Increased Pressure on University Professors; Identification of 95 Professors Barred from Teaching

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Ahmad Shakarchi, Ahmad Soodagar, Ali Ahmadi, Ali Akbar Amini, Ali Sharifi Zarchi, Alireza Azad, Alireza Radmehr, Allameh Tabatabai University, Alzahra University, Ameneh Aali, Amir Maziar, Amirreza Rokn, Arash Bidollahkhani, Arash Raeisinejad, Arman Zakeri, Armita Seraj Zahedi, Azin Movahed, Aziz Nazarinejad, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Baharak Akhtardanesh, Bahonar University of Kerman, Behrouz Chaman Ara, Bijan Ghonchepour, Bijan Nayeri, Dariush Rahmanian, Dee Dokht Sadeghi, Elham Tavakoli, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, Farshid Norouzi Roshanavand, Farzaneh Vahed Dehkordi, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Ghasem Azizi, Hamed Forouzani, Hamid Behrami Zadeh, Hamid Shans, Hamideh Khademi, Hasan Razmi, Hasan Taheri, Hossein Alaee, Hossein Heidar, Hossein Mosbahian, Hossein Tafazoli, Iman Emad, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Iran University of Science and Technology, Islamic Azad University of Parand in Tehran, Islamic Azad University of Qom, Islamic Azad University of Salmas, Islamic Azad University of Tehran, Javad Bashari, Karamollah Toolabi, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Keyhan Soleimannejad, Lili Azimi, Maham Miqani, Mahshid Gohari, Majid Zargham, Maqsoud Ranjbar, Masoud Alia, Mehdi Kalahi, Mehdi Khoie, Mehdi Motiee, Mehdi Shahabi, Mersedeh Eslami, Milad Azimi, Mina Matlab Nejad, Mohammad Ali Khosravi, Mohammad Ali Ranjkesh, Mohammad Bayat, Mohammad Dakhili, Mohammad Hossein, Mohammad Mehdi Oloumi, Mohammad Ragheb, Mohammad Rouhani, Mohammad Saadati, Mohammad Sadegh Ahmad Akhoundi, Mohammad Saeed Sheikh Rezaei, Mohammad Soltani, Mohammadreza Abazari, Mohammadreza Motamed, Mohammadreza Nazarinejad, Mohsen Baraheni, Mohsen Khalili, Mohsen Shahlaei, Morteza Kolahdooz, Mostafa Azarkhshi, Nader Haghighi, Navid Barzenje, Nayeresadat Mobinipour, Neda Toulai, Pantea Vaeznia, Pouya Arianpour, Rahleh Alimoradzadeh, Rasoul Akbarlou, Reham Afghani, Reza Omidi, Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri, Shahid Beheshti University, Shahram Abbasi, Shahram Kiaei, Shahriar Nafisi, Shamsi Abbas Alizadeh, Sharif University of Technology, Shirzad Azad, Somayeh Simet, Susan Safavardi, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran University of Art, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, University of Birjand, University of Gilan, University of Isfahan, University of Kurdistan, University of Mazandaran, University of Shiraz, University of Tehran, Vahid Eidgah, Zahra Ahmadi Nejad, Zahra Noei

HRANA News Agency – Universities in Iran have witnessed significant changes in higher education policies. Since January 2022, a considerable number of university professors in various cities have been removed from teaching. HRANA has so far identified 95 of these professors who, during this period, have faced dismissal, suspension, non-renewal of contracts, and forced retirement. Additionally, reports have emerged about the removal of tens of thousands of part-time university professors from the Islamic Azad University and several other university professors, whose identities are currently under investigation by HRANA.

According to reports collected by HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists (in Iran), January/February 2022 to the present, the country’s universities have witnessed the dismissal, suspension, non-renewal of contracts, and forced retirement of a large number of their faculty members.

This report, examining the situation of university professors in various Iranian cities, confirms that at least 95 university professors have so far been deprived of their teaching activities for reasons including dismissal, suspension, non-renewal of contracts, and forced retirement. These events, some of which may be due to support for the “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests, indicate the increasing pressure being placed on the academic community in Iran.

Furthermore, reports have been received about the elimination of tens of thousands of part-time professors from the Islamic Azad University and several other university professors. These actions, whose exact identities are still under review, in addition to having direct effects on the professional lives of the professors, could have serious consequences on the quality of higher education and the scientific atmosphere of the country.

This wave of changes not only rings alarm bells for academic independence and freedom of expression in university environments but also calls for immediate attention and action by the international community. This report aims to expose these events, paving the way for further investigations and more effective actions in support of the rights of Iranian professors and students.

Below is a list of the names of professors who have been barred from teaching in the past two years, and whose identities have been verified.

