Abdollah Shahbazi, Iranian historian exposing land grabs by authorities, arrested
News sources from inside Iran report that Abdollah Shahbazi, Iranian historian and researcher was arrested in his home in Shiraz today. His last posting on his blog refers to an unlawful entry by military police into his house at 4:15 PM. Then he writes: "6:15 PM, They are arresting me now!"
Shahbazi has published an online book (link here) exposing land usurpation in the State of Fars in Iran. Several high profile commanders of Revolutionary Guard Corps as well as Shiraz's chief Imam (Friday Prayer Imam) Haeri Shirazi, resigned after publication of this book, but later brought charges against Shahbazi. Shahbazi, in his defense, disclosed that large portion of his research was supported by documents provided by Davood Ahmadinejad, President's brother and Auditor General. Shahbazi was sentenced to 1.5 years in prison, and appealed the verdict. He was arrested today while he was awaiting the decision by the Appeals Court.