Iranian protester sentenced to death dies in prison

QUETTA: An Iranian protester, who had faced three death sentences, has died in prison, according to the country’s judiciary.

The demise of Javad Rouhi, a participant in the “Women, Life, Freedom movement” and an advocate for various causes, has raised questions about the circumstances leading to his death while incarcerated in the northern Nowshahr prison.

The official announcement regarding Rouhi’s passing was released by the Mizan News Agency, an outlet affiliated with the judiciary. The statement indicated that Rouhi, 35, experienced a seizure at 3:45 am on Thursday, August 31, while in custody. He was swiftly transferred to Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Nowshahr for medical attention.

Rouhi’s lawyer has confirmed the news, corroborating the judiciary’s statement. However, a conflicting account of his death has emerged from the 1500tasvir activist Telegram channel, which specializes in sharing human rights-related information and protest-related events.

The channel reported that Rouhi had been “killed today within Nowshahr prison by the Islamic Republic.” Independent verification of this claim could not be made by IranWire.

Iran directors ridicule suspended jail sentence of filmmaker, producer

Other sources have proposed alternative explanations for Rouhi’s death, suggesting it may have been caused by poisoning or suffocation. Notably, the judiciary has not provided additional details regarding the circumstances leading to his demise.

Javad Rouhi’s legal journey was marred by controversy. He had been initially accused of “waging war against God,” “spreading corruption on earth,” and “apostasy,” leading to three separate death sentences. However, in a pivotal turn of events, Iran’s Supreme Court intervened in June, nullifying all three death sentences and subsequently transferring the case to another court for reassessment.

Despite the recognition by the Sari Revolutionary Court of Rouhi’s deteriorating health condition, a contentious decision was taken to deny him release on bail. This move has ignited further debate about the treatment of detainees and the legal response to their medical needs within the Iranian prison system.

Javad Rouhi’s death not only marks a significant loss but also underscores ongoing concerns surrounding human rights and due process within Iran. As conflicting narratives persist, his case serves as a poignant reminder of the complex dynamics intersecting law, justice, and activism in the country.