He was arrested after the 2009 Iranian presidential election, charged with “propaganda against the regime” and given an 11-year sentence. Before being summoned to begin his sentence, Abedini was detained again and had his sentence extended one year. He has reportedly endured severe torture while in prison. He was temporarily transferred to a remote prison in November 2012 after providing information to others regarding the alleged death by torture of blogger Sattar Behehsti. In March 2012, authorities charged him with “propaganda against the regime” for reportedly providing testimony to a judge regarding Beheshti’s case.