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Mohammad Benazadeh Amirkhizi Sentenced to Over 5 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Mohammad Benazadeh Amirkhizi, محمد بنازاده امیرخیزی

HRANA – Mohammad Benazadeh Amirkhizi, a political defendant, has been sentenced to five years and eight months in prison by Branch 28 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

According to the notice he received last week, Branch 28 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Mohammad-Reza Amouzad, sentenced him to eight months in prison on the charge of “propaganda against the regime” and to five years in prison on suspicion of membership in one of the groups opposing the regime.

Benazadeh Amirkhizi was arrested on Monday, July 28, 2025, at his residence in Tehran by security forces and transferred to The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility in Qom. He was released on bail in October 2025.

Mohammad Benazadeh Amirkhizi, 80, a resident of Tehran, has previously faced convictions related to his activities.

Sarvabad: Two Citizens Arrested by Security Forces

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Freedom of Expression, News
Kurdistan Province, Salman Advaei, Sarvabad, Yaser Advaei

HRANA – Yaser Advaei and Salman Advaei, two residents of Sarvabad, were arrested yesterday by Ministry of Intelligence agents in this county and taken to an undisclosed location.

Based on information received by HRANA, in the early hours of Thursday, November 13, Yaser Advaei and Salman Advaei were arrested at their home in Sarvabad by Ministry of Intelligence forces without a judicial warrant. Their families’ efforts to obtain information about their situation have so far gone unanswered.

As of the time of writing, no information is available regarding their whereabouts, the reasons for their arrest, or the charges brought against them.

Salman Advaei and Yaser Advaei, residents of Selin village in Sarvabad County, Kurdistan Province, have previously been detained and convicted.

Arbitrary arrests, transferring detainees to undisclosed locations, and leaving families in the dark about the fate of their loved ones are routine practices of the Iranian regime’s security agencies, such as the Ministry of Intelligence and the IRGC Intelligence Unit. This pattern of behavior stands in clear violation of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, known as the Nelson Mandela Rules.

Report on the Execution of Three Prisoners, Including a Woman, in Mahabad Prison

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Executions, News
Dima Faramarzi, HRANA, Kaviar Khediripour, Mahabad, Mehran Hagh-Panah

HRANA – The death sentences of three prisoners, including one woman, who had previously been convicted on charges related to drug offenses and murder, were carried out in Mahabad Prison between September 21 and October 15.

HRANA has confirmed the identities of these prisoners as Mehran Hagh-Panah, Dima Faramarzi, and Kaviar Khediripour.

Based on information received by HRANA, the execution of Mehran Hagh-Panah, a resident of Tabriz, was carried out on October 15. He had been arrested on drug-related charges and later sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court.
The execution of Ms. Faramarzi, who had previously been sentenced to death for the murder of her husband’s father, was carried out on Tuesday, September 30. Kaviar Khediripour, who had also been sentenced to death for murder, was executed on September 21.

As of the time of this report, the executions have not been announced by prison officials or relevant authorities.

In 2024, according to 812 reports compiled by HRANA, the Iranian regime executed 930 individuals in its prisons, marking the highest number of executions in the past 12 years. Despite the scale of these executions, prison officials and other relevant authorities publicly acknowledged only 6% of them, highlighting the regime’s lack of transparency and accountability.

Update on the Latest Condition of Alvand Banaeian in Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan

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News, Prisoners
Alvand Banaeian, Dastgerd Prison, HRANA, irgc, IRGC Intelligence, Isfahan, الوند بنائیان

HRANA – Alvand Banaeian is serving his sentence in Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan.

Based on information received by HRANA, in October this year, a hearing on the charges against Banaeian was held via videoconference at Branch Two of the Isfahan Criminal Court. In this portion of his case, he was sentenced to six months in prison, 45 lashes, and a fine for possession of alcoholic beverages and a cold weapon.

A source close to his family confirmed this to HRANA, adding: “In another part of his case, this prisoner is facing the charge of ‘propaganda against the state.’ After his arrest, he was formally charged with this accusation by Branch 18 of the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Isfahan. This case had been referred to Branch Five of the Revolutionary Court, but due to issues such as procedural defects, it was returned to the same investigative branch. Nonetheless, his case remains in a state of limbo. Additionally, for the past month, he has been denied visits with his family by the authorities.”

Alvand Banaeian was arrested on June 16 of this year by security forces at his family home in Isfahan. During the arrest, agents searched the premises, seizing several personal belongings and quantities of alcoholic beverages.

Banaeian has previously been arrested and faced judicial action due to his activities. In 2022, he was arrested by IRGC Intelligence agents and was eventually released on bail after three months.

