January Protests: Matin Shabani Sentenced to Death

HRANA – Matin Shabani, one of the detainees arrested during the January 2026 protests and currently held at Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, has been sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad on charges of moharebeh (enmity against God).

According to HRANA, Matin Shabani has been sentenced to death. The sentence was issued by Branch 5 of the Mashhad Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Hossein Yazdankhah, with Seyed Reza Javad Mousavi serving as an advisory judge. The verdict, which was communicated to Mr. Shabani in prison some time ago, sentenced him to death on charges including moharebeh (enmity against God) through participation in the destruction of public property and setting fire to religious centers, as well as assembly and collusion against the country.

A source familiar with the case confirmed the news to HRANA, stating: “During the protests on January 8 and 9, 2026, in Shandiz, a mosque and a Dar al-Quran (Quranic education center) caught fire, and a case was opened in connection with these incidents.”

Matin Shabani was arrested in Shandiz during the nationwide January protests, along with six other citizens who were detained separately. After some time, he was transferred to Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

Background of the January 2026 Protests

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.