1- Professor’s name: Mersedeh Eslami – Educational institution: Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
2- Professor’s name: Mohsen Khalili – Educational institution: Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
3- Professor’s name: Shahram Abbasi – Educational institution: Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
4- Professor’s name: Mehdi Kalahi – Educational institution: Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
5- Professor’s name: Alireza Azad – Educational institution: Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
6- Professor’s name: Mahshid Gohari – Educational institution: Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
7- Professor’s name: Arash Bidollahkhani – Educational institution: Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
8- Professor’s name: Shirzad Azad – Educational institution: Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
9- Professor’s name: Reza Omidi – Educational institution: University of Tehran
10- Professor’s name: Arash Raeisinejad – Educational institution: University of Tehran
11- Professor’s name: Hossein Alaee – Educational institution: University of Tehran
12- Professor’s name: Maham Miqani – Educational institution: University of Tehran
13- Professor’s name: Mohsen Baraheni – Educational institution: University of Tehran
14- Professor’s name: Dariush Rahmanian – Educational institution: University of Tehran
15- Professor’s name: Vahid Eidgah – Educational institution: University of Tehran
16- Professor’s name: Javad Bashari – Educational institution: University of Tehran
17- Professor’s name: Milad Azimi – Educational institution: University of Tehran
18- Professor’s name: Lili Azimi – Educational institution: University of Tehran
19- Professor’s name: Ghasem Azizi – Educational institution: University of Tehran
20- Professor’s name: Hossein Mosbahian – Educational institution: University of Tehran
21- Professor’s name: Azin Movahed – Educational institution: University of Tehran
22- Professor’s name: Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri – Educational institution: Islamic Azad University of Tehran
23- Professor’s name: Susan Safavardi – Educational institution: Islamic Azad University of Tehran
24- Professor’s name: Ali Akbar Amini – Educational institution: Islamic Azad University of Tehran
25- Professor’s name: Alireza Radmehr – Educational institution: Islamic Azad University of Tehran
26- Professor’s name: Hossein Tafazoli – Educational institution: Islamic Azad University of Tehran
27- Professor’s name: Dee Dokht Sadeghi – Educational institution: Islamic Azad University of Tehran
28- Professor’s name: Mohammad Ali Khosravi – Educational institution: Islamic Azad University of Tehran
29- Professor’s name: Bijan Nayeri – Educational institution: Islamic Azad University of Tehran
30- Professor’s name: [First name unknown] Sajedi – Educational institution: Islamic Azad University of Tehran
31- Professor’s name: Farshid Norouzi Roshanavand – Educational institution: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Mazandaran
32- Professor’s name: Hamid Behrami Zadeh – Educational institution: Allameh Tabataba’i University
33- Professor’s name: Zahra Noei – Educational institution: Allameh Tabataba’i University
34- Professor’s name: Elham Tavakoli – Educational institution: Allameh Tabataba’i University
35- Professor’s name: Ali Ahmadi – Educational institution: Allameh Tabataba’i University
36- Professor’s name: Mehdi Khoie – Educational institution: Allameh Tabataba’i University
37- Professor’s name: Mina Matlab Nejad – Educational institution: Babol University of Medical Sciences
38- Professor’s name: Hasan Taheri – Educational institution: Babol University of Medical Sciences
39- Professor’s name: Mohsen Shahlaei – Educational institution: Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences
40- Professor’s name: Mehdi Shahabi – Educational institution: Tehran University of Medical Sciences
41- Professor’s name: Shahriar Nafisi – Educational institution: Tehran University of Medical Sciences
42- Professor’s name: Hasan Razmi – Educational institution: Tehran University of Medical Sciences
43- Professor’s name: Hossein Heidar – Educational institution: Tehran University of Medical Sciences
44- Professor’s name: Mohammad Saeed Sheikh Rezaei – Educational institution: Tehran University of Medical Sciences
45- Professor’s name: Ahmad Soodagar – Educational institution: Tehran University of Medical Sciences
46- Professor’s name: Mohammad Sadegh Ahmad Akhoundi – Educational institution: Tehran University of Medical Sciences
47- Professor’s name: Amirreza Rokn – Educational institution: Tehran University of Medical Sciences
48- Professor’s name: Mohammad Bayat – Educational institution: Tehran University of Medical Sciences
49- Professor’s name: Karamollah Toolabi – Educational institution: Tehran University of Medical Sciences
50- Professor’s name: Zahra Ahmadi Nejad – Educational institution: Tehran University of Medical Sciences
51- Professor’s name: Mohammadreza Motamed – Educational institution: Iran University of Medical Sciences
52- Professor’s name: Morteza Kolahdooz – Educational institution: Iran University of Medical Sciences
53- Professor’s name: Mohammad Rouhani – Educational institution: Iran University of Medical Sciences
54- Professor’s name: Rahleh Alimoradzadeh – Educational institution: Iran University of Medical Sciences
55- Professor’s name: Mohammadreza Abazari – Educational institution: Islamic Azad University of Qom
56- Professor’s name: Maqsoud Ranjbar – Educational institution: Islamic Azad University of Qom
57- Professor’s name: Hamed Forouzani – Educational institution: Islamic Azad University of Qom
58- Professor’s name: Nayeresadat Mobinipour – Educational institution: Islamic Azad University of Qom
59- Professor’s name: Farzaneh Vahed Dehkordi – Educational institution: Islamic Azad University of Qom
60- Professor’s name: Nader Haghighi – Educational institution: Islamic Azad University of Qom
61- Professor’s name: Mohammad Ali Ranjkesh – Educational institution: Islamic Azad University of Qom
62- Professor’s name: Mohammad Dakhili – Educational institution: Islamic Azad University of Qom
63- Professor’s name: Majid Zargham – Educational institution: Islamic Azad University of Qom
64- Professor’s name: Shahram Kiaei – Educational institution: Islamic Azad University of Qom
65- Professor’s name: Bijan Ghonchepour – Educational institution: Tehran University of Art
66- Professor’s name: Rasoul Akbarlou – Educational institution: Tehran University of Art
67- Professor’s name: Pouya Arianpour – Educational institution: Tehran University of Art
68- Professor’s name: Hamid Shans – Educational institution: Tehran University of Art
69- Professor’s name: Mohammad Hossein – Educational institution: Tehran University of Art
70- Professor’s name: Iman Emad – Educational institution: Tehran University of Art
71- Professor’s name: Masoud Alia – Educational institution: Tehran University of Art
72- Professor’s name: Amir Maziar – Educational institution: Tehran University of Art
73- Professor’s name: Arman Zakeri – Educational institution: Tarbiat Modares University
74- Professor’s name: Somayeh Simet – Educational institution: Tarbiat Modares University
75- Professor’s name: Navid Barzenje – Educational institution: Islamic Azad University of Parand in Tehran
76- Professor’s name: Ahmad Shakarchi – Educational institution: Shahid Beheshti University
77- Professor’s name: Mostafa Azarkhshi – Educational institution: Shahid Beheshti University
78- Professor’s name: Mohammad Ragheb – Educational institution: Shahid Beheshti University
79- Professor’s name: Ameneh Aali – Educational institution: Shahid Beheshti University
80- Professor’s name: Hamideh Khademi – Educational institution: Shahid Beheshti University
81- Professor’s name: Pantea Vaeznia – Educational institution: Alzahra University
82- Professor’s name: Neda Toulai – Educational institution: Alzahra University
83- Professor’s name: Reham Afghani – Educational institution: Sharif University of Technology
84- Professor’s name: Ali Sharifi Zarchi – Educational institution: Sharif University of Technology
85- Professor’s name: Shamsi Abbas Alizadeh – Educational institution: Tabriz University of Medical Sciences
86- Professor’s name: Keyhan Soleimannejad – Educational institution: Islamic Azad University of Salmas
87- Professor’s name: Behrouz Chaman Ara – Educational institution: University of Kurdistan
88- Professor’s name: Armita Seraj Zahedi – Educational institution: Iran University of Science and Technology
89- Professor’s name: Mohammad Saadati – Educational institution: University of Birjand
90- Professor’s name: Mohammadreza Nazarinejad – Educational institution: University of Gilan
91- Professor’s name: Aziz Nazarinejad – Educational institution: University of Shiraz
92- Professor’s name: Baharak Akhtardanesh – Educational institution: Bahonar University of Kerman
93- Professor’s name: Mohammad Mehdi Oloumi – Educational institution: Bahonar University of Kerman
94- Professor’s name: Mehdi Motiee – Educational institution: Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, University of Isfahan
95- Professor’s name: Mohammad Soltani – Educational institution: Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, University of Isfahan

Among the professors listed, Navid Barzenje, who held a Ph.D. in Art Philosophy and was a former professor at the Islamic Azad University of Parand in Tehran, committed suicide and died in Dey of this year (Dec 22 – Jan 20) after being dismissed from the university. To better understand the number of professors who have been barred from teaching at various universities, see the statistical chart below, which represents the statistics of education deprivation by institution.

