Arian Shirpisheh, Pouya Bakhtiari's uncle - court hearing this time on charges of "insulting sacred places"

Arian Shirpisheh, uncle of Pouya Bakhtiari—one of the slain protesters from the 2019 uprising—is currently serving a 14-month prison sentence in Evin. This is just one part of his case. Another court hearing, this time on charges of "insulting the sacred," is scheduled.

He was arrested last year by Intelligence Ministry agents at his home. His phone and electronics were confiscated.

Those close to his family believe his arrest is tied to his public presence at memorials for the protest victims and his support for other grieving families. It’s not the first time Arian’s been targeted by the regime—but this time, they want to silence not just his voice, but his grief too.