Hands Off Cain
NEWS ARCHIVE·DEATH PENALTY·NOVEMBER 11, 2001
Iran

Tehran's Revolutionary Court opened the biggest political...

Tehran's Revolutionary Court opened the biggest political trial to be held in Iran since the 1979 Islamic revolution, accusing more than 30 members of the banned Freedom Movement, including two former ministers, of anti-state activities

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Tehran's Revolutionary Court opened the biggest political trial to be held in Iran since the 1979 Islamic revolution, accusing more than 30 members of the banned Freedom Movement, including two former ministers, of anti-state activities.
The pro-reform Participation Front, the largest party in parliament, denounced the trial, held behind closed doors, as politically motivated by its hardline opponents.
Diplomats said it would complicate negotiations that Iran had just started with the EU on a trade and co-operation agreement that includes a clause on human rights.
Relatives said they thought the charges included attempting to overthrow the Islamic regime, acting against national security, belonging to the Freedom Movement of Iran which was banned in March, and instigating anarchy. In theory the accusations could carry the death penalty.
SOURCES
  • (Sources: FT.COM, 12/11/2001)