TEHRAN – Judiciary spokesman Gholam Hossein Esmaeili on Tuesday rejected media speculation about the jail sentence passed against human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh, saying the verdict is not final yet.

Esmaeili said the verdict against Sotoudeh was issued by a court of appeals after she appealed against an earlier verdict, but she still has the right to appeal against the court’s decision, Fars reported.

He emphasized that everyone is entitled to their rights according to the law, and cases of those who appeal their sentence will be reviewed carefully.

Media outlets reported earlier that Sotoudeh’s 33-year jail sentence is final, and she must serve 12 years.

MH/PA