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Prisoner Executed in Bandar Abbas Prison

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Executions, News
Bandar Abbas prison, Hamidreza Hasan-Zahi Thani, Zahedan

At dawn today, September 17, the execution of a prisoner previously sentenced to death for drug-related offenses was carried out in Bandar Abbas Prison, according to Haal Vsh.

The identity of the individual has been reported as “Hamidreza Hasan-Zahi Thani, 60 years old, father of eight, from Zahedan.”

According to the report, Mr. Hasan-Zahi Thani was arrested in Rudan in 2021 on drug-related charges and was subsequently sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court of the county. Last week, he was transferred to Bandar Abbas Prison, and on Sunday, he was moved to solitary confinement in preparation for the execution.

His family was summoned to the prison yesterday, where Mr. Hasan-Zahi Thani met them for the last time.

As of the time of this report, the execution of this prisoner has not been officially announced by prison authorities or relevant institutions.

The reports from the Department of Statistics and Publication of Human Rights Activists for the year 2023 reveal a concerning prevalence of executions for drug offenses in Iran, constituting 56.4% of the total executions. For a comprehensive examination of the details and statistics surrounding the executions in Iran, refer to HRANA’s report.

Christian Weber, Austrian Citizen Imprisoned in Iran, Released

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News, Prisoners
Austria, Christian Weber, West Azerbaijan Province

Christian Weber, an Austrian national, has been released, as reported by Mizan, the judiciary’s news agency. He was previously arrested by security forces in West Azerbaijan Province and transferred to prison.

The Chief Justice of West Azerbaijan Province stated, “This Austrian citizen, who was imprisoned due to committed offenses in West Azerbaijan Province, was released through clemency and Islamic compassion.”

The report by Naser Atabati did not specify the charges against this Austrian citizen.

In October 2022, the Austrian Foreign Ministry announced in a statement the arrest of an Austrian citizen in Iran. They reported that Iranian authorities confirmed the arrest but claimed it was not related to the popular protests in Iran.

Revolutionary Court Sentences 8 Political Defendants to Over 42 Years in Prison, Flogging, and Exile

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ali Herati Mokhtari, Amin Sokhanvar, Amir Shah Velayati, Ehsan Ravazjiyan, Hamidreza Sahlabadi, Hossein Mohammad Hosseini, Iman Afshari, Nasim Gholami Simiyari, Shahin Zahmatkesh

Nasim Gholami Simiyari, Hamidreza Sahlabadi, Ehsan Ravazjiyan, Amin Sokhanvar, Amir Shah Velayati, Ali Herati Mokhtari, Shahin Zahmatkesh, and Hossein Mohammad Hosseini were sentenced to a total of 42 years and 3 months in prison, 25 years of exile, and 74 lashes by Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court presided over by Judge Iman Afshari. The prison sentences of Amir Shah Velayati and Hossein Mohammad Hosseini, each initially sentenced to two years, were converted to fines.

Detailed Sentences:

  1. Nasim Gholami Simiyari: aged around 40, she was sentenced to 20 years of exile in Angouran, Zanjan Province, where she is to live under judicial supervision without social interactions, 1 year in prison, 74 lashes for disrupting public order, and 5 years in prison for assembly and collusion against national security.
  2. Hamidreza Sahlabadi: aged around 38, he was sentenced to 5 years of exile in Shazand, Arak Province, under similar conditions, and 3 years and 7 months in prison for assembly and collusion against national security.
  3. Amin Sokhanvar: aged around 26, he was sentenced to 4 years in prison for membership in opposition groups and 3 years and 7 months in prison for assembly and collusion against national security.
  4. Ehsan Ravazjiyan: aged around 33, he received 3 years in prison for membership in opposition groups and 3 years and 7 months in prison for assembly and collusion against national security.
  5. Ali Herati Mokhtari: aged around 25, he was sentenced to 1 year and 6 months in prison for illegal possession of tear gas and 2 years for possessing six illegal bullets.
  6. Amir Shah Velayati: aged around 26, he was sentenced to 2 years in prison for assembly and collusion, converted to an 80 million toman fine.
  7. Hossein Mohammad Hosseini: aged around 37, he was sentenced to 2 years in prison for assembly and collusion, converted to a fine of 165 million tomans.
  8. Hossein Ardestani: aged 37, he was acquitted of all charges.
  9. Shahin Zahmatkesh: aged around 41, he was sentenced to 1 year in prison for anti-state propaganda, 5 years for assembly and collusion, and 5 years for inciting unrest. He currently resides outside of Iran.
  10. Siamak Tadayyon and Farid Golsheni: Their cases remain open, as they were charged with involvement in the so-called “Iranian People’s Army terrorist group” but have evaded capture.

