Discover Abbas Abdi: Veteran Reformist Journalist and Social Activist

Legal Challenges and Imprisonments

Imprisonment in the 1990s

Abdi’s activism led to repeated arrests. In 1993, he was imprisoned for eight months due to his critical writings. During the 1990s, he was detained multiple times, reflecting the regime’s efforts to silence reformist voices.

The 1999 Student Protests and the US Embassy Invasion

Following the invasion of Tehran University dormitories in July 1999, amid student protests inspired partly by Abdi’s articles, he faced legal repercussions. The crackdown on students led to increased repression of reformists, with Abdi’s name often associated with the movement.

The 2002 Spying Charges and Arrest

In September 2002, Abbas Abdi became embroiled in a major controversy when he headed the Ayandeh public opinion firm, which conducted polls on Iran-US relations. An Ayandeh poll indicating that 74.4% of Iranians supported resuming diplomatic ties with the US was published by IRNA.

Subsequently, Abdi was arrested on charges of espionage, accused of accepting foreign funding. He spent several years in prison, during which he reported severe torture and pressure. His case became emblematic of the regime’s crackdown on reformists and independent journalists.