The jury of Iran’s political and press courts found Mostafa Kavakebian, a political activist and the editor-in-chief of the Mardomsalari newspaper, guilty. The case was filed against him due to his claims regarding “Catherine Shakdam’s sexual relations with Iranian government officials for espionage purposes.”
Akbar Nasrollahi, the spokesperson for the jury of Iran’s political and press courts, announced in an interview with state media that the jury found Mostafa Kavakebian guilty of “spreading falsehoods, disturbing public opinion, and publishing false news.” The case stemmed from Kavakebian’s interview with Iran’s state television news network, where he made allegations about “Catherine Shakdam’s sexual relations” with Iranian government officials.
Mostafa Kavakebian is the editor-in-chief of Mardomsalari newspaper and a former member of Iran’s parliament. Previously, the press court jury had also found Kavakebian guilty in another case related to his claims about Catherine Shakdam. In an interview with Hamshahri Online, Kavakebian stated: “Catherine Shakdam resided in Iran for eight years, during which she established sexual relations with over 100 Iranian political and military officials for espionage purposes.”
Catherine Shakdam, a French-British citizen who collaborated with Iranian media and institutions for a period, has denied the allegations of espionage and sexual relations with Iranian officials in interviews with various media outlets.
According to Akbar Nasrollahi, the final court verdict will be issued subsequently.