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January 2026 Protests: Azadeh Yaghoubi Sentenced to Over Three Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Aramesh ward, Azadeh Yaghoubi, January 2026 Protests, Masoumeh Yaghoubi, Vakilabad prison, آزاده یعقوبی

HRANA – Azadeh (Masoumeh) Yaghoubi, arrested during the 2026 nationwide protests and currently held in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, has been sentenced to three years and six months’ imprisonment by the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad.

According to HRANA, Azadeh (Masoumeh) Yaghoubi has been sentenced to prison.

According to a ruling issued by the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad and recently served on Ms. Yaghoubi, she was sentenced to three years and six months’ imprisonment on the charge of assembly and collusion to act against national security.

Yaghoubi suffers from Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Due to inadequate access to medication, poor detention conditions, and the low quality of prison food, her physical health has deteriorated. She also requires specialized medical care, including a colonoscopy.

Masoumeh Yaghoubi, who is also known by the name Azadeh, was arrested by security forces in Mashhad on January 24, 2026.

She spent a period in solitary confinement at The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility before being transferred to Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

HRANA previously reported on the conditions of women held in the Aramesh and Quarantine wards of Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. These wards suffer from severe shortages of basic facilities, including adequate ventilation, standard toilets and bathing facilities, beds, and appropriate access to medical care.

Ardabil Prison: Identities of 54 Citizens Arrested During the January 2026 Protests Confirmed

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News, Prisoners
Abbas Kowsari, Ahmad Seifi, Ahoura Jafarzadeh, Ali Ahmadi, Alireza Hosseini, Amir Mohammad Zadehkhak, Amir Reza Sharifi, Amirhossein Baghermaleki, Amirhossein Habibi, ardabil prison, Behzad Majedi, Farid Hamzehzadeh, Farshad Soltani, Hossein Nemati, HRANA, January 2026 Protests, Masoud Norouzi, Mehdi Shirani, Mehram Azarm, Mehran Abbasi, Milad Ashkani, Milad Sabri, Peyman Dorvalizadeh, Sina Farzaneh-Vash, Teymour Ghaznavi, Yavar Farahmand, زندان اردبیل

HRANA – At least 54 individuals arrested during the nationwide January 2026 protests are currently being held in the security ward of Ardabil Prison. HRANA has confirmed the identities of all 54 detainees. Of them, 25 have collectively been sentenced to 49 years and three months in prison, while the remaining 29 continue to be held in judicial limbo. The following report examines their identities and the latest developments in their cases.

According to HRANA News Agency, HRANA has confirmed the identities of 54 individuals arrested during the January 2026 nationwide protests in Ardabil Province.

HRANA’s findings show that, of the 54 identified detainees, 25 have been tried by judicial authorities in Ardabil and collectively sentenced to 49 years and three months’ imprisonment.

Below are the names of these 25 individuals, along with the latest available information on the status of their legal cases:

1. Ahmad Seifi
He was arrested by security forces during the nationwide protests. He was subsequently sentenced by a judicial authority to five years and three months’ imprisonment on political charges.

2. Peyman Dorvalizadeh
He was arrested during the 2026 nationwide protests. Following judicial proceedings in Ardabil, he was sentenced to three years and six months’ imprisonment.

3. Peyman Dorvalizadeh
Following his arrest and the opening of a judicial case against him, Reza Nabidoost was sentenced by a judicial authority in Ardabil to one year and six months’ imprisonment. He is currently serving his sentence in Ardabil Prison.

4. Yashar Soufi
Yashar Soufi was arrested by security forces during the 2026 nationwide protests. Following judicial proceedings in Ardabil, he was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.

5. Teymour Ghaznavi
Teymour Ghaznavi was arrested in connection with the nationwide protests in January 2026. A judicial authority in Ardabil sentenced him to three years’ imprisonment, and he is currently incarcerated in Ardabil Prison.

6. Ali Ahmadi
Following judicial proceedings in Ardabil, Ali Ahmadi was sentenced to three years and six months’ imprisonment. He is currently being held in Ardabil Prison.

7. Mehdi Shirani
Mehdi Shirani was arrested during the nationwide protests in January 2026. After being tried in Ardabil, he was sentenced to one year’s imprisonment.

