Matin Hassani, a protester from Bukan, West Azerbaijan Province, was injured in his left eye by gunfire from Iranian military-security forces during anti-government protests in the city on 16 November 2019. 

Despite the passage of several years, a pellet remains lodged in his left eye due to the impact of a pellet on the optic nerve and the risks associated with surgery.

In December 2019, while receiving medical treatment at a facility in Tehran, he was arrested by security forces and later temporarily released on bail from Evin Prison.

Arrest

Hassani was arrested by security forces in Bukan on 23 January 2024 and taken to the Ministry of Intelligence detention centre in the city. 

After initial interrogation, he was transferred to Bukan Prison and temporarily released on bail of 10 billion rials (nearly 20,000 USD) on 22 February 2024.

Judicial Process

On 16 May 2024, Branch 101 of Bukan’s Criminal Court Two sentenced Hassani to a total of 31 months in prison on charges of “inciting and provoking people to war and murder with the intent to disrupt national security” and “propaganda against the state”.

Current Status

Hassani was arrested and sent to prison to serve his sentence on 26 August 2024, after being summoned by the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Bukan.

Since 5 October, Hassani has been serving his sentence in open prison.

Notes:

1. On 15 November 2019, following the reintroduction of fuel rationing in Iran, widespread anti-government protests erupted in many cities across the country. These peaceful protests were met with a violent crackdown by military-security forces, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of civilians by gunfire, while many others were injured or arrested, according to published reports.

2. Article 512 of the Islamic Penal Code: “Anyone who, with the intent to disrupt national security, entices or incites people to engage in conflict and bloodshed among themselves, regardless of whether it leads to murder and plunder, shall be sentenced to one to five years’ imprisonment.”

3. Article 500 of the Islamic Penal Code: “Anyone who engages in propaganda activities against the Islamic Republic of Iran or in favour of groups and organisations opposing the state, in any manner, shall be sentenced to imprisonment for a period of three months to one year.”