Zeinab Mousavi Sentenced to Six Months in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Emperor Kuzco, Zeinab Mousavi, زینب موسوی

HRANA – Zeinab Mousavi, an Iranian comedian, has been sentenced by a judicial authority to six months of discretionary imprisonment and the writing of a research thesis under the supervision of the Ferdowsi Foundation, due to a video she posted online containing remarks about the Iranian poet Ferdowsi.

According to HRANA, quoting Shargh newspaper, Zeinab Mousavi has been sentenced to six months of discretionary imprisonment and the writing of a research thesis under the supervision of the Ferdowsi Foundation.

Part of the issued verdict states: “The defendant is required, under the supervision of the Ferdowsi Foundation and with the guidance of an instructor approved by this foundation, to draft and defend within six months a thesis on topics including Ferdowsi’s role in Iran’s national identity and culture, and the significance of the Shahnameh in Persian literature.”

According to the ruling, Mousavi is also obligated to conduct at least 120 hours of storytelling sessions centered on Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh in schools or cultural centers in underprivileged areas, coordinated with the Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults and the Ministry of Education, and to submit documentation to the Enforcement of Judgments Office.

Zeinab Mousavi, one of the first female stand-up comedians in Iran and the creator of the character “Emperor Kuzco,” was arrested in October 2023 and released after a few days. Her case was sent to both the Revolutionary Court and the Criminal Court of Tehran on two charges.

She was also arrested in Qom in October 2022 and released on bail in late November of the same year pending trial. Mousavi has stated that she was held in solitary confinement for 25 days during her detention and was sentenced to two years in prison.

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British Prisoners Craig and Lindsay Foreman Go on Hunger Strike

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News, Prisoners
Craig and Lindsay Foreman, Iran, irgc, Kerman

HRANA – Craig and Lindsay Foreman, two British nationals imprisoned in Iran, have gone on hunger strike in protest against the lack of progress in their case.

According to HRANA, quoting the BBC, Ms. Foreman told her son, Joe Bennet, during a phone call yesterday that “not eating is the only power she has.” Joe Bennet also told the BBC that he is not sure whether the hunger strike will help secure phone contact, and he does not know when the strike began.

He added that his mother said she “feels confused and has been let down by both the UK government and Iranian authorities.”

Craig Foreman and Lindsay Foreman, who entered Iran on a round-the-world motorcycle trip, were arrested in January of 2025 in Kerman by IRGC Intelligence forces. Judicial authorities have accused them of “espionage,” claiming the couple gathered information in several provinces under the cover of tourism and research activities.

The British ambassador to Iran at the time also met with the two defendants at the Kerman Prosecutor’s Office in February of that same year.

In recent years, Iranian authorities have arrested several foreign nationals on charges such as espionage or cooperation with hostile governments. Some of those detained have later been released following political negotiations. Human rights organizations and several Western governments have accused Iran of using such arrests for political leverage, an allegation Iranian officials have consistently denied.

Arrest of Protesters in Military Attire Following Public Action in Tehran Subway

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Freedom of Expression, News
Tehran

HRANA – On Wednesday, November 12 , a video circulated on social media showing two individuals in military uniforms staging a protest action at one of Tehran’s metro stations. Hours later, channels close to security agencies reported that these individuals had been arrested by law enforcement forces.

According to the HRANA News Agency, a video of the incident circulated on social media in which two individuals in military attire raise the “Lion and Sun” flag in the concourse of a Tehran metro station and, using a loudspeaker, make statements opposing the ruling establishment.

In part of the video, a bystander hesitantly asks, “Is this a hidden camera?” One of the protesters responds: “No sir, this is resistance against the criminal regime of the Supreme Leader’s rule.” Midway through the footage, a person attempts to seize the flag from the protesters but fails.

Hours later, channels close to security agencies, including Saberin News, reported that the two individuals had been arrested by law enforcement. Official authorities have so far made no comment regarding the identity or status of the detainees.

In related reports, state media claimed that “the detainees are not members of the country’s military forces” and that “their information does not match that of any Armed Forces personnel.”

At the same time, another video surfaced on social media showing an individual in military uniform calling on people to join protest marches. So far, no link has been established between this individual and the two protesters who were arrested.

As of the time of this report, no further information has been obtained regarding the identity, place of detention, or legal status of the detainees.

Execution of 24 Prisoners in Various Prisons Across Iran in Recent Days

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Executions, News
Aligudarz, Bojnourd, Dezful, Gorgan, HRANA, Qazvin, Shahrekord

HRANA – Amid an unprecedented surge in executions in recent months, HRANA and Iran Human Rights have reported the execution of dozens of prisoners in multiple prisons across Iran in recent days.

