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Photographer Negin Kiani Sentenced to Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Babol, HRANA, Negin Kiani, نگین کیانی

HRANA – Negin Kiani, a photographer and photography instructor based in Tehran, has been sentenced to one year in prison by the Revolutionary Court of Babol.

According to HRANA, Negin Kiani has been convicted and sentenced to imprisonment.

Under a ruling issued by Branch One of the Babol Revolutionary Court on June 27, 2026, and formally served on Ms. Kiani, she was sentenced to one year in prison on the charge of “propaganda against the regime.” Her trial was held before the same branch on June 15, 2026.

Ms. Kiani was arrested by security forces at her family home in Babol on April 8, 2026, and was released one day later after posting bail.

She has previously faced multiple summonses and judicial actions due to her civil activities.

Negin Kiani, aged approximately 37, is a Tehran-based documentary social photographer who has also worked as a photography instructor.

Appeals Court Upholds Prison Sentences of Five Christian Converts

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News, Prisoners, Religious Minorities
Aida Najaflou, Joseph Shahbazian, Lida Alexsani, Nasser Navard Gol-Tappeh

HRANA – The Tehran Province Court of Appeals has upheld the prison sentences of five Christian converts, four of whom have been identified as Aida Najaflou, Nasser Navard Gol-Tappeh, Joseph Shahbazian, and Lida Alexsani (Alek-Sani). The five had previously been sentenced by the Tehran Revolutionary Court to a combined total of 55 years in prison.

According to a report by Article 18, the Tehran Province Court of Appeals recently issued its ruling, fully affirming the original verdicts. The decision was officially communicated to the defendants on June 22, 2026.

In December 2025, the Tehran Revolutionary Court had sentenced the defendants. Under the ruling, Nasser Navard Gol-Tappeh, Joseph Shahbazian, and another Christian convert involved in the case were each sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, while Lida Alexsani received eight years in prison. Aida Najaflou was sentenced to a total of 17 years’ imprisonment. However, under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, which provides for the enforcement of only the most severe sentence in cases involving multiple convictions, she will serve 10 years, the longest of her sentences.

The first hearing in the case against Aida Najaflou, Nasser Navard Gol-Tappeh, and Joseph Shahbazian was held on September 6, 2025, in Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Abolghasem Salavati. They defended themselves against charges of “propaganda against the regime” and “acting against national security.”

The indictment was issued by the Evin Prosecutor’s Office on June 10, 2025. According to the final indictment, the charges were based on establishing, organizing, and leading a house church, conducting evangelical Christian house gatherings, and performing religious ceremonies such as baptism and Holy Communion.

Lida Alexsani was arrested at her home by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence on April 13, 2025. On May 13, 2025, she was released from Evin Prison after posting bail.

Aida Najaflou was also released from Evin Prison on bail on December 21, 2025. She had previously been transferred on April 13, 2025, from The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, known as Ward 209 of Evin Prison, to the prison’s women’s ward. She had originally been arrested by security forces on February 6, 2025.

Nasser Navard Gol-Tappeh and Joseph Shahbazian, who were arrested on the same date and transferred to Evin Prison, remain in custody.

Both Nasser Navard Gol-Tappeh and Joseph Shahbazian, Christian converts residing in Tehran, have previously been arrested and imprisoned because of their religious activities.

January 2026 Protests: Vahid Khan Sanami Sentenced to Death

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Executions, News
Abolghasem Salavati, HRANA, moharebeh, Vahid Khan Sanami, وحید خان صنمی

HRANA – Vahid Khan Sanami, arrested during the nationwide protests of January 2026 and currently imprisoned in Greater Tehran Prison, has been sentenced to death by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court on the charge of moharebeh (enmity against God).

According to HRANA, Vahid Khan Sanami, who was arrested during the January 2026 nationwide protests, has been sentenced to death.

Based on information received by HRANA, Vahid Khan Sanami was sentenced to death by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, on the charge of moharebeh.

A source familiar with the case and close to Sanami’s family confirmed the news in an interview with HRANA, stating that his trial was held in May of this year.

Vahid Khan Sanami was arrested in March of last year in connection with the January 2026 nationwide protests and is currently being held in Greater Tehran Prison.

