Yusef Mehrdad

Extra Bio Info:

Yusef Mehrdad was imprisoned and executed on blasphemy-related charges.

In May 2020, authorities arrested Mehrdad from his home in Ardabil after accusing him and others of being a member of a Telegram channel entitled "Critique of Superstition and Religion." Members of the group allegedly expressed opinions insulting to religion, including the Prophet Muhammad. One member was said to have set religious books on fire. Mehrdad was transferred to Arak Prison. He was reportedly held in solitary confinement for two months after his arrest and was denied family visits and phone calls eight months after his arrest.

In April 2021, it was reported that Branch 1 of the Arak Criminal Court had sentenced Mehrdad and another unnamed individual - later revealed as Seyyed Sadrullah Fazeli Zare - to death for "insulting Islamic sanctities" (Art. 513 IPC) and "insulting the Prophet" (Art. 262 IPC).

In May/June 2021, the Arak Revolutionary Court reportedly sentenced Mehrdad to eight years in prison in a separate criminal case for "propaganda against the state" (Art. 500 IPC), "founding or leading an organization that aims to disrupt national security" (Art. 498 IPC), and “insulting the Supreme Leader” (Art. 514 IPC).

In July/August 2021, it was reported that the Supreme Court had upheld Mehrdad's sentence.

In February 2022, Mehrdad reportedly went on hunger strike to protest prison authorities refusal to allow him to make phone calls.

In May 2023, Mehrdad was reportedly moved into solitary confinement in preparation for his imminent execution. However, following international outcry, he was moved back into the general prison population. 

On May 8, 2023, Mehrdad was executed.

Mehrdad was reportedly a father of three.

Related Cases: Seyyed Sadrullah Fazeli Zare