Eleven Years in Prison for Hamid Bidar, Former Student Activist at Iran University of Science and Technology
On April 23rd, Hossein Taj, the lawyer representing Hamid Bidar (former student activist), announced that Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeals had upheld the verdict — eleven years in prison issued by Branch 28 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court — without informing the defense or holding a hearing. This procedure violates the principles of fair trial and disregards the defendant’s basic rights.
According to the lawyer, the charges against Mr. Bidar include “insulting sacred values,” “insulting the Supreme Leader,” and “propaganda against the regime.” Under the ruling, 5 years of the total 11-year sentence are enforceable.
Hamid Bidar, a former student activist and graduate of Iran University of Science and Technology, was arrested at his workplace on September 1, 2024, and was temporarily released after eight days upon posting bail. At the time of his arrest, security forces also sealed off the café he owned.
