Iran holds second hearing for Ashura suspects

The second hearing for rioters arrested during the Ashura riots will be held in Tehran, a statement by the capital’s Revolutionary Court says.

The trial of 16 individuals involved in the December unrest will be held at the 15th Branch of the Revolutionary Court on Wednesday, the statement said on Tuesday.

The anti-government riots on December 27 coincided with the Ashura mourning ceremonies, commemorating the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hossein (PBUH), the third apostle of the Shia Islam. The rioters damaged public property, set fire to trashcans, buildings and vehicles, and clashed with security forces.

The defendants could face long prison terms or the death penalty for the more serious charges such as committing major crimes against Islam and the state.

The suspects have been charged with “conspiring against national security and carrying out acts against the establishment,” the statement added.