Recent reports published by official Iranian media indicate that the Islamic Azad University has seen a widespread removal of part-time professors from its faculty. Etemad newspaper reported in the current month of Aban that in just twenty days, more than 32,000 part-time professors had been removed from their positions at this university, which has prompted widespread reactions. These actions have been taken in the wake of last year’s protests and amidst a backdrop of political and social tensions. The Ministry of Interior of Iran has accused the dismissed professors of “politicization,” while the Ministry of Science has attributed the dismissal of some of these individuals to “negative responses from inquiries to security institutions and bodies.” Analyses suggest that criticisms and protests against government policies could be among the main reasons for these dismissals.

Reactions to the widespread dismissal of professors extend beyond public opinion and the media to include officials, institutions, and the academic community. Various organizations and entities, including the Iranian Writers’ Association, student syndicates, and university professors’ syndicates, as well as prominent political figures, have condemned these actions and interpreted them as a sign of the intensification of a repressive atmosphere in universities. HRANA news agency, on the eve of the anniversary of the nationwide protests of 1401, had also drawn attention to the increasing pressures on the academic community in Iran by publishing a statistical report.

These reports and reactions raise deep concerns about the trend of dismissal and suspension of university professors in Iran and re-emphasize the importance of supporting academic freedoms and expression in university environments. These events, which have a significant impact on the country’s academic community, necessitate immediate attention and action by the international community to support educational standards and human rights in Iran.

 

For more information please contact Skylar Thompson, Director of Global Advocacy and Accountability at Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA)Β skylar[at]hramail.com

 

Khoda-Karami Brothers Receive Combined 12-Year Prison Sentence

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Freedom of Expression, News
Evin Prison, HRANA, Khoda-Karami, Mehdi Khoda-Karami, Mohammad Khoda-Karami, Mujahedin-e-Khalq

Mohammad and Mehdi Khoda-Karami have been sentenced by the Khorramabad Revolutionary Court.

According to a reliable source close to HRANA, the Revolutionary Court has handed down sentences of eight years for Mohammad and four years for Mehdi. The charges include “membership in an anti-regime group (The People’s Mujahedin Organization of Iran, or the Mujahedin-e-Khalq)” and “assembly and collusion to act against national security.”

Originally arrested in Tehran last year, these Khorramabad residents were initially held in Evin Prison before being transferred to Khorramabad Prison.

Reports obtained by HRANA reveal that the Khoda-Karami brothers were subjected to physical assault during the interrogation. Additionally, throughout their detention, they were denied access to medical care despite suffering from multiple diseases.

Sunni Cleric Mohammad Khezr-Nejad Receives Death Sentence

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Executions, Freedom of Expression, News
Asa'ad Rahimi, Bukan, Kurdpa, Mohammad Khezr-Nejad, Mohammad Khezrnejad, Urmia, West Azerbaijan Province

In a recent development, Sunni cleric Mohammad Khezr-Nejad has been sentenced to death by Branch 3 of the Urmia Revolutionary Court. The charges against him include “spreading corruption on earth” and “acting against national security,” as reported by Kurdpa.

Judge Reza Najafzadeh issued the ruling, finding Khezr-Nejad guilty of various offenses, such as “spreading corruption on earth,” “acting against national security through threatening the integrity or independence of the country,” and “propaganda against the regime.” Consequently, he has been handed a death sentence along with 16 years of imprisonment. Throughout the trial, Khezr-Nejad has consistently dismissed these charges as baseless.

The verdict was reached based on coerced confessions obtained from the defendant during interrogation, where he purportedly admitted to “leading protests in Bukan and association with anti-regime groups.” Khezr-Nejad has contested the authenticity of these confessions.

In response to the sentencing, Khezr-Nejad has reportedly filed an appeal with the Court of Appeal of West Azerbaijan province.

The cleric and his son were arrested on November 19, 2022, by security forces in Bukan and subsequently detained in Urmia Prison. The arrest occurred after Khezr-Nejad delivered a speech during the funeral of Asa’ad Rahimi, who lost his life during protests at the hands of regime forces. The arrest involved physical assault against Khezr-Nejad.

It’s worth noting that Khezr-Nejad has faced previous arrests and convictions due to his activism.

Safa Aeli, Mahsa Amini’s Uncle, Sentenced to Imprisonment and Additional Penalties

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Freedom of Expression, News
Javad Mostafaie, Mahsa Amini, Safa Aeli, Saleh Nikbakht, Saqqez

Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court in Saqqez handed down a five-year, six-month prison term and additional penalties to Safa Aeli, maternal uncle of Mahsa Amini.

Aeli received a five-and-a-half-year prison sentence for charges related to “assisting in assembly and collusion against national security” and “propaganda against the regime.” In addition, he has been prohibited from leaving the country for two years and mandated to write an article focusing on the topic of the deceased police and military forces.

Confirming this news, Aeli’s lawyer, Saleh Nikbakht informed HRANA that three years and six months of this sentence is enforceable. On September 5, 2023, security forces arrested Safa Aeli. He was released on bail from Saqqez Prison on October 17, 2023. He was denied access to a lawyer and family visits during his detention.

Background on the 2022 Nationwide Protests

The arrest of Mahsa Amini by Tehran Morality Police for her improper hijab and her suspicious death on September 16 sparked protests sweeping across Iran. Protesters came to the streets with the central slogan β€œWomen, Life, Freedom” in protest against the performance, laws, and structure of the regime. During the nationwide protests, thousands of people, including journalists, artists, lawyers, teachers, students, and civil rights activists, were arrested. Additional understanding can be acquired by examining the report provided by HRANA.

 

Mohammad Narui Receives 12-Year Prison Sentence for Alleged Membership in Anti-Regime Groups

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
Mohammad Narooie, Mohammad Narui, Zahedan

The Revolutionary Court of Zahedan has sentenced Mohammad Narui (Narooie) to twelve years in prison, as reported by Haal Vsh.

Narui received this verdict on the grounds of alleged “membership in anti-regime groups,” although the specific actions leading to this charge remain undisclosed.

Narui, aged 22, a resident of Zahedan, was apprehended by the Ministry of Intelligence on April 8, 2023. During his detention in the Ministry’s facility, he was denied access to legal representation.

After Narui’s arrest, security-affiliated media released a video featuring his coerced confession. While the circumstances surrounding the video remain unclear, Narui is portrayed as a member of a militia group. However, the group promptly dismissed the regime’s claim, labeling it as baseless and untrue.

