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Seyed Javad Hosseini Nejad Sentenced to Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Javad Hosseini Nejad, Mashhad, Vakilabad prison, سید جواد حسینی نژاد

HRANA News Agency – Seyed Javad Hosseini-Nejad, a political prisoner held in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, has been sentenced to eight months in prison by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad.

According to a verdict recently issued and communicated to Mr. Hosseini-Nejad, he was convicted on charges of “propaganda against the regime.” Security forces arrested him in October 2024, after which he was transferred to Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

Approximately 36 years old, Seyed Javad Hosseini-Nejad is a father of one and a resident of Mashhad. He has previously faced arrest and imprisonment due to his activism.

Female Prisoners in Evin: Latest Report on Names and Sentences

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News, Prisoners, Women
Bahareh Hedayat, Evin Prison, golrokh iraee, Iman Afshari, Kimia Bani Adam, Mahvash Sabet, Narges Mohammadi, Rezvaneh Ahmad-Khan Beigi, Samaneh Nowruz Moradi, Varisheh Moradi, Zohreh Sayadi

HRANA News Agency – This report provides an updated list and the latest status of 77 female political and security prisoners, 69 of whom are currently held in Evin Prison, while 8 others have been granted temporary leave. Judge Iman Afshari has played a significant role in issuing sentences, having ruled on at least 33 cases, while Judge Abolghasem Salavati has issued verdicts for at least 17 of these prisoners. These two judges were also responsible for the death sentences of Varisheh Moradi and Pakhshan Azizi.

As of the time of this report, 69 women remain incarcerated in Evin’s general and quarantine wards, while 8 prisoners—Narges Mohammadi, Samaneh Nowruz Moradi, Rezvaneh Ahmad-Khan Beigi, Bahareh Hedayat, Zohreh Sayadi, Mahvash Sabet (Shahriari), Kimia Bani Adam, and Shabnam Nematzadeh—are currently on temporary leave.

Among these detainees:

. 11 prisoners remain in legal limbo without finalized sentences.
. 2 prisoners have been sentenced to death.
. Judge Iman Afshari, head of Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court, has issued at least 33 sentences.
. Judge Abolghasem Salavati, head of Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court, has ruled on at least 17 cases.
. Some other prisoners were tried in courts in Mashhad, Shahriar, and other judicial jurisdictions.

One of the longest-held prisoners in this ward is Maryam Haji Hosseini, who has been detained since September 2019 on espionage charges. Additionally, some prisoners in this ward are over 60 years old and, despite serious health conditions, have been denied specialized medical care. The youngest prisoner, Kimia Bani Adam (20 years old), was recently granted temporary leave.

Several prisoners, including Golrokh Iraee, Elaheh Fouladi, Pakhshan Azizi, Maryam Yahyavi, Motahareh Gunei, Vida Rabani, Varisheh Moradi, and Zahra Safaei, have been denied family visits for unclear reasons.

Case Profiles of Female Political Prisoners in Evin Prison:

1. Golrokh Iraee

Charges: Assembly and collusion, propaganda against the state, disturbing public order
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 5 years in prison + social restrictions
Arrest Date: September 26, 2022
Transferred to Evin: November 29, 2022

2. Varisheh Moradi (Mirzaei)

Charges: Membership in an opposition group, armed rebellion (Baghi), resisting and assaulting officers
Court: Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court & Criminal Court Branch 2, Qods Judicial Complex
Current status: Sentenced to 6 months in prison in one case and death penalty in another
Arrest Date: July 31, 2023
Transferred to Evin: December 26, 2023

3. Pakhshan Azizi

Charges: Armed rebellion (Baghi)
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Current status: Death sentence confirmed by the Supreme Court
Arrest Date: July 31, 2023
Transferred to Evin: December 9, 2023

4. Maryam Haji Hosseini

Charges: Corruption on earth (Efsad-fil-Arz) and espionage for Israel
Court: Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 10 years in prison + asset confiscation
Date of imprisonment: March 11, 2020
Arrest Date: August-September 2019
Transferred to Evin: March 11, 2020

