HRANA – Mehdi Saver-Olia, one of those arrested during the January 2026 protests and currently held at Karaj Central Penitentiary, was sentenced by Branch 2 of the Revolutionary Court of Karaj to six years in prison and additional punishments.
According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, Mehdi Saver-Olia has been sentenced to imprisonment and other punishments.
According to a verdict issued by Branch 2 of the Karaj Revolutionary Court and communicated to Mr. Saveralia, he was sentenced to one year in prison on the charge of “propaganda against the regime” and five years in prison on the charge of “assembly and collusion to commit a crime against national security.” In addition, as supplementary punishments, the court sentenced him to a two-year ban on leaving the country, a two-year ban on membership in social groups and organizations, and a two-year prohibition and dismissal from all government and public-sector jobs and services.
Under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, of the prison sentences imposed, the most severe sentence, five years, will be enforceable.
In July of this year, a court hearing on the charges against Mr. Saveralia was held before the aforementioned judicial branch.
Mehdi Saveralia was arrested by IRGC Intelligence agents in Karaj on January 7, 2026, and transferred to Karaj Central Penitentiary.
Background on the January 2026 Protests
The protests and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025, and within two days spread beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests became one of the largest protest movements of recent years. Following the crackdown by security and law enforcement forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security agencies. For more information, readers may refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “Crimson Winter,” documenting the first fifty days following the outbreak of Iran’s nationwide protests.
