Abolfazl Ranjbari, a lawyer, university professor, and author, was temporarily released from prison on Wednesday morning, May 6, after spending a year in detention. His release came after a bail of 50 billion Tomans was posted, pending a final court ruling.
According to information obtained by IranWire, the final defense hearing in his case was held in May this year at Branch 3 of the Tabriz Revolutionary Court. An earlier hearing had also taken place at the same branch on November 18, 2025.
Lawyer and legal expert Sina Yousefi said that Branch 3 of the Tabriz Revolutionary Court sentenced Ranjbari to 17 years in prison for “Aiding and Abetting Corruption on Earth” and another 5 years for “Espionage,” bringing his total sentence to 22 years. The ruling is currently under appeal before the Supreme Court.
Ranjbari was arrested by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence on May 4, 2025, outside his home in Tabriz. During the arrest, security agents seized his laptop, passport, and other personal belongings.
Known for representing political activists in East Azerbaijan, Ranjbari was first detained on charges of “Propaganda against the State.” Later, in September 2025, Branch 15 of the Tabriz Revolutionary Court charged him with “Espionage for the Republic of Azerbaijan.” Reports suggest the accusations are tied to his participation in an academic conference in Baku seven years earlier, where he spoke about and analyzed Iran’s judicial system.
Human rights organizations have repeatedly criticized the growing pressure on lawyers, civil activists, and academics in Iran.
Iranian Lawyer Sentenced to 22 Years, Released on 50 Billion Toman Bail