5. Azam (Nasrin) Khezri Javadi

Charges: Assembly and collusion to act against national security
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 5 years in prison
Arrest Date: May 1, 2019
Transferred to Evin: July 2, 2022

6. Shakila Monfared

Charges: Membership in opposition groups, destruction of public property, disruption of public order, propaganda against the state, and blasphemy
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 15 years and 5 months in prison across four separate cases, plus 10 lashes, social restrictions, and exile
Arrest Date: January 20, 2021
Transferred to Evin: July 20, 2022

7. Masoumeh (Farah) Nassaji

Charges: Unspecified
Court: Branch 28 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 5 years and 4 months in prison
Arrest Date: Unknown
Transferred to Evin: September 4, 2022

8. Fariba Kamalabadi

Charges: Leading a group labeled a “deviant sect” with the alleged aim of disrupting national security
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 10 years in prison
Arrest Date: July 31, 2022
Transferred to Evin: December 7, 2022

9. Vida Rabbani

Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security, propaganda against the state, blasphemy, and disrupting public order
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 17 years and 7 months in prison, plus social restrictions
Arrest date: September 24, 2022
Transferred to Evin: December 11, 2022

10. Parvin Mirasan

Charges: Assembly and collusion, propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 4 years in prison
Arrest Date: November 4, 2022
Transferred to Evin: March 19, 2023

11. Sepideh Gholian

Charges: Insulting the Supreme Leader, removing hijab, promoting promiscuity and indecency, and repeatedly committing the same offense during court hearings
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court & Branch 1207 of Criminal Court 2, Shahid Kachouyi Judicial Complex
Sentence: 3 years and 3 months in prison across two separate cases, plus social restrictions
Arrest Date: March 15, 2023
Transferred to Evin: March 19, 2023

12. Farahnaz Nikkhoo

Charges: Acting against national security through espionage
Court: Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Arrest Date: December 3, 2022
Transferred to Evin: April 30, 2023

13. Zohreh Sarv

Charges: Assembly and collusion, propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 7 years in prison
Arrest Date: September-October 2021
Transferred to Evin: May 1, 2023

14. Saeideh Shafiei

Charges: Propaganda against the state, assembly and collusion
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 3 years and 6 months in prison, plus social restrictions
Arrest Date: January 22, 2023
Transferred to Evin: September 6, 2024

15. Sodabeh Fakharzadeh

Charges: Assembly and collusion to disrupt national security
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 5 years in prison
Arrest Date: February-March 2023
Transferred to Evin: May 9, 2023

16. Shiva Esmaeili

Charges: Repeat offense of assembly and collusion against national security
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 10 years in prison
Arrest Date: October-November 2020
Transferred to Evin: May 22, 2023

17. Mahboobeh Rezaei

Charges: Membership in opposition groups, assembly and collusion against national security, propaganda against the state, blasphemy, removing hijab, and promoting corruption on social media
Court: Branch 28 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court & Criminal Court 2, Qods Judicial Complex
Sentence: 20 years and 3 months in prison across two separate cases, plus fines
Arrest Date: May 22, 2023
Transferred to Evin: June 6, 2023

18. Tahereh (Fereshteh) Noori

Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security, disrupting public order
Court: Tehran Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 5 years in prison
Arrest Date: May 22, 2023
Transferred to Evin: July 4, 2023

19. Maryam (Anisha) Asadollahi

Charges: Assembly and collusion, propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 5 years and 8 months in prison
Arrest Date: April 28, 2023
Transferred to Evin: July 26, 2023

20. Azar Korvandi (Korvandi) Musazadeh

Charges: Assembly and collusion to act against national security through cooperation with opposition groups
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 5 years in prison
Arrest Date: July 29, 2023
Transferred to Evin: Summer of 2019

21. Nasim Gholami Simiari

Charges: Destruction of public property to disrupt public order and security, opposing the Islamic government, assembly and collusion
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 6 years in prison, 74 lashes, and 20 years of exile under judicial supervision in Angooran, Zanjan Province
Arrest Date: May 18, 2023
Transferred to Evin: September 26, 2023

