Islamic Republic's Judiciary Walking Fine Line on Punishment for Protesters

While the Nezam continues to wrestle with ways to rein in protests, some conservative religious leaders remain ardent in their stance demanding strict punishment for “rioters,” despite the Judiciary’s recent attempt to give the impression of showing “leniency” by releasing over 700 detainees, a number of whom participated in the protests.

Concerned over deepening anti-regime sentiment that extended to soccer fans who refused to support the national team during the World Cup, Judiciary Chief Gholamhosein Mohseni-Eje’i on 29 November announced the release of over 700 detainees with no prior record. Since the announcement, Mohseni-Eje’i has shown no real signs of retreating from what appeared to be a softer line towards protesters but is now commending judges and court officials for expediting trials of accused protesters which could lead to the harshest punishments. In statements published by the Serat news outlet, Mohseni-Eje’i blamed enemy conspiracies for triggering the unrest and praised Basij forces for sacrificing their lives and safeguarding public security. Some conservative figures outside of government have called for stricter penalties for the protesters. Mahmud Rajabi, head of the board of trustees of the Imam Khomeini Institute, the religious academy founded by the late Mohammad-Taqi Mesbah-Yazdi, criticized the Judiciary and the Supreme National Security Council for taking a softer line—possibly a reference to meetings that Mohseni-Eje’i and Ali Shamkhani have had with leading reformists. Rajabi called on officials to show resoluteness in dealing with leaders of the “sedition” and apply clear and appropriate sentences.

As the debate over ways to quell protests rages on, prosecution of individuals accused of exacerbating the unrest continues. In a televised court session, physician Hamid Qarahasanlu was seen being questioned by a judge accusing the defendant of leading a “mob” in attacking Basij member Ruhollah Ajamian, who died on the scene and has been labeled a martyr by the Nezam. Ajamian’s family has asked for the maximum sentencing in the case of their son. During questioning, the judge inquired about the defendant’s salary (between 50 and 100 million tumans a month). Former MP Hamid Rasa’i appeared particularly bothered by the discrepancy between the defendant’s income and that of the Basiji victim. Despite the defendant’s multiple denials, Rasa’i claimed Qarahasanlu had beaten the slain member of the Basij while his wife was busy filming.

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