Civil Rights Activist Sepideh Gholian Launches Hunger Strike in Evin Prison

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News, Prisoners
ahvaz, Ameneh-Sadat Zabihpour, Dezful, Evin Prison, Sepideh Gholian, Sepideh Qolian, سپیده قلیان

Sepideh Gholian (Qolian), a prominent civil rights activist detained in Evin Prison, commenced a hunger strike on April 3, 2024, demanding her transfer to Ahvaz Prison near her home.

A source close to her family confirmed Gholian’s hunger strike to HRANA.

Gholian’s troubles began on March 15, 2023, when security forces arrested her upon her return to Dezful shortly after her initial release. She was promptly sent back to Ward 209 of Evin Prison. Subsequently, she was transferred to the Women’s Ward of Evin Prison four days later.

In May 2023, the Tehran Revolutionary Court convicted Gholian of “insulting the Supreme Leader of Iran,” resulting in a two-year sentence that included a period of detention. Alongside her imprisonment, she faced various restrictions, including a prohibition on joining political or social groups, limitations on cell phone usage, and a two-year ban from entering Tehran and its neighboring provinces. This verdict was upheld on appeal.

Furthermore, a case was initiated following a complaint filed by Ameneh-Sadat Zabihpour, an Iran-state TV reporter with ties to security agencies as an interrogator. In this case, Gholian received an additional sentence of one year and three months for her alleged involvement in “removing hijab, facilitating indecency, and persisting in committing criminal acts.”

It’s important to note that Gholian has a history of prior arrests and convictions related to her activism.

Farzad Moazzami Goodarzi Arrested in Borujerd

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Freedom of Expression, News
Borujerd, Farzad Moazzami Goodarzi, HRANA, Reza Moazzami Goodarzi

Farzad Moazzami Goodarzi was apprehended in Borujerd on April 4, 2024, by security forces and taken to an undisclosed location. Notably, his relative, Reza Moazzami Goodarzi, lost his life during the 2019 nationwide protests, also known as the Aban Protests, due to gunfire from regime forces.

According to a source close to Goodarzi’s family who confirmed the arrest to HRANA, security forces arrived at his residence at 10:00 AM for his arrest. The agents attempted a search, though they were unsuccessful due to his mother’s resistance. Eventually, they confiscated some of Goodarzi’s personal belongings along with items belonging to his family.

As of now, the reasons behind Goodarzi’s arrest, his current location, and the charges against him remain undisclosed.

It’s worth noting that Goodarzi had previously been arrested on September 5, 2023, by security forces but was subsequently released on bail from the local prison.

Faraj Arsan Arrested by Security Forces

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Cultural, Freedom of Expression, News
Faraj Arsan, Ilam province, Malekshahi

Faraj Arsan, a resident of Malekshahi in Ilam Province, was reportedly arrested by security forces in Ilam on April 3, 2024.

According to Kurdpa, Arsan was taken into custody without a warrant and transferred to an undisclosed location.

Sources cited in the report indicate that Arsan was apprehended at his residence, with his participation in a Nowruz celebration gathering noted. As of now, the location of his detention and the charges against him remain unknown.

Update on Baha’i Ardeshir Fanaeian in Semnan Prison

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News, Prisoners, Religious Minorities
Ardeshir Fanaeian, Khash County, Mohammad-Ali Rostami, Semnan, اردشیر فنائیان, اردشیر فناییان

Baha’i Ardeshir Fanaeian is currently serving a six-year prison term in Semnan prison.

According to a source close to Fanaeian’s family, since his incarceration, prison officials have held him separated from other inmates resembling solitary confinement.

Fanaeian was arrested by the Ministry of Intelligence on April 30, 2019, and released on bail after 75 days.

Subsequently, the Revolutionary Court of Semnan, presided over by Judge Mohammad-Ali Rostami, sentenced Fanaeian to 11 years in prison, one year of exile to Khash County, and one year banned from Semnan for “assisting in forming and running an illegal group to act against national security in favor of anti-regime groups.” This verdict was later reduced to six years on appeal.

