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Khashayar Sefidi Transferred to Evin Prison to Serve Sentence

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Freedom of Expression, News, Students
Evin Prison, Khashayar Sefidi, Toomaj Salehi, خشایار سفیدی

On Saturday, November 16, 2024, Khashayar Sefidi, an expelled graduate student from Tehran University of Art, was transferred to Evin Prison to serve a one-year prison sentence.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, Mr. Sefidi, 32 years old, was detained after reporting to the Sentences Enforcement Branch of the Shahre Qods Prosecutor’s Office.

The Revolutionary Court had sentenced Mr. Sefidi to one year in prison on July 2, 2024, on charges of “propaganda against the Islamic Republic.” This conviction stemmed from a three-day sit-in protest he staged in solidarity with imprisoned artist Toomaj Salehi at the House of Music.

Earlier this year, Mr. Sefidi was expelled from Tehran University of Art, where he had been pursuing a master’s degree in music. Prior to his expulsion, the university’s disciplinary committee had suspended him for one term.

Toomaj Aryankia Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

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News, Religious Minorities
Christian Azadegan Party, Karaj, Toomaj Aryankia, Toumaj Aryankia

Toomaj Aryankia, a Christian convert, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison and a 2-year ban on social activities by the Revolutionary Court in Karaj.

According to HRANA, citing Mohabat News, Mr. Aryankia was convicted by Branch 3 of the Revolutionary Court of Karaj, presided over by Judge Mostafa Narimani. He was charged with “propaganda against the Islamic Republic,” “collaboration with hostile governments,” and “membership in anti-regime groups.”

The report states that Aryankia’s request for retrial was rejected by the judge, prompting him to appeal the verdict. He is currently awaiting the appellate court’s decision.

The Christian convert was arrested on October 24, 2022, after his home was searched by security forces, who confiscated copies of the “Bible” and some personal items. He was released shortly after on a bail of 5 billion tomans.

Toomaj Aryankia, a member of the “Christian Azadegan Party (AMA)” and the “Pan-Iranist” group, has previously faced security-related confrontations due to his activities.

Jebreil Pakrooh Sentenced to Six Months for Spreading Falsehoods

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Freedom of Expression, News
Farhad Pakrooh, HRANA, Jebreil Pakrooh, Tabriz, جبرئیل پاک روح

Jebreil Pakrooh, a resident of Tabriz, has been sentenced to six months of imprisonment by the Criminal Court in Tabriz.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, Mr. Pakrooh was sentenced in absentia by Branch 109 of the Second Criminal Court of Tabriz. The charges stem from “spreading falsehoods on the Internet,” for which he received a six-month prison sentence. Additionally, the court ordered him to “publishing a statement retracting his false information and issuing a formal apology through an official news outlet.”

The case against Mr. Pakrooh was initiated following a complaint filed by Ali Abbaszadeh, an official in The Law Enforcement Command of the East Azerbaijan Provincial Police.

A source close to Mr. Pakrooh’s family told HRANA: “In 2021, Mr. Pakrooh was arrested over a financial case. During his detention, he was beaten by officers from the Criminal Investigation Department. He later experienced severe dizziness, prompting medical examinations that revealed he had suffered internal bleeding in his head due to blows inflicted during his detention. He underwent urgent surgery to remove the clotted blood, but the complications persist. He has now lost the ability to walk and suffers from blurred vision and motor issues in his hands.”

The source added: “After being beaten by officers at the Criminal Investigation Department, Mr. Pakrooh filed a complaint against them. Concurrently, he posted online content protesting the officers’ violence. This ultimately led to the complaint by the Legal Affairs Office of the East Azerbaijan Provincial Police against him.”

Jebreil Pakrooh, a resident of Tabriz, was arrested by security forces on Monday, May 13, 2024, and released on bail a day later.

Pakrooh, aged around 59, is the father of Farhad Pakrooh, an Azerbaijani-Turk activist. He has previously faced security-related confrontations due to his own and his son’s activities.

 

Pedram Jamali, Political Prisoner, Serving Three-Year Sentence in Evin Prison

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News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, Pedram Jamali

Pedram Jamali, a political prisoner, is serving his prison sentence in Evin Prison. He was previously sentenced to three years in prison by judicial authorities.

Mr. Jamali was convicted by the Revolutionary Court on charges of “assembly and collusion to act against national security” through cooperation with opposition groups. He was sentenced to three years in prison.

On July 10, 2023, Jamali was transferred to Evin Prison to begin serving his sentence.

Pedram Jamali is a resident of Tehran.

22-Year-Old Man Executed in Salmas Prison

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Executions, News
HRANA, Omid Sheikh Kanlou Milan, Salmas

Omid Sheikh Kanlou Milan, a 22-year-old man previously sentenced to death on charges of forced same-sex relations, was executed in Salmas Prison on Wednesday, November 13. The execution was carried out despite the plaintiff in the case having pardoned him, as the judge insisted on implementing the sentence based on the “public aspect of the crime.”