Background of the Arrests:

  • Nasim Gholami Simiyari was arrested by IRGC Intelligence agents in Tehran on May 18, 2023, and later transferred to the women’s ward of Evin Prison on September 26, 2023.
  • Hamidreza Sahlabadi was detained at his residence on July 3, 2023, and later sentenced to 2 years for property damage by a criminal court in Tehran.
  • Ehsan Ravazjiyan was arrested in Malayer on August 8, 2023, and subsequently moved to Evin Prison.
  • Amin Sokhanvar was arrested at his home in Tehran in April 2023 and is currently held in Evin Prison.
  • Hossein Ardestani was detained on January 22, 2023, and released on bail after a period of detention.
  • Ali Herati Mokhtari and Hossein Mohammad Hosseini were also previously arrested and released on bail.
  • Amir Shah Velayati was summoned to Evin Court on January 23, 2024, charged with anti-state propaganda and other offenses, and released on bail on March 11, 2024.

 

Three Baha’i Citizens Arrested in Tabriz

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News, Religious Minorities
Azam Azmoudeh, Iraj Noorseteh, Nasim Naeimi, Shiva Isakhani, Sina Aghdasi, Tabriz

On Monday, September 16, Azam Azmoudeh, a Baha’i citizen residing in Tabriz, was arrested by the Ministry of Intelligence forces. With her arrest, the number of detained Baha’i citizens in Tabriz has risen to three. Sina Aghdasi and Iraj Noorseteh were also detained on the same day.

Azam Azmoudeh was arrested at her home by Tabriz Intelligence agents, who also conducted a search of her residence, confiscating several electronic devices. The circumstances surrounding her arrest remain unclear.

In addition to these arrests, the homes of two other Baha’i citizens, Shiva Isakhani and Nasim Naeimi, were also searched by Intelligence agents. However, the agents left when they found that the two were not present at their residences.

As of now, there is no information regarding the reasons for the arrests or the charges against these Baha’i citizens.

Baha’is are subjected to violations of their religious rights, comprising 82% of reports on infringements against religious minorities, according to HRA’s 2023 annual report.

The Baha’i faith is not recognized as a legitimate religion by Iranian authorities, leading to systematic and longstanding violations of the rights of Baha’is in the country. This includes the denial of their fundamental right to practice their religion, which constitutes a clear breach of both Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The United Nations covenant holds that every person has the right to freedom of religion, freedom of converting religion, as well as freedom of expression, individually or collectively; openly or secretly.

Baha’i Citizen Sina Aghdasi Arrested in Tabriz

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News, Religious Minorities
HRANA, Sina Aghdasi, Tabriz

Sina Aghdasi, a Baha’i citizen residing in Tabriz, was arrested today, September 16, by security forces and taken to an undisclosed location.

A source close to Aghdasi’s family confirmed the news to HRANA, stating, “This morning, Mr. Aghdasi was arrested at his home by security forces. During the raid, the security forces searched the house and confiscated his and his family members’ mobile phones.”

No information is currently available regarding the reasons for Sina Aghdasi’s arrest or his place of detention.

This Baha’i citizen has previously been arrested due to his religious beliefs.

Baha’is are subjected to violations of their religious rights, comprising 82% of reports on infringements against religious minorities, according to HRA’s 2023 annual report.

The Baha’i faith is not recognized as a legitimate religion by Iranian authorities, leading to systematic and longstanding violations of the rights of Baha’is in the country. This includes the denial of their fundamental right to practice their religion, which constitutes a clear breach of both Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The United Nations covenant holds that every person has the right to freedom of religion, freedom of converting religion, as well as freedom of expression, individually or collectively; openly or secretly.

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Three Prisoners Executed in Adelabad Prison in Shiraz

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Executions, News
Abdoljalil Ehsani, Adelabad Prison, Iranshahr, Mehdi Jahanpour, Shiraz, Yahya Zargari

At dawn today, September 16, three prisoners convicted of charges related to drug offenses and murder were executed in Adelabad Prison in Shiraz, according to Haal Vsh.

The identities of these prisoners have been reported as: “Abdoljalil Ehsani, 33 years old, father of three, a native of Sarbaz and resident of Iranshahr; Yahya Zargari, 32 years old, resident of Iranshahr; and Mehdi Jahanpour, 21 years old, from Firouzabad, Fars Province.”

Mr. Ehsani and Mr. Zargari had previously been arrested in separate cases on charges related to drug offenses and were sentenced to death by the Shiraz court. Jahanpour was also arrested in 2022 on a murder charge and sentenced to death by the judiciary.

These prisoners were transferred to solitary confinement in this prison yesterday in preparation for the execution of their sentences.

As of the time of this report, the execution of these three prisoners has not been announced by prison authorities or relevant institutions.

