Iranian Lawyer Arrested After Criticizing Government Response to Mahsa Amini Protests
Iranian lawyer Mohsen Borhani, known for his vocal criticism of the government's handling of the 2022 protests following Mahsa Amini's death, has been arrested according to state media reports on July 7th, 2024.
Borhani, a university professor who gained popularity for his social media activism during the large-scale demonstrations, was reportedly sentenced earlier but details regarding his case and sentence length remain unclear.
The arrest comes a day after the election of reformist president Masoud Pezeshkian, who campaigned on promises to relax hijab enforcement and pursue improved relations with Western nations.
The 2022 protests in Iran erupted following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was detained by morality police for allegedly violating hijab regulations. The demonstrations quickly evolved into a wider movement calling for the overthrow of the Iranian government.
A brutal crackdown by security forces resulted in over 500 deaths and more than 22,000 arrests according to reports. A United Nations investigation concluded that Iran was responsible for the violence that led to Amini's death.
While details surrounding Borhani's arrest and sentencing are scarce, it is seen as a potential sign of tension between the newly elected reformist government and hardliners within the Iranian regime. It remains to be seen whether Pezeshkian will be able to fulfil his campaign promises in light of this recent development.
Further information regarding Borhani's case and the Iranian government's response to criticism is expected to emerge in the coming days.
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