[76140] Death sentence handed down to Benjamin Nakdi on charges of 'spreading corruption on earth'

Death sentence handed down to Benjamin Nakdi on charges of 'spreading corruption on earth'

According to reports by Vahid Online and Iran International, attorney Mostafa Nili announced that the Revolutionary Court in Shiraz has sentenced Benjamin Nakdi to death, alleging the commission of the crime of "افساد فی‌الارض" (spreading corruption on earth).

Nakdi, who is defined as a political prisoner and participant in the January protests, was arrested on January 13, 2026, after allegedly "شعله‌ور کردن یک کپسول آتش‌نشانی" (igniting a fire extinguisher) at law enforcement forces, as reported by Vahid Online. Initially, he was charged with attempted murder, but the charge was later changed to "Moharebeh" (enmity against God).

According to attorney Nili in an interview with Iran International, an indictment was filed against Nakdi including counts of "membership in groups undermining state security," "assembly and collusion," and "propaganda activity against the regime." Nili noted that while it was decided to close the case regarding charges of physical injury to police officers and carrying a cold weapon, the court judges decided that the totality of the remaining charges amounts to the offense of "spreading corruption on earth."

The attorney clarified in Iran International that he intends to appeal the verdict before the Supreme Court. He expressed hope that since "no one was injured during the incident," the extreme sentence could be overturned in the appeals court.