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Numerous University Professors Face Expulsions and Suspensions Ahead of Mahsa Amini Protests Anniversary

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ali Sharifi Zarchi, Amaneh Ali, Arash Bidollah Khani, Azin Movahed, Aziz Shafiee Zarghani, Baharak Akhtardanesh, Dariush Rahmanian, Ghasem Azizi, Hamideh Khademi, Hossein Mesbahian, Javad Bashari, Leily Varahram, Mehdi Khoyi, Mehdi Motie, Milad Azimi, Mohammad Soltani, Mohammad-Mehdi Olumi, Mohammad-Reza Nazari-Nejad, Raham Afghani, Raheleh Ali-Moradzadeh, Shirzad Azad, Vahid Eydgah

As the anniversary of the 2022 nationwide protests, known as the Mahsa Amini Protests, approaches, Iranian academic circles are witnessing increased pressure from security institutions. A rising number of university professors are being expelled or suspended under various justifications.

Currently, HRANA has documented 22 university professors who have been affected, facing expulsion or suspension.

The roster of professors targeted due to their perceived involvement in supporting last year’s protests is as follows:

  • Mohammad-Reza Nazari-Nejad-expelled
  • Raham Afghani-expelled
  • Ali Sharifi Zarchi-expelled
  • Dariush Rahmanian-expelled
  • Hamideh Khademi-expelled
  • Amaneh Ali-expelled
  • Mehdi Khoyi-expelled
  • Aziz Shafiee Zarghani-expelled
  • Baharak Akhtardanesh-expelled
  • Mohammad-Mehdi Olumi-expelled
  • Raheleh Ali-Moradzadeh-expelled
  • Vahid Eydgah-suspended
  • Javad Bashari-suspended
  • Milad Azimi-suspended
  • Leily Varahram-suspended
  • Ghasem Azizi-suspended
  • Hossein Mesbahian-suspended
  • Arash Bidollah Khani-suspended
  • Shirzad Azad-suspended
  • Azin Movahed-suspended
  • Mehdi Motie-suspended
  • Mohammad Soltani-suspended

Moreover, Safavardi, a former professor of political science at Islamic Azad University, revealed that nine professors have been compelled into early retirement due to reasons such as holding pro-Western opinions and expressing dissent against the Islamic Revolution. He did not, however, mention their names.

Just last month, Sharifi Zarchi, a faculty member at the Sharif University of Technology, exposed the covert infiltration of approximately 15,000 individuals purportedly “aligned with the government” into faculty boards. In protest against these actions targeting Iranian academics, Mohammad-Reza Aref, the head of the Union of University Professors (and a former Vice President of Iran), tendered his resignation.

Two days ago, the Ministry of Interior expressed approval of the Ministry of Science’s decision to dismiss university professors, asserting that this action aligns with legal, administrative criteria, and “the revolutionary duty to sustain the vibrancy of universities’ academic and cultural landscapes”, warranting appreciation. Furthermore, these professors were accused of “politicizing and exploiting their positions for political and partisan gains.”

It is crucial to note that the Iranian regime has a historical record of purging both students and professors, particularly in humanities and arts faculties, who express criticism towards the regime. In a report, Etemad Newspaper has identified 157 university professors who were expelled over the course of the last three administrations.

Background on the 2022 Nationwide Protests

The arrest of Mahsa Amini by Tehran Morality Police for her improper hijab and her suspicious death on September 16 sparked protests sweeping across Iran. Protesters came to the streets with the central slogan “Women, Life, Freedom” in protest against the performance, laws and structure of the regime. During the nationwide protests, thousands of people, including journalists, artists, lawyers, teachers, students and civil rights activists, were arrested.

Two Inmates Executed in Hamedan Prison

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Executions, News
#Don't_execute, drug-related executions, Esmaeil Hajizadeh, Hamed Sargazi, Hamedan

Hamedan Prison, August 29, 2023 – Two inmates convicted of drug-related crimes were executed today.

The individuals, identified as Hamed Sargazi and Esmaeil Hajizadeh by HRANA, were put to death after being found guilty of drug offenses that led to their death sentences three years ago.

The prevalence of capital punishment in cases involving drug offenses continues to be a concern. According to the Department of Statistics and Publication of Human Rights Activists in Iran, 457 cases warranting the death penalty were reported in 2022. Notably, nearly 43% of these cases stemmed from drug-related charges, shedding light on an ongoing issue.

Reza Ramezanzadeh Initiates One-Year Sentence at Great Tehran Penitentiary

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Freedom of Expression, News
Iman Afshari, Mahsa Amini, Reza Ramezanzadeh, Tehran Revolutionary Court

Reza Ramezanzadeh commenced his one-year prison term at the Great Tehran Penitentiary on Tuesday, August 29, 2023. Ramezanzadeh, a former political detainee, was apprehended during the nationwide protests.

