HRANA – Neda Dadehjani and Setayesh (Behnoosh) Sarabi, two residents of Qorveh who were arrested in connection with the January 2026 protests, have been sentenced by the Revolutionary and Criminal Courts of Qorveh to a combined total of six years in prison, 62 lashes, and four years of internal exile to Nik Shahr County.
According to HRANA, citing Kolbar News, two citizens in Qorveh have been sentenced to prison, flogging, and internal exile.
According to the report, Branch 102 of the Qorveh Criminal Court convicted Neda Dadehjani and Setayesh (Behnoosh) Sarabi on the charge of “disrupting public order and peace.” Each was sentenced to one year in prison, 31 lashes, and two years of internal exile to Nik Shahr County.
In a separate part of their case, Branch One of the Qorveh Revolutionary Court convicted both women of “assembly and collusion to commit crimes against national security,” sentencing each to an additional two years in prison.
Based on the final ruling, each woman received a sentence of three years’ imprisonment, 31 lashes, and two years of internal exile. Under the final judgment, two years of each prison sentence are enforceable.
The two women were arrested by security forces in connection with the nationwide protests held in January 2026.
Neda Dadehjani, who is active in theater, had previously won an award at a regional theater festival for persons with disabilities. Setayesh (Behnoosh) Sarabi is a resident of Qorveh.
HRANA – The death sentence issued against Ali Fattah (Kamali), arrested during the January 2026 protests, has been overturned by the Supreme Court. He had previously been sentenced to death by Judge Iman Afshari.
According to HRANA, the Supreme Court has overturned the death sentence imposed on Ali Fattah (Kamali), one of the detainees arrested during the January 2026 protests.
Based on information received by HRANA, the Supreme Court overturned the political prisoner’s death sentence some time ago.
A source familiar with the case told HRANA: “Following the onset of serious mental health issues, Ali Fattah (Kamali) is currently hospitalized at Razi Psychiatric Teaching and Treatment Hospital (Aminabad). He had previously been transferred to the same facility once before to receive medical treatment.”
Ali Fattah (Kamali) was arrested in Tehran on January 12, 2026, during the nationwide protests. Holding a Malaysian student residence permit, he had returned to Iran only a few days before his arrest.
Following his arrest, he was held at Greater Tehran Penitentiary before being transferred to Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj in late June.
In May of this year, Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, sentenced him to death on the charge of “enmity against God” (moharebeh).
It should be noted that 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.
HRANA – Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court has sentenced Baha’i citizen Shideh Tavakkoli to 11 years in prison, permanent deprivation of employment in government and public service, and a monetary fine. The court also ordered the confiscation of part of her property.
According to HRANA, Shideh Tavakkoli has been sentenced to imprisonment and additional punishments.
According to the ruling issued by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, Ms. Tavakkoli was sentenced to 10 years in prison, permanent deprivation of employment in government and public service, and a fine of 3.3 billion rials (330 million tomans) on charges of membership in anti-state groups and propaganda activities contrary to Islamic law. She was also sentenced to one additional year in prison on the charge of propaganda against the state.
The court further ordered the confiscation of two properties belonging to her in Tehran, valued at 18.7 billion tomans, as well as part of her personal belongings, including electronic devices, books, and religious items.
The verdict was issued by the court on May 20, 2026, and served on Ms. Tavakkoli on May 26, 2026.
Shideh Tavakkoli was arrested by security forces at her home in Tehran on May 27, 2025. After the completion of interrogations, she was temporarily released from prison on bail.
Over the past decade, Iran’s Baha’i community has been subjected to more security-related and judicial persecution than any other religious minority in the country. According to annual reports published by HRA, 62.41% of all reported violations of the rights of religious minorities during the past calendar year involved Baha’is, on average.
HRANA – On Friday, July 17, Shahab Soleimani, a lawyer, along with Khalil Parandak and Idris Golmohammadi, residents of Ravansar, were arrested by agents of the IRGC Intelligence Organization in the city and transferred to an undisclosed location.
According to a report by HRANA, citing Kolbar News, three citizens have been arrested in Ravansar, Kermanshah province.
The identities of the detainees have been reported as Shahab Soleimani, a lawyer, and Khalil Parandak and Idris Golmohammadi.
According to the report, Shahab Soleimani, Khalil Parandak, and Idris Golmohammadi were arrested on Friday, July 17, by agents of the IRGC Intelligence Organization in Ravansar County.