8. Amir Mohammad Zadehkhak
Amir Mohammad Zadehkhak was arrested by security forces in connection with the 2026 nationwide protests. A judicial authority in Ardabil sentenced him to two years’ imprisonment.

9. Alireza Hosseini
Alireza Hosseini was among those arrested during the 2026 nationwide protests. Following judicial proceedings in Ardabil, he was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.

10. Amir Reza Sharifi
Amir Reza Sharifi was also arrested in connection with the 2026 nationwide protests, after which a judicial case was opened against him. He was ultimately sentenced by a judicial authority in Ardabil to one year and six months’ imprisonment.

11. Yavar Farahmand
Yavar Farahmand was arrested by security forces during the 2026 nationwide protests. Following the issuance of a verdict by a judicial authority in Ardabil, he was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment and is currently incarcerated in Ardabil Prison.

12. Abbas Kowsari
Abbas Kowsari was also arrested in connection with last year’s nationwide protests. A judicial authority in Ardabil sentenced him to three years and six months’ imprisonment.

13. Mehram Azarm
Mehram Azarm was among those arrested in connection with the 2026 nationwide protests. Following judicial proceedings in Ardabil, he was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment and is currently serving his sentence in Ardabil Prison.

14. Masoud Norouzi
Masoud Norouzi was arrested by security forces in connection with the January 2026 protests. Following a ruling by a judicial authority in Ardabil, he was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.

15. Sina Farzaneh-Vash
Like the other individuals on this list, Sina Farzaneh-Vash was arrested during the nationwide protests and, following trial proceedings in Ardabil, was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.

16. Amirhossein Baghermaleki
Amirhossein Baghermaleki was among those arrested in connection with the 2026 nationwide protests. A judicial authority in Ardabil sentenced him to one year and six months’ imprisonment, and he is currently being held in Ardabil Prison.

17. Milad Ashkani
Milad Ashkani was arrested during the 2026 nationwide protests. Following judicial proceedings in Ardabil, he was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment.

18. Amirhossein Habibi
Following his arrest, Amirhossein Habibi was sentenced by a judicial authority in Ardabil to two years’ imprisonment. He is currently serving his sentence in Ardabil Prison.

19. Farshad Soltani
Farshad Soltani was among those arrested during the January 2026 nationwide protests. Following the opening of a judicial case and subsequent proceedings in Ardabil, he was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.

20. Hossein Nemati
Hossein Nemati was sentenced by a judicial authority in Ardabil to six months’ imprisonment and is currently serving his sentence in Ardabil Prison.

21. Ahoura Jafarzadeh
Ahoura Jafarzadeh was arrested during the 2026 nationwide protests. Following judicial proceedings in Ardabil, he was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment.

22. Farid Hamzehzadeh
Farid Hamzehzadeh was among those arrested in connection with the 2026 nationwide protests. A judicial authority in Ardabil sentenced him to six months’ imprisonment.

23. Milad Sabri
Milad Sabri was arrested in connection with the 2026 nationwide protests. Following a ruling by a judicial authority in Ardabil, he was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment and remains incarcerated in Ardabil Prison.

24. Behzad Majedi
Behzad Majedi was arrested by security forces during last year’s nationwide protests. Following judicial proceedings in Ardabil, he was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment and is currently incarcerated in Ardabil Prison.

25. Mehran Abbasi
Mehran Abbasi was arrested in connection with the January 2026 nationwide protests and was sentenced by a judicial authority in Ardabil to six months’ imprisonment.

Meanwhile, 29 other individuals arrested in connection with the protests remain in detention without having appeared before a court to face the charges against them.

According to HRANA, the identities of these detainees have been confirmed as:

Farhad Jafari, Reza Javid, Mohammad Reza Asari, Armin Nadiri, Arian Hamidi, Sina Hassanzadeh, Ali Besharati, Mohammad Jalilolghadr, Faramarz Neshat, Keyvan Baram, Faramarz Taghizadeh, Heshmat Rasouli, Avaz Rastgouyan, Mohammad Reza Agah, Reza Mirzazadeh, Mehrdad Zoodfekr, Mahyar Pour Ebrahim, Ali Abdollahvand, Mohammad Gholizadeh, Mir Mohammad Mohammadi, Mohammad Rahbari, Mohsen Najafi, Ali Nobakht, Meysam Abdollahi, Bahman Zohri, Omid Ganjeh, Alireza Karimi, Ahmad Khodaei, and Meysam Alizadeh.

