Additional Name(s): رضا انتصاری

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Iran

Religion or Belief: Muslim – Sufi

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: Yes

Appeal: Rejected

Sentence: 5 Years' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: February//2018

Date of Sentencing: August//2018

Date of Release: March/24/2020

Current Status: Released

Religious Leader: No

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Protesting Religious Freedom Conditions Religious Association

Nature of Charges: Illegal Assembly Public Disorder Unlawful Disobedience

Reza Entesari

Extra Bio Info:

Reza Entesari was imprisoned for his religious association and for protesting religious freedom conditions.

In February 2018, authorities arrested Entesari following a violent crackdown on people protesting the arrest of Nematollah Riahi. Riahi, a member of the Sufi Gonabadi Order, had come to Tehran earlier in February to participate in a sit-in protesting the house arrest of spiritual leader Noor Ali Tabandeh. Entesari was reportedly charged with "refusing police orders" (Art. 607 IPC), "assembling and colluding to act against national security" (Art. 610 IPC), and "disrupting public order" (Art. 618 IPC). Entesari was reportedly denied access to a lawyer.

In August 2018, Entesari was reportedly sentenced to seven years in prison, 74 lashes, two years of deprived social rights, and a two-year travel ban.  Entesari was expected to serve five years in prison as the sentences ran concurrently.

In March 2019, a Tehran appeals court reportedly upheld Entesari's sentence.

On March 24, 2020, Entesari was released from prison following a state directive in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Entesari was reportedly denied adequate medical care and subjected to prolonged solitary confinement, inhumane living conditions, and attacks during his detention.

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