The Guardian: Parviz Sabeti, once a central figure in Iran’s notorious security and intelligence organization under the Shah, is now facing a $225 million lawsuit in the United States. The case, filed by three former political prisoners, accuses him of overseeing systematic torture during the 1970s. For decades, Sabeti lived quietly in Florida under a new identity, but recent revelations have brought him back into the spotlight.
From Tehran to Suburban Florida
Now 89 years old, Sabeti and his wife Nasrin fled Iran after the 1979 revolution and resettled in the U.S. under the names “Peter” and “Nancy.” They built a comfortable life in a multimillion-dollar lakeside home in Florida, while raising two daughters—one of whom became a professor at Harvard. Sabeti also invested heavily in real estate, owning several properties in Orange County.
For years, his precise whereabouts remained hidden, until a 2023 social media post by one of his daughters accidentally revealed his presence at an anti-Islamic Republic gathering. The photo confirmed that the former security chief was still alive and residing in the U.S., sparking renewed interest in his past.
Allegations of Torture and Abuse
The plaintiffs in the lawsuit claim that as the head of SAVAK’s domestic security division, Sabeti personally oversaw and directed widespread acts of torture against political dissidents. According to their testimonies, detainees were subjected to electric shocks, mock drownings, forced confessions, and brutal beatings. Some endured extreme methods such as fingernail extractions and psychological torment.
One infamous torture device, known as the “Apollo chair,” allegedly involved placing a metal helmet on prisoners’ heads, amplifying their own screams back into their ears. Such accounts align with reports from human rights groups and declassified CIA documents describing SAVAK’s reputation for severe repression.
Legal Developments
In August 2025, a federal judge in Florida rejected Sabeti’s attempt to dismiss the case on the basis of expired statute of limitations. This ruling means the lawsuit can proceed, with a potential trial expected as early as next year.
While Sabeti has consistently denied the existence of torture within SAVAK, his critics argue that he was one of the most powerful enforcers of the Shah’s authoritarian rule. For survivors, this legal battle represents a rare chance to hold a former official accountable.
Broader Implications
Beyond the fate of one man, the case carries symbolic weight for Iranians and victims of torture worldwide. Advocacy groups such as the “Coalition for Justice and Accountability” stress that pursuing justice decades later remains vital to acknowledging victims’ suffering and preventing the repetition of state-sponsored violence.
For many survivors, the lawsuit is not only about financial damages but also about reclaiming dignity and ensuring historical truth. In a global context where authoritarian governments often act with impunity, this case serves as a reminder that justice—even delayed—can still be pursued.
Parviz Sabeti’s story underscores how hidden pasts eventually resurface. His quiet suburban life in Florida may soon collide with the painful memories of those who endured SAVAK’s interrogation rooms. Whether or not the court ultimately rules against him, the trial itself will shine a light on a dark chapter of Iran’s modern history and test the limits of accountability across borders and generations.