Iranian of the Day

Ghasem Sholeh-Saadi, a lawyer, former Member of the Parliament representing Shiraz, and a professor International Relations at Tehran University School of Law and Political Science, was detained on 3 April 2011 in order to start serving his 2002 prison sentence. Sholeh-Saadi was transferred to Ward 350 of Evin Prison.

Ghassem Sholeh-Saadi was first arrested in 2002, after writing an open letter to Iran's Supreme Leader, criticizing him on different issues, and questioning his qualification for his position from a legal point of view. Sholeh-Saadi was severely tortured during his detention, leading to spinal damage. The Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced him to 1.5 years in prison for this case, on charges of "propagating against the regime," and "insulting Mr. Khomeini and Mr. Khamenei." His sentence was upheld in 2007, but suspended due to several technical problems with the case.

After his April 2011 arrest, Ghassem Sholeh-Saadi was transferred from prison to court on 17 September 2011, and put on trial on the charge of "insulting the Supreme Leader." Branch 28 of Tehran Revolutionary Court with Judge Moghisseh presiding, once again sentenced Sholeh Saadi to two years in prison on the charge of "insulting the Supreme Leader," in addition to his earlier 1.5 year sentence.

Sholeh-Saadi has lost feeling in his left arm as a result of the torture he suffered in 2003, leading to spinal injury. Evin Prison authorities refuse to allow him medical furlough to pursue his treatment.

News video after his April 2011 arrest: