on charges of baghi (armed rebellion).
- Execution of Four Kurdish Prisoners (2024): Pejman Fatahi, Mohsen Mazloum, Hajir Faramarzi, and Vafa Azarbar were sentenced to death for alleged ties to Israel’s Mossad.
- Execution of Habib Asyoud (2023): An Iranian Swedish dual national executed based on forced confessions.
- Women’s Rights Crackdown: Sentenced Saba Kord Afshari to 24 years in prison for protesting mandatory hijab laws.
- Religious Minority Persecution: Handed severe sentences to members of the Baha’i faith and Christian converts, including 10 years for Armenian Christian Hakop Gochumyan.
Deeply alarmed to receive reports that Iran's Supreme Court has rejected the judicial review request for Pakhshan Azizi's conviction&death sentence. Her imminent execution would violate int' human rights law. I urge Iranian authorities to immediately halt her execution.
— Mai Sato (@drmaisato) February 7, 2025
International Sanctions and Condemnation
Afshari’s record has led to international sanctions:
- United Kingdom (2022): Sanctioned for serious human rights violations.
- Canada (2022): Penalized under Special Economic Measures for systemic repression.
- Calls for U.S. Sanctions: Human rights groups urge Washington to take action.
Political prisoner Shahab Nadali has been sentenced to execution#ShahabNadali, a political prisoner from Hamedan, has been convicted and sentenced to execution by Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court of Iran, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, in a fabricated case on charges… pic.twitter.com/sWgBs1KpkL
— IRAN HRM (@IranHrm) February 22, 2024
A Symbol of Judicial Oppression
Afshari represents the institutionalized brutality of Iran’s judiciary, reinforcing the regime’s control through fear and intimidation. His rulings underscore the regime’s continued persecution of dissidents, women, and minorities, solidifying his role as an enforcer of state repression.
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