In 2023, the Department of Statistics and Publications of the Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA) documented 80 cases of forced confessions, highlighting violations of prisoners’ rights by security and judicial authorities.

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Iranian-Swedish National Saeed Azizi Sentenced to Five Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Dual national, Iman Afshari, Iranian-Swedish national, Saeed Azizi

Saeed Azizi, a dual national of Iran and Sweden currently held in Evin Prison, has been handed a five-year prison sentence on political charges by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

Presiding over the court, Judge Iman Afshari found Azizi guilty of “assembly and collusion against national security.” Azizi was taken into custody on November 12, 2023, at his residence in Tehran shortly after his arrival from Sweden.

Azizi’s lawyer reports that he is grappling with cancer, making his detention particularly challenging. His health condition has further deteriorated after a recent fall down the stairs.

Earlier, Sweden’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs issued a statement expressing concern about Azizi’s arrest in Iran without clear reasons.

Shahab Nadali Receives Death Sentence

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Executions, Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Baghi, Iman Afshari, Mojahedin-e-Khalq, Shahab Nadali

Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court has handed down a death sentence to Shahab Nadali Joozani for charges related to “Baghi” (Armed rebellion) through membership in Munafiqin (a term used by the regime referring to People’s Mujahedin Organization of Iran or Mojahedin-e-Khalq). In addition, Nadali has been sentenced to five years in prison for “assembly and collusion against national security.” He is currently incarcerated in Evin Prison.

Presiding over the court, Judge Iman Afshari personally delivered the verdict to Nadali. Meanwhile, the second-row defendant, Hesamedin Alvani, has been acquitted of the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security.”

As reported by HRANA, Nadali’s lawyer, Mohammad-Saleh Noghrehkar, has filed an appeal against the verdict.

Nadali, a 41-year-old resident of Hamedan and father of a 12-year-old daughter, was arrested by the Ministry of Intelligence on June 7, 2023.

Reports from the Department of Statistics and Publication of HRA in 2023 indicate a total of 193 cases in which Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, has been involved in issuing verdicts that infringe upon the human rights of defendants.

Student Samaneh Asghari Receives One-Year Prison Sentence on Appeal

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Freedom of Expression, News, Students
Kharazmi University, Qarchak Prison, Samaneh Asghari, Tehran Court of Appeal

The Court of Appeal in Tehran has issued a one-year prison sentence for Samaneh Asghari, a student at Kharazmi University.

In a verdict dated February 10, 2024, Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeal upheld Asghari’s one-year sentence. The initial verdict was issued by Branch 29 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

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

It is worth noting that Asghari had previously faced detention in connection with nationwide protests in October 2022, leading to an initial sentence of 18 years and three months. However, she was granted a pardon under the general pardon and commutation directive, resulting in her release from Qarchak Prison in April of the current year.

Blue Blazer: Examining Political-Security Prisoners Facing Death Sentences on the Anniversary of Iran’s Revolution

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Abbas Deris, Abbas KoorKoori, Abdolhakim Azim Gorgij, Abdolrahman Gorgij, Adham Naroui, Adnan Ghabishawi, Ahmadreza Jalali, Ali Majdam, Ali Obeidavi, Amir Rahim Pour, Anvar Khezri, Eisa EidMohammadi, Farhad Shakeri, Farshid Hassan Zehi, Fazl Bahramian, Habib Deris, Jamshid Sharmahd, Kamran Sheikhe, Khosro Besharat, Malek Ali Fadaei Nasab, Malek Davarshan, Mansour Dehmardeh, Mansour Rasouli, Mehran Bahramian, Moein Khanfari, Mohammad Javad Vafaie Thani, Mohammad Khazrnejad, Mohammad Zeynoddini, Mohammadreza Moghadam, Mojahed KoorKoori, Naib Askari, Reza Rassayi, Salem Mousavi, Shahab Nadali Jozani, Taj-Mohammad Khormali, Yousef Ahmadi

HRANA News Agency – In February 1979, Ayatollah Khomeini, traveling in a blue Blazer to Behesht Zahra in Tehran, delivered his famous speech. In his speech, he made numerous promises regarding the economy, justice, and political freedoms. Forty-five years after the 1979 Revolution and that famous speech, and the promises therein, Β the realization of fundamental political freedoms and social justice in Iran, are still far from reality. The proof lies in the numerous death sentences and numerous international condemnations regarding the situation of human rights within the country.

This report, published on the anniversary of the 1979 Revolution, presents a comprehensive list of political and security prisoners sentenced to death, their latest status a symbol of the empty promises made that day.

The execution crisis in Iran goes far beyond the population of political prisoners. HRANA recently published a report on a decade of executions in Iran (from 2013 to 2023), presenting statistics on the execution of 4,829 citizens over a decade. However, political and security prisoners, as symbols of dissatisfaction and protest, are followed with more sensitivity by public opinion despite constituting a small percentage of this number.

HRANA, has prepared a list of political and security prisoners sentenced to death in Iran on the occasion of the anniversary of the 1979 Revolution, as a symbol of the revolution’s empty promises of establishing a justice-based system and improving human rights conditions.

According to the latest reviews by HRANA, there are currently at least 35 prisoners with political or security charges in various parts of the country sentenced to death.

This report introduces and reviews the latest status of Abbas (Mojahed) KoorKoori, Reza Rassayi, Anvar Khezri, Kamran Sheikhe, Khosro Besharat, Farshid Hassan Zehi, Mansour Dehmardeh, Jamshid Sharmahd, Mohammad Zeynoddini, Adham Naroui, Mohammad Javad Vafaie Thani, Abbas Deris, Ahmadreza Jalali, Yousef Ahmadi, Mansour Rasouli, Naib Askari, Mehran Bahramian, Fazl Bahramian, Ali Majdam, Mohammadreza Moghadam, Moein Khanfari, Habib Deris, Adnan Ghabishawi, Salem Mousavi, Farhad Shakeri, Eisa EidMohammadi, Abdolrahman Gorgij, Abdolhakim Azim Gorgij, Taj Mohammad Khormali, Malek Ali Fadaei Nasab, Amir Rahim Pour, Malek Davarshan and Ali Obeidavi.

These death row inmates, charged with political and security offenses, are imprisoned in Shiban Ahvaz, Diesel Abad Kermanshah, Ghezel Hesar Karaj, Zahedan, Vakil Abad Mashhad, Mahshahr, Evin, Sanandaj, Urmia, and Dastgerd Isfahan prisons.

Branch 28 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Mohammad Moghiseh, Branch 4 of the Mashhad Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Ahmadian Salami, and the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court, with the issuance of death sentences for a total of 16 defendants in four separate cases, have played the most significant role in issuing death sentences for political and security defendants.

