Hossein Taj, the lawyer of political prisoner Maryam Akbari Monfared, has revealed that her 15-year prison term will conclude in October this year. However, in an interview with the state-run daily Sharq, Taj disclosed that Monfared has been sentenced to an additional two years in prison for a separate case. Furthermore, the Executive Headquarters of Imam’s Directive (Setad) has recently requested the seizure and possession of her property, as well as that of her family and relatives.
Discussing the latest developments in Monfared’s case, Taj said: “In September of this year, the 15-year imprisonment of Mrs. Akbari Monfared in the initial case will end. Throughout this period, she was not granted leave even for a single day and was sentenced to two more years in prison for another case. Recently, a new case has been filed against her. The basis of this case is the request by the headquarters to follow up and monitor cases under Article 49 of the Constitution.”
Taj elaborated: “In the claim made by this headquarters, various allegations have been attributed to Akbari Monfared’s family and her relatives. The headquarters has requested the seizure and acquisition of their property for the benefit of the Setad.”
According to Taj, Akbari Monfared’s new case has been referred to the Sixth Branch of the Revolutionary Court, which specializes in cases related to Article 49 of the Constitution. The monitoring period for her case is set for August.
Who is Maryam Akbari Monfared?
Maryam Akbari Monfared is the sister of four political prisoners. Two of her brothers were executed between 1980 and 1985 for opposing the regime and supporting the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI). Another sister and brother, also PMOI supporters, were executed during the 1988 massacre of political prisoners.
Monfared was arrested for seeking justice for her family members’ executions. In retaliation, the regime sentenced her to 15 years in prison through its so-called revolutionary courts. She has now been imprisoned for 13 and a half years without a single day of leave. The regime has repeatedly accused her of additional crimes to extend her prison term.
One of the longest-serving female political prisoners in Iran, Monfared was transferred to Semnan Prison in February 2021 after years of confinement in Rajaeeshahr Karaj, Qarchak Varamin, and Evin prisons.
In July 2023, a group of women political prisoners protested against the new case filed against Monfared, calling it the “revenge of the judicial system against justice seekers” and demanded her immediate and unconditional release.
Amnesty International and other human rights organizations have repeatedly condemned her imprisonment, the denial of leave, and the lack of medical services provided to her. Monfared’s case highlights the ongoing struggle for justice and human rights in Iran.