As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the reasons for their arrests, the charges brought against them, or their place of detention.
HRANA – The death sentences of six prisoners previously convicted on drug-related and murder charges have been carried out in Tabriz and Shushtar prisons.
According to the Iran Human Rights Organization, a prisoner was executed at Shushtar Prison in the early hours of Wednesday, July 15. He has been identified as Amin Khodari Mirghaed, 28.
According to the report, Mr. Mirghaed had been arrested approximately four and a half years ago on murder charges and was subsequently sentenced to death by the judiciary.
The death sentences of five other prisoners were also carried out at Tabriz Prison. The prisoners have been identified as:
• Javad Abolfathi, 36, from Tabriz;
• Ezzat Khosrownejad, approximately 30, from Hashtrud;
• Sohrab Nourmohammadi, 40, from Jolfa;
• Sajjad Alizadeh, 31, from Varzaqan; and
• Fardin Barnal, 31, from Tabriz.
According to the report, Nourmohammadi, Alizadeh, and Bernal were executed in the early hours of Tuesday, July 14, at Tabriz Prison. They had been arrested in separate cases on drug-related charges and later sentenced to death by Revolutionary Courts.
Additionally, Javad Abolfathi and Ezzat Khosrownejad were executed at Tabriz Prison in the early hours of Monday, July 13. Abolfathi had been arrested nine years ago and Khosrownejad two years ago, in separate murder cases, and were subsequently sentenced to death by judicial authorities.
It should be noted that three other prisoners, Abdolreza Heydari, Mehdi Latifi, and Salman Kakehkhani, who had also previously been sentenced to death in separate cases involving drug-related and murder charges, were executed during the same two-day period. Including the five prisoners named above, the total number of executions carried out at Tabriz Prison over those two days has risen to eight.
At the time of publication, prison officials and the relevant authorities had not officially announced these executions.
According to HRA’s Annual Report, in 2025 at least 2,063 citizens, including 61 women and 2 juvenile offenders, were executed. Of these, the sentences of 11 individuals were carried out in public. During the same period, 172 other individuals were sentenced to death.
HRANA – HRANA has obtained information regarding the case of 16 citizens arrested in connection with the January 2026 protests, a case referred to as the “Isfahan Shohada Square Case.” HRANA has so far verified the identities of 12 of the defendants. Several of these citizens are facing charges of moharebeh (enmity against God), an accusation that carries severe criminal consequences, including the possibility of a death sentence.
According to HRANA, judicial proceedings are underway against 16 citizens arrested in connection with the January 2026 protests in a case known as the “Isfahan Shohada Square Case.”
Note: The “Isfahan Shohada Square Case” should not be confused with the separate “Isfahan Alikhani Square Case.” Although the two cases involve a similar number of defendants and comparable charges, they are distinct judicial proceedings. In the Alikhani Square case, several defendants were sentenced to death.
HRANA has verified the identities of 12 of the defendants. They are:
• Ahmadreza Saeedi
• Navid Elyasi
• Abolfazl Dadgostar
• Mehdi Mansouri
• Hamed Mehralian
• Mehdi Asadi
• Three brothers: Milad Boveyri, Mehrdad Boveyri, and Ali Boveyri
• Two 20-year-old twin sisters: Taraneh Rahimi and Romina Rahimi
• Setayesh Saedi
These citizens are currently being held in Dastgerd Prison and Dowlatabad Prison in Isfahan. The identities of the remaining four defendants had not been verified by HRANA at the time of publication.
Hearing Held at Dastgerd Prison
According to information received by HRANA, the hearing for all 16 defendants was held on July 13, at Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan. The proceedings were video recorded.
Judge Morteza Barati and Judge Mohammadreza Tavakkoli presided over the hearing. An individual identified by the surname Kheirollahi attended the session as the prosecutor’s representative.
According to information obtained by HRANA, the case was registered with Branch 5 of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court. However, it has been adjudicated by judges from Branch One of the Revolutionary Court in the city.
Most of the defendants are accused of moharebeh through the use of bladed weapons, destruction of public property amounting to “moharebeh”, “assembly and collusion against national security,” and “propaganda against the regime.”
Defense Lawyers Denied Full Access to the Case File
Before the hearing, defense attorneys were denied access to the majority of the case file and were not given the opportunity to fully review the documents, evidence, and other materials contained in it.
