Leila Abolhasani, a 43-year-old citizen and mother of two teenage daughters, is among those arrested during the January protests in Shahin Shahr, Isfahan Province.
She was arrested on the evening of January 8 during the protests. Security forces then transferred her to Dowlatabad Prison in Isfahan.
According to published reports, Leila was present at the scene when a fire broke out at one of the IRGC-run Ofogh Kourosh chain stores. Family members say she was filming the fire. They have denied that she had any involvement in starting the fire.
10 Protesters Sentenced to Death in Isfahan Shohada Square Case
However, Branch 5 of the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan, presided over by Judge Vahid Hemmat-Nejad, sentenced Leila Abolhasani to death on charges of “waging war against God.” Following an appeal against the verdict, the case is now before the regime’s Supreme Court.
From a human rights perspective, the central issue in this case is not merely the imposition of a death sentence. The manner in which the case was handled and the defendant’s ability to access an effective defense are also of fundamental importance. Reports by Human Rights Activists in Iran say that Ms. Abolhasani was denied the right to choose her own lawyer during the proceedings.
A significant portion of the information published concerning the allegation that Leila participated in setting the store on fire has been rejected by her relatives. The full text of the judicial evidence cited by the court has also not been made public.
The case of Leila Abolhasani is a warning example of the connection between the suppression of protests, serious security charges, and the death penalty. When a person’s life is at stake, judicial transparency, access to a lawyer, and clear substantiation of the charge must be upheld to the highest standard.
