Dublin mosque arson accused tells court he fled Iran to escape hanging

Saeid Khosroabadi, a 41-year-old self-described activist from Dublin, has appeared in court, claiming he fled Iran a decade ago to avoid being hanged for rejecting Islam. Khosroabadi was arrested following an arson attack on the Faizan E Madinah Mosque on Talbot Street, Dublin, on June 29th. He is accused of committing arson and causing criminal damage to the mosque, with a potential 10-year sentence on conviction.

During his court appearance on July 1st, Khosroabadi stated he was from an Islamic country and had been tortured due to his opposition to Islam. He claimed that in 2016, he escaped from prison in Iran to begin a new life in Dublin. Judge Patricia Cronin cautioned him about the risks of self-incrimination due to his lack of legal representation, which is currently being held up by ongoing industrial action. The judge also expressed concern for Khosroabadi's family in Iran, who are unaware of his current custody.

Gardaí have retained Khosroabadi's phone as evidence, but they have faced difficulties in contacting his relatives due to the lack of their contact numbers. The case has been transferred to the Circuit Court, which has broader sentencing powers. Prosecutors must provide Khosroabadi with a book of evidence before a return for trial order can be granted.