In response to these restrictions, the defense lawyers objected and requested sufficient time to examine the case file, as well as a postponement of the court’s verdict.
A source close to the families of several defendants told HRANA:
“The lawyers’ access to the case file was restricted, and they were unable to review all of the documents and evidence before the hearing.”
Restricting defense lawyers’ access to the contents of the case file—particularly in a case in which several defendants face the charge of moharebeh (enmity against God) and the risk of severe punishments—can seriously undermine the right to an effective defense, adequate time and facilities to prepare that defense, and the guarantees of a fair trial.
Differences in the Charges Against Some Defendants
According to HRANA’s investigations and documentation, two of the defendants have been charged with aiding and abetting moharebeh and aiding and abetting the destruction of public property.
The charges against Setayesh Saedi also differ from those brought against several of the other defendants. The principal charge in her case is “assembly and collusion against national security.” Based on the evidence contained in the case file, her defense lawyers have requested that she be acquitted.
Several Defendants Connected to Shoe Stores in Shohada Square
According to information obtained by HRANA, the events underlying this case originated in the vicinity of several shoe stores in Shohada Square in Isfahan. Most of the defendants either owned or worked at these stores.
Among the defendants are three brothers, Milad Booari, Mehrdad Booari, and Ali Booari. Milad Booari owned a shoe store in Isfahan, while his two brothers and their mother worked at the same shop. Taraneh Rahimi and Ahmadreza Saeedi were also employees of that store.
Taraneh and Romina Rahimi, twin sisters, are also among the defendants.
Defendant Alleges Torture During Interrogation
During the court hearing, Ahmadreza Saeedi told the judges that he had been subjected to torture while under interrogation.
According to his testimony, the investigating judge personally used an electric stun gun to inflict injuries to his neck and genitals.
At the time of publication, it remains unclear whether a formal complaint has been filed regarding Mr. Saeedi’s allegations or whether an independent investigation has been opened to examine the torture claims and identify those allegedly responsible.
Given the nature and severity of the conduct described, the allegations raised by the defendant require a prompt, independent, impartial, and effective investigation. Furthermore, any statements or confessions that may have been obtained through torture, threats, or other forms of ill-treatment should not be relied upon in judicial proceedings or used as the basis for a conviction.
Uncertainty Surrounding the Defendants’ Alleged Connection to the Deaths of Two Individuals
During the January 2026 protests, two individuals lost their lives in the vicinity of Shohada Square in Isfahan. These events ultimately led to the judicial case known as the “Isfahan Shohada Square Case.”
One of the deceased was identified as a member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), while the other was described as a homeless man.
20-year-old Taraneh Rahimi
According to information obtained by HRANA, the indictment issued against the defendants does not include any specific murder charges related to the deaths of these two individuals. Instead, the proceedings have focused on charges including moharebeh (enmity against God), destruction of public property, assembly and collusion against national security, and propaganda against the regime.
A source familiar with the case told HRANA that, during the hearing, no evidence was presented specifically establishing the defendants’ involvement in the deaths of the two individuals.
The source further stated that the location where the IRGC member died was separate from the area where several of the defendants were working near the shoe stores, and that, according to the available information, no connection has been established between those defendants and the incident that resulted in his death.
Regarding the second victim, the same source said that a video found on the mobile phones of several defendants shows Taraneh Rahimi urging those present not to assault the homeless man while a group of individuals was attacking him.
According to information received by HRANA, this video has been included among the evidence in the case file.
In light of the absence of any specific murder charges in the indictment, and the available information indicating that no evidence was presented linking the defendants to the deaths of these two individuals, attributing legal responsibility for those deaths to the defendants would be without legal basis.
Background on the January 2026 Protests
It should be noted that 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.
HRANA – Alireza Sepahi and Abolfazl Sepahi, two death row prisoners in the case known as the “Alikhani Square case” in Isfahan, have been held in solitary confinement at Dastgerd Prison since the early hours of Saturday. Their transfer to solitary confinement, a family visit that relatives believe was a “final visit,” and the execution of two other defendants in the same case at dawn today have intensified concerns that their death sentences may be carried out imminently. Information received by HRANA also indicates that the defendants and their lawyer were denied effective access to the case file, that the court failed to consider exculpatory evidence, and that allegations of coercion and torture during the investigation were never examined.
