Tehran, a new trial against dissidents. A French national among the accused
Tehran (AsiaNews / Agencies) - This morning saw the beginning of a trial against a second group of activists and reformers, the protagonists of anti-government protests that flared up in Iran after the June presidential election. Among the defendants, Clotilde Reiss, a 24 year old French university student who has spent the last five months in Iran as a language teacher. Last week more than 100 people appeared in the courts, on charges that also include conspiracy. Among them there are leading figures of Iranian dissidents.
Some of the defendants made public confession, explaining that they had protested against the outcome of the vote in order to "create disorder". Activists complain that the confessions were extracted through torture and abuse. Opposition leaders have branded the court hearings "Show trails" perfectly fabricated by the regime.
Today’s trial saw over 10 people charged, including Clotilde Reiss (pictured), arrested last July 1st while preparing to leave Iran. The girl, whose birthday was July 31, is locked in prison for political prisoners in Evin, Tehran, on charges of "espionage and having fomented revolt”.
France rejects the charges, calling them "unfounded." Bernard Poletti, French ambassador in Tehran, was able to visit the young woman only once in prison. There have been two phone calls between the diplomat and Reiss, who seems in good health while not hiding "concern for her future."
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