An activist holds a poster depicting Mahsa Amini during a protest outside the Lebanese National Museum in Beirut. EPA
An activist holds a poster depicting Mahsa Amini during a protest outside the Lebanese National Museum in Beirut. EPA
An activist holds a poster depicting Mahsa Amini during a protest outside the Lebanese National Museum in Beirut. EPA
An activist holds a poster depicting Mahsa Amini during a protest outside the Lebanese National Museum in Beirut. EPA

Mahsa Amini's lawyer appears in Iranian court over 'propaganda' charges


Holly Johnston
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A lawyer for the family of Mahsa Amini, whose death sparked Iran's largest protest movement, appeared in court on Monday charged with "propaganda" against the regime.

Saleh Nikhbat appeared at a revolutionary court for his second hearing over the charges, brought against him in August ahead of the first anniversary of Ms Amini's death.

Speaking to Radio Farda, Mr Nikhbat said the court session was brief as the judge requested written answers before the hearing.

The court focused on his denial of a forensic report, he added, which claimed Ms Amini died of a medical issue, rather than as a result of a beating in morality police custody.

Her family, who were previously placed under house arrest and summoned by authorities, have publicly denied official claims Ms Amini died of a heart attack, saying she was beaten to death after her arrest in Tehran.

Authorities say Mr Nikhbat "spread propaganda" about the case by speaking to local and foreign media.

Ms Amini's death sparked nationwide protests which posed the biggest threat to Tehran since the Islamic Republic was founded in 1979.

More than 500 people were killed and 18,000 imprisoned in a crackdown on demonstrators, according to rights groups, while Tehran has also executed several protesters accused of killing security officers.

Iran handed down the death sentence to several protesters after trials criticised by rights groups and international officials as "sham" proceedings.

The judiciary has a long history of convicting dual nationals and government dissidents on vague charges with little evidence.

Mohammed Mehdi Karami, who was executed in January, was reportedly only given 15 minutes to defend himself in court.

His father, mother and brother were arrested in August, among dozens of other bereaved relatives to be taken into custody and prevented from visiting loved ones' graves.

Ms Amini's father was briefly detained on the first anniversary of her death, when protests briefly re-ignited in various cities.

Kurdish areas and the south-eastern city of Zahedan have continued to strike and protest since Ms Amini's death, despite repressive measures by security forces.

On Friday, more than 20 people were injured during protests in Zahedan, marking the first anniversary of a bloody crackdown which killed at least 66 people.

BANGLADESH SQUAD

Mashrafe Mortaza (captain), Tamim Iqbal, Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Mushfiqur Rahim (wicketkeeper), Mahmudullah, Shakib Al Hasan (vice captain), Mohammad Mithun, Sabbir Rahaman, Mosaddek Hossain, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Abu Jayed (Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru Editing by Amlan Chakraborty)

Five healthy carbs and how to eat them

Brown rice: consume an amount that fits in the palm of your hand

Non-starchy vegetables, such as broccoli: consume raw or at low temperatures, and don’t reheat  

Oatmeal: look out for pure whole oat grains or kernels, which are locally grown and packaged; avoid those that have travelled from afar

Fruit: a medium bowl a day and no more, and never fruit juices

Lentils and lentil pasta: soak these well and cook them at a low temperature; refrain from eating highly processed pasta variants

Courtesy Roma Megchiani, functional nutritionist at Dubai’s 77 Veggie Boutique

How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Updated: October 02, 2023, 5:44 PM