22. Zahra Safaei
Charges: Assembly and collusion to commit crimes against national security
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 5 years in prison
Arrest Date: September 12, 2023
Transferred to Evin: October 10, 2023
23. Marzieh Farsi

Charges: Membership in opposition groups
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 15 years in prison
Arrest Date: October 17, 2023
Transferred to Evin: August 21, 2023

24. Forough Taghizadeh

Charges: Membership in opposition groups
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 15 years in prison
Arrest Date: October 17, 2023
Transferred to Evin: August 21, 2023

25. Kobra Beiki
Charges: Assembly and collusion, propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 3 years in prison
Arrest Date: During the 2022 nationwide protests (Date unknown)
Transferred to Evin: October 21, 2023
26. Masoumeh Akbari

Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security, propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 28 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 2 years in prison
Arrest Date: October-November 2018
Transferred to Evin: October 28, 2023

27. Reyhaneh Ansari Nejad

Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security
Court: Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 4 years in prison, plus social restrictions
Arrest Date: April 28, 2023
Transferred to Evin: November 6, 2023

28. Raheleh Rahemi Pour
Charges: Assembly and collusion, propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 6 years in prison
Arrest Date: November 12, 2019
Transferred to Evin: November 18, 2023
29. Mahnaz Tarah

Charges: Assembly and collusion, propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 4 years and 4 months in prison
Arrest Date: November 13, 2023
Transferred to Evin: November 23, 2023

30. Narges Mansouri

Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security, propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 9 years in prison across two separate cases
Arrest Date: August 12, 2019
Transferred to Evin: December 1, 2023

31. Elaheh Fouladi

Charges: Propaganda against the state, assembly and collusion
Court: Tehran Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 5 years in prison
Arrest Date: January -February 2020
Transferred to Evin: December 12, 2023

32. Shirin Saeedi
Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security
Court: Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 5 years in prison
Arrest Date: December 23, 2023
Transferred to Evin: December 23, 2023
33. Nasrin Roshan
Charges: Propaganda against the state, assembly and collusion
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 3 years in prison
Arrest Date: January 1, 2024
Transferred to Evin: November 16, 2023
34. Mina Khajavi, Christian Convert
Charges: Forming an illegal group to disrupt national security, acting against national security by promoting evangelical Christianity and establishing a house church
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 6 years in prison
Arrest Date: June-July 2020
Transferred to Evin: January 8, 2024
35. Laleh Saati, Christian Convert
Charges: Acting against national security
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 2 years in prison
Arrest Date: Unknown
Transferred to Evin: February 13, 2024
36. Neda Fotouhi
Charges: Propaganda against the state, membership in the Erfan-e Halgheh group, assembly and collusion against domestic and foreign security by participating in Mahsa Amini protests and commemorations
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 6 years and 8 months in prison
Arrest Date: September-October 2023
Transferred to Evin: February 17, 2024
37. Lian Darvish
Charges: Assembly and collusion, insulting the Supreme Leader, propaganda against the state
Court: Tehran Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 5 years in prison
Arrest Date: Unknown
Transferred to Evin: February 21, 2024
38. Nahid Khodajo

Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security, disrupting public order
Court: Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 6 years in prison and 74 lashes
Arrest Date: May 1, 2019
Transferred to Evin: February 21, 2024

39. Maryam Yahyavi

Charges: Assembly and collusion, propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 1 year in prison
Arrest Date: November 2, 2014
Transferred to Evin: March 3, 2024

40. Samaneh Asghari

Charges: Propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 29 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 1 year in prison
Arrest Date: September 16, 2023
Transferred to Evin: April 3, 2024

41. Sakineh Parvaneh

Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security (6 years), propaganda against the Islamic Republic (1 year and 6 months)
Court: Branch 1 of Mashhad’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 7 years and 6 months in prison
Arrest Date: March-April 2023
Transferred to Evin: April 3, 2024

42. Mandana Karimi Bakhtiari

Charges: Propaganda against the state, membership in opposition groups with intent to act against national security
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 5 years in prison
Arrest Date: June 10, 2024
Transferred to Evin: June 10, 2024

