Exclusive: Three former dissidents are accusing the Shah of Iran’s “chief torturer” – who later relocated to Florida and became a real estate developer – over years of unimaginable abuse they say continues to haunt them to this day
Three Iranian exiles in the US have filed a $225 million lawsuit against Parviz Sabeti, a former high-ranking security official under the Shah of Iran, alleging years of brutal torture and abuse. Sabeti, who later moved to Florida and became a real estate developer, is accused of orchestrating their arrests, torture, and imprisonment during his tenure as chief of the Shah's secret police, SAVAK. The plaintiffs, identified in court filings as John Does I, II, and III, claim they were subjected to severe physical and psychological trauma, including electrocution, hanging by the wrists, and use of a device called the "Apollo," described as an electric chair with a metal mask designed to amplify victims' screams. The lawsuit also accuses Sabeti of continuing to threaten and harass them even after they fled Iran. The plaintiffs seek compensatory and punitive damages, with Sabeti required to respond within 21 days of being served.
