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Iranian Actor Mohammad Sadeghi Arrested in Tehran

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Freedom of Expression, News
Iranian Actor, Mohammad Sadeghi, Tehran

On Sunday, July 16, renowned theater and television actor Mohammad Sadeghi was apprehended at his residence in Tehran by security forces, as confirmed by Tasnim News Agency. The exact location of his detention remains undisclosed.

Sources indicate that Sadeghi was arrested by agents from the Ministry of Intelligence. According to reports, there was an alleged incident where he contemplated jumping from the third floor in an apparent bid to escape but ultimately abandoned the idea upon the arrival of firefighters and judicial officials at the scene.

Yesterday, Sadeghi took to social media to inform the public about the raid conducted by security forces at his residence. While some media outlets within Iran have suggested that his arrest is linked to allegations of “wearing women’s apparel, makeup, and inciting people to engage in illegal activities,” the precise grounds for his detention are yet to be officially disclosed.

At present, the location where Sadeghi is being held and the nature of the charges against him remain unknown, adding to the uncertainty surrounding his arrest.

Civil Rights Activist Majid Rezaie Arrested and Detained in Tehran

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Freedom of Expression, News
Evin Prison, Fariba Fereydooni, irgc, Khomeyn, Majid Rezaie, Markazi Province, Tehran

On July 15, civil rights activist Majid Rezaie was apprehended by security forces at his residence in Tehran and subsequently taken to Evin Prison.

According to a reliable source close to Rezaie, he is currently being held in the quarantine section of Evin Prison, where he will serve a nine-month sentence.

Previously, on May 22, Rezaie received a summons from the Judgement Enforcement Unit in Tehran to initiate his sentence.

The Tehran Revolutionary Court initially imposed a one-year sentence, which was later reduced to nine months after Rezaie entered a plea of no contest. Additionally, he has been sentenced to four hours of daily penal labor for the Tehran Municipality over a three-month period. Furthermore, he is required to attend a course conducted by the Institute of Psychology Ma’avaye e Qom, purportedly aimed at “enhancing emotional regulation.”

On July 23, 2020, Rezaie and his wife, Fariba Fereydooni, were arrested by agents of the IRGC in Khomeyn County, Markazi Province. He was released on bail after 21 days of detention.

Baha’i Citizen Payam Vali Face New Charge While Imprisoned

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News, Prisoners, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizen, Ghezel Hesar, Karaj, Payam Vali

Payam Vali, a Baha’i citizen currently serving his sentence in Qezel Hesar Prison, Karaj, is confronted with a fresh legal case.

The Karaj Revolutionary Court has accused Vali of “spreading falsehood on the Internet through the dissemination of unlawful content.” This case has been transferred from the court to a branch of the prosecutor’s office in Karaj, as it reportedly exceeds the jurisdiction of the Revolutionary Court.

Vali’s arrest took place on September 24, 2022, when security forces apprehended him at his residence in Karaj and conducted a search of his house. Subsequently, he was detained in Rajai Shahr Prison before being relocated to Ghezel Hesar Prison.

On May 10, 2023, the Alborz Court of Appeals sentenced Vali to six years for “collaboration with adversary countries,” three years and one month for “inciting people to commit violence,” and eight months for “propaganda against the regime.” According to Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the first charge carries an enforceable prison term of six years.

 

Four Inmates Executed in Ilam and Jiroft

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Executions, News
Hossein-Ali Zarooni, Ilam, Jiroft, Mehdi Shariati, Rashid Dahmardeh, Saman Salari

According to reports, four inmates have been executed in Ilam and Jiroft Prisons for their involvement in murder and drug-related offenses.

Haal Vsh confirmed that on July 13, Saman Salari (33), Mehdi Shariati (35), and Rashid Dahmardeh (50) were executed at Jiroft Prison, located in Kerman province. Dahmardeh’s arrest dates back to 2018-2019 when he was accused of drug-related crimes. The other two prisoners were convicted of murder.

Additionally, the Iran Human Rights Organization reported the execution of Hossein-Ali Zarooni in Ilam Prison on July 12. Zarooni was charged with the murder of his sister’s husband and had allegedly killed two police officers during an escape from a police checkpoint.

Appeal Court Upholds Five-Year Sentence for Union Activist Davoud Razavi

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News, Prisoners
Davoud Razavi, Evin Prison, HRANA, Tehran bus workers’ syndicate

The Tehran Court of Appeals has recently upheld the five-year prison sentence against Davoud Razavi, a union activist and member of the Tehran bus workers’ syndicate.

Razavi’s conviction, handed down on July 2, 2023, stems from charges of “assembly and collusion against national security.” Initially, the Tehran Revolutionary Court had sentenced him to five years in prison and imposed a two-year ban on his online social activities and participation in political groups.

Concerns about Razavi’s well-being have emerged, as a reliable source informed HRANA that he has developed an eye infection due to the use of unsanitary blindfolds during his prolonged solitary confinement, leading to poor vision.

Razavi was arrested on September 27, 2023, and initially confined to Ward 209 of Evin Prison. Subsequently, on December 18, he was transferred to the Great Tehran Penitentiary before being relocated back to Evin Prison on April 9, 2023.

It is important to note that this is not Razavi’s first encounter with the judicial system, as he has a history of prior arrests and convictions linked to his activism.

 

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Nine Individuals Arrested by Security Forces in Isfahan

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Freedom of Expression, News
Hoda Sadeghi, Isfahan, Marjan Beshtam, Mashhad Kashani, Mina Nedaie, Mohammadreza Ghotbizadeh, Roozbeh Dana, Sama Amooshahi

Nine individuals were recently apprehended by security forces in Isfahan.

