Baha’i Photojournalist Artin Ghazanfari Remains in Legal Limbo at Greater Tehran Penitentiary

HRANA – More than five months after his arrest, Artin Ghazanfari, a Baha’i citizen and photojournalist, remains detained without legal resolution at Greater Tehran Penitentiary.

A source close to the family, who confirmed the information to HRANA, said: “Artin Ghazanfari has now been held at Greater Tehran Penitentiary for 170 days without legal resolution. His judicial case remains in limbo, and no court hearing has been held for him to date.”

A previously informed source had told HRANA that Mr. Ghazanfari suffers from several medical conditions, including heart failure, asthma, and high blood pressure, and requires daily medication. Despite repeated efforts by his family to secure his temporary release through judicial authorities, the relevant officials have refused to grant him provisional release.

Mr. Ghazanfari was arrested on January 19, 2026, at his home in Tehran. At the same time, security agents searched both his residence and workplace, confiscating a number of electronic devices, books, and his personal and professional equipment.

As of the time of this report, no information has been made available regarding the charges brought against this Baha’i citizen.

Artin Ghazanfari, a Baha’i citizen and photojournalist, has previously served a prison sentence due to his activities.

Over the past decade, Iran’s Baha’i community has faced more security and judicial persecution than any other religious minority in the country. According HRA’s annual reports, an average of 62.41% of all reported violations of the rights of religious minorities during the past year involved violations of the rights of Baha’is.

Baha’i Citizen Mitra Bandi Amirabadi Sentenced to Prison

HRANA – Mitra Bandi Amirabadi, a Baha’i resident of Yazd, has been sentenced by the Revolutionary Court of Yazd to five years of discretionary imprisonment and a 10-year deprivation of social rights. Three years of the prison sentence have been suspended for a period of three years.

According to HRANA, Mitra Bandi Amirabadi has been sentenced to prison. Under a ruling issued by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Yazd, this Baha’i citizen was convicted on the charge of “deviant propaganda activity contrary to the sacred law of Islam through the promotion of the Baha’i faith,” under Article 500 bis of the Islamic Penal Code. She was sentenced to five years of discretionary imprisonment and a 10-year deprivation of social rights. Three years of her prison sentence have been suspended for a period of three years.

If the verdict is upheld on appeal, Ms. Bandi Amirabadi will be required to serve two years of discretionary imprisonment.

On June 17, 2025, security forces searched the home of this Baha’i citizen. The search was carried out around midnight, and officers confiscated a number of electronic devices, personal belongings, and several religious books.

Mitra Bandi Amirabadi, a Baha’i resident of Yazd, has previously been arrested and convicted because of her religious beliefs.

Sardar Ostad-Ahmadi Arrested in Mahabad

HRANA – Yesterday, Sardar Ostad-Ahmadi, a resident of Mahabad, was arrested by security forces in the city and transferred to an undisclosed location.

According to a report received by HRANA from Kurdpa, Sardar Ostad-Ahmadi was arrested in Mahabad.

Based on the report, security agents arrested him at his home on Tuesday, July 7, without presenting a judicial warrant.

As of the time of this report, no information is available regarding the reasons for his arrest or his whereabouts.

Sardar Ostad-Ahmadi is a native and resident of Mahabad.

Denial of Phone Calls and Family Visits; Azar Yahu’s Detention Continues at Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad

HRANA – Azar Yahu remains in detention at Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad without a clear legal status, despite 125 days having passed since her arrest. Since Sunday, July 5, she has been subjected to a disciplinary ban on phone calls and family visits.

According to HRANA News Agency, Azar Yahu remains in detention at Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad without any judicial resolution to her case.

A source familiar with the matter and close to Yahu’s family confirmed the news to HRANA, stating: “Since Sunday, July 5, Azar Yahu has been deprived of phone calls and family visits as a disciplinary measure and has been transferred to Ward 6 of Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. Prison officials have claimed that the disciplinary action was taken because she had published a statement about her conditions in prison. However, she has not published any such statement.”