According to HRANA, Alireza Sepahi, aged approximately 25, and Abolfazl Sepahi, aged approximately 23, were taken from the general ward of Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan at 5:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, and transferred to solitary confinement.
The two prisoners are first cousins. One is married to the other’s sister, making them both cousins and brothers-in-law. They were arrested on January 10, 2026, in connection with the nationwide January protests.
According to information received by HRANA, the death sentences against Alireza and Abolfazl Sepahi were recently upheld by Iran’s highest judicial authority. However, their families remain unaware of the full details of the charges, the evidence in the case, and the judicial proceedings, while their lawyer has also been denied full access to the case file.
A source close to the families told HRANA:
“The lawyer said that after the death sentence was issued, an appeal was filed, and the verdict was later upheld by the Supreme Court. But even the lawyer was never given full access to the case file or a meaningful opportunity to pursue the case. Everywhere we go, no one provides any answers.”
According to the source, the lawyer was not permitted to photograph or obtain a copy of the verdict and was only allowed to take handwritten notes from portions of the ruling. As a result, the families remain unaware of the precise charges, the evidence relied upon by the court, and the details of the judgments issued against all defendants in the case.
The trial hearings for Alireza and Abolfazl Sepahi were held inside the prison via videoconference. According to the family source, the court failed to consider exculpatory evidence submitted by the defendants and their families during the proceedings.
The source said that CCTV footage and other evidence show that Alireza and Abolfazl Sepahi were not present at Alikhani Square at the time of the incident cited in the case and were elsewhere. Nevertheless, the presiding judge, Morteza Barati, issued death sentences against them, ordering Alireza to be executed four times and Abolfazl three times,without conducting an effective examination of this evidence.
The source added:
“There is video footage showing that they were somewhere else at that date and time, but Judge Morteza Barati ignored it. During family visits, Alireza repeatedly said, ‘We didn’t do anything. We weren’t there.'”
According to information received by HRANA, several other defendants in the same case have stated that they were subjected to pressure and torture during interrogations to force them to confirm that Alireza and Abolfazl Sepahi had been present at Alikhani Square.
The family source said that several defendants currently held in Dowlatabad Prison claimed investigators presented them with a pre-written statement and instructed them to confirm Alireza Sepahi’s presence at the scene. According to the source, they stated that they had been pressured to falsely identify both Alireza and Abolfazl Sepahi as being at the location of the incident.
Although these allegations were raised during the judicial proceedings, information received by HRANA indicates that no independent or effective investigation was conducted into the allegations of torture, ill-treatment, or coerced statements. The court also failed to conduct any transparent review of the reliability of the disputed statements or the circumstances under which they were obtained.
Under fair trial standards, any allegation of torture or ill-treatment must be investigated promptly, independently, and impartially, and any statement obtained through torture or coercion must not be admitted as evidence against a defendant. The lack of effective access to legal counsel and the case file, the court’s failure to consider exculpatory evidence, and the absence of any investigation into torture allegations have raised serious concerns regarding the defendants’ fundamental rights, particularly given that the sentences imposed carry the death penalty.
Meanwhile, according to information received by HRANA, Somayeh, the mother of one of the prisoners, who is herself serving a five-year prison sentence in the women’s ward of Isfahan Prison, was transferred to the men’s prison to visit her son and son-in-law. The circumstances of the visit, combined with the prisoners’ transfer to solitary confinement, have led their families to fear that it was arranged as a final visit before the executions.
The families’ last regular visit with Alireza and Abolfazl Sepahi took place approximately one month ago.
Unconfirmed reports received by HRANA also indicate that Alireza and Abolfazl Sepahi are among the first prisoners whose death sentences may be carried out. HRANA has not been able to independently verify these reports. However, their transfer to solitary confinement, together with the execution of two other defendants in the same case, has significantly heightened the families’ concerns.
At dawn today, Erfan Esfandiari and Gol-Mohammad Mohammadi, two other defendants sentenced to death in the Alikhani Square case, were executed in Isfahan. Their executions, carried out shortly after Alireza and Abolfazl Sepahi were transferred to solitary confinement, have intensified fears that the remaining death sentences in the case may soon be carried out.
At the trial court stage, 15 defendants in this case were sentenced to death. According to information provided by the defense lawyer, the death sentence of one defendant was overturned by the higher judicial authority, while the death sentences of the remaining 14 defendants were upheld.
