Italian authorities are currently deliberanging on the fate of Mohammad Abedini Najafabadi, the Iranian-Swiss engineer accused by the United States of supporting terrorism through technological means. Abedini, 38, has been held at Milan's Opera prison since his arrest on December 16, following his arrival at Malpensa Airport. The U.S. government has requested his extradition, asserting he facilitated the acquisition of dual-use technological components for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which they classify as a terrorist organization.
U.S. authorities contend Abedini’s actions directly supported the IRGC's operations, including the maintenance of drones alleged to have been involved in attacks against American personnel. The U.S. Department of Justice has emphasized Abedini’s potential danger, stating, "He is dangerous, and he should remain incarcerated." This position was made clear in correspondence delivered to Italian courts shortly after his arrest.
During his time at the prison, Abedini has expressed grave concern for his family. Speaking with his wife via authorized phone calls arranged by the court, he conveyed his anxiety over the potential of facing decades behind bars or even life imprisonment if extradited to the U.S. His attorney, Alfredo De Francesco, has initiated requests for house arrest, which have been met with resistance from the Milan prosecution service. "I am not a terrorist; I am an academic, a scholar," Abedini stated, emphasizing his innocence and the harshness of the accusations against him.
On January 2, 2024, the General Prosecutor of Milan, Francesca Nanni, formally rejected the request for Abedini's release to house arrest, arguing the offered conditions lacked adequate guarantees against the risk of flight. The prosecutor's office determined, "The circumstances expressed do not provide sufficient assurance against the possibility of escape, especially following previous cases where individuals have evaded justice."
The timeline of events surrounding Abedini’s case is particularly troubling. He was arrested just days before the detention of Cecilia Sala, an Italian journalist apprehended by Iranian authorities on allegations of violating Islamic law. Many observers speculate Sala’s arrest may be related to broader diplomatic tensions, with both detainees potentially serving as leverage within international negotiations.
Efforts by the Iranian government to secure Abedini’s release have included calls for recognizing what they term "false accusations." Iran's ambassador to Italy, Mohammadreza Sabouri, has reiterated Tehran’s stance, describing the charges against Abedini as unfounded and stating, "We expect the Italian government to reciprocate by hastening his release."
With Abedini’s extradition hearing pending, the Court of Appeal is tasked with reviewing extensive documentation provided by U.S. authorities detailing the alleged offenses and assessing whether he meets the criteria for extradition under Italian law. It is anticipated the court will convene later this month to deliberate on the matter, thereby prolonging Abedini's uncertain status.
Abedini’s legal team is anticipated to push back against the extradition request vigorously. His lawyer argues the charges of conspiracy to export technology illicitly—and material support for terrorism—are overly broad and do not accurately reflect Abedini's activities as an academic.
Legal experts note the complexity of international law and potential diplomatic ramifications surrounding Abedini's case; should he be extradited to the U.S. and convicted, he faces not only significant prison time but also the discrediting of his reputation and professional career.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Abedini asserts he is not guilty and vehemently denies any association with terrorism. His case continues to attract attention amid the charged atmosphere of U.S.-Iran relations and the apparent intertwining of his legal struggles with the fate of Cecilia Sala, shadowing the legal proceedings with larger geopolitical issues.
The situation remains fluid. Recent developments indicate heightened scrutiny of the legal processes governing Abedini's potential extradition. Observers await the court’s decision, which will guide not only Abedini's future but may also have repercussions for Italy's dealings with both the U.S. and Iran.