The former champion Karim Ismailzadeh has been held under heavy security measures in the Tabriz Prison for nearly three months. However, the regime’s fears did not stop at imprisoning him; now they are also trying to keep him away from the courtroom. The Iranian Ministry of Intelligence prevented Mr. Ismailzadeh aka Karim Boksör from attending his hearing in person at the Tabriz Revolutionary Court, deciding that the hearing would be held only via video conference. This decision shows that not only the judiciary but also the public conscience has been sidelined.

According to lawyers, the regime aims to suppress public support by minimizing Karim’s contact with the public and the press. After all, the spontaneous demonstration of support by citizens who gathered in front of the Tabriz Courthouse a few months ago clearly showed why the regime is so afraid of this name. #KerimBoksör’s record clearly shows what the regime is afraid of, not what it is fighting against. Helping earthquake victims in Turkey, sharing messages of solidarity on Instagram, drawing attention to environmental problems, defending identity rights.

The occupying regime of iran is trying to legalize its attempts to silence him by labeling these activities as “threats to national security” and “inciting public opinion.” Even his family’s bail applications were rejected; the regime does not want him released, it wants him forgotten.

Boksör’s right to see his family has been restricted, his health has deteriorated, and his medication is not being delivered to him. In a rare phone call, he said that he has experienced serious weight loss and that prison conditions are getting worse. In other words, a strategy of physical attrition is being implemented, not just legal.

Kerim Boksör is the founder of campaigns such as “Unity for Urmu-Araz”; an environmental advocate; a pioneer in the struggle for identity rights.