Reza Zare Kari, a detainee from the 2021 protests in Iran, is required to present himself on Monday, December 25, to begin serving a prison sentence of over five years. This sentence comes after a series of charges and trials related to his involvement in the protests.
Initially, Zare Kari faced charges in the Revolutionary Court of Karaj, where he was sentenced to 5 years for “insulting the sacred,” 1 year for “propaganda against the regime,” and 2 years for “insulting the leadership.” However, upon appeal, these sentences were reduced to 3 years and 1 month for “insulting the sacred,” 8 months for “propaganda against the regime,” and 16 months for “insulting the leadership.”
Zare Kari was first arrested on February 8, 2021, by the intelligence unit of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Hashtgerd, and was again detained on March 14, 2021, during a visit to the same intelligence unit. He was released on bail in April 2023.
This case highlights the ongoing crackdown on participants in the 2021 protests in Iran, reflecting the government’s strict stance against dissent and criticism. Zare Kari’s sentence underscores the challenges faced by individuals involved in political activism and the harsh penalties imposed for actions deemed against the state.