Source:

February 27, 2010

The prominent rights activist Heshamt Tabarzadi has announced that he will only defend himself in an open court jury trial.

RAHANA – Heshmat Tabarzadi has announced that, based on Article 168 of the Constitution he has the right to an open court jury trial, citing the political nature of his charges as the reason, said Mohammad Oliyayifar who represents the rights activist.

In an interview with Hammihan, Oliyayifar said that his client has advised him to emphasize in the statement of defense that until his constitutional rights are met, he will refrain from arguing the contents [charges] of his case before the court.

According to Oliyayifar, his client’s temporary detention order expired on February 26 and he has requested a release on bail pending trial, a possibility that he sees as unlikely to happen.

Tabarzadi was arrested on December 28, 2009 following the Ashura protests. He visited with his son on Thursday in an Evin visitation cabin.