Charges leading to the issuance of death sentences for these individuals include Moharebeh (waging war against God), Ifsad fil-Arz (corruption on Earth), Baghy (rebellion), and espionage.

In the following list, names and key details about the latest status of the 35 prisoners sentenced to death on political and security charges are provided:

 

1- Abbas (Mojahed) KoorKoori
Prison Location: Shiban Prison, Ahvaz
Prominent Charges: Moharebeh (waging war against God) through bearing arms, Ifsad fil-Arz (corruption on Earth) through shooting with a military weapon, causing significant bodily harm resulting in the death of seven people, and forming a rebel group
Issuing Court: Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court in Ahvaz
Latest Case Status: The death sentence confirmed by the Supreme Court and the case referred to the execution branch of the court in Izeh

⬆️ The Judiciary Media Center claims that Abbas (Mojahed) KoorKoori, a prisoner incarcerated in Shiban Prison, Ahvaz, is accused of murdering Kian Pirfalak, a child who died during the nationwide protests in 2021. Despite these claims, Pirfalak’s family, including Zeynab Molaee Rad, the child’s mother, has repeatedly denied this accusation, stating that their child was killed due to gunfire by forces affiliated with the government.

2- Reza Rassayi
Prison Location: Diesel Abad Prison, Kermanshah
Prominent Charges: Direct involvement in the premeditated murder of Nader Birami, the head of the IRGC intelligence in Sahneh city
Issuing Court: Branch 2 of the Criminal Court of Kermanshah
Latest Case Status: The death sentence confirmed by the Supreme Court, the request for a retrial rejected by the Supreme Court, and the case referred to the execution branch of the criminal court in Kermanshah
⬆️ Reza Rassayi, a 35-year-old adherent of the Yarsan faith, was arrested by the intelligence officers in Shahr-e Rey, Tehran, on November 24, 2022, and then transferred to Diesel Abad Prison in Kermanshah. His arrest followed the death of Nader Birami, the head of the IRGC intelligence in Sahneh city, during a commemoration ceremony for the 21st death anniversary of Seyed Khalil Alinejad, one of the former leaders of the Yarsan community.
3- Anvar Khezri
Prison Location: Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj
Prominent Charges: Moharebeh through membership in one of the “Salafi groups” and participation in the assassination of a cleric close to the government named “Abdolrahim Tina”
Issuing Court: Branch 28 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court presided over by Judge Mohammad Moghiseh
Latest Case Status: The death sentence confirmed by the Supreme Court
4- Kamran Sheikhe
Prison Location: Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj
Prominent Charges: Moharebeh through membership in one of the “Salafi groups” and participation in the assassination of a cleric close to the government named “Abdolrahim Tina”
Issuing Court: Branch 28 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court presided over by Judge Mohammad Moghiseh
Latest Case Status: The death sentence confirmed by the Supreme Court
5- Khosro Besharat
Prison Location: Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj
Prominent Charges: Moharebeh through membership in one of the “Salafi groups” and participation in the assassination of a cleric close to the government named “Abdolrahim Tina”
Issuing Court: Branch 28 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court presided over by Judge Mohammad Moghiseh
Latest Case Status: The death sentence confirmed by the Supreme Court

⬆️ Anvar Khezri, Kamran Sheikhe, and Khosro Besharat, three Sunni Muslim prisoners incarcerated in Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj, were arrested in 2009 along with Qasem Abesteh, Ayoub Karimi, Davoud Abdollahi, and Farhad Salimi in a joint case for the suspected murder of Mamousta “Abdolrahim Tina” in October 2008, who had been killed by unidentified individuals.
Branch 28 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Mohammad Moghiseh, sentenced these individuals to death in March 2016. After the sentence was overturned by the Supreme Court for further review, it was referred back to Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court. Ultimately, Judge Abolqasem Salavati reissued the death sentences for these individuals.
Eventually, Branch 41 of the Supreme Court confirmed these sentences in February 2020. Among them, the execution sentences of Qasem Abesteh, Ayoub Karimi, Davoud Abdollahi, and Farhad Salimi were carried out in Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj, on November 5, November 29, December 3, 2022, and January 24, 2023, respectively. Now, the other three defendants in the case are on death row in Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj.

6- Farshid Hassan Zehi
Prison Location: Ward 9, Zahedan Prison
Prominent Charges: Shooting at a vehicle near the Cheshmeh Ziarat village checkpoint in Zahedan, murdering the soldier Behzad Barahoui, and injuring First Lieutenant Mehdi Hashem Zehi, a law enforcement officer
Issuing Court: Branch 1 of the Criminal Court of Zahedan
Latest Case Status: Issuance of the death sentence and referral of the case to Branch 32 of the Supreme Court

⬆️ Farshid Hassan Zehi, 26 years old and son of Hanif, was arrested by security forces in the village of Cheshmeh Ziarat, Zahedan, on November 24, 2022, on charges of “shooting at a vehicle near the Cheshmeh Ziarat village checkpoint.” He is currently detained in Ward 9 of Zahedan Prison. The court session that led to his death sentence was held online without the presence of his defense lawyer.