Political Prisoner Arghavan Fallahi Sentenced to Death

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Executions, News, Prisoners
Abolghasem Salavati, Arghavan Fallahi, Iman Afshari

HRANA – Arghavan Fallahi, a 24-year-old political prisoner held in Evin Prison, has been sentenced to death by Judge Abolghasem Salavati on the charge of baghi (armed rebellion).

According to information received by HRANA, the sentence was issued by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati. Ms. Fallahi was sentenced to death under Article 287 of the Islamic Penal Code on the charge of baghi (armed rebellion), based on allegations of membership in anti-government groups and involvement in armed action.

Following the Israeli strike on Evin Prison in June 2025, Ms. Fallahi was initially transferred to Greater Tehran Penitentiary and subsequently to Qarchak Prison in Varamin. She was later returned to Evin Prison.

Previously, an informed source told HRANA regarding her case: “Following her arrest, Ms. Fallahi was held for a period in Wards 209 and 241 of Evin Prison under the supervision of the Judiciary’s Intelligence Protection Organization. During this time, she was subjected to severe psychological torture, and efforts were made to extract forced confessions from her in connection with the killings of judges Mohammad Moghiseh and Ali Razini.”

Arghavan Fallahi was arrested by security forces in early January 2025 and transferred to Ward 209 of Evin Prison, The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility.

Ms. Fallahi had previously been arrested along with her father in November 2022 by security forces and was later transferred to Evin Prison. She was subsequently sentenced by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, to two years in prison on charges of assembly and collusion and propaganda against the regime. She was released from Evin Prison after completing her sentence.

Woman and Several Others Arrested After Semi-Nude Appearance in Yazd

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Freedom of Expression, News, Women
HRANA, Yazd

HRANA – The Public Relations Office of the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Yazd has announced the arrest of a woman who appeared semi-nude in the city, along with several individuals involved in recording and publishing a video of her, accusing them of what it described as “violating social norms.”

According to HRANA, citing IRIB News, several citizens, including a woman, have been arrested in Yazd.

The Public Relations Office of the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Yazd claimed that following the circulation of a video showing a semi-nude woman in Yazd’s Ghadir Park, where she allegedly engaged in “norm-breaking” behavior, the prosecutor’s office launched a special investigation into the case.

According to the authorities, following legal procedures and under a judicial order, the woman and several individuals who had recorded and shared the video were identified and arrested.

The report did not provide further details, including the identities of those arrested, the exact number of detainees, or where they are being held.

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Lawyer Astareh Ansari Remains Detained Despite Urgent Medical Needs

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News, Prisoners
Adelabad Prison, Astareh Ansari, HRANA, Maryam Ansari, Shiraz

HRANA – Astareh (Maryam) Ansari, a lawyer, has been held in a state of legal uncertainty for nearly two months in Adelabad Prison in Shiraz, without adherence to the principle of separation of prisoners based on the nature of their alleged offenses. She suffers from an autoimmune disease and requires regular treatment and urgent medical attention, raising growing concerns among her family and relatives about her physical condition.

According to information received by HRANA, Astareh Ansari, who suffers from an autoimmune disease, is currently being forced to sleep on the floor and is being held in Adelabad Prison in Shiraz without observance of the principle of separating prisoners according to the nature of their alleged offenses. She has also been denied access to adequate medical treatment and healthcare. Ms. Ansari’s detention order remains valid until July 5, and her family has expressed concern that it may be extended once again. Given her underlying medical condition and continued deprivation of specialized medical care, her ongoing detention has further intensified her family’s concerns about her health.

A source familiar with the matter confirmed the report to HRANA, stating: “This lawyer is facing the charge of ‘propaganda activity against the regime,’ based on Article 4 of the Law on Intensifying the Punishment for Espionage, and her case is currently under review by the judicial authorities in Fars Province.”

Ms. Ansari was arrested at her home in Shiraz by security forces on the evening of May 3, 2026.

Astareh (Maryam) Ansari, a lawyer, was previously arrested during the 2022 nationwide protests in Iran.