The source added that although 125 days have passed since Ms. Yahu’s arrest, no verdict has yet been issued in her case, which remains under judicial review.

Azar Yahu, aged approximately 39, has been charged with “collaboration with Israel.” According to reports received by HRANA, the charge is based on her online activities, including the use of stickers on social media. Authorities have also cited her presence in the streets and dancing on the day of Ali Khamenei’s death as additional reasons for her arrest.

She was arrested in Mashhad by the IRGC Intelligence Organization on March 5, 2026.

Ongoing Hunger Strike: Latest Update on British Couple Lindsay and Craig Foreman in Prison

HRANA – Craig Foreman and Lindsay Foreman, the British couple imprisoned in Evin Prison, remain on hunger strike in protest against the authorities’ continued disregard for their demands. They have been denied adequate medical care, access to essential medication, and the ability to make phone calls to each other or their family members.

According to HRANA, Craig and Lindsay Foreman continue their hunger strike.

Based on information received by HRANA, the two British nationals remain on hunger strike and have been denied access to on-site medical examinations and visits from a doctor or nurse. Lindsay Foreman must walk a considerable distance, including a long corridor and approximately 30 stairs, to reach the prison clinic. She has not received a medical check-up for about ten days. She is reportedly suffering from dizziness, body tremors, severe weakness, and has lost more than 14 kilograms. Craig Foreman has also lost approximately 16 kilograms.

A source familiar with the couple’s situation confirmed the information to HRANA, stating: “Craig and Lindsay Foreman have recently been allowed to speak with their lawyer by telephone, but they remain barred from contacting their family members, children, or even each other. In addition, essential medications, eyeglasses, books, and hygiene supplies sent by the British Embassy have still not been delivered to them, despite approval from the prison clinic physician and ward officials. According to the source, the prison’s Protection Unit and security team have refused to hand over these items, despite a previous promise made to the British ambassador.”

The same source said that pressure on the couple intensified after they gave interviews to BBC World News in which they referred to the number of executions in Iran. During his imprisonment in Evin and Greater Tehran prisons, Craig Foreman has lived alongside prisoners sentenced to death and witnessed prisoners being transferred for execution. He is currently housed with several prisoners facing imminent execution. In her interview from inside prison, Lindsay Foreman also spoke about executions in Iran. The couple stated: “In Iran, speaking about executions can result in people being deprived of their basic rights. The Iranian government has no problem carrying out executions, but when those executions are reported, it responds harshly against those who speak about them.”

According to reports received by HRANA, Lindsay Foreman has now been on hunger strike for 49 days, while Craig Foreman has been on hunger strike for 58 days. They began their protest in May 2026, objecting to their prison conditions and the suspension of phone contact with their families. As her hunger strike has continued, Lindsay Foreman has experienced serious physical deterioration, including significant weight loss, low blood sugar, and fluctuations in blood pressure.

Their prison sentences were upheld in full by the Court of Appeals in June 2026.

In February 2026, Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, sentenced the couple to 10 years in prison on charges of “espionage.”

According to the couple, “Although we appeared before the court, no evidence was presented, and we were given no opportunity to defend ourselves.”

Craig and Lindsay Foreman, who had entered Iran by motorcycle as part of a round-the-world journey, were arrested in January 2025 in Kerman by IRGC intelligence forces. Iranian judicial authorities accused them of “espionage,” alleging that they had gathered information in several provinces under the guise of tourism and research activities.

The then British ambassador to Iran met with the couple at the Kerman Prosecutor’s Office in February 2025.

In recent years, Iranian authorities have arrested several foreign nationals on charges such as espionage or cooperation with hostile governments. Some have later been released following political negotiations. Human rights organizations and several Western governments have accused Iran of using such arrests as a means of political leverage, allegations that Iranian authorities have consistently denied.

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Rashed Emami and Shlir Modirzadeh Arrested in Paveh

HRANA – Yesterday, Rashed Emami and Shlir Modirzadeh, a married couple from Paveh, were arrested by Ministry of Intelligence agents in the city and taken to an undisclosed location.

