A British dual-citizen scribbled his defence to criminal charges in Iran with a borrowed pen and cardboard ripped from a box after he was released from solitary confinement only 24 hours before his trial, his supporters said on Monday.
Mehran Raoof, 64, and four other suspects, including German-Iranian Nahid Taghavi, 66, went before a judge on Sunday accused of involvement in banned political groups after being rounded up in October last year.
The trial – due to be heard while G7 leaders were meeting in the UK – was adjourned for 10 days after Mr Raoof complained he had not been able to meet his lawyer or prepare a proper defence.
The case will now be heard after this week's presidential elections in which the head of the judiciary Ebrahim Raisi is considered the frontrunner. Families welcomed the delay and said they hoped it would give western countries more time to press Iran into dropping the charges.
The five human rights and labour activists were rounded up in October 2020. It is believed that Iranian officials had them under surveillance after some of the suspects met in a Tehran cafe to discuss politics.
“We don’t know if this [delay] is dangerous or good,” said Mariam Claren, the daughter of Ms Taghavi. “My mother made one demand – that she is released on bail so that she could get medical treatment before her verdict. The judge didn’t say yes but he didn’t say no.”
Lawyers for Mr Raoof, a committed trade unionist, fear he will be sentenced to more than 10 years in prison if convicted of being the leader of an outlawed communist group.
Mr Raoof has spent all of his time in solitary confinement since his arrest except for the day before Sunday’s trial when he was taken to join other prisoners. The hearing was delayed because guards were unable to find him because they did not realise he had been moved out of solitary confinement, his supporters said.
He was taken to a mainstream prison wing after Sunday’s hearing where he now remains, said UK-based supporter Satar Rahmani, who is campaigning for his release. “This appears to be more optimistic,” he said. “This means that they have changed their minds.
“He had to write his defence with a borrowed pen and wrote it on a piece of card ripped from a box. That was a kind of protest. He showed it in court and started complaining.”
At least 15 dual-citizens are believed to be held in Iran on what their supporters say are trumped up charges.
The five face political charges but many are accused of espionage and spying and similar secret trials have concluded with long prison sentences. Prisoners are often used as bargaining chips to secure Iran’s broader diplomatic goals.
Human rights groups are urging western governments not to negotiate with Iran unless they free illegally-held prisoners.
The planned trial came at a sensitive time with discussions continuing into reviving the 2015 nuclear deal that deteriorated when former US president Donald Trump pulled out and reimposed sanctions on Iran.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Defined benefit and defined contribution schemes explained
Defined Benefit Plan (DB)
A defined benefit plan is where the benefit is defined by a formula, typically length of service to and salary at date of leaving.
Defined Contribution Plan (DC)
A defined contribution plan is where the benefit depends on the amount of money put into the plan for an employee, and how much investment return is earned on those contributions.
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
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MATCH INFO
Rajasthan Royals 158-8 (20 ovs)
Kings XI Punjab 143/7 (20 ovs)
Rajasthan Royals won by 15 runs
In numbers
1,000 tonnes of waste collected daily:
- 800 tonnes converted into alternative fuel
- 150 tonnes to landfill
- 50 tonnes sold as scrap metal
800 tonnes of RDF replaces 500 tonnes of coal
Two conveyor lines treat more than 350,000 tonnes of waste per year
25 staff on site
Analysis
Members of Syria's Alawite minority community face threat in their heartland after one of the deadliest days in country’s recent history. Read more
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Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
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The five pillars of Islam
THE SPECS
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 275hp at 6,600rpm
Torque: 353Nm from 1,450-4,700rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Top speed: 250kph
Fuel consumption: 6.8L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: Dh146,999
Martin Sabbagh profile
Job: CEO JCDecaux Middle East
In the role: Since January 2015
Lives: In the UAE
Background: M&A, investment banking
Studied: Corporate finance
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UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
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The bio
Favourite book: Peter Rabbit. I used to read it to my three children and still read it myself. If I am feeling down it brings back good memories.
Best thing about your job: Getting to help people. My mum always told me never to pass up an opportunity to do a good deed.
Best part of life in the UAE: The weather. The constant sunshine is amazing and there is always something to do, you have so many options when it comes to how to spend your day.
Favourite holiday destination: Malaysia. I went there for my honeymoon and ended up volunteering to teach local children for a few hours each day. It is such a special place and I plan to retire there one day.