All of them remain in judicial limbo, having been held without any court hearing on the charges against them. In addition, a number of these detainees have been denied the right to telephone calls and family visits. Their families have also faced numerous uncertainties and significant restrictions imposed by the relevant authorities while attempting to obtain information about their cases or seek their temporary release.

According to information received by HRANA, approximately 800 citizens were arrested across Ardabil Province during the January 2026 protests. Of these, around 500 were released within the first ten days after their arrest, while nearly 250 others were later released on bail. As a result, at least 54 individuals arrested during the protests remain detained in the security ward of Ardabil Prison.

A source familiar with the proceedings, who spoke to HRANA on condition of anonymity for security reasons, stated: “Jalal Afaghi, the Prosecutor of Ardabil, has objected to the sentences handed down to 10 of those convicted, considering the punishments too lenient, and has asked the Supreme Court to impose harsher sentences.”

HRANA had previously reported on the arrest of a number of citizens in Ardabil in connection with the January 2026 protests, as well as the publication of videos described as “confessions” by some of the detainees. It remains unclear under what circumstances those videos were recorded.

HRANA’s efforts to obtain additional information regarding this case, including the specific charges brought against the detainees, the judicial proceedings, and the authorities responsible for issuing the sentences, are ongoing.

Background on the January 2026 Protests

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.

Najmeh Amini Remains in Legal Limbo More Than Six Months After Arrest

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News, Prisoners
Mashhad, Najmeh Amini, Vakilabad prison, نجمه امینی

HRANA – Najmeh Amini, one of those arrested during the January 2026 protests, has remained in legal limbo at Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad for more than six months since her arrest. Her trial on the charges against her was recently held at the Revolutionary Court in Mashhad.

According to HRANA News Agency, Najmeh Amini continues to be held without a final judicial decision in Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad.

Based on information received by HRANA, Najmeh Amini has been detained in Vakilabad Prison for more than six months. A source close to her family, who confirmed the information to HRANA, said that she was recently tried at the Revolutionary Court in Mashhad on charges of “assembly and collusion against national security” and “insulting religious sanctities and the Imams.” However, the court branch has not yet issued a verdict in her case.

On January 31, 2026, during the January protests, Najmeh Amini was arrested by security forces at Ferdowsi Shopping Center in Mashhad after being beaten. She was later transferred to Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

Najmeh Amini, 22, is an accounting student and a resident of Mashhad.

Background on the January 2026 Protests

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.

Six Citizens Arrested by Security Forces in Marivan

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Freedom of Expression, News
Arya Maroufi, Havari Parvazeh, HRANA, Marivan, Pashtivan Tatar, Saman Khosravi, Saro Roshani, Zanyar Asvar, مریوان

HRANA – Today, August 6, six residents of the village of Ney in Marivan County, were arrested by security forces in the village and taken to an undisclosed location.

According to HRANA, citing Kurdpa, six citizens were arrested in the village of Ney, located in Marivan County.

The identities of the detainees have been reported as Zanyar Asvar, Arya Maroufi, Pashtivan Tatar, Saman Khosravi, Havari Parvazeh, and Saro Roshani. All are residents of the village of Ney in Marivan County.

According to the report, the arrests were carried out in a coordinated operation by security forces in the village early this morning.

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

January 2026 Protests: Naeim Lashkari’s Five-Year Prison Sentence Upheld

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
HRANA, Naeim Lashkari, نعیم لشکری

HRANA – The five-year prison sentence issued against Naeim Lashkari, who was arrested during the January 2026 protests and is currently held in Greater Tehran Prison, has become final after he accepted the verdict. Lashkari, who had previously received a five-year suspended prison sentence in 2023 in a separate case involving similar political charges, is now also subject to the enforcement of that suspended sentence following his re-arrest. As a result, he is required to serve a total of 10 years in prison.

According to HRANA, the five-year prison sentence issued against Naeim Lashkari, one of those arrested during the January 2026 protests, has become final.

