Lawyer: Top Iranian reformer sentenced to 6 years in jail for seeking to overthrow regime

Top Iran reformer sentenced to 6 years in jail

TEHRAN, Iran — A top reformer has been sentenced to six years in jail after he stood trial on charges of fomenting unrest to topple the Iranian regime.

Lawyer Saleh Nikbakht said Sunday that former vice president Mohammad Ali Abtahi has 20 days to appeal the verdict.

Abtahi made televised confessions after his arrest in which he admitted provoking people to riot. His family and fellow reformers said the confessions were obtained under duress.

Abtahi is one of more than 100 leading moderates detained after Iran’s disputed June 12 presidential election. He was accused of fomenting street protests aimed at overthrowing Iran’s clergy-led regime.

Abtahi served as vice president under reformist president Mohammad Khatami.