43. Hora Nikbakht

Charges: Propaganda against the state, insulting the Supreme Leader
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 1 year in prison
Arrest Date: June 12, 2024
Transferred to Evin: June 12, 2024

44. Narges Khorasani

Charges: Membership in the Erfan-e Halgheh spiritual group
Court: Tehran Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 3 years in prison
Arrest Date: July-August 2022
Transferred to Evin: June 15, 2024

45. Parisa Yousefi

Charges: Membership in the Erfan-e Halgheh spiritual group
Court: Tehran Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 3 years in prison
Arrest Date: July-August 2022
Transferred to Evin: June 15, 2024

46. Fereshteh Hosseini

Charges: Membership in the Erfan-e Halgheh spiritual group
Court: Tehran Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 5 years in prison
Arrest Date: July-August 2022
Transferred to Evin: June 15, 2024

47. Parivash Moslemi

Charges: Propaganda against the state, insulting the Supreme Leader, assembly and collusion
Court: Tehran Revolutionary Court & Criminal Court 2, Qods Judicial Complex
Sentence: 4 years and 2 months in prison across two separate cases
Arrest Date: August-September 2023
Transferred to Evin: July 7, 2024

48. Zahra (Yas) Bonakdar Tehrani

Charges: Affiliation with the Erfan-e Halgheh spiritual group
Court: Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 2 years in prison
Arrest Date: Unknown
Transferred to Evin: July 23, 2024

49. Moloud Safaei

Charges: Propaganda against the state
Court: Tehran Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 3 years in prison
Arrest Date: June 16, 2021
Transferred to Evin: July 30, 2024

50. Hamraz Sadeghi

Charges: Propaganda against the state
Court: Tehran Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 1 year in prison
Arrest Date: February 24, 2018
Transferred to Evin: August 10, 2024

51. Arezoo Azarmsefat

Charges: Collaboration with an opposition group
Court: Tehran Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 3 years and 9 months in prison
Arrest Date: May 1, 2024
Transferred to Evin: August 26, 2024

52. Saeedeh (Bahareh) Ghorbanali

Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security, propaganda against the state, insulting the Supreme Leader and the founder of the Islamic Republic
Court: Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 3 years in prison
Arrest Date: Spring 2019
Transferred to Evin: September 7, 2024

53. Maryam Banoo Nasiri

Charges: Assembly and collusion
Court: Branch 1 of Shahriar’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 3 years and 7 months in prison
Arrest Date: July 17, 2020
Transferred to Evin: September 8, 2024

54. Shima Azam Farzan

Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security, propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 6 years in prison
Arrest Date: November 7, 2022
Transferred to Evin: September 23, 2024

55. Golnaz Salah Chin

Charges: Propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 1 year in prison
Arrest Date: February-March 2024
Transferred to Evin: October 3, 2024

56. Mahvash (Saye) Seidal Tadoei

Charges: Spreading false information
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 3 years in prison across two separate cases
Arrest Date: June 21, 2023
Transferred to Evin: October 6, 2024

57. Motahereh Gounei

Charges: Propaganda against the state in favor of opposition media
Court: Branch 29 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 1 year in prison, temporary ban on education, and forced transfer to Ardabil University of Medical Sciences
Arrest Date: May 1, 2024
Transferred to Evin: October 7, 2024

58. Maryam Vahidi Far

Charges: National security offenses (alleged support for Saeed Mohammadi Douraki)
Court: Shahriar Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 17 months in prison
Arrest Date: Early 2024
Transferred to Evin: October 31, 2024

59. Masoumeh Askari

Charges: Collaboration with opposition groups, membership in anti-state organizations
Court status: Under review in Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: Not yet issued
Arrest Date: July-August 2024
Transferred to Evin: October 8, 2024

60. Nayereh Behnoud

Charges: Propaganda against the state, assembly and collusion through membership in opposition groups
Court status: Under review in Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: Not yet issued
Arrest Date: September-October 2024
Transferred to Evin: October 21, 2024

61. Elnaz (Solmaz) Ahmadi

Charges: Propaganda against the state, assembly and collusion
Court status: Under investigation
Sentence: Pending
Arrest Date: December 27, 2024
Transferred to Evin: December 29, 2024