The HRANA has identified them as Mina Nedaie (35), Roozbeh Dana (37), Marjan Beshtam (42), Hoda Sadeghi, Sama Amooshahi, Mashhad Kashani, and Mohammadreza Ghotbizadeh. Two others, Erfan and Amir, remain unnamed.

Reports suggest that some of the detainees are being held at Dastgerd Prison, while others are in a Ministry of Intelligence detention facility in Isfahan.
The specific charges against them have yet to be disclosed.

Alireza Ramezani Arrested in Tehran

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Freedom of Expression, News
Alireza Ramezani, Borazjan, Bushehr Province, HRANA, Qazvin

On July 9, 2023, security forces arrested Alireza Ramezani, a Qazvin resident, in Tehran. Simultaneously, his legal case was transferred to the Qazvin Courthouse, according to a reliable source close to his family who spoke with HRANA.

The whereabouts of Ramezani remain unknown, causing great distress for his family.

Previously, in September 2022, Ramezani was apprehended by security forces in Qazvin and imprisoned in Choobindar Prison. He was granted release on bail on October 13, 2022. However, in May 2023, the Qazvin Revolutionary Court sentenced him to one year in prison and imposed a two-year exile in Borazjan, Bushehr province, despite being granted amnesty in February 2022.

Alireza Ramezani, approximately 37 years old, is a father of one child and a former university lecturer.

Fatemeh Mosanna and Hassan Sadeghi Released After Eight Years of Imprisonment

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News, Prisoners
Ali Khamenei, Evin Prison, Fatemeh Mosanna, Hassan Sadeghi, Rajai Shahr Prison

On July 12, 2023, political prisoners Fatemeh Mosanna and Hassan Sadeghi were finally released from Evin and Rajai Shahr Prison, marking the end of their grueling eight-year incarceration.

A reliable source close to the families of the couple revealed to HRANA that they had been granted amnesty under the “pardon and commutation” directive, following the proposal made by the head of the Judiciary in February 2023. This initiative aimed to pardon or reduce the sentences of select prisoners, acting in accordance with Article 110, paragraph 11 of Iran’s constitution. The proposal received approval from Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader.

The couple’s arrest took place on January 28, 2013, during the funeral of Sadeghi’s father. Their daughter and underage son were also apprehended and interrogated, but were subsequently released.

Following their trial at Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court, both Mosanna and Sadeghi were sentenced to 15 years in prison, with the additional penalty of having their personal property, business, and house seized. This verdict was upheld on appeal.

Mosanna’s own history with imprisonment dates back to 1980 when she was just 13 years old. Alongside her mother, she was arrested and imprisoned for three years. Tragically, during that time, her three brothers, Ali, Mostafa, and Morteza, as well as her brother’s wife, were executed in prison on charges of “enmity against God” and “advocating for The People’s Mujahedin Organization of Iran.”

Sadeghi also faced imprisonment in 1981, enduring a six-year sentence. He suffered severe beatings at the hands of prison agents, which have had lasting effects on his health.

Five Baha’i Citizens Arrested in Kerman

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News, Religious Minorities
Behnam Pour-Ahmadi, Foad Shaker, HRANA, Kerman, Paridokht Shojaei, Shahram Fallah, Yekta Fallah

On July 12, 2023, in a concerning development, security forces in Kerman apprehended and detained five Baha’i citizens.

The detainees, identified as Foad Shaker, Shahram Fallah, Yekta Fallah, Behnam Pour-Ahmadi, and Paridokht Shojaei, were subsequently transferred to an undisclosed location. During the arrest, agents conducted a search of the house and their vehicles and seized some of their personal belongings.

The exact reasons behind the arrests and the specific location of their detention remain unknown, deepening concerns about potential human rights violations. One reliable source, who spoke to HRANA revealed that these individuals were apprehended at the residence of Shahram Fallah, where they were guests.

According to unofficial sources, it is estimated that more than 300,000 Baha’is live in Iran, but the Iranian Constitution recognizes only Islam as the official religion, in addition to Christianity, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism. Bahai faith is not considered legitimate by the authorities, and the rights of Baha’is in Iran have been systematically violated for years.

The deprivation of the freedom to practice their religion is a breach of 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.

 

Concerns Mount Over Zohreh Sayadi’s Health Condition as Medical Treatment Denied in Evin Prison

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News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, HRANA, Tehran, Zohreh Sayadi

Zohreh Sayadi, a political prisoner, continues to serve her one-year sentence in Evin Prison, but her deteriorating health condition remains a cause for concern. Despite suffering from colon cancer, she has been denied essential medical treatment, raising serious questions about her well-being.

Reliable sources close to Sayadi’s family, who spoke to HRANA, revealed that the prison infirmary has provided her with only a minimal injection. The lack of ongoing treatment has exacerbated her illness, and her condition continues to worsen. Frustratingly, due to hindrances imposed by prison officials, she has not yet received a certificate of penal intolerance, further delaying potentially life-saving interventions.

In December 2019, security forces arrested her in Tehran. She was released on bail after a while.

Last year, she was handed down a one-year sentence which was upheld on appeal. On May 30, 2023, she was imprisoned in Evin Prison to commence serving her sentence.

Sayadi holds a degree in literature and is an activist dedicated to safeguarding the rights of children, mainly orphaned children, those affected by child labor or lacking proper documentation.