Indictment of Mahmoud Mehrabi Raises Concerns: Allegations of Fabrication, Denial of Rights, and Deteriorating Health

On September 27, 2023, the Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office issued an indictment against Mahmoud Mehrabi, a resident of Isfahan detained in Dastgerd prison, on the charge of “Corruption on Earth.” This indictment includes a total of 187 charges, some of which are related to widespread publication of false information on Instagram, propaganda against the state, incitement of military and law enforcement forces to refuse their duties, incitement to war and killing, and insulting Khomeini.

Notable points about this case:

• The charge of “corruption on earth” has been issued against Mahmoud Mehrabi without sufficient reasons, and it is believed that the IRGC Intelligence has fabricated a case against him.
• Approximately 50 private plaintiffs, including government officials from the city, are involved in the case against Mehrabi.
• Despite being primarily an online protester, the intelligence services are pursuing a serious case against him.
• Mahmoud Mehrabi has been held in custody at Isfahan’s Central Prison (Dastgerd) since February 1, 2023. His physical condition is deteriorating due to illness and the lack of proper medical care and facilities.
• Mehrabi has been denied the right to access his chosen lawyer, and the Iranian judiciary has assigned a state-appointed lawyer for him.
• He was initially arrested on February 1, 2023, by security forces in Isfahan, then released on bail from Isfahan’s Dastgerd Prison on March 16, 2023. However, he was re-arrested a few hours later at his home in Isfahan for publishing critical posts on social media.

In the context of this case, an indictment is a formal claim filed by the prosecutor accusing the defendant of guilt. It serves as the basis for the prosecutor’s request for the court to issue a verdict based on their investigations and evidence presented in the indictment.