Babak Karimi

Babak Karimi, a former political prisoner from Ivan Gharb, who had previously been sentenced to imprisonment during the 2022 protests, has been summoned again to the Ilam Prosecutor's Office with four new charges.

According to a summons dated February 23, 2026, he must appear within five days at the first branch of the Ilam Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor's Office to defend himself against charges of "inciting or provoking people to engage in conflict with the intent to disrupt national security," "propaganda against the regime," "spreading falsehoods," and "illegal assembly." These charges are related to the public protests of December 2025.

Karimi was previously arrested on September 21, 2022, and after months of temporary detention and two hunger strikes, he was released on bail. He was initially sentenced to several years of imprisonment, which was eventually reduced to four years, nine months, and one day in prison upon appeal. He has also faced judicial summons in a separate case.

After his arrest, Karimi was subjected to pressure and torture under the accusation of leading the protests. His right ankle was broken, his right leg was burned, and he was subjected to mock executions several times. During his detention, he went on hunger strike twice and was finally released on bail of 2 billion tomans and with a guarantor on February 6, 2023.

Throughout the legal proceedings, Babak Karimi was deprived of legal representation and had no opportunity to defend himself in court.

*Translated on 2026-03-14*