Iran puts Azerbaijani activist behind bars

Iranian authorities have sentenced the administrator of an Instagram page dedicated to supporting Azerbaijani-descent political prisoners to two years in prison over his alleged links to illegal groups, IranWire reports.

In its July 15 ruling presided by Judge Abulqasem Salavati, Branch 15 of Tehran Revolutionary Court also barred Ali Razizadeh from traveling abroad and from having any activity with political parties and organizations for a period of two years.

Razizadeh, an ethnic Azerbaijani residing in Tehran, has long been an advocate for Azerbaijani-origin political activists and prisoners. 

In February 2022, he was summoned to Branch 3 of Evin Prosecutor's Office due to his activities on an Instagram account that focused on highlighting the plight of Azeris facing political persecution.

Earlier this month, Ramin Alinia, another Azerbaijani citizen living in Tehran, received a six-year prison sentence on similar charges.