Shiva Nazarahari, Human Rights Activist

After the last session of Shiva Nazar Ahari’s trial was held in Tehran today, her mother told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran that, “Her family is very hopeful about Shiva’s acquittal.” Shahrzad Kariman told the Campaign that she was only able to exchange greetings with her daughter outside the court as she was not allowed in the courtroom. “I saw Shiva. We could see her outside the court for a few minutes, just enough to hug her, but we couldn’t ask her how the court session went. We will wait to see about the ruling,” she said. “It’s impossible to say anything about the trial. We have to wait for the verdict which they have said will be made in a month,” she emphasized. She confirmed her daughter’s appearing at the court in handcuffs.

“We will have to wait for the ruling to see what we should do. We didn’t know what the charges were prior to the court session. We will have to wait for the ruling to see what it is. I ask all to please let the court ruling be issued and to refrain from presuming a verdict for my child,” Mrs. Kariman told the Campaign. “The lawyer read the case file. He said there is no evidence or documents [against her], and Shiva was able to defend herself well. God willing, Shiva will be exonerated in court,” she said, quoting Nazar Ahari’s lawyer, Mohammad Sharif.

One of Shiva Nazar Ahari’s charges is “relations with the Mojahedin-e Khalgh Organization.” “Our whole family expressed our contempt for this organization. This is how Shiva feels about the MEK, too. The Committee of Human Rights Reporters has also issued a statement on this subject. There has never been, nor there will ever be a connection with this organization. We believe this organization is a terrorist group who have shown that they don’t follow the Iranian people’s best interests,” said Mrs. Kariman.

ILNA News Agency reported today that Shiva Nazar Ahari’s last trial session was held today with Judge Pir Abbasi presiding. The report added that with the presentation of last defense, the trial was adjourned. “The presiding judge informed my client of the charges of “moharebeh” (enmity with God) according to Article 186; “assembly and collusion aiming to commit a crime” based on Article 610; “propagating against the regime,” according to Article 500; and “disrupting the public order,” based on Article 618 of Islamic Penal Code,” the article quoted Mohammad Sharif, this prisoner of conscience’s lawyer. Nazar Ahari’s lawyer stated that the defense bill was presented to the court along with his client’s and the lawyers’ verbal defense. “After the defense statements were completed, our last defense was received and the trial was announced adjourned. We are now waiting for the ruling and we are not pessimistic about the case outcome, either,” said Mohammad Sharif.