Notably, Fanaeian’s parents were incarcerated for their faith in the 1980s. He was born in prison and resided there until he was three months old. Also, he faced a prior arrest and conviction in 2013.

Baha’is are subjected to violations of their religious rights, comprising 82% of reports on infringements against religious minorities, according to HRA’s 2023 annual report.

The Baha’i faith is not recognized as a legitimate religion by Iranian authorities, leading to systematic and longstanding violations of the rights of Baha’is in the country. This includes the denial of their fundamental right to practice their religion, which constitutes a clear breach of both Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The United Nations covenant holds that every person has the right to freedom of religion, freedom of converting religion, as well as freedom of expression, individually or collectively; openly or secretly.

Student Samaneh Asghari Commences Prison Term at Evin Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Esmaeil Nazari, Kharazmi University, Qarchak Prison, Samaneh Asghari, Shahre Ray, سمانه اصغری

Samaneh Asghari, a student at Kharazmi University, has begun serving her one-year prison sentence at Evin prison.

Esmaeil Nazari, Asghari’s spouse, publicly announced, “Today, April 3rd, my wife went to the Courthouse in Shahre Ray to begin serving her sentence at Evin prison.”

Asghari was arrested by security forces at her residence in Tehran on September 14, 2023, and later released on bail from Qarchak Prison in Varamin on October 4, 2023.

In December 2023, the Revolutionary Court sentenced Asghari to one year in prison, a ruling upheld by the Appellate Court of Tehran.

It’s important to note that Asghari was previously detained in connection with nationwide protests in October 2022, initially receiving a sentence of 18 years and three months. However, she was pardoned under the general amnesty and commutation directive, leading to her release from Qarchak Prison in April of the current year.

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Woman Arrested for Displaying Israeli Flag in Tehran

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Freedom of Expression, News
Israel, Israel flag, Tehran

A woman has been arrested by IRGC Intelligence for displaying an Israeli flag in the streets of Tehran, as reported by Fars News Agency.

The identity of the woman and the location of her detention have not been disclosed in the report. She was apprehended while allegedly trying to depart the country.

In 2023, the Department of Statistics and Publications of the Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA) documented 2,380 cases in which citizens faced legal and security consequences for exercising their freedom of expression and thought. These incidents resulted in the arrest of 3,130 individuals.

Sedigheh Vasmaghi Denied Essential Medical Treatment in Detention

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News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, Sedigheh Vasmaghi

On April 2, 2024, Sedigheh Vasmaghi, an analyst specializing in political and social issues, has been denied essential medical attention as prison officials obstructed her transfer to a hospital outside the prison.

Today, April 2, suffering from high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar levels, and experiencing severe chest pain, Vasmaghi was initially treated in the prison infirmary. Despite the physician’s recommendation for further treatment in a hospital setting, the prison authorities refused to facilitate her transfer.

Vasmaghi was apprehended by security forces on March 16, 2024, and subsequently incarcerated in Evin Prison. She was later charged with “propaganda against the regime” and “public appearance without hijab,” and her case was assigned to Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

On March 24, 2024, Vasmaghi was prohibited from receiving family visits due to her refusal to adhere to mandatory hijab regulations.

This incident is not the first time Vasmaghi has faced legal action for her activism.

Saeed Farokhi Pour Arrested in Tehran

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Freedom of Expression, News
Amir-Mehdi Farokhi Pour, HRANA, Mahsa Amini Protests, Saeed Farokhi Pour, Tehran, سعید فرخی پور

Saeed Farokhi Pour (Farohkipour) was apprehended by security forces on April 1, 2024, and transferred to an undisclosed facility. His minor son, Amir-Mehdi Farokhi Pour, was killed at the hands of regime forces during the 2022 nationwide protests, known as the Mahsa Amini Protests.

Confirming Farokhi Pour’s arrest, a source close to his family informed HRANA that the arrest occurred at Behesht-e Zahra Cemetery in Tehran, where Farohki Pour was attending his son’s burial. Despite inquiries by his family regarding his whereabouts and condition, they have received no response.

The motive behind his arrest remains undisclosed.

Amir-Mehdi Farokhi Pour, aged 17, was fatally shot during the protests on September 27, 2022, and succumbed to his injuries the following day.

