Iran’s highest court has upheld a 10-year prison sentence against a Tehran merchant whose case emerged from nationwide anti-government protests earlier this year. The decision marks another significant step in the government’s continuing response to demonstrations that spread across multiple cities and attracted international attention.
The case involves Masoud Piahoo, a trader from Tehran’s Grand Bazaar who authorities detained following protests in January. After reviewing the case, the Supreme Court confirmed an earlier judgment from a Revolutionary Court and left the sentence in place despite defense objections.
According to Piahoo’s lawyer, the case focuses on a video that Piahoo recorded during a demonstration near his workplace. The footage reportedly showed a protester sitting in front of security forces during a tense public gathering. Although Piahoo acknowledged recording the scene, he insisted that he never intended to distribute the footage widely.
His attorney said Piahoo shared the video only with a limited audience through a private social media feature. However, the lawyer argued that another individual later circulated the footage without Piahoo’s knowledge or approval. Nevertheless, prosecutors pursued the case and secured a conviction.
The lawyer also said intelligence officials summoned Piahoo after the video appeared online. Piahoo then presented himself to authorities before officials arrested him. Although the defense requested additional judicial review, courts moved the case to sentence enforcement after the Supreme Court issued its decision.
The Tehran protest sentence comes as authorities continue investigations and prosecutions connected to the January demonstrations. Human rights organizations have repeatedly voiced concerns about protest-related cases and the treatment of detainees. Meanwhile, Iranian officials argue that these legal actions protect national security and preserve public order.
Observers say the case highlights growing scrutiny of digital content during periods of political unrest. Legal experts note that investigators increasingly examine videos, photographs, and online communications when handling protest-related cases. Consequently, digital evidence now plays a larger role in judicial proceedings.
Looking ahead, analysts expect courts to continue reviewing similar protest-related cases in the coming months. As authorities expand investigations, many observers will closely watch how the legal system handles future cases involving public demonstrations and online activity across Iran.