7- Mansour Dehmardeh
Prison Location: Ward 9, Zahedan Prison
Prominent Charges: Corruption on Earth (Ifsad fil-Arz)
Issuing Court: Branch 2 of the Criminal Court of Shahid Nouri in Zahedan
Latest Case Status: Issuance of the death sentence
⬆️ Mansour Dehmardeh, born in 2000, son of Amanullah, with physical disabilities and unmarried, was arrested during the nationwide protests in Zahedan on October 3, 2021, and transferred to the city’s prison. In December of the previous year, he was initially sentenced to death by Branch 2 of the Criminal Court of Shahid Nouri in Zahedan on charges of “Corruption on Earth.” Despite his poor physical condition, he has been denied appropriate medical care in Zahedan Prison.
8- Jamshid Sharmahd
Prison Location: Unknown
Prominent Charges: Corruption on Earth (Ifsad fil-Arz) through leading an opposition group, planning and directing a bombing in Shiraz’s Hosseiniyeh
Issuing Court: Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court
Latest Case Status: The death sentence confirmed by the Supreme Court
⬆️ The Ministry of Intelligence announced in August 2020 the arrest of Jamshid Sharmahd, an Iranian-German dual citizen born in 1955. The court sessions reviewing Mr. Sharmahd’s charges, held from February 7, 2022, to August 23, 2022, by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court presided by Judge Abolqasem Salavati, ultimately led to his death sentence in early March 2022 for “Corruption on Earth through planning and directing terrorist acts.” Masoud Setayeshi, the judiciary spokesperson, announced the confirmation of his death sentence by the Supreme Court on April 26, 2023. Ghazaleh Sharmahd, his daughter, previously stated that the family’s chosen lawyer was not allowed access to his case file, and her father has been forced to sign documents while being held in solitary confinement.
9- Mohammad Zeynoddini
Prison Location: Ward 9, Zahedan Prison
Prominent Charges: Moharebeh (waging war against God) through armed action related to the killing of three security forces
Issuing Court: Branch 1 of the Criminal Court of Zahedan
Latest Case Status: The death sentence confirmed by the Supreme Court
10- Adham Naroui
Prison Location: Ward 9, Zahedan Prison
Prominent Charges: Moharebeh (waging war against God) through armed action related to the killing of three security forces
Issuing Court: Branch 1 of the Criminal Court of Zahedan
Latest Case Status: The death sentence confirmed by the Supreme Court
⬆️Mohammad Zeynoddini and Adham Naroui were arrested by security forces in Lashar, a city in Sib and Suran County, in October 2020 and May 2021, respectively. Their case was later referred from Branch 6 of the Zahedan Prosecutor’s Office to Branch 1 of the Criminal Court of the province concerning the killing of three security forces. Eventually, these political prisoners were sentenced to death by Branch 1 of the Criminal Court of Zahedan in late 2022 for “Moharebeh through armed action.” This sentence was confirmed by the Supreme Court on November 20, 2023.
11- Mohammad Javad Vafaie Thani
Prison Location: Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad
Prominent Charges: Corruption on Earth (Ifsad fil-Arz) through arson and deliberate destruction of specific places
Issuing Court: Branch 2 of the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad
Latest Case Status: The case is currently being reviewed by Branch 9 of the Supreme Court

⬆️Seyed Mohammad Javad Vafaie Thani, a 28-year-old boxing coach, was arrested by security forces in Mashhad in March 2020 and transferred to Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. This political prisoner was sentenced to death in December 2021 by Branch 4 of the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad for charges of “Corruption on Earth through arson and deliberate destruction of specific places, including the government’s Tazirat organization building.” The sentence was later overturned by one of the branches of the Supreme Court, and the case was referred to a parallel branch. Eventually, in early August 2023, after a retrial, Mr. Vafaie Thani was sentenced to death by Branch 2 of the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad. Babak Pak Nia, the defense lawyer for this political prisoner, recently stated: “The case of Mohammad Javad Vafaie Thani is being reviewed by Branch 9 of the Supreme Court, and as of the latest follow-up, no decision has been made regarding the annulment or confirmation of the initial verdict.”

12- Abbas Deris
Prison Location: Mahshahr Prison
Prominent Charges: Moharebeh (waging war against God)
Issuing Court: Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Mahshahr
Latest Case Status: The death sentence confirmed by the Supreme Court and the request for retrial rejected by this judicial authority
⬆️Abbas Deris was arrested along with his brother Mohsen on December 8, 2019, by the intelligence agents of Abu al-Fadl al-Abbas headquarters. Mr. Deris was sentenced to death by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Mahshahr in late October 2021 for the charge of Moharebeh. This verdict was confirmed by Branch 39 of the Supreme Court in mid-July 2023. After filing a request for retrial in Branch 9 of the Supreme Court in August, an order was issued to halt the execution. Ultimately, the request for a retrial for Abbas Deris’s case was rejected by the Supreme Court in February 2024. Fereshteh Tabanian, a judiciary lawyer, stated: “We requested the application of Article 477, which is under review.” In another part of his case, Abbas Deris was sentenced by Branch 3 of the Criminal Court of Khuzestan Province for charges of premeditated murder and possession of a weapon to fourteen years in prison. Born in 1973 and a father of three, Deris, while admitting to participating in the protest gatherings on November 17, 2019, in Chamran town, has denied any involvement in burning tires and blocking roads in Chamran town.
13- Ahmadreza Jalali
Prison Location: Evin Prison
Prominent Charges: Espionage
Issuing Court: Unknown
Latest Case Status: The death sentence confirmed by the Supreme Court
⬆️Ahmadreza Jalali, a university professor and a political prisoner with dual nationality, was arrested by security forces during a trip to Iran after being invited by Tehran University in May 2016. He was eventually sentenced to death by a court for charges of espionage. This sentence was confirmed by the Supreme Court in December 2017. Zabihollah Khodaeian, the former judiciary spokesperson, announced in a press conference on May 10, 2021, that the death sentence for Ahmadreza Jalali, a dual-nationality prisoner, is final. The Iranian government has a documented history of using the charge of espionage as a tool against political opponents. Under no circumstances does espionage amount to the most serious crime as required under international law and as such it must never amount to the death penalty– any deprivation of life resulting from such charges is a grave violation of human rights.
14- Yousef Ahmadi
Prison Location: Sanandaj Prison
Prominent Charges: Rebellion (Baghy)
Issuing Court: Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Sanandaj
Latest Case Status: The death sentence confirmed by the Supreme Court
⬆️Yousef Ahmadi, along with Mohammad Karimi, Basat Karimi, and Mohammad Faizi, was arrested in a joint case in early May 2020 on suspicion of “cooperation with one of the opposition Kurdish parties” by security forces. Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Sanandaj, presided over by Judge Saeedi, sentenced Yousef Ahmadi in September 2023 for the charge of rebellion to death, and Mohammad Karimi, Basat Karimi, and Mohammad Faizi were respectively sentenced to twenty-five years, twenty years, and twenty years in prison for complicity in rebellion. The death sentence for Yousef Ahmadi was confirmed by Branch 39 of the Supreme Court in February 2024.
15- Mansour Rasouli
Prison Location: Urmia Prison
Prominent Charges: Espionage
Issuing Court: Revolutionary Court
Latest Case Status: The death sentence confirmed by the Supreme Court

⬆️Mansour Rasouli, along with Aran Omari, Rahman Parhazeh, Vafa Henareh, and Nasim Namazi, and five other defendants were arrested by security forces in November 2021. Ultimately, Mr. Rasouli, Omari, Parhazeh, Henareh, and Namazi were sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court for charges of Moharebeh (waging war against God) and Corruption on Earth (Ifsad fil-Arz) through cooperation with Israeli intelligence to disrupt the country’s security. The other five defendants of this case, namely Kamran Henareh, Fakhroddin Dodkanlu Milan, Ashkan Osman Nejad, Hassan Omarpour, and Amir Moshtagh Gangchin, were each sentenced by the Revolutionary Court to ten years in prison and are currently serving their sentences in the political ward of Urmia Prison. Among the five prisoners sentenced to death, the sentences of Aran Omari, Rahman Parhazeh, Vafa Henareh, and Nasim Namazi were executed in Urmia Prison on December 29, 2022. Mansour Rasouli, one of the defendants in this case, returned to the general ward of the prison following a halt in the execution, which is said to be due to legal developments in his case. The Iranian government has a documented history of using the charge of espionage as a tool against political opponents. Under no circumstances does espionage amount to the most serious crime as required under international law and as such it must never amount to the death penalty– any deprivation of life resulting from such charges is a grave violation of human rights.