January 2026 Protests: Mahboubeh Shabani Remains Detained Without Charge Resolution in Mashhad Prison

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News, Prisoners
Mahboubeh Shabani, Vakilabad prison, محبوبه شعبانی

HRANA – Mahboubeh Shabani, arrested during the January 2026 protests, has remained in legal limbo in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad for more than five months since her arrest.

Based on information received by HRANA, despite the passage of 160 days since her arrest, Mahboubeh Shabani continues to be held without charge resolution in the Aramesh Ward of Vakilabad Prison.

She is facing charges of operational action in support of Israel, the United States, and individuals affiliated with opposition groups. Her case is currently under review by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad.

Mahboubeh Shabani was arrested by security forces on February 2, 2026, in connection with the nationwide protests in Mashhad.

It should be noted that protests and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025, and within two days spread beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests became one of the largest protest movements of recent years. Following the crackdown by security and law enforcement forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security agencies. For more information, readers may refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “Crimson Winter,” documenting the first fifty days following the outbreak of Iran’s nationwide protests.

Prisoner Executed at Sanandaj Prison

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Executions, News
HRANA, Sanandaj, Shouresh Sattarzadeh

HRANA – At dawn on Wednesday, July 1, a prisoner previously sentenced to death on a murder charge was executed at Sanandaj Prison.

According to a report by HRANA, citing Kurdpa, a prisoner was executed at Sanandaj Prison. The prisoner, who was hanged at dawn on Wednesday, July 1, has been identified as Shouresh Sattarzadeh.

According to the report, Mr. Sattarzadeh was arrested in 2008 on a murder charge and was subsequently sentenced to death by the Criminal Court.

As of the time of writing, prison authorities and the relevant institutions have not officially announced the execution.

According to HRA’s Annual Report, in 2025 at least 2,063 citizens, including 61 women and 2 juvenile offenders, were executed. Of these, the sentences of 11 individuals were carried out in public. During the same period, 172 other individuals were sentenced to death.

Environmental Activists Arrested by Security Forces in Tehran

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Environment, Freedom of Expression, News
Environmental activists, Hojjat Kermani, Hooman Jokar, Sima Kashani, Tehran, سپیده کاشانی, هومن جوکار

HRANA – Yesterday, Wednesday, environmental activists Hooman Jokar and his wife, Sepideh Kashani, along with Sima Kashani, were arrested by security forces in Tehran. During the arrests, officers also confiscated their electronic devices.

According to a report by HRANA, citing Emtedad, Sepideh and Sima Kashani, along with Hooman Jokar, were arrested in Tehran.

According to the report, security forces arrested environmental activists Hooman Jokar and his wife, Sepideh Kashani, at their residence this afternoon. Sima Kashani, Sepideh Kashani’s sister, was also arrested by security forces. During the arrests, officers confiscated all of their electronic devices.

The report further quotes attorney Hojjat Kermani as saying: “Given the lengthy holiday ahead and the closure of judicial offices, these arrests have heightened concerns among the families of those detained.”

As of the time of this report, no information is available regarding the agency responsible for the arrests, the reasons for the detentions, or the whereabouts of the three individuals.

Hooman Jokar and Sepideh Kashani, both environmental activists, have previously been arrested and subjected to judicial prosecution in connection with their activism.

Masoud Chamani Sentenced to Prison by the Revolutionary Court of Bukan

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Freedom of Expression, News
Bukan, Masoud Chamani, مسعود چمنی

HRANA – Masoud Chamani, a resident of Bukan, has been sentenced by the Revolutionary Court of Bukan to two years and seven months of discretionary imprisonment.

According to a report by HRANA, citing Kurdpa, Masoud Chamani has been sentenced to prison. Based on a ruling issued in recent days by the Revolutionary Court of Bukan, Mr. Chamani was sentenced to a total of two years and seven months of discretionary imprisonment on charges of “propaganda against the regime” and “membership in groups or associations with the aim of disrupting the national security.”

Mr. Chamani was arrested at his home by security forces on February 12, 2026, without the presentation of a judicial warrant. He was later released on bail after a period of detention.

Masoud Chamani, 35, is a resident of Ebrahimabad village, a rural district of Bukan in West Azerbaijan Province.