Iran’s “Blogfather” sentenced to 19 years

One of the men responsible for introducing Farsi to the blogosphere is going away for a long time, according to The New York Times.  Hossein Derakhshan, 35, was sentenced to 19.5 years in jail by the Iranian government for his blog entries, many of which were deemed “counterrevolutionary.” He is also prohibited from taking part in politics or the media for fiveyears and was orderd to return nearly $45,000 worth of “received funds.”  Derakhshan, a Canadian citizen, has been in jail since he was arrested within weeks of returning to Iran two years ago.

Derakhshan jump-started blogging in Iran by putting simple instructions on website creation in Farsi online in 2001.  This opened up blogging to the Farsi speaking world, allowing Iran’s reform movement to go online.

His impact earned him the name the “Blogfather," but he was very critical of the Iranian government.  He also took a visit to Israel, which the Iranian government does not recognize as a country or view favorably.  Concerns about being arrested upon returning were touched upon but dismissed by Derakhshan before his return to Iran and subsequent arrest.

Derakhshan can appeal his sentence and he has received support from at least one human rights group.  Prosecution had originally asked for him to be executed.