Sadegh Saedinia, owner of the Saedinia café chain and one of those arrested during the January 2026 protests, faces more than 12 years in prison, confiscation of all his assets, and an occupational ban after the Supreme Court upheld his sentence. His support for the protests on social media and the closure of his businesses were among the actions cited against him.
According to Mizan, the judiciary’s news agency, the Supreme Court upheld Saedinia’s sentence of 12 years, six months, and one day in prison, confiscation of all movable and immovable property in favor of the state, and a two-year ban on operating cafés after his release. The sentence was issued on the charge of “media and propaganda activities against national security in support of hostile groups.”
Screenshots of two stories posted on the Saedinia Café Instagram account show messages of solidarity. One announced that the group’s cafés, stores, offices, and factories would close on Thursday and Friday, accompanied by the hashtag “We Stand With You.” The other read: “We prefer to remain silent so that more important voices can be heard.”
In addition to social media posts and business closures, the judiciary accused Saedinia of attending demonstrations and encouraging employees to participate in the protests. Treating these activities as national security offenses raises serious concerns about the punishment of individuals for exercising their right to freedom of expression and supporting protests.
Saedinia, 49, was arrested in January 2026 and transferred to Langroud Prison in Qom. All branches of his café chain were also sealed by court order. His trial took place at the Qom Revolutionary Court in April–May 2026. With the sentence now upheld, the case threatens not only his freedom but also his property rights and ability to continue his professional life.
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#iranmassacre
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According to Mizan, the judiciary’s news agency, the Supreme Court upheld Saedinia’s sentence of 12 years, six months, and one day in prison, confiscation of all movable and immovable property in favor of the state, and a two-year ban on operating cafés after his release. The sentence was issued on the charge of “media and propaganda activities against national security in support of hostile groups.”
Screenshots of two stories posted on the Saedinia Café Instagram account show messages of solidarity. One announced that the group’s cafés, stores, offices, and factories would close on Thursday and Friday, accompanied by the hashtag “We Stand With You.” The other read: “We prefer to remain silent so that more important voices can be heard.”
In addition to social media posts and business closures, the judiciary accused Saedinia of attending demonstrations and encouraging employees to participate in the protests. Treating these activities as national security offenses raises serious concerns about the punishment of individuals for exercising their right to freedom of expression and supporting protests.
Saedinia, 49, was arrested in January 2026 and transferred to Langroud Prison in Qom. All branches of his café chain were also sealed by court order. His trial took place at the Qom Revolutionary Court in April–May 2026. With the sentence now upheld, the case threatens not only his freedom but also his property rights and ability to continue his professional life.
@iranhrdc
#DigitalBlackoutIran
#iran_strikes
#iran_human_rights
#iranmassacre
#sadegh_saedinia