According to HRANA, on Sunday, November 9, a prisoner named Allahkaram Nazari was executed on murder charges in Dezful Prison. On the same day, Dariush Amini in Ilam Prison and Seyed Mohammad Haeri in Saveh Prison were also executed on murder charges.
Iran Human Rights additionally reported that Hassan Hajizadeh, 30, from Semnan, was executed in Semnan Prison. Hajizadeh had been arrested a year earlier on charges of possessing three kilograms of narcotics and later sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court.

On Monday, November 10, HRANA reported the execution of Shahab Nazemi in Bojnourd Prison and two prisoners in Qazvin Prison, one of whom has been identified only as Shahriar, all on drug-related charges. On the same day, a prisoner identified as Ghasemi (first name unknown) was executed in Damghan Prison, Behzad Zeidi in Zanjan Prison, Noushad Mousavi on murder charges in Chabahar Prison, and Milad Nemati on murder charges in Jiroft Prison.
Iran Human Rights also reported the execution of Abdolrahman Mehrbani, 57, in Gorgan Prison, on murder charges. Mehrbani had been arrested about six years ago for murder during a dispute over farmland and was later sentenced to death.

On Tuesday, November 11, Shahin Saleh was executed in Birjand Prison on murder charges, Khodayar Joghtai in Sabzevar Prison (charges unknown), Omid Beqlani in Sepidar Prison, Ahvaz, on murder charges, Mostafa Al-Khamis on murder charges in Bushehr Prison, Kaka Morad Panahi on drug-related charges in Kashmar Prison, and Arash Karimi on drug-related charges in Ardabil Prison.
Iran Human Rights also reported that Vahid Fazeli, 42, was executed in Lakan Prison, Rasht, on murder charges.

On Wednesday, November 12, HRANA reported the execution of Mehdi Moridi in Aligudarz Prison and Nezam Saeedi in Kerman Prison, both on murder charges.
Iran Human Rights also confirmed the execution of Saeed Mokhtari, 35, from Jahrom, and Shahrokh Mostafavi, 40, a father of one from Karaj, in Dastgerd Prison, Isfahan, both on drug-related charges.

Finally, on Thursday, a prisoner named Ali Safa Niazi was executed in Shahrekord Prison on murder charges.

As of the time of this report, the executions of these prisoners have not yet been announced by prison officials or judicial authorities.

Court of Appeals Upholds Prison and Flogging Sentences for Masoud Vazifeh and Sohrab Hassan-Khani

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ekbatan Town case, Masoud Vazifeh, Sohrab Hassan-Khani, سهراب حسن خانی, مسعود وظیفه

HRANA – The Tehran Province Court of Appeals has upheld the sentences of Masoud Vazifeh and Sohrab Hassan-Khani in full. The two citizens had previously been sentenced by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court to a combined total of six years and eight months in prison, 114 lashes, and a fine of 100 million tomans.

Masoud Vazifeh received one year in prison for “propaganda against the regime,” one year in prison and 74 lashes for “disturbing public order and peace,” and two years in prison plus a 50 million toman fine for “spreading false information.”

Sohrab Hassan Khani received eight months in prison and 40 lashes for “disturbing public order and peace,” and two years in prison plus a 50 million toman fine for “spreading false information.”

The initial verdicts were issued on April 20, 2025, by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari. Mr. Vazifeh’s subsequent appeal for retrial was later rejected.

Both men had been released from Evin Prison on bail, Vazifeh on February 5, 2025, and Hassan Khani on December 30, 2024.

They were originally arrested by security forces in December 2024 for staging a sit-in protest against death sentences issued for defendants in the so-called “Ekbatan Town case.” Following their arrest, they were transferred to The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility (Ward 209 of Evin Prison).

Masoud Vazifeh has previously faced arrest and judicial prosecution due to his civil activities.

Maryam Abbasi Nikoo Arrested

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Freedom of Expression, News
Bita Shafiei, irgc, IRGC Intelligence, Maryam Abbasi Nikoo, Shahin-Shahr, مریم عباسی نیکو

HRANA – On Monday, November 10, Maryam Abbasi Nikoo, a resident of Shahin Shahr, was arrested by agents of the IRGC Intelligence Organization and taken to an undisclosed location.

Her daughter, Bita Shafiei, reported that around 2 p.m., IRGC Intelligence agents entered their home, arrested her mother, and transferred her to an unknown location. Shafiei stated that the agents caused damage to household items during the raid.

As of this report, no information has been released regarding the reasons for Abbasi Nikoo’s arrest, the charges against her, or her current whereabouts.

Maryam Abbasi Nikoo, a resident of Shahin Shahr, is the mother of Bita Shafiei, a student previously arrested by security forces during protests over the mass poisoning of students in Shahin Shahr and later released. Abbasi Nikoo has also faced prior arrests and judicial proceedings related to her activism.