62. Zahra Sharif Kazemi

Charges: Unknown
Court status: Under investigation
Sentence: Pending
Arrest Date: December 24, 2024
Transferred to Evin: December 22, 2024

63. Nasim Eslam Zehi (Sunni Muslim)

Charges: Suspected affiliation with ISIS
Court status: Under review in Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: Not yet issued
Arrest Date: August-September 2023
Transferred to Evin: March 4, 2024

64. Bornagol Abdollah Vav (Tajikistani national)

Charges: Unknown
Court status: Under review in Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: Not yet issued
Arrest Date: Unknown
Transferred to Evin: September 25, 2024

65. Aisha Rezaei Vav (Tajikistani national)

Charges: Unknown
Court status: Under review in Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: Not yet issued
Arrest Date: Unknown
Transferred to Evin: September 25, 2024

66. Khadijeh Rezaei Vav (Tajikistani national)

Charges: Unknown
Court status: Under review in Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: Not yet issued
Arrest Date: Unknown
Transferred to Evin: September 25, 2024

68. Eslam Bani Hassani (Jordanian national)

Charges: Unknown
Court status: Under review in Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: Not yet issued
Date of imprisonment: September 25, 2024

69. Hajar Zaboli (Afghan national)

Charges: Unknown
Court status: Under review in Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: Not yet issued
Arrest Date: Unknown
Transferred to Evin: September 25, 2024

Female Prisoners Currently on Temporary Leave from Evin Prison:
In addition to those incarcerated, several prisoners are currently on temporary leave. Their names and case details are as follows:

1. Narges Mohammadi (Nobel Peace Prize Laureate & Human Rights Activist)

Charges: Propaganda against the Islamic Republic (issuing anti-execution statements), sit-in protest inside prison, disobedience against prison authorities, destruction of property, defamation, assault, resisting officers, and further propaganda activities
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court, Branch 1177 of Criminal Court 2 (Qods Judicial Complex), Branch 29 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 15 years and 6 months in prison across seven separate cases, plus 74 lashes, exile, and social restrictions
Arrest Date: November 16, 2021
Transferred to Evin: July 20, 2022– Granted leave on December 4, 2024

 

2. Samaneh Noruz (Nowruz) Moradi

Charges: Membership in opposition groups with intent to disrupt national security, assembly and collusion against national security, propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 28 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 13 years and 9 months in prison
Arrest Date: April 24, 2023
Transferred to Evin: Unknown – Granted leave on April 23, 2024

3. Rezvaneh Ahmad-Khan Beigi

Charges: Assembly and collusion against internal security, propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 28 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 20 months in prison
Arrest Date: September 18, 2023
Transferred to Evin: Unknown – Granted leave on September 18, 2024 (Shahrivar 28, 1403)

4. Bahareh Hedayat

Charges: Assembly and collusion, propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 4 years and 8 months in prison, plus social restrictions
Arrest Date: October 3, 2022
Transferred to Evin: November 2022 – Granted leave on February 19, 2024

 

5. Zohreh Sayadi

Charges: Unknown
Court: Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 1 year in prison
Arrest Date: December 10, 2019
Transferred to Evin: May 30, 2023– Granted leave on August 8, 2023

6. Mahvash Sabet (Shahriari) (Baha’i Citizen)

Charges: Leading a group labeled a “deviant sect” with the alleged aim of disrupting national security
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 10 years in prison
Arrest Date: July 31, 2022
Transferred to Evin: December 23, 2022 – Granted leave on December 4, 2024

7. Kimia Bani Adam

Charges: Unknown
Court: Tehran Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 2 years in prison
Arrest Date: Unknown
Transferred to Evin: December 5, 2024 – Granted leave on December 16, 2024

8. Shabnam Nematzadeh

Charges: Major disruption of Iran’s economic system by obstructing the distribution of essential goods (pharmaceuticals)
Court: Branch 3 of the Economic Corruption Court
Sentence: 20 years in prison, 74 lashes, and permanent disqualification from certain activities
Arrest Date: August-September 2019
Transferred to Evin: Unknown – Granted leave on July 17, 2024

Appeals Court Upholds 10-Year Prison Sentence and Additional Punishments for Reza Valizadeh

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, irgc, IRGC Intelligence, Ministry of Intelligence, Reza Valizadeh

HRANA News Agency – The Tehran Court of Appeals has upheld the 10-year prison sentence and additional punishments for Reza Valizadeh, a journalist currently imprisoned in Evin Prison.