HRANA’s sources report that Mr. Sheikh Kanlou Milan was arrested about a year ago following a complaint by “A.M.” (identity withheld by HRANA), a teacher-soldier and member of the Basij militia. He was accused of forced same-sex relations and sentenced to death by the Khoy Criminal Court. Despite the plaintiff officially pardoning him in recent weeks, the judge insisted on proceeding with the execution due to the public nature of the offense.

A relative of the executed man told HRANA: “Since the plaintiff had pardoned him, the family hoped the execution would not take place. His mother and other relatives, who had waited outside Salmas Prison since 4 a.m. on Wednesday, were informed at 9 a.m. that the sentence had been carried out.”

As of the time of this report, the execution has not been publicly confirmed by prison officials or relevant authorities.

According to latest HRANA’s annual report over between October 10, 2023, and October 8, 2024, at least 811 individuals were executed by hanging in Iran, rising to 23.06% compared to the same period last year. Of these executions, four were carried out in public. Many of the defendants were denied a fair trial.

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Kourosh Jalil Sentenced to One Year in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Boyer-Ahmad, Kourosh Jalil, Yasuj

Kourosh Jalil has been sentenced to one year in prison by the Revolutionary Court of Boyer-Ahmad County.

According to HRANA, the news agency of the Human Rights Activists in Iran, the verdict was recently issued and officially communicated to Mr. Jalil. He was convicted of “continuous propaganda against the regime.”

This is not the only case against Mr. Jalil. In late September, he was sentenced to three years in prison by Branch 101 of the Criminal Court of Boyer-Ahmad County. That ruling was based on charges of “participating in an illegal gathering,” “propaganda against the Islamic Republic,” “insulting the Supreme Leader,” and “blasphemy through his Instagram activities.”

HRANA’s sources indicate that another hearing is scheduled for November 5 in Branch 108 of the Criminal Court of Boyer-Ahmad County. This session will address additional charges of “propaganda against the regime” and “spreading false information online to disturb public opinion.”

Jalil was first arrested on May 24 this year by agents of the Yasuj Ministry of Intelligence. After a brief period in The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, he was transferred to Yasuj Prison. He was later released on bail on June 24.

Jalil, a 43-year-old resident of Yasuj, has previously encountered law enforcement and undergone prior arrest due to his activism.

Revolutionary Court of Isfahan Sentences 22 Political Defendants to 161 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Amir Ajamian, Amir Salari, Bahar Soleimani, Erfan Khalilian, Hoda Sadeghi, Kian Talebi, Marjan Beshtam, Maryam Farhang, Mehrshad Borjiyan, Mehshad Kashani, Mina Nedaei, Minoo Heidari, Mohammad Sokhanvar, Mohammad Tavakoli, Mohammadreza Ghotbizadeh, Parsa Haji Aghaei, Pouya Dana, Pouya Talebian, Roozbeh Dana, Shamim Baharzadeh, Sima Torkian, Zeinab Parandeh

Judge Mohammad Tavakoli of Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court in Isfahan has sentenced 22 political defendants to a total of 161 years in prison along with additional penalties.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, the defendants were sentenced based on charges related to their political activities.

The court orally delivered the sentences in early-November. Samaneh (Sama) Amooshahi received 23 years in prison; Marjan Beshtam and Minoo Heidari each received 11 years; Shamim Baharzadeh received 8 years; and 17 others, including Mehshad Kashani, Hoda Sadeghi, Erfan Khalilian, Mehrshad Borjian, Pouya Talebian, Maryam Farhang, Kian Talebi, Mina Nedaei, Roozbeh Dana, Pouya Dana, Bahar Soleimani, Mohammadreza Ghotbizadeh, Sima Torkian, Zeinab (Maryam) Parandeh, Mohammad Sokhanvar, Amir Ajamian, Parsa Haji Aghaei, and Amir Salari, were each sentenced to 6 years.
Additionally, all 22 defendants were sentenced to two years of travel bans and restrictions on online activities as complementary punishments.

Details of Sentences for Each Individual:

  1. Samaneh (Sama) Amooshahi
    Samaneh suffers from thyroid cancer and was denied medical care during her detention. She was sentenced to:

    • 10 years for forming a group to disrupt national security,
    • 1 year for propaganda against the regime,
    • 2 years for insulting the Supreme Leader,
    • 5 years for membership in groups aimed at disrupting national security,
    • 5 years for inciting people to violence with the intent to disrupt national security.

    Under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the most severe punishment, 10 years, is enforceable. Of this, 8 years have been suspended for 5 years.