16- Naib Askari
Prison Location: Urmia Prison
Prominent Charges: Rebellion (Baghy)
Issuing Court: Branch 2 of the Revolutionary Court of Urmia
Latest Case Status: Re-issuance of the death sentence

⬆️Naib Askari was arrested by intelligence agents of the IRGC in Urmia on March 27, 2021. Mr. Askari was initially sentenced to death in absentia by Branch 2 of the Revolutionary Court of Urmia on April 15, 2023, for the charge of Moharebeh. After accepting his request for an appeal, the same branch, after several court sessions, changed his charge from Moharebeh to Baghy and re-sentenced him to death in late October 2023. Notably, the court sessions for Mr. Askari were held without the presence of his defense lawyer. His affiliation with one of the opposition Kurdish parties has been cited as a basis for his charges in this case.

17- Mehran Bahramian
Prison Location: Dastgerd Prison, Isfahan
Prominent Charges: Murder of a Special Unit officer
Issuing Court: Branch 22 of the Criminal Court of Isfahan
Latest Case Status: Issuance of the death sentence
18- Fazl Bahramian
Prison Location: Dastgerd Prison, Isfahan
Prominent Charges: Murder of a Special Unit officer
Issuing Court: Branch 22 of the Criminal Court of Isfahan
Latest Case Status: Issuance of the death sentence
⬆️Fazl Bahramian, Mehran Bahramian, Dariush Saedi, and Younes Bahramian were arrested on January 1, 2023, after participating in the fortieth-day memorial service for several victims of the protests, including Ali Abbasi, Morad Bahramian, Muslim Houshangi, and someone with the surname Asafi, under a joint case and were later transferred to Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan. Eventually, Fazl Bahramian and Mehran Bahramian were sentenced to death by Branch 22 of the Criminal Court of Isfahan, presided over by Judge Hemati, for the charge of “murdering Mohsen Rezaei, a Special Unit officer.” Dariush Saedi and Younes Bahramian, other defendants in this case, were each sentenced to sixteen years in prison for complicity in the murder of the said officer. The cases of these defendants are currently under review in the Supreme Court.
19- Ali Majdam
Prison Location: Shiban Prison, Ahvaz
Prominent Charges: Leadership and membership in a rebel group
Issuing Court: Revolutionary Court of Ahvaz
Latest Case Status: The death sentence is currently under review by the Supreme Court
20- Mohammadreza Moghadam
Prison Location: Shiban Prison, Ahvaz
Prominent Charges: Leadership and membership in a rebel group
Issuing Court: Revolutionary Court of Ahvaz
Latest Case Status: The death sentence is currently under review by the Supreme Court
21- Moein Khanfari
Prison Location: Shiban Prison, Ahvaz
Prominent Charges: Membership in a rebel group
Issuing Court: Revolutionary Court of Ahvaz
Latest Case Status: The death sentence is currently under review by the Supreme Court
22- Habib Deris
Prison Location: Shiban Prison, Ahvaz
Prominent Charges: Membership in a rebel group
Issuing Court: Revolutionary Court of Ahvaz
Latest Case Status: The death sentence is currently under review by the Supreme Court
23- Adnan Ghabishawi
Prison Location: Shiban Prison, Ahvaz
Prominent Charges: Membership in a rebel group
Issuing Court: Revolutionary Court of Ahvaz
Latest Case Status: The death sentence is currently under review by the Supreme Court
24- Salem Mousavi
Prison Location: Shiban Prison, Ahvaz
Prominent Charges: Membership in a rebel group
Issuing Court: Revolutionary Court of Ahvaz
Latest Case Status: The death sentence is currently under review by the Supreme Court

⬆️Ali Majdam, Mohammadreza Moghadam, Moein Khanfari, Habib Deris, Adnan Ghabishawi, and Salem Mousavi, six security defendants, were arrested by security forces in Khuzestan in mid-February 2019. Eventually, in March 2023, Ali Majdam and Mohammadreza Moghadam were sentenced to death for leadership and membership in the “military branch of the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahwaz” for armed confrontation against the foundation of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Moein Khanfari, Habib Deris, Adnan Ghabishawi, and Salem Mousavi were sentenced to death for membership in the mentioned group, also for armed confrontation against the foundation of the Islamic Republic of Iran, by the Revolutionary Court of Ahvaz, and the verdicts were confirmed by the Supreme Court.

