Daijiworld Media Network - Mashhad

Mashhad, Aug 20: An Iranian woman has been sentenced to three years in prison after being convicted over a social media comment on a post by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to human rights groups.

Azar Yahu, 39, was arrested by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in March. Branch 4 of the Revolutionary Court in Mashhad sentenced her to three years in prison, with one year to be served and the remaining two years suspended.

According to the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, Yahu was convicted of “cooperation with Israel” in connection with the social media comment. The Iranian legal advocacy network Dadbaan said she was also charged with “acting against national security” for reacting to Instagram posts by US President Donald Trump and Netanyahu with heart emojis.

She was additionally accused of expressing support over the reported killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Human rights groups said Yahu was denied contact with her family and others while in detention. She was also allegedly prevented from being released after posting bail, with security officials and prison authorities reportedly obstructing the process.

Iranian human rights activist and former political prisoner Sepideh Gholian alleged that Yahu was being held in an isolated ward under harsh conditions, including poor ventilation, inadequate hygiene and limited access to basic food and facilities.

The case has drawn attention from human rights groups, who have raised concerns over the treatment of individuals facing charges linked to social media activity in Iran.