  2. Marjan Beshtam
    A 43-year-old and the sole provider for her family, Marjan was sentenced to:

    • 10 years for forming a group to disrupt national security,
    • 1 year for propaganda against the regime.

    Under Article 134, the 10-year sentence is enforceable, with 8 years suspended for 5 years.

  3. Minoo Heidari
    Minoo was sentenced to:

    • 1 year for propaganda against the regime,
    • 5 years for membership in groups aimed at disrupting national security,
    • 5 years for inciting people to violence with the intent to disrupt national security.

    Under Article 134, the 5-year sentence is enforceable, with 4 years and 6 months suspended for 10 years.

  4. Shamim Baharzadeh
    Shamim was sentenced to:

    • 5 years for membership in groups aimed at disrupting national security,
    • 1 year for propaganda against the regime,
    • 2 years for insulting the Supreme Leader.

    Under Article 134, the 5-year sentence is enforceable, with 4 years and 6 months suspended for 10 years.

  5. Hoda Sadeghi and the rest of the defendants
    Sadeghi and others were sentenced to:

    • 5 years for membership in groups aimed at disrupting national security,
    • 1 year for propaganda against the regime.

    Under Article 134, the 5-year sentence is enforceable, with 4 years and 6 months suspended for 10 years.

The trial took place on October 8, 2023, in the Revolutionary Court in Isfahan, presided over by Judge Tavakoli. According to a source close to one of the families, the hearing was conducted publicly for all 22 defendants simultaneously in the court’s prayer hall due to space limitations.

The defendants were arrested on different dates in 2023. Several, including Maryam Parandeh, Mina Nedaei, her husband Roozbeh Dana, and others, were detained by security forces on July 11. Maryam Farhang and Pouya Talebian were arrested on August 6, and Mehrshad Borjian and Pouya Dana on August 2 in Isfahan.

During interrogations, male defendants were reportedly beaten by an interrogator known as “Doctor,” while female defendants faced psychological abuse.

The cases were initially investigated by Branch 13 of the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office of Isfahan, presided over by Investigator Ali Sabbagh, before being referred to the Revolutionary Court.

The defendants were eventually released on bail from various detention centers, including Dastgerd and Dolatabad Prisons, the Juvenile Correction Center, and the Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility in Isfahan.

Urmia Prison: Three Prisoners Transferred to Solitary for Execution

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Executions, News
HRANA, Urmia prison

Early this morning, November 14, three prisoners in Urmia Prison, previously sentenced to death on drug-related charges, were transferred to solitary confinement in preparation for the execution of their sentences.

According to HRANA, the news agency of the Human Rights Activists in Iran, the transfer of these prisoners took place today, Thursday, November 14, for the implementation of their death sentences.

Further details, including the identities of the prisoners, are under investigation by HRANA.

According to latest HRANA’s annual report over between October 10, 2023, and October 8, 2024, at least 811 individuals were executed by hanging in Iran, rising to 23.06% compared to the same period last year. Of these executions, four were carried out in public. Many of the defendants were denied a fair trial.

727 Days of Silence: The Ongoing Detention of Osman Mameh

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News, Prisoners
Bukan, HRANA, Osman Mame, Osman Mameh, Urmia, عثمان مامه

Osman Mameh, a 55-year-old resident of Bukan, has been held in detention for 727 days without any clear explanation from authorities. The prolonged lack of communication about his condition has left his family and relatives deeply concerned.

A source close to Mameh’s family told HRANA: “Despite nearly two years since his arrest and continuous efforts by his family to seek answers from security and judicial authorities in cities such as Bukan, Urmia, Karaj, and Tehran, no clear information has been provided. Mr. Mameh has not been allowed any contact with his family since his detention, which has only intensified their fears. Security officials have merely stated that he is alive and that the family would have been informed if he had died.”

Mameh was arrested by security forces on November 18, 2022, in Bukan.

As of this report, no details have been disclosed about the reasons for his arrest, the location of his detention, or the charges brought against him.

Teacher Union Activist Mohammad Hassan Poure Arrested

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Labor and Guilds, News
Evin Prison, Mohammad Hassan Poure, محمد حسن پوره

Today, November 13, Mohammad Hassan Poure, a teacher union activist, was arrested by security forces and transferred to Evin Prison.

According to the Coordination Council of Iranian Teachers’ Trade Associations, Mohammad Hassan Poure was detained on Wednesday, November 13. Security forces reportedly entered his home to carry out the arrest before transferring him to Evin Prison.

The reasons for his arrest and the charges against him remain unknown at this time.

Mohammad Hassan Poure has a history of prior arrests and judicial encounters related to his activism.

In 2023, the Department of Statistics of Human Rights Activists in Iran documented 1,700 reports related to the rights of trade unions and associations. This included 53 individuals who received sentences totaling 1,230 months of imprisonment.