According to information received by HRANA, Mr. Lashkari was previously sentenced by Branch 29 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court to five years in prison on the charge of “assembly and collusion to commit crimes against national security.” After the verdict was issued, he waived his right to appeal in exchange for a reduction in sentence, making the conviction final.

A source familiar with the case confirmed to HRANA that Mr. Lashkari had previously been arrested in 2023 on similar political charges and received a five-year suspended prison sentence. Following his re-arrest, that suspended sentence has now been activated.

Accordingly, with the new five-year prison sentence and the enforcement of the previous suspended sentence, Mr. Lashkari is now required to serve a total of 10 years in prison.

Naeim Lashkari, a 25-year-old native of Bijar, was arrested by security forces in Tehran on January 3, 2026, during the nationwide protests. He has remained in Greater Tehran Prison ever since.

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Twenty-Six Individuals Arrested by Security Forces

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, January 2026 Protests

HRANA – Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence has announced the arrest of 21 individuals in Kerman Province on charges of collaborating with Israel’s intelligence service. The ministry also reported that five other citizens were arrested in connection with the January 2026 protests and referred to the judicial authorities.

According to HRANA, citing Fars News Agency, at least 26 individuals have been arrested by security agents.

The Ministry of Intelligence stated that 21 individuals were identified and arrested during operations carried out by the ministry in Kerman Province.

According to the ministry’s claims, the detainees had collected information concerning sensitive and classified military and air defense facilities and transmitted it to Israel’s intelligence service.

The identities of those arrested, as well as the exact time and location of their arrests and their current legal status, have not been disclosed.

The Ministry of Intelligence also announced the arrest of five citizens in connection with the January 2026 protests, claiming that four firearms were seized from them. According to the ministry, the individuals were referred to the judicial authorities following their arrests.

The report does not provide further details regarding the identities of the detainees or where they are being held. No information is available concerning the status of their cases, their access to legal counsel, or the judicial proceedings against them.

While efforts to counter espionage are not, in themselves, considered human rights violations, such allegations are frequently met with skepticism given the Iranian government’s record of using espionage-related accusations as a tool to target political opponents, particularly when details of the allegations and the judicial process remain undisclosed.

Baha’i Citizen Sentenced to More Than 16 Years in Prison

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News, Religious Minorities
HRANA, Moein Mohammadi-Dehaj, Yazd

HRANA – Moein Mohammadi-Dehaj, a Baha’i resident of Yazd, has been sentenced by Branch 1 of the Yazd Revolutionary Court to 16 years, 7 months and 18 days of discretionary imprisonment, 10 years of deprivation of social rights, and permanent dismissal from government and public service.

According to HRANA, Moein Mohammadi-Dehaj, a Baha’i citizen, has been sentenced to imprisonment and additional punishments.

According to a ruling issued by Branch 1 of the Yazd Revolutionary Court and formally communicated to Mr. Mohammadi-Dehaj, he was sentenced to a total of 16 years, 7 months and 18 days in prison. In addition, as supplementary punishments, he was sentenced to 10 years of deprivation of social rights and permanent dismissal from government and public service. Under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, which governs the aggregation of sentences, only the harshest sentence, 12 years, 6 months and 1 day of imprisonment, will be enforceable.

According to the details of the verdict, Mr. Mohammadi-Dehaj received:

• Seven months and 16 days of discretionary imprisonment on the charge of “propaganda against the regime,” pursuant to Article 500 of the Islamic Penal Code;

• Three years, 6 months and 1 day of discretionary imprisonment, along with 10 years of deprivation of social rights, on the charge of “deviant propaganda contrary to the sacred law of Islam through the promotion of the Baha’i faith,” pursuant to Article 500 bis of the Islamic Penal Code;

• Twelve years, 6 months and 1 day of discretionary imprisonment and permanent dismissal from government and public service on the charge of “media and propaganda activities against national security,” pursuant to Article 4 of the Law on Intensifying the Punishment for Espionage and Collaboration with Israel and Hostile States Against National Security and Interests.