Ramezanzadeh’s sentence of one year was handed down by Judge Iman Afshari of the Tehran Revolutionary Court. The conviction was based on charges of “propaganda against the regime.” Despite an appeal process, the verdict was upheld.

On January 7, 2023, Ramezanzadeh was summoned to the Evin Courthouse, leading to his immediate detainment in Ward 209 of Evin Prison. Subsequently, on February 9, he was released on bail.

Ramezanzadeh’s recent encounter with the legal system is not his first; he has faced arrests and convictions previously for his activism.

Background on the 2022 Nationwide Protests
The arrest of Mahsa Amini by Tehran Morality Police for her improper hijab and her suspicious death on September 16 sparked protests sweeping across Iran. Protesters came to the streets with the central slogan “Women, Life, Freedom” in protest against the performance, laws and structure of the regime. During the nationwide protests, thousands of people, including journalists, artists, lawyers, teachers, students and civil rights activists, were arrested.

 

Azerbaijani-Turk Activist Mahmood Ojaghlou Sentenced to 11 Years Following Appeal

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Ethnic Minorities, News, Prisoners
ethnic minorities in iran, Evin Prison, Mahmood Ojaghloo, Mahmood Ojaghlou, Mahmood Ojaghlu, Tehran

The Tehran Court of Appeals has handed down an eleven-year sentence to Azerbaijani (Turk) activist Mahmood Ojaghlou.

Originally facing multiple charges, Ojaghlou had initially received a five-year term for “assembly and collusion against national security,” an additional year for “propaganda against the regime,” five more years for “affiliation with anti-regime groups that threaten national security,” and another five years for “incitement of individuals to participate in warfare.” Notably, the Court of Appeals has cleared him of the last accusation, leading to a reduced cumulative sentence of 11 years.

Pursuant to Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, five years for one of the four charges above will be enforceable.
Further sanctions include a travel prohibition, a ban on involvement with political parties and groups, as well as restrictions on media and social media interactions for a two-year period. In addition, he is required to prepare concise summaries of select books.

Ojaghlou’s apprehension took place on December 11, 2022, leading to his incarceration in Ward 4 of Evin Prison.
It’s worth noting that he has a history of previous summons and detention related to his activism.

According to documented accounts by the Department of Statistics and Publication of Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA), a total of 12 individuals were sentenced to a combined 751 months of imprisonment in 2022, all linked to their involvement in advocating for the rights of ethnic minorities.

singer-songwriter Mehdi Yarrahi Arrested

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Freedom of Expression, News
ahvaz, Iranian singer, Mehdi Yarrahi

Renowned Iranian singer-songwriter Mehdi Yarrahi has been taken into custody based on an order from the Tehran Prosecutor’s office. The arrest comes in connection with a song that authorities have deemed “unlawful,” according to ISNA’s report.

Recently, the judiciary’s news agency, Mizan, revealed that Yarrahi is facing legal proceedings due to a song that has been judged as “contrary to the values and norms of Islamic society.”

It’s worth noting that the singer had previously faced legal restrictions on his personal property rights due to his support for the 2022 nationwide protests. Mehdi Yarrahi, aged 42, is a singer and songwriter, hailing from Ahvaz.

Background on the 2022 Nationwide Protests

The arrest of Mahsa Amini by Tehran Morality Police for her improper hijab and her suspicious death on September 16 sparked protests sweeping across Iran. Protesters came to the streets with the central slogan “Women, Life, Freedom” in protest against the performance, laws and structure of the regime. During the nationwide protests, thousands of people, including journalists, artists, lawyers, teachers, students and civil rights activists, were arrested.

 

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Security Forces Detain Four Family Members of Deceased Protester Hananeh Kia

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Freedom of Expression, News
Amir Kia, Hanane Kia, Hananeh Kia, Helia Kia, Mahsa Amini, Masoumeh Azari, Mazandaran, Nowshahr, Vahid Kia

Masoumeh Azari, Helia, Vahid, and Amir Kia Kojuri – four family members of Hananeh Kia, who was killed by regime forces during the nationwide protests of 2022 – have been apprehended at their residence and subsequently transported to an undisclosed location.

A source, with close ties to the Kia family, disclosed to HRANA that on the evening of Sunday, August 27, Vahid, Helia, and Amir Kia, all siblings of Hananeh, as well as their mother Masoumeh Azari, were arrested at their residence in Nowshahr, Mazandaran province.

