Abulfazl Karimi

The issuance of death sentences for at least 14 detained protesters in sessions held online has revealed new dimensions of the judicial process regarding cases related to the protests. According to information received by Iran International, Aboulghasem Salavati, the head of Branch 15 of the Revolutionary Court, has simultaneously issued death sentences for groups of 14 protesters during these virtual sessions. Among these individuals is Abulfazl Karimi; a 35-year-old man, father of a young child, who works as a motorcycle courier in East Tehran. According to sources, he was shot with a pellet gun on January 6, 2024, when he encountered two injured women and attempted to help them, and was subsequently arrested. Karimi has recently been transferred to Ghazalhesar Prison along with 50 other protesters after approximately one month of detention in Tehran Grand Prison. In a phone call with his family, he stated that he has been tortured without medical attention for his wounds and was forced to sign confessions against himself while blindfolded. Iran International had previously reported that Salavati had issued a death sentence for Mohammad Amin Beiglari, a 19-year-old, and his case has now been sent to the Supreme Court. According to sources, these sessions have been conducted in a group and virtual format; a method that raises serious questions regarding adherence to principles of fair trial, the right to effective defense, and access to a lawyer.

Professional Background: Motorcycle courier in East Tehran