Evin Prison Detainee Faces 'Armed Rebellion' Charge Amidst Health Issues

Authorities of the Islamic Republic have charged a political prisoner with "armed rebellion" which carried severe punishment.

Vahid Bani-Amerian was arrested in Tehran by security forces on December 22, 2023, and is currently facing serious charges, including “armed rebellion” and “assembly and collusion against national security.” 

These charges stem from his alleged involvement with an anti-Islamic Republic group, as stated by the Public and Revolutionary Court of Tehran.

As per reports from HRANA, Bani-Amerian is currently held in Ward 209 of Evin Prison, which is under the control of the Ministry of Intelligence. Since his arrest, he has been denied access to legal representation.

Human rights organization HRANA reports that Bani-Amerian is also suffering from several health issues, including irritable bowel syndrome, a compromised immune system, and an acute respiratory tract infection.

These health problems have intensified the concerns of his family about his well-being in prison.

This is not the first time Bani-Amerian has faced legal troubles. He was previously arrested and convicted in Tehran during April-May 2018 and sentenced by the Tehran Revolutionary Court to a total of 18 years in prison across two separate cases.

However, he was released in March 2023 from Rajai Shahr Prison under a general amnesty before being re-arrested later in the year.