He was previously convicted by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court and sentenced to 10 years in prison, a travel ban, a ban on residing in Tehran and neighboring provinces, and a two-year prohibition on membership in political and social groups.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, the Appeals Court confirmed all aspects of the initial verdict against Reza Valizadeh.

His lawyer, Mohammad-Hossein Aghasi, stated:

“Today, I visited Abdolreza Valizadeh to show him the appeal rejection. I had previously said that the court’s standard procedure is to uphold the original ruling, but perhaps a retrial could finally open the blindfolded eyes of justice.”

In December 2024, Judge Iman Afshari of Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced Reza Valizadeh to 10 years in prison on charges of “collaboration with a hostile government (the U.S.)”. Additionally, he was banned from leaving the country, prohibited from residing in Tehran and neighboring provinces, and barred from joining political or social groups for two years.

Background on Reza Valizadeh’s Arrest

  • After living abroad for several years, Reza Valizadeh returned to Iran in March 2023. Upon arrival, he was interrogated by IRGC intelligence and the Ministry of Intelligence, released after signing a commitment, and allowed to remain free.
  • However, a few months later, in early October 2023, he was arrested by security forces and transferred to Evin Prison.
  • According to Voice of America (VOA), he was detained in Ward 209 of Evin Prison, controlled by the Ministry of Intelligence, and denied family visits.

Before emigrating, Reza Valizadeh was previously arrested in 2007 but later released on bail. He reportedly holds dual citizenship and has worked with various media outlets, including Radio France, Voice of America (VOA), Radio Farda, and the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB).

Nima Khandan Arrested After Visiting His Father in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
Evin Prison, Nasrin Sotoudeh, Nima Khandan, Reza Khandan, رضا خندان, نسرین ستوده, نیما خندان

HRANA News Agency – Nima Khandan, the son of Nasrin Sotoudeh, a human rights activist, and Reza Khandan, a political prisoner held in Evin Prison, was arrested today while visiting his father. He was released after a few hours.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRAI), Nima Khandan, the son of Reza Khandan and Nasrin Sotoudeh, was detained.

His sister, Mehraveh Khandan, wrote on her personal page:

“My brother Nima was arrested this morning following a dispute in the visitation hall and was taken to the police station.”

The charges against Nima Khandan remain unknown.

In January of this year, Nasrin Sotoudeh revealed that prison officials had prevented her and her children from visiting Reza Khandan. In an Instagram post, she wrote:

“Denying visitation for not wearing a hijab is an abuse of state power and an illegal act.”

Reza Khandan has been serving a six-year prison sentence in Evin Prison since December 2023. His wife, Nasrin Sotoudeh, a prominent human rights lawyer, was released on bail from Evin Prison on November 15, 2023.

Three Prisoners Executed in Adelabad Prison, Shiraz

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Executions, News
Adelabad Prison, Ali Heidari, Amir Fanaei, Hamid Fanaei, Marvdasht, Shiraz

HRANA News Agency – In the early hours of Wednesday, January 29, 2025, the death sentences of three prisoners convicted of non-political offenses were carried out at Adelabad Prison in Shiraz.

According to HRANA, the news agency of the Human Rights Activists in Iran, the executed individuals have been identified as:

  • Hamid Fanaei (resident of Marvdasht)
  • Amir Fanaei (resident of Marvdasht)
  • Ali Heidari (resident of Shiraz)

HRANA has confirmed that these three prisoners had been sentenced to death by judicial authorities for non-political offenses.

As of the time of this report, prison officials and relevant authorities have not publicly announced these executions. In 2024, judicial authorities or domestic media in Iran officially announced only 6% of executions, underscoring a deeply troubling lack of transparency in the country’s legal and judicial processes.

