Conviction and imprisonment of Iranian lawyer

Who we wrote to

The head of the Iranian judiciary, His Excellency Ayatollah Sadegh Larijani.

What’s the issue

The Iranian lawyer Amirsalar Davoudi was recently convicted and sentenced to 30 years imprisonment and 111 lashes.

Mr Davoudi has represented political prisoners as well as members of ethnic and religious minorities.

He was convicted on charges of “insulting officials”, “propaganda against the state”, and “forming a group with the purpose of disrupting national security”.

It’s believed that Mr Davoudi was convicted for speaking out on social and political matters through ‘Without Retouch’, a messaging channel that he set up.

He has been held in solitary confinement for 190 days in Evin Prison in Tehran with limited access to his family, lawyers and medical care.

We’re concerned that Mr Davoudi may have been subjected to ill-treatment while in prison.

What we asked for

We respectfully urge the relevant Iranian authorities to:

• immediately and unconditionally release Mr Davoudi, withdraw all charges against him, vacate any convictions and sentences imposed on him, and put an end to all acts of harassment against him 
• ensure the psychological and physical integrity of Mr Davoudi and comply with all international standards regarding conditions of detention
• comply with Iran’s international obligations to ensure that members of the legal profession and human rights defenders can carry out their professional functions without harassment and improper interference, including judicial harassment