The specific grounds for these detentions and the whereabouts of their confinement remain undisclosed at this time.

Hananeh Kia, a 22-year-old, was shot dead by security forces on September 21, 2022, during protests in Nowshahr.

As the approaching anniversary of the 2022 nationwide protests, commonly referred to as the Mahsa Amini Protests looms, families of the victims are grappling with heightened pressures stemming from security and judicial entities. For more details, please refer to HRANA’s report on the arrest of some family members.

Civil Rights Advocate Yashar Tabrizi Receives One-Year Sentence

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Freedom of Expression, News
aKBAR gHOLIZADEH, Evin Prison, Shahriar, Yashar Tabrizi

Yashar Tabrizi (Akbar Gholizadeh), a civil rights advocate and former political prisoner, has been handed a one-year prison sentence by the Shahriar Revolutionary Court.

The presiding judge, Barjesteh, relayed to Tabrizi’s legal counsel that his client had been sentenced to a year behind bars for charges related to “propaganda against the regime.” A reliable source indicates that Tabrizi is awaiting an additional verdict from the Shahriar Criminal Court on the allegation of “spreading falsehood.”

Following his arrest in Tehran on June 10, 2023, Tabrizi was transported to Ward 209 of Evin Prison. He secured his release from Evin Prison on bail after a 14-day period, pending the conclusion of legal procedures.

This civil rights advocate has faced previous detentions and convictions due to his activism.

 

Three Inmates Convicted of Murder Executed across Different Prisons

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Executions, News
Aligudarz, Kerman, Milad Yazdanpanah, Saqqez, Sobhan Eftekhareddin, Vafa Kharamani, Zarand

On August 26 and 27, 2023, three inmates who had previously been found guilty of murder faced execution in separate instances across Zarand, Saqqez, and Aligudarz.

According to HRANA, on August 26, Milad Yazdanpanah, 30 years old, was executed in Zarand Prison, located in Kerman province. Sources close to his family informed HRANA that Yazdanpanah had been sentenced to death six years ago following a conviction for murder.

Kurdpa reported the execution of Vafa Kharamani, an inmate, on August 27, in Saqqez prison. Two years prior, he had received a death sentence for committing murder.

Finally, Iran Human Rights Organization reported the execution of Sobhan Efterkhareddin, aged 35, in Aligudarz, situated in Lorestan Province, on August 27. Efterkhareddin had been found guilty of murder approximately three and a half years ago.

At the time of writing, no official sources or domestic media outlets within the country have reported on these executions.

In 2022, the Department of Statistics and Publication of Human Rights Activists in Iran registered 457 reports related to the death penalty. This included 92 death sentences, including the conviction of 6 people to public execution and 565 execution sentences were carried out, 2 of which have been carried out in public. Based on the announced identifications of some of the executed individuals, 501 were male and 11 were female. In addition, 5 juvenile offenders were executed in 2022, meaning they were under the age of 18 at the time they committed the crime.

 

Azerbaijani-Turk Activist Mehrdad Sheikhi Arrested in Ardabil

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Ethnic Minorities, News
Ardabil, azerbaijani activist in Iran, Mehrdad Sheikhi

On August 27, 2023, Azerbaijani-Turk activist Mehrdad Sheikhi was apprehended by security forces in Ardabil and subsequently transported to an undisclosed location.

The arrest of Sheikhi took place at his father’s residence. Throughout the apprehension, the agents conducted a thorough search of the premises, leading to the confiscation of several of his personal belongings. As of now, the specific reasons behind his arrest, his current location, and the exact charges brought against him remain unknown.

This incident marks another instance of Sheikhi’s confrontations with law enforcement due to his involvement in activist initiatives.

In the year 2022, the Department of Statistics and Publication of Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA) documented a total of 225 detentions of individuals advocating for ethnic rights.

Workers’ Rights Advocate Othman Esmaeili Sentenced to 39-Month Prison Term

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Freedom of Expression, Labor and Guilds, News
Kolbar News, Othman Esmaeili, Saqqez

In a recent development reported by Kolbar News, workers’ rights activist Othman Esmaeili has been handed a 39-month prison sentence by the Saqqez Revolutionary Court.

Esmaeili’s sentencing comprises seven months and 15 days for “propagating against the regime” and an additional 31 months and 15 days for his alleged involvement as a member of an “anti-regime group.” As per the provisions outlined in Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, 31 months and 15 days of his total sentence will be carried out.

Esmaeili was arrested by security forces on February 8, 2023, and subsequently released from Saqez Prison on April 17, 2023. During his period of detention, both legal representation and family visitation were reportedly denied.

It’s worth noting that he has a history of previous arrests and incarceration for his activism.