Iran sentences veteran blogger to 6 years prison

AP: The semi-official Fars news agency said Khazali was sentenced to five years for conspiracy against the country’s security, and one year for spreading propaganda against the ruling system.

The Associated Press

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — A well-known Iranian blogger and veteran activist says a court has sentenced him to six years in prison over security charges.

Mahdi Khazali told The Associated Press the sentence was for spreading “propaganda” against the ruling establishment. He insists he did not break the law and will appeal to the verdict.

The semi-official Fars news agency said Khazali was sentenced to five years for conspiracy against the country’s security, and one year for spreading propaganda against the ruling system.

In various past cases, Khazali was sentenced to nearly 16 years in prison on similar charges.

The 48-year-old surgeon and publisher was released in early June after seven months in prison, partly on hunger strike.

Iran has sentenced many bloggers and journalists on similar charges in recent years.