“Ants Became My Best Friends”

Interview with Homayoun Sabetara after his release from prison in Trikala – 06.01.2025, Thessaloniki

In August 2021, Homayoun Sabetara wanted to travel from Iran to live with his children in Berlin, but was arrested after having driven a car with seven other people across the Turkish-Greek border. One year later and in an unfair trial, he was sentenced to 18 years in prison for ‘people smuggling’. Despite a lack of evidence and a lengthy legal battle, his sentence was only reduced to 7 years and 4 months three years later on appeal. However, he was not acquitted. In Thessaloniki in early January 2025, he talks to Kiana Ghaffarizad, part of the #FreeHomayoun campaign team, for the first time after his release from prison about his experiences and wishes for the future. 

Homayoun Joon, when you finally sat on the bus to Thessaloniki on December 16th: What was going through your mind during that ride?

First, it’s a pleasure to be able to speak with you today. Finally, after three years I have been released from prison. First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the people involved in the campaign and to all those who tirelessly fight for others’ rights. 

On that day [December 16th], first, the private police took me to Trikala to the police station. They questioned me again: “Where will you live? Who do you know there? Do you speak the language?” After answering all these questions, I had to sign a few papers, and then they took me to the bus stop and said, “You must go to Thessaloniki.” 

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