According to HRANA’s data, Adelabad Prison in Shiraz carried out 85 executions in 2024, marking a 73% increase compared to the previous year. This places it as the second most active prison for executions in Iran. For a detailed analysis and full statistics on executions across the country, refer to HRANA’s report.

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Two Citizens Arrested by Security Forces in Mahabad

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News, Other
HRANA, Jalal Parhizkar, Mahabad, Sarvar Hama Nazdar

HRANA News Agency – Jalal Parhizkar and Sarvar Hama Nazdar, two residents of Mahabad, have been arrested by security forces and transferred to an undisclosed location.

According to HRANA, citing Kurdpa, the detained individuals have been identified as Jalal Parhizkar, Sarvar Hama Nazdar. Both are residents of Haji Ali Kand village, a rural district of Mahabad, West Azerbaijan Province.

The report states that their arrests took place in recent days, carried out by security forces without a judicial warrant at their private residences.

As of the time of this report, no information is available regarding the reasons for their arrests, their current whereabouts, or any charges brought against them.

In 2024, HRANA documented 561 cases of human rights violations in West Azerbaijan Province, including Mahabad, placing it third among all provinces in Iran for reported violations.

Seven Citizens Arrested in Kurdistan and West Azerbaijan Provinces

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News, Other
Arsalan Miraki, Chiako Ghorbehei, Dehgolan, Farhad Zandi, Farshad Seyedi, Hassan Khalili, Mahabad, Mansour Moloudpour, Mehdi Javanmardi, Sanandaj, Sardasht

HRANA News Agency – In recent days, seven citizens have been arrested by security forces in the cities of Dehgolan, Sanandaj, Mahabad, and Sardasht and transferred to an undisclosed location.

According to HRANA, citing Kolbar News, the arrested individuals have been identified as follows:

  • Mehdi Javanmardi, Farhad Zandi, Arsalan Miraki, and Farshad Seyedi – all residents of Dehgolan
  • Mansour Moloudpour – resident of Mahabad
  • Hassan Khalili – resident of Sardasht (released two days after his arrest)
  • Chiako Ghorbehei

Details of the Arrests:

On Monday, January 27, 2025, Mehdi Javanmardi and Farhad Zandi were arrested by Ministry of Intelligence agents in Dehgolan and taken to an unknown location. A day earlier, on Sunday, January 26, Arsalan Mirki and Farshad Seyedi, also from Dehgolan, were detained by security forces and similarly transferred to an undisclosed location.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, January 25, Mansour Moloudpour was arrested by security forces at his workplace in Mahabad. His whereabouts remain unknown.

Additionally, Hassan Khalili, a resident of Sardasht, was arrested on Wednesday, January 22. After two days in custody, he was released on Friday, January 24 following an interrogation.

At the time of this report, no information is available regarding the reasons for these arrests or the charges brought against these individuals.

Political Prisoners Fatemeh and Mohammad-Hossein Sepehri Face New Charges

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Ali Sepehri, Fatemeh Sepehri, Mashhad, Mohammad Hossein Sepehri, Vakilabad prison

HRANA News Agency – Fatemeh Sepehri and Mohammad-Hossein Sepehri, political prisoners held in Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad, were charged yesterday, January 27, in connection with a new case opened against them.

Ali Sepehri, their brother, announced that the charges were brought by Branch 905 of the Mashhad Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office. The siblings are accused of “insulting the Supreme Leader of Iran” and “propaganda against the regime.” The charges reportedly stem from a letter recently published by the two prisoners.

Background on Arrests and Sentences
Fatemeh Sepehri was arrested in September 2022, and Mohammad-Hossein Sepehri in September 2023, both by security forces.

Fatemeh Sepehri has faced multiple convictions. She was sentenced to:

  • 10 years imprisonment for “collaboration with hostile governments,”
  • 5 years for “assembly and collusion,”
  • 2 years for “insulting the Supreme Leader,” and
  • 1 year for “propaganda against the regime.”

These sentences were upheld by the appeals court, with the 10-year sentence enforceable under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code. In February 2023, the Mashhad Criminal Court also sentenced her to 1 year in prison and a fine of 20 million tomans for “spreading falsehoods and disturbing public opinion.”