Political Prisoner Shahriar Bayat Sentenced to Death for Alleged Insult to Prophet of Islam

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Executions, News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, great tehran penitentiary, HRANA, Shahriar, Shahriar Bayat, شهریار بیات

Shahriar Bayat, a 64-year-old political prisoner currently held in Evin Prison, has been sentenced to death by the Tehran Criminal Court for allegedly “insulting the prophet of Islam.”

Confirming this conviction, a source close to Bayat’s family informed HRANA that Bayat received this sentence on March 24, 2024, the final day of his furlough from Evin Prison. This verdict was issued by Branch 13 of the Tehran Criminal Court. According to the source, Bayat’s wife, Nahid, is not in good health to inquire about her husband’s legal case.

Bayat faces legal proceedings in both the Criminal and Revolutionary Courts. Reports obtained by HRANA indicate that the majority of the board of judges in the Criminal Court convicted Bayat of “insulting the prophet of Islam, Shia Imams, and other Islamic sanctities through the publication of pictures and posts on social media.”

This verdict contradicts the earlier decision by a minority panel, which commuted Bayat’s sentence to six months in prison after he expressed remorse. The verdict can be appealed within 20 days of its issuance.

Notably, the Shahriar Public and Revolutionary Court initially had jurisdiction over this legal case and closed this case. However, due to the insistence of the Shahriar prosecutor, the court transferred the case to the Tehran Criminal Court.

Shahriar Bayat’s legal troubles began on September 25, 2022, when he was arrested by security forces during nationwide protests at his residence in the city of Shahriar and subsequently detained in the Great Tehran Penitentiary. He was later transferred to Evin Prison.

On March 1, 2023, the Shahriar Revolutionary Court sentenced Bayat to a total of 18 years in prison for various charges including “forming illegal groups to act against national security,” “assembly and collusion to act against national security,” “insulting the former and current Supreme Leader of Iran,” and “propaganda against the regime.” Pursuant to Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, which mandates the enforcement of the harshest punishment in cases of multiple charges, Bayat’s sentence was initially ten years, later reduced to eight years and six months following his request for a reduction in punishment.

In July-August 2023, in a letter addressed to the judiciary, Bayat wrote about his imprisonment at the age of 63, emphasizing his lack of prior political activism and attributing his incarceration solely to content found on his cell phone, much of which he claimed was commonplace on the internet. He also highlighted his denial of medical care for digestive diseases during his detention in the Great Tehran Penitentiary.

Monthly Report – March 2024: Human Rights Situation in Iran

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News, Other
Monthly Report

HRANA – HRA’s Statistics Department has released its monthly report for March 2024, uncovering a concerning array of human rights violations across Iran. The document highlights an alarming number of 19 executions, including a rare instance of a woman being put to death, with many cases falling short of international legal standards for the death penalty.

Notably, the report points to significant suppression of freedom of expression, detailing arrests and convictions of journalists and activists. This includes a transgender individual arrested under dubious charges and a teacher’s union advocate fined for purportedly destabilizing public perception.

In addition to freedom of speech violations, the crackdown on women’s rights activists and harsh sentences handed down to 11 women in Gilan Province for allegedly acting against national security are emphasized. The plight of Iranian workers is also underlined, with instances of unpaid wages, unsafe work conditions, and the tragic suicide of a worker following the demolition of his livelihood.

This comprehensive report sheds light on the depth of human rights abuses in Iran, offering a sobering reminder of the ongoing challenges within the country.

Executions

This month Iran executed 19 individuals of whom 18 were men and 1 woman. A total of 11 individuals were sentenced to death. Additionally, Iran continues to execute individuals for crimes that do not meet the threshold set by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, on March 18th, 2024, a couple was executed for drug-related crimes.

Similarly, on March 25, 2024, Abbas Aghaie was also executed for drug-related crimes, however, no official sources confirmed his death. Iran continues to execute prisoners in secret, often without the family even knowing.

This month only 4 of the 19 prisoners executed were confirmed by official reports It’s concerning that over 75% of executions in Iran occur without government or judicial notification, deemed “secret” executions by human rights organizations.