According to information received by HRANA, the convictions related to the charges of “propaganda against the regime” and “deviant propaganda contrary to the sacred law of Islam” may be appealed within 20 days of notification. The conviction for “media and propaganda activities against national security” may be challenged through an appeal before the Supreme Court within 10 days.

Mr. Mohammadi-Dehaj was arrested by security forces at his home in Yazd on January 5, 2026, during which several personal belongings belonging to him and his family were confiscated. He was subsequently released from prison on March 17, 2026, after posting bail of 50 billion rials (five billion tomans).

Moein Mohammadi-Dehaj is a 39-year-old Baha’i resident of Yazd who has previously faced arrest and conviction.

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

Six Citizens Arrested in Behshahr County Over Social Media Activity

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Freedom of Expression, News
Behshahr, HRANA

HRANA – The commander of the Behshahr Police Force announced the arrest of six citizens for publishing content on social media. They have been charged with, among other offenses, “disturbing public opinion” and “propaganda against the regime,” and were referred to the judicial authorities after criminal cases were opened against them.

According to a report by HRANA, citing Mehr News Agency, six citizens were arrested in Behshahr County, Mazandaran province, due to their activities on social media.

The commander of the Behshahr Police Force stated that the individuals were identified and arrested following the monitoring of online activity by officers of the Public Security Police.

Hassan Ghanbari said that the charges brought against these citizens include “disturbing public opinion” and “propaganda against the regime.”

According to the report, after preliminary investigations and the opening of criminal cases, the individuals were transferred to the judicial authorities for further legal proceedings.

The report does not provide any information regarding the identities of the arrested individuals or where they are being held.

Moloud Afand Remains in Legal Limbo at Urmia Prison

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News, Prisoners
irgc, Moloud Afand, Moloud Armandpour, Urmia prison, مولود آفند

HRANA – Moloud Afand (Armandpour), a journalist and translator, has remained in legal limbo for nearly eight months since his arrest and continues to be held in Urmia Prison. His case, in which he is accused of “espionage for a hostile state,” has been referred to Branch 1 of the Urmia Revolutionary Court.

According to HRANA, Moloud Afand (Armandpour), a journalist and translator, remains detained without a final judicial decision in Urmia Prison.

Based on information received by HRANA, Moloud Armandpour has been detained for more than 220 days and is currently being held in Urmia Prison. He was previously formally charged in Branch 6 of the Investigative Prosecutor’s Office of the Urmia Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office with “espionage for a hostile state.” About a week ago, following the issuance of an indictment, his case was referred to Branch 1 of the Urmia Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Doosti.

Moloud Afand (Armandpour) was arrested in November-December 2025 and transferred to the IRGC Intelligence detention facility in Urmia. After a period of interrogation, he was transferred to Tehran in February 2026. On March 3, 2026, he was transferred from The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility to Greater Tehran Penitentiary.

The political defendant remained in Greater Tehran Penitentiary until June 2026, after which he was transferred to Urmia Prison, where he has remained ever since.

A source familiar with the family’s situation confirmed the information to HRANA, stating: “Mr. Armandpour had also disappeared in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq in 2012. After being transferred to Iran, he was held in Evin Prison until the autumn of 2015 without being brought to trial or receiving a sentence. He spent approximately one year and six months of that time in solitary confinement. During the prolonged period without any information about his whereabouts, his family believed he had lost his life. Ultimately, he was released from prison in the autumn of 2015 without any sentence being issued.”

Before his latest arrest, Moloud Armandpour worked as a journalist and editor-in-chief of a publication in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. “Afand” was his former surname, which he officially changed to “Armandpour” several years ago.

January 2026 Protests: Five-Year Prison Sentence of Amir-Mohammad Ahmadi Upheld

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Freedom of Expression, News
Amir-Mohammad Ahmadi, HRANA, January 2026 Protests, امیرمحمد احمدی

HRANA – The conviction of Amir-Mohammad Ahmadi, a 19-year-old political prisoner and one of those arrested during the nationwide protests of January 2026, who is currently imprisoned in Greater Tehran Penitentiary, has been upheld by the Tehran Province Court of Appeals. He had previously been sentenced by Judge Iman Afshari to five years in prison, along with supplementary punishments.

According to HRANA, Amir-Mohammad Ahmadi, who was arrested during the nationwide protests of January 2