Additionally, in June 2023, Fatemeh Sepehri, alongside her brothers Mohammad Hossein and Hossein Sepehri, was sentenced to 18 years and 6 months in prison in a joint case. Mohammad Hossein Sepehri received an 8-year sentence in this case.

Fatemeh Sepehri is also known as one of the signatories of an open letter calling for the resignation of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. For this, she was initially sentenced to 5 years imprisonment by Branch 4 of the Mashhad Revolutionary Court, later reduced to 3 years and 6 months on appeal. In early 2020, she was conditionally released for 5 years.

Additional Developments
In late November 2023, the Mashhad Education Department issued an order dismissing Mohammad-Hossein Sepehri from his teaching position, which was officially conveyed to him in Vakilabad Prison. In September 2024, Branch 25 of the Administrative Justice Court upheld his dismissal.

Both siblings have a history of arrests and convictions due to their political activities.

20 Days of Uncertainty: Afshin Hossein Panahi Detained Without Contact or Information

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News, Prisoners
Afshin Hossein Panahi, HRANA, Loghman Moradi, Ramin Hossein Panahi, Zaniar Moradi

HRANA News Agency – Afshin Hossein Panahi, the brother of executed political prisoner Ramin Hossein Panahi, remains in detention 20 days after his arrest, with no information available about his whereabouts. The lack of updates on his condition has heightened concerns among his family and close relatives.

A source close to the family confirmed the news to HRANA, saying: “It has been 20 days since Mr. Hossein Panahi was arrested, and the family’s efforts to gather information about his fate from judicial and security authorities have been fruitless. Since his arrest, Afshin has not even made a brief phone call to his family, which has deepened their concerns.”

Afshin Hossein Panahi was arrested by security forces at his workplace on January 8, 2025.

As of the time of this report, no information has been made available regarding the reasons for his arrest or the charges against him.

Afshin Hossein Panahi has previously faced judicial action and convictions related to his activities.

On September 8, 2018, Ramin Hossein Panahi was executed alongside two other political prisoners, Zaniar Moradi and Loghman Moradi, under highly controversial circumstances. The executions were carried out without prior notification to their legal counsel, depriving the prisoners of the presence of their representatives at the time of execution. Furthermore, in violation of the law, the authorities refused to return the bodies to their families, instead burying them in undisclosed locations. Families were also subjected to threats aimed at silencing protests and preventing the spread of information about the executions. These actions drew widespread condemnation from human rights organizations and legal advocates alike.

Tehran Prosecutor Files Charges Against Sadegh Zibakalam

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Freedom of Expression, News
Evin Prison, HRANA, Mohammad Izadi, Sadegh Zibakalam, Tehran, صادق زیباکلام

HRANA News Agency – The Tehran Prosecutor’s Office has filed charges against Sadegh Zibakalam for posts he made on social media. Zibakalam, a political analyst and prisoner, is currently on medical furlough from Evin Prison.

According to HRANA, quoting Mizan, the charges against Mr. Zibakalam were initiated without specifying the exact nature of the allegations, with the reasoning cited as his social media activity.

Previously, following the enforcement of his prison sentences, Mr. Zibakalam was transferred to Evin Prison on May 12, 2024. Shortly thereafter, his lawyer, Mohammad Izadi, revealed that he had been diagnosed with cancer while in custody. In September 2024, he was granted medical furlough.

In his first case, Mr. Zibakalam was sentenced to 18 months in prison and a two-year ban on participating in political parties, groups, and online activities for “propaganda against the regime.” In a second case, he received a one-year prison sentence for similar charges. In a third case, he was sentenced to six months in prison for “publishing false information.” These sentences were enforced following appeals to the Supreme Court.

In recent years, the Tehran Prosecutor’s Office has filed charges against Mr. Zibakalam for posts on topics such as the deadly Kerman explosions, reports of student poisonings, and “publishing false, undocumented, and inaccurate information” online.

Sadegh Zibakalam is a political science professor, author, and prominent Iranian analyst with reformist and liberal views. He has previously faced convictions for his activities.