Taher Naghavi

Iran: Azeri lawyer Taher Naghavi jailed in Iran

2 December 2024

Human rights defender and lawyer Taher Naghavi was sentenced to six years in prison on 20 October 2024 by the Revolutionary Court of Tehran. The sentence was based on his peaceful human rights activities, in particular his work in defence of ethnic minorities and political prisoners. Naghavi was charged with “gathering and colluding against national security” and “propaganda activities against the State”.

Mr Naghavi was arrested on 6 February 2024 and arbitrarily detained following a search of his home in Karaj. He allegedly suffered physical abuse, death threats, sexual violence and harassment from his family after being detained in Evin prison. During this period, he was deprived of his right to a lawyer.

The lawyer’s health seriously deteriorated following his arrest. On 12 June 2024, Taher Naghavi went on hunger strike to protest against his arbitrary detention, and was transferred to hospital on 19 June. Despite this, the court rejected his application for bail.

On 30 June 2024, Naghavi ended his hunger strike after 18 days, due to his condition. He was transferred to an area where violent prisoners are held in Evin, and continues to face inhumane conditions of detention. His health remains a cause for concern due to the lack of appropriate medical care for his thyroid complications and high blood pressure.

The Observatory strongly condemns the ill-treatment suffered by Taher Naghavi in detention.

The Observatory urges the Iranian authorities to :

• Immediately release Taher Naghavi and end all proceedings against him, as he is being held solely for exercising his fundamental rights to freedom of expression and the defence of human rights;
• Ensure that Taher Naghavi has immediate access to appropriate medical care to treat his health problems, in accordance with his fundamental rights;
• Put an end to the repression of human rights defenders and guarantee that they can carry out their work in complete safety, without fear of reprisals.

The Observatory recalls that, in accordance with the United Nations basic principles on the role of the Bar, in particular principles 16 and 17:

“Governments shall ensure that lawyers (a) are able to perform all of their professional functions without intimidation, hindrance, harassment or improper interference; (b) are able to travel and to consult with their clients freely both within their own country and abroad; and (c) shall not suffer, or be threatened with, prosecution or administrative, economic or other sanctions for any action taken in accordance with recognized professional duties, standards and ethics.” (Principle 16)

 “Where the security of lawyers is threatened as a result of discharging their functions, they shall be adequately safeguarded by the authorities.” (Principle 17)