Zhina Modarres Gorji, a Kurdish journalist and women’s rights activist from Sanandaj, has faced significant challenges due to her activism. She was arrested during the 2022 nationwide protests in Iran and has been sentenced to 21 years in prison. Additionally, she has been exiled to Hamedan Central Prison by the Iranian regime.
The charges against Zhina Modarres Gorji are serious and include various allegations related to her activism. According to the verdict issued by the 1st branch of the Sanandaj Revolutionary Court, she has been found guilty of the following offenses:
1. Forming an illegal group and aiming to overthrow the regime: This charge carries a 10-year prison sentence.
2. Collaboration with hostile groups and countries: For this offense, she has been sentenced to another 10 years in prison.
3. Propaganda against the regime: She faces an additional 1-year prison term for this charge.
The court also accused her of activities such as establishing the Zhivano Association with feminist ideology, participating in gatherings, expressing subversive slogans, communicating with anti-revolutionary elements, participating in conferences and workshops abroad, and publishing content on the internet. These actions were allegedly aimed at undermining the government and creating tension in society.
Despite the heavy sentence, Zhina Modarres Gorji’s lawyers have officially registered their objection and sent the case to the provincial appeals court for re-examination. The application of the Consolidation of Sentences Law means that the most severe punishment—10 years of penal servitude with deportation to Hamedan prison—may be implemented.
It’s important to note that the Revolutionary Court also charged her with “spreading lies and inciting people to violent acts.” This aspect of the case has been referred to the 2nd Criminal Court of Sanandaj in western Iran.
The court relied on reports from the Ministry of Intelligence in attributing the charges and finding Zhina Modarres Gorji guilty. Her situation is concerning.
Zhina Modarres Gorji’s journey has been marked by arrests, detention, and legal battles. She was initially arrested during the 2022 protests by the forces of the Intelligence Department in Sanandaj. After spending 40 days in the women’s ward of Sanandaj prison, she was temporarily released on bail of 100 million tomans. However, her subsequent arrest and the recent heavy sentence have further complicated her fight for justice and women’s rights.