In addition to Alireza Sepahi, Abolfazl Sepahi, Erfan Esfandiari, and Gol-Mohammad Mohammadi, HRANA has confirmed the identities of eight other individuals sentenced to death in this case: Ghaem Hosseini, Shervin Bagherian, Amirhossein Safari, Amirhossein Maleki, Ali Dashti, Abolfazl Ebrahimi, Alireza Raeisi, and Amirhossein Ebrahimi Analoucheh.
HRANA is continuing to investigate the case, including the identities of the remaining three defendants sentenced to death.
The family source also described the circumstances of Alireza Sepahi’s arrest, stating that security forces fired numerous rounds as they entered the family home, causing extensive damage to the building and its contents.
According to the source, bullet marks remain visible on the house, in the alley, and on the rooftop. Several months later, only the shattered windows have been replaced. Due to financial hardship, Alireza’s family has been unable to fully repair the home or replace the damaged belongings. Alireza’s father is a municipal employee.
It should be noted that 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.
HRANA – Fariba Hosseini, a resident of Shiraz, has been sentenced by Branch 1 of the Shiraz Revolutionary Court to nine years and nine months of discretionary imprisonment, along with additional punishments.
According to HRANA, Fariba Hosseini has been sentenced to imprisonment.
According to a ruling issued on July 7, 2026, by Branch 1 of the Shiraz Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Sadati, and recently served on Ms. Hosseini, she was sentenced to six years in prison on the charge of “assembly and collusion to commit a crime against national security through supporting calls issued by groups opposed to the regime,” 30 months in prison for “insulting the Supreme Leader,” and 15 months in prison for “propaganda against the regime.” She was also sentenced to a two-year ban on leaving the country, including the revocation of her passport, as well as a two-year ban on online activities.
Notably, in this case, the court imposed sentences up to one-quarter above the maximum penalties prescribed by law for each charge. The ruling cites Articles 134 and 137 of the Islamic Penal Code, under which a judge may increase the statutory maximum sentence for each offense by up to one-quarter. The court also ruled that, among the sentences imposed, only the harshest sentence is enforceable.
Ms. Hosseini had previously stood trial before the Revolutionary Court earlier this year. After the initial ruling was issued and the case was referred to the Legal Medicine Organization for evaluation, she declined to appear for the required examination. The case was subsequently reheard by the Shiraz Revolutionary Court, resulting in the issuance of the recent ruling.
Ms. Hosseini was arrested in January 2026 in Shiraz and was released from Adelabad Prison in March 2026 after posting bail.
Fariba Hosseini, a resident of Shiraz, has previously been arrested and convicted on other occasions.
HRANA – Paria Dadgar Safa, one of the defendants in connection with the January 2026 nationwide protests, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison by the Tehran Province Court of Appeals. Four years of the sentence have been suspended.
According to HRANA, Paria Dadgar Safahas been sentenced to imprisonment.
Based on information received by HRANA, Branch 36 of the Tehran Province Court of Appeals sentenced Ms. Dadgar Safa to 10 years in prison, with four years of the sentence suspended. She had previously been sentenced to 10 years in prison in the initial trial by Branch 28 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Mohammad-Reza Amouzad.
Ribwar Marabi, another defendant in the same case, was also handed a similar sentence. The cases of both defendants have been referred to the Evin Prosecutor’s Office Enforcement of Judgments Branch for implementation of the sentences.
The case against Ms. Dadgarsafa stems from the January 2026 protests.
It should be noted that 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.
HRANA – Ehsan Ghadiri, a former political prisoner, has been sentenced to one year in prison by Branch 7 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.
According to HRANA, Ehsan Ghadiri has been sentenced to imprisonment.
According to a ruling issued by Branch 7 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court on July 12, 2026, and formally served on Mr. Ghadiri yesterday, he was sentenced to one year in prison on the charge of propaganda against the regime.
The court hearing on Mr. Ghadiri’s case was held on July 11, 2026, before the same branch.
Mr. Ghadiri was violently arrested at a checkpoint in Tehran on April 2, 2026, and transferred to Greater Tehran Penitentiary. He was ultimately released on April 25, 2026, after posting bail.
Ehsan Ghadiri was previously released from Evin Prison in September 2024 after completing a one-year prison sentence.
