Look at the specific charges. Shanbehzadeh gets five years for violating the “Law on Countering the Hostile Actions of the Zionist Regime against Peace and Security,” which he got for supposedly distributing pro-Israel propaganda. Then he gets another four years for “insulting Islamic sanctities,” two more years for “spreading lies and disturbing public thought,” and one for “propaganda against the Islamic Republic.”
Note that one about “spreading lies and disturbing public thought.” If there ever were a subjective law that those in power could use to victimize the powerless, that’s it. The same role is increasingly being played by “hate speech” and “disinformation” laws in the U.S.
“Iranian activist sentenced to 12 years for tweeting a single dot,” Jerusalem Post, September 2, 2024 (thanks to The Religion of Peace):
Hossein Shanbehzadeh, an Iranian writer and activist, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for tweeting a single dot in response to a tweet by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in May, and for alleged pro-Israel propaganda, according to Iran International and Iranian Shargh News on Saturday.
Shanbehzadeh’s reply to the original tweet received more likes than the original post, and he was arrested a few weeks later, according to Iran International.
The literary editor, translator, and activist, who is present on X, formerly Twitter, confirmed in a call to his family that he was arrested in Ardabil in June, Iran International reported.
At the time of his arrest, Iran’s judiciary reported that a “fugitive Mossad agent” had been arrested. IRGC-affiliated semi-official Tasnim News later identified the person as Shanbehzadeh.
Amir Raisian, Shanbehzadeh’s lawyer, told “Shargh Network” that according to the court’s verdict, Mr Shanbehzadeh was to be sentenced to five years in prison according to Article 8 of the ‘Law on Countering the Hostile Actions of the Zionist Regime against Peace and Security,’ having been accused of pro-Israel propaganda.
On top of the five-year sentence, the lower court sentenced the activist to four years on charges of “insulting Islamic sanctities,” two years for “spreading lies and disturbing public thought,” and an additional one for propaganda against the Islamic Republic….
William Garrison says
Does the “dot” refer to “spot on”?
Keys says
Clever point!
Jody says
I think it means ‘PERIOD’!
Keys says
Four years on charges of “insulting Islamic sanctities” ! Three points:
. “Islamic sanctities” … is an oxymoron.
. There is no such thing as “Islamic sanctities”.
. “Islamic sanctities” is a propaganda term.
… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … …
somehistory says
Just as they call their book of demon filth “holy” have committees for ‘virtue” and “morality police.”
It’s all “propaganda.” And evil to the core.
Keys says
Four years on charges of “insulting Islamic sanctities” ! Three points:
. “Islamic sanctities” … is an oxymoron.
. There is no such thing as “Islamic sanctities”.
. “Islamic sanctities” is a propaganda term.
… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … …
abu taleb says
Not supporting Islamic authority or policies means you can be punished.
But it is not a monoply of Islamic govrenment, Ireland also jails a teacher who does not use the pronounce “they” for some mentally ill and narcistic people.
The left and the Islamists are cooperating to destroy the humankind under the devil’s leadership.
WPM says
True if you do not support the woke abuse of language in social media you are now punished in many western European countries. If you voice an opinion counter to the official political agenda of the country ,or that is perceived” insult” to protected groups in western Europe you have committed a “hate crime”. An” perceived insult” not a threat ,not a call to violence ,it is perceived by a member of a protected group .A hate crime is whatever a government official “feels’ it is at the moment .They could go back years to something you posted 10 years ago before the law was change to what it is today. It could be something you posted in high school was except speech at that time now you are marry working law abiding in your 30s and you get lock up for it .
PaulW says
Do you have any thoughts on why Europe has decided to throw in with current (language) culture?
somehistory says
Absolutely. satan the devil hates mankind, is angry and knows his time is running out, so he’s using everyone who will work with him to destroy all of humankind…..
Jody says
I think it means ‘PERIOD’!
Narotam Lathia says
ISLAMICs have already declared their intention to take over the World.
To an average person this is enough of a warning.
The Hindu and Christians have suffered and are still suffering at the hands of Islamic JIHADISTS.
David M says
This has already come to Britain, people locked up for similar things.
somehistory says
“Peace and Security,” They wouldn’t know those things if they were bitten on the nose by peace and poked in the eyes by security.
However, the Apostle Paul wrote, “Whenever it is that they are saying “Peace and Security,” sudden destruction will be instantly upon them just as the pangs of distress upon a pregnant woman; and they by no means, will escape.”.
so, any day now….