In the heart of Iran, the ‘Ekbatan town’ case has garnered national and international attention for its controversial nature and allegations of grave injustice. Eight defendants, including Milad Armun, Alireza Kafaei, Amir Mohammad Khosh Eqbal, Alireza Bermarz Pournak, Mohammad Mehdi Hosseini, Hossein Nemati, Mehdi Imani, and Navid Najaran, faced accusations of ‘participation in the murder,’ ‘collusion against national security,’ and ‘waging war against God.’ Among these, Milad Armun, Alireza Kafaei, and Mohammad Mehdi Hosseini are even facing the death penalty, accused of ‘combat with cold weapons.’
The Origins of the Case
This case traces its origins back to the protests of September 2022, which erupted following the announcement of the death of Mahsa Amini in the custody of the Iran regime’s so-called morality patrol, which specializes in the repression of the country’s women.
During this event a Basij member Arman Alivardi was killed in Tehran’s Ekbatan settlement. Initially the regime filed charges against 14 defendants, but the case eventually proceeded with eight individuals. However, ‘Dadban,’ a legal consulting site, raised concerns over what it referred to as ‘fundamental and many flaws’ in the case, echoing the demand made by the lawyers of the defendants.
Allegations and Denials
Milad Armun, standing as the first-tier defendant in the case, vehemently denied the charge of fighting and asserted that he never possessed any weapon, whether hot or cold, during the events in question. In a video widely circulated in the media of the regime, Armun faced Tehran province’s police chief, Hossein Rahimi, and refuted the accusation of holding a knife and striking the victim.
The Case Unveiled
According to reports, the defendants in this case experienced severe torture during their detention, which allegedly led to coerced confessions against themselves and other defendants. Consequently, the case was split into two parts. One portion was referred to Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court under Judge Abolqasem Salavati, known for issuing harsh sentences, including execution, for protesters. Salavati’s name is on the US sanctions list due to his role in human rights abuses.
In August, the defendants in the ‘Shahrak-e Ekbatan’ case were transferred from Rajaeeshahr prison in Karaj to Qezal Hesar prison in Karaj. This move further raised concerns about their fate.
Arman Aliverdi: A Contested Figure
Arman Aliverdi, the central figure in this case, was a member of the Basij Imam Reza security unit, and a student of the Ayatollah Mojtahedi seminary. He resided in Tehran’s Shahran area. On October 26, 2022, he went to Ekbatan town to quell protests, and as per the official narrative, he sustained injuries during the street protests and succumbed to them on October 28, 2022.
Arman Aliverdi’s name quickly became associated with the regime’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei, and government officials took various measures to support his legacy, including renaming streets and squares in his honor.
In the immediate aftermath of Arman Aliverdi’s death, it took less than a week for Khamenei to address the situation. In a meeting with a group of Basij students, he issued a directive for the punishment of those individuals whom he believed had participated in what he considered a ‘crime.’ Approximately three months later, Khamenei made a highly publicized visit to the gravesite of the Basij member, and this event received extensive coverage in government media, with videos and photographs capturing his presence.
In June 2023, during the commemoration of the 34th anniversary of Ruhollah Khomeini’s death, Ali Khamenei seized the occasion to commend the Basij forces for their role in suppressing dissenting voices. In his speech, Khamenei made specific reference to Arman Aliverdi, lauding the unwavering dedication of the Basij. He stated, “In a situation where the enemy has unsheathed its sword, a revolutionary student at a certain university may hear blasphemy yet refuse to retreat. Even when a Basij student is martyred under the most harrowing conditions, they stand resolute, refusing to utter what the enemy seeks.”
The Shadow of Coercion
The documented reports from human rights organizations, including Dadban, shed light on the alleged severe torture inflicted on the defendants during detention, which led to their forced confessions. These confessions, seen by many as the result of coercion, have raised doubts about the fairness and justice of the legal proceedings.
A Quest for Justice
As the case unfolds, social media users and protesters have raised their voices against what they perceive as an unjust trial. They argue that the regime seems determined to avenge Arman Aliverdi’s death by prosecuting the protesting youth of the Ekbatan settlement, potentially leading to severe sentences, including execution.
In a previous case, Iran executed Mohammad Mehdi Karmi and Seyed Mohammad Hosseini on the 17 of January 2023, both falsely accused of being involved in the murder of a Basiji named Ruhollah Ajamian.
Conclusion
The ‘Ekbatan town’ case in Iran is mired in controversy, with allegations of coerced confessions and concerns about a lack of due process. As the case continues to unfold, it remains a stark reminder of the challenges and concerns surrounding the country’s legal system, especially in cases related to public protests and national security.