According to HRANA, citing Kolbar News, two citizens were arrested in Paveh. The individuals have been identified as 33-year-old Rashed Emami and Shlir Modirzadeh, both residents of Paveh.

According to the report, on Monday, July 6, 2026, Ministry of Intelligence agents entered the couple’s home in Paveh and arrested Mr. Emami. Several hours later, the agents returned to the residence and violently arrested Ms. Modirzadeh as well. The couple was arrested without the presentation of a judicial warrant.

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

Rashed Emami, a resident of Paveh, has previously been subjected to security-related harassment and arrest.

January 2026 Protests: Kamal Khan-Babayi Sentenced to Death

HRANA – Kamal Khan-Babayi, one of those arrested during the nationwide protests in January 2026, has been sentenced to death by Branch 1 of the Qazvin Revolutionary Court on the charge of “enmity against God” (moharebeh).

According to HRANA, Kamal Khan-Babayi, arrested during the January 2026 protests, has been sentenced to death.

According to information received by HRANA, Branch 1 of the Qazvin Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Asadi, sentenced Kamal Khan-Babayi to death on the charge of moharebeh through alleged participation in the destruction of public property. Following an appeal against the ruling, his case has been referred to the Supreme Court for review.

A source familiar with the case and close to the family confirmed the news in an interview with HRANA, stating: “One of the alleged acts cited against Mr. Khan-Babayi is the breaking of two surveillance cameras.” The source added that this has raised concerns regarding the handling of his judicial proceedings.

Kamal Khan-Babayi was arrested by Ministry of Intelligence agents on January 15, 2027. He was held for approximately 10 days at The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, where he was interrogated and beaten in an effort to extract forced confessions. He was subsequently transferred to Choobindar Prison in Qazvin.

Kamal Khan-Babayi, aged approximately 32, is married, has one child, and is from Qazvin County.

Evin Prison: Mohammad Moaidi Shakib Has Been on Hunger Strike for Nine Days

HRANA – Mohammad Moaidi Shakib, a political prisoner held in Evin Prison, who suffers from multiple medical conditions, has been on hunger strike since Sunday, June 28, in protest against the continued denial of transfer to medical facilities outside the prison.

According to HRANA, Mohammad Moaidi Shakib, a political prisoner imprisoned in Evin Prison, has now been on hunger strike for nine days.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mr. Moaidi Shakib continues to be denied transfer to medical facilities outside the prison to receive specialized treatment despite suffering from heart disease, a prostate condition, and cervical and lumbar disc disorders. He began his hunger strike on Sunday, June 28, in protest against this ongoing deprivation.

A source close to the prisoner’s family confirmed the news to HRANA and said: “After beginning his hunger strike, the prison warden threatened him that if he continued his protest, he would be transferred to Razi Psychiatric Hospital (Aminabad).”

Mr. Moaidi Shakib had previously also gone on hunger strike to protest the authorities’ failure to provide adequate medical care for his physical health conditions.

Mohammad Moaidi Shakib has been sentenced to a total of three years and nine months in prison on charges of “assembly and collusion against national security” and “propaganda against the regime.” He had previously been tried by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari.

Mohammad Moaidi Shakib was arrested at his home on September 9, 2023. He is currently being held in Hall 12 of Ward 7 of Evin Prison.

Escalating Crackdown on Women: Five Prison Sentences and One Death Sentence Issued in Recent Days

HRANA – A review of judicial rulings issued over the past week shows that between June 27 and July 4, 2026, at least five women facing political charges in Iran received court verdicts amounting to one death sentence and a total of 14 years’ imprisonment. Among them, Arghavan Fallahi was sentenced to death, while Elham Zeraatpisheh, Parnian (Fatemeh) Hashempour, Azadeh Saleki, and Negin Kiani were sentenced to prison terms.