 

Freedom of Expression and Thought

Iran persists in its suppression of freedom of expression and thought, as evidenced by recent events. This month, authorities arrested a transgender individual under the pretext of allegedly orchestrating traffic disruptions in Gonbad-e Kavus to promote indecency and promiscuity by gathering young motorcyclists. While the specifics of these purported actions remain undisclosed, the police chief suggested the individual’s motive was to impress friends and seek thrills.

Furthermore, in a concerning development, four journalists faced convictions this month. Among them, Ali Moslehi received a severe sentence of six years and two months, while Omid Pahdi, known for publishing politically sensitive material, was handed a two-year jail term for his critical publications.

The relentless crackdown on dissent extends to activists like Mahmoud Safdari, a teacher’s union advocate, who was fined for allegedly spreading falsehoods aimed at destabilizing the public perception and undermining the regime. These incidents highlight a worrying trend of censorship and repression, underscoring the urgent need for greater respect for fundamental freedoms in Iran.

Women

A continuing crackdown on women’s rights activists persists. On February 29, 2024, the trial of 11 women commenced, all of whom were detained during a mass arrest of citizens in Gilan Province on August 16 and 17, 2023. Their trial concluded this month with Judge Mehdi Rasekhi issuing severe sentences. Zohreh Dadras received a nine-year, six-month, and two-day sentence for her alleged involvement in “forming a group to act against national security,” while Forough Saminia, Sara Jahani, Yasamin Hashdari, Shiva Shah Sia, Negin Rezaie, Azadeh Chavoshian, and Matin Yazdani each received six years and 47 days for charges of “assembly and collusion to act against national security.” Additionally, Hooman Taheri and Jelveh Javaheri were sentenced to one year in prison for “propaganda against the regime.”

Furthermore, Iran continues its surveillance of social media activity, exemplified by the sentencing of Zainab Khaniabpour to two years in prison for sharing pictures without hijab online. Another case of repression emerged when Bita Rasouli, a female singer from Lahijan, Iran, was arrested by security forces on March 18th, only to be released on bail the next day. Rasouli, who had traveled from Turkey to participate in a private ceremony, was detained for reasons including dancing, singing, and accompanying a male musician in a women’s club. Allegations of physical and verbal abuse during her 24-hour detention surfaced, and her case is currently under review by the FATA Police and Security Department.

Workers

Workers in Iran continue to face dire conditions and perilous work environments. This month alone, 13 fatalities tragically occurred due to work-related accidents, with an additional 27 workers sustaining injuries. Furthermore, a staggering 1,600 workers reported unpaid wages spanning 63 months, while 270 workers were denied their insurance rights. Moreover, a total of 169 businesses were sealed. Additionally, one distressing case involved the confiscation of a worker’s house and property. Lastly, a tragic incident occurred when 38-year-old Bapir Khalidi committed suicide after his shoe shed was destroyed and confiscated by officials of the municipal highway barrier.

These distressing statistics underscore the profound challenges confronting workers and emphasize the urgent necessity for enhanced labor protections and enforcement mechanisms. In an effort to bring to light these injustices, workers and trade unions often protest, this month there were 89 trade union gatherings and 2 strikes.

International News

This month, significant attention was directed towards the human rights situation in Iran as the Human Rights Council convened multiple sessions. Dr. Javaid Rehman, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran, delivered his conclusive report to the United Nations Human Rights Council. During this session, he shed light on the alarming frequency of death penalty sentences, notably for drug-related offenses and involving juvenile offenders. Moreover, he highlighted violations of the right to a fair trial and the mistreatment of human rights defenders.

In addition, the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran presented its comprehensive findings to the Human Rights Council. Meticulously documenting various incidents and recurring patterns of rights violations, the report offers a distressing glimpse into systemic abuses. From the tragic case of Mahsa Amini to the use of violence against peaceful protesters resulting in unlawful killings, the report illustrates a concerning trend. Furthermore, the documented violations, which include extrajudicial killings, torture, rape, enforced disappearances, and gender persecution, underscore the pressing need for accountability and justice for the victims and survivors.