25- Farhad Shakeri
Prison Location: Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad
Prominent Charges: Rebellion (Baghy) through membership in a Salafi group
Issuing Court: Branch 4 of the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad
Latest Case Status: The death sentence is currently under review by the Supreme Court
26- Eisa EidMohammadi
Prison Location: Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad
Prominent Charges: Rebellion (Baghy) through membership in a Salafi group
Issuing Court: Branch 4 of the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad
Latest Case Status: The death sentence is currently under review by the Supreme Court
27- Abdolrahman Gorgij
Prison Location: Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad
Prominent Charges: Rebellion (Baghy) through membership in a Salafi group
Issuing Court: Branch 4 of the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad
Latest Case Status: The death sentence is currently under review by the Supreme Court
28- Abdolhakim Azim Gorgij
Prison Location: Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad
Prominent Charges: Rebellion (Baghy) through membership in a Salafi group
Issuing Court: Branch 4 of the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad
Latest Case Status: The death sentence is currently under review by the Supreme Court
29- Taj Mohammad Khormali
Prison Location: Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad
Prominent Charges: Rebellion (Baghy) through membership in a Salafi group
Issuing Court: Branch 4 of the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad
Latest Case Status: The death sentence is currently under review by the Supreme Court
30- Malek Ali Fadaei Nasab
Prison Location: Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad
Prominent Charges: Rebellion (Baghy) through membership in a Salafi group
Issuing Court: Branch 4 of the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad
Latest Case Status: The death sentence is currently under review by the Supreme Court
⬆️Malek Ali Fadaei Nasab (a Shia citizen), Eisa EidMohammadi, Farhad Shakeri, Abdolhakim Azim Gorgij, Abdolrahman Gorgij, Abdolbaset Orsan, Mohammadreza Sheikh Ahmad, Morteza Fekoori, Hamid Rastbala, Kabir Saadat Jahani, Mohammad Ali Arayesh, and Taj Mohammad Khormali (Sunni citizens) were arrested in a joint case by the Intelligence Agency in 2015 and transferred to Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad, a year later. Eventually, in 2019, Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad, presided over by Judge Mahmoud Davoudabadi, sentenced Hamid Rastbala, Farhad Shakeri, Kabir Saadat Jahani, Mohammad Ali Arayesh, Eisa EidMohammadi, Hakim Azim Gorgij, Abdolrahman Gorgij, Taj Mohammad Khormali, and Malek Ali Fadaei Nasab to death for charges of “Rebellion (Baghy) through membership in the Salafi group Al-Furqan Party and membership in the National Solidarity Front of Iran’s Sunnis.” Mohammadreza Sheikh Ahmad, Abdolbaset Orsan, and Morteza Fekoori were sentenced to 15 years in prison each for “Rebellion (Baghy) through membership in the Takfiri and Salafi group ISIS.” The execution sentences for Hamid Rastbala, Kabir Saadat Jahani, and Mohammad Ali Arayesh were carried out in Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad, in 2020. Later, the death sentences of the other six prisoners were overturned by Branch 41 of the Supreme Court, presided over by Judge Ali Razini, and the case was referred back for retrial. In early August 2023, Branch 4 of the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad, presided over by Judge Ahmad Salami, after a retrial, sentenced these prisoners to death again. The case of these prisoners detained in Ward 6.1 of Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad, is currently under review by Branch 39 of the Supreme Court.
31- Amir Rahim Pour
Prison Location: Evin Prison
Prominent Charges: Cooperation with a hostile government (USA)
Issuing Court: Unknown
Latest Case Status: The death sentence confirmed by the Supreme Court
⬆️Gholamhossein Esmaili, the former judiciary spokesperson, announced on February 4, 2020, the confirmation of the death sentence for Amir Rahim Pour, a master’s graduate in electrical engineering, for “cooperation with a hostile government, the USA” by the Supreme Court. Esmaili claimed that “this individual, while in contact with the spy agency, had received substantial sums of money as remuneration and attempted to provide a part of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s nuclear information to the American service.” It’s important to note that although combating espionage is not considered a violation of human rights, the Iranian government’s history of using this charge as a tool against political opponents and the issuance of death sentences, especially with unclear trial details and proceedings, are always viewed with skepticism.
32 – Malek Davarshan (Seyed Malek Mousavi)
Prison Location: Shiban Prison, Ahvaz
Prominent Charges: Rebellion (Baghy) through setting fire to a Basij base
Issuing Court: Branch 2 of the Revolutionary Court of Dezful
Latest Case Status: Issuance of the death sentence
⬆️Malek Davarshan (Seyed Malek Mousavi) was arrested in May 2021 along with a friend named Abbas Khazraji by security forces. After interrogations, Branch 2 of the Revolutionary Court of Dezful sentenced Mr. Davarshan to death for the charge of “Rebellion” and Mr. Khazraji to ten years in prison for “participation in disturbing public order.” The “attack and setting fire to the Basij Resistance Post of Shavur” was cited as one of the charges against Mr. Davarshan.
33- Ali Obeidavi
Prison Location: Mahshahr Prison
Prominent Charges: Attack on a Basij base
Issuing Court: Revolutionary Court of Mahshahr
Latest Case Status: Issuance of the death sentence
⬆️Ali Obeidavi was arrested in 2019 along with his brother, Hossein Obeidavi, by security forces with the charge of “attack on a Basij base.” After four years, the Revolutionary Court of Mahshahr sentenced Ali Obeidavi to death and his brother to thirteen years in prison.
34- Shahab Nadali Jozani
Prison Location: Evin Prison
Prominent Charges: Rebellion (Baghy) through membership in opposition group
Issuing Court: Tehran Revolutionary Court
Latest Case Status: Issuance of the death sentence
⬆️Shahab Nadali Jozani was arrested by the agents of the Intelligence Department in Hamedan on June 7, 2023. He was sentenced by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, to death for the charge of “rebellion through membership in opposition groups of the country (Mojahedin-e Khalq Organization)” and to five years of imprisonment for “assembly and collusion with the intent to commit a crime against the security of the country,” taking into account the time already served in detention.
35- Mohammad Khazrnejad
Prison Location: Urmia Prison
Prominent Charges: Corruption on Earth
Issuing Court: Branch 3 of the Urmia Revolutionary Court
Latest Case Status: Issuance of the death sentence
⬆️Mohammad Khazrnejad was arrested by security forces in Bukan on November 19, 2022, and subsequently transferred to Urmia Prison. He has recently been sentenced by Branch 3 of the Urmia Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Reza Najafzadeh, to execution and 16 years in prison for charges of corruption on Earth, acting against national security by damaging the country’s integrity or independence, and propaganda against the regime.

It is important to emphasize that the execution crisis in Iran extends far beyond the population of political prisoners. Spreading Justice (HRA’s database of human rights violators) recently published a report based on data from its statistics unit covering a decade of executions in Iran (from 2013 to 2023), documenting the execution of 4,829 citizens over this period. For more details on this report, please refer to the provided link.

 

*Update: This report was first published on February 9, 2024, listing the identities of 33 political-security prisoners sentenced to death. Following the issuance of the death penalty for Shahab Nadali Jozani and Mohammad Khazrnejad on February 10, their identities were added to the report as the thirty-fourth and thirty-fifth persons.
For more information please contact Skylar Thompson, Director of Global Advocacy and Accountability at Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA) skylar[at]hramail.com

Varisheh Moradi Faces Charges of Alleged Armed Rebellion

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abolghasem Salavati, armed rebellion, Baghi, Sanandaj, Varisheh Moradi

According to a report by Kurdpa, Varisheh Moradi, a resident of Sanandaj, has been indicted by Branch 5 of the Public and Revolutionary Court of Tehran on charges of armed rebellion (Baghi), potentially leading to severe punishment, including the death penalty.

The accusation is reportedly linked to her alleged membership in a political opposition party.

The indictment, initiated by Judge Abolghasem Salavati of Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

Regrettably, Moradi has been denied access to legal representation, and since her arrest, she has only had one family visitation.

Moradi was apprehended by security forces on August 1, 2023, in the suburbs of Sanandaj. Later in August, she was transferred from a detention facility in Sanandaj to Ward 209 of Evin Prison. Following the completion of the interrogation process on December 26, 2023, she was relocated to the Women’s Ward within the prison.

Despite the passage of time, the specific reasons for Moradi’s arrest and the charges against her remain undisclosed. It’s noteworthy that under Iran’s laws, the charge of Baghi may carry severe penalties, including execution and amputation of hands and feet.