Iran: strong emotion after the conviction of a man to 40 lashes for theft

In the Tajrish bazaar, in Tehran, the Iranian capital, on March 17, 2021 (illustrative image).

AFP - ATTA KENARE

Text by: RFI Follow

1 min

A heavy prison sentence, accompanied by lashes, inflicted on a father for having stolen three sachets of cashew nuts has caused great emotion in Iran, where the economic situation continues to deteriorate every day.

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With our correspondent in Tehran,

The decision of a judge in the holy city of Qom to sentence a 45-year-old man, father of three, to 10 months in prison and 40 lashes for stealing three sachets of cashew nuts has sparked an outcry over social networks.

Internet users denounce this penalty by comparing this affair to Victor Hugo's Miserables. 

The convict did not appeal, which means that the sentence must be applied, but the courts have created a commission to examine this disproportionate punishment. 

Increase in thefts and suicides

This case comes as official figures show a third of Iranians live below the poverty line.

Many families find it difficult to buy meat or chicken.

Consumption of rice, which is a staple food for Iranians, has even fallen by 50% over the past year as prices have doubled.

Over the last twelve months, the prices of everyday consumer products have increased on average by more than 60%.

Under these conditions, many families cannot make ends meet, which has resulted in an increase in thefts and suicides in the country.

►Also listen: Between economic and health crisis, Iranians are fed up

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