According to HRANA, the rulings issued during the period from June 27 to July 4, 2026, indicate a continued judicial crackdown on women involved in political and ideological cases.

The five women come from diverse professional backgrounds, including a lawyer, a teacher, a documentary social photographer, a graduate of archaeology, and political and civil activists. The charges brought against them primarily include “assembly and collusion against national security” and “propaganda against the regime.” In one case, Arghavan Fallahi was sentenced to death on the charge of “baghi” (armed rebellion).

Of the five women, Arghavan Fallahi, Parnian (Fatemeh) Hashempour, and Negin Kiani are currently imprisoned, while Elham Zeraatpisheh and Azadeh Saleki have been temporarily released on bail.

Details of the cases and the sentences are as follows:

1. Arghavan Fallahi

Arghavan Fallahi, 24, was arrested in Tehran in early January 2025 and transferred to Evin Prison by security forces. Following months of interrogation and judicial proceedings, Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, sentenced her to death on the charge of “baghi” (armed rebellion), one of the harshest rulings issued during the reporting period.

She had previously been arrested during the 2022 nationwide protests and was later released after serving her sentence.

2. Elham Zeraatpisheh

Elham Zeraatpisheh, a lawyer and member of the Fars Bar Association, was arrested in May 4, 2026 near the Shiraz Office for the Enforcement of Judgments.

According to a verdict served on her on July 3, 2026, the Shiraz Revolutionary Court sentenced her to five years in prison for “assembly and collusion against national security” and one additional year for “propaganda against the regime.” The court also imposed a two-year travel ban and ordered the revocation of her passport.

Ms. Zeraatpisheh has previously faced judicial action in connection with her professional activities.

3. Parnian (Fatemeh) Hashempour

Parnian (Fatemeh) Hashempour, who holds a master’s degree in archaeology, was arrested in connection with the January 2026 nationwide protests. After spending several days in solitary confinement, she was transferred to the women’s ward of Evin Prison on December 31, 2025.

On June 27, 2026, the Court of Appeals sentenced her to two years in prison on the charge of assembly and collusion.

She had originally been sentenced to five years in prison by the Revolutionary Court. Ms. Hashempour was also arrested and convicted in 2022 before later being released.

4. Azadeh Saleki

Azadeh Saleki, a teacher in Khaf, was arrested during the January 2026 protests and was temporarily released approximately one month later after posting 30 billion rials (three billion tomans) in bail.

On June 30, 2026, the Khorasan Razavi Province Court of Appeals sentenced her to five years in prison, reducing her original 10-year sentence issued by the lower court.

In 2022, she was suspended from her teaching position for one month because of her statements and civil activities and was subsequently transferred from Torbat-e Heydarieh to Khaf.

5. Negin Kiani

Negin Kiani, aged approximately 37, is a Tehran-based documentary social photographer.

She was arrested by security forces at her family home in Babol on April 8, 2026, and was released on bail the following day.

On June 27, 2026, Branch One of the Babol Revolutionary Court sentenced her to one year in prison on the charge of “propaganda against the regime.”

She has previously been summoned and subjected to judicial action on multiple occasions due to her civil activities.

Lawyer Elham Zeraatpisheh Sentenced to Prison and Additional Punishments

HRANA – Elham Zeraatpisheh, a lawyer, has been sentenced by Branch One of the Shiraz Revolutionary Court to six years in prison, a two-year travel ban, and the revocation of her passport.

According to HRANA, Elham Zeraatpisheh has been sentenced to imprisonment and additional punishments.

Under the ruling issued by Branch One of the Shiraz Revolutionary Court, Ms. Zeraatpisheh was sentenced to five years in prison on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security” and one year in prison for “propaganda against the regime.” The court also imposed a two-year ban on leaving the country and ordered the revocation of her passport for the same period.

The lawyer was arrested on May 4, 2026, near the Shiraz Office for the Enforcement of Judgments.

Elham Zeraatpisheh is a lawyer and a member of the Fars Bar Association. She has previously faced judicial action and arrest in connection with her professional activities.