According to data compiled by HRANA, Adelabad Prison carried out 49 executions in 2023, ranking five among prisons across Iran. For a comprehensive examination of the details and statistics surrounding the executions in Iran, refer to HRANA’s report.

Political Prisoner Maziar Seyednejad Transferred from Evin Prison to Hospital

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News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, HRANA, Maziar Seyednejad

Maziar Seyednejad, a workers’rights activist imprisoned in Evin Prison, was transferred to a hospital outside the prison today due to his deteriorating health.

Based on information received by HRANA, this political prisoner suffers from sciatica pain and was sent to Shahid Tajrish Hospital this morning.

Recently, Seyednejad was denied medical care and hospital transfer due to his refusal to wear prison clothes during his transfer, as prison authorities made excuses to prevent his hospital visit.

This workers’rights activist was arrested by security forces on June 7, 2021, at his home in Tehran and was taken to the IRGC Intelligence Detention Center, known as Ward 2A of Evin Prison. He was eventually released on bail of 600 million tomans on August 16 of that year.

In December 2022, Maziar Seyednejad was sentenced by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court to two years in prison for “membership in communist groups” and one year for “propaganda against the regime.” As additional punishment, he was sentenced to a two-year ban on leaving the country, a ban on membership in parties and groups, and a ban on online activities. Based on Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, a two-year prison term will be enforceable for him.

Finally, on May 21 of 2023, he was sent to Evin Prison to serve his two-year sentence and was subsequently transferred to Ward 6 of this prison. Seyednejad has a prior history of arrests and convictions due to his activism.

Writer Arash Ramezani Arrested in Mashhad

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
Arash Ramezani, Fatemeh Noorani, Mashhad, آرش رمضانی

On Saturday, September 14, Arash Ramezani, a writer and social activist, was arrested after being summoned to the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Mashhad. He was then taken to an undisclosed location.

His wife, Fatemeh Noorani, reported the incident in a statement: “Yesterday, we went to the prosecutor’s office in response to a summons my husband had received. While we were still seeking information about the reason for his detention and the bail conditions, a security agency arrived and took him away. After 24 hours, he called us to inform us of his situation but did not know the reason for his arrest.”

There is still no information regarding Ramezani’s current location or the charges against him.

Mr. Ramezani has previously faced arrests and legal actions due to his activities.

Arash Ramezani has published two novels and is an active member of the literary community.

Father of Deceased Protester Mohammad Hassanzadeh Arrested

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ahmad Hassanzadeh, Bukan, Jina Amini, Mahsa Amini

On the second anniversary of Mahsa (Jina) Amini’s death, Ahmad Hassanzadeh, the father of Mohammad Hassanzadeh, who was killed during the 2022 nationwide protests, was arrested by security forces on September 25 in front of his home in Bukan. He was subsequently taken to an undisclosed location.

According to Kolbar News, Mr. Hassanzadeh was detained by security forces directly outside his residence. Approximately an hour after his arrest, he managed to call his family, confirming that he was in custody.

As of this report, there is no information available regarding the reasons for his arrest, his current location, or any charges that may have been brought against him.

This is not the first time Mr. Hassanzadeh has been targeted by authorities. In late July, he and his daughter, Solmaz Hassanzadeh, were detained by security forces while attempting to hold a memorial ceremony for Mohammad’s birthday. He was released the following day on a four-billion-toman bail. Additionally, on September 4, 2023, both he and his daughter were summoned to the Ministry of Intelligence in Bukan and subjected to interrogation.

Mohammad Hassanzadeh, a 28-year-old resident of Bukan, was fatally shot by regime forces during the 2022 nationwide protests and died from his injuries on November 16 of that year.

Prisoner Executed in Kahnuj Prison

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Executions, News
Abdolkarim Habibi, Jiroft, Kahnuj Prison

The death sentence of a prisoner previously convicted of murder was carried out in Kahnuj Prison.

According to HRANA, quoting Resank, at dawn on Monday, September 9, 2024, a prisoner was executed in Kahnuj Prison. The prisoner has been identified as Abdolkarim Habibi, a 28-year-old Afghan national, married, and father of two children.

According to the report, Mr. Habibi was arrested in 2018 on charges of murder in Jiroft and later sentenced to death by the judiciary.

As of the time of this report, the execution of this prisoner has not been officially announced by prison authorities or relevant institutions.

According to the Department of Statistics and Publication of Human Rights Activists in Iran, in 2023, at least 767 citizens, including 21 women and 2 juvenile offenders, were executed. Of these, the executions of 7 individuals were carried out in public. Additionally, during this period, 172 others were sentenced to death, with 5 of them sentenced to public execution. It is worth noting that during the same period, the initial death sentences of 49 other individuals were also upheld by the Supreme Court.