Iran sentences translator of book on Rojava to 11 years in prison

The Iranian Writers’ Association (IWA) announced that its secretary, writer and translator Arash Ganji has been sentenced to 11 years in prison by the Iranian regime in connection with his translation of a book about a Kurdish-led uprising in northern Syria.

In a statement, the IWA revealed that Arash Ganji was accused of “conducting propaganda against the Islamic Republic” and “membership in an opposition party”.

Nasir Zerefşan, lawyer of the jailed Iranian translator, said that Ganji has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for translating the book “A Small Key, A Big Door” about the Kurdish-led uprising in northern Syria.

The Iranian regime arrested Ganji at his home and confiscated some of his documents. He has been taken to Evin Prison.

On December 22, 2019, Ganji was arrested and detained at Evin Prison for 29 days before being released on bail while his trial continued throughout the past year. The cause for his arrest was initially unclear, though later revealed to be his translation of the book. On December 28, 2020, he was sentenced to 11 years in prison on national security charges and his sentence was upheld on appeal.

Conditions at Iranian prisons remain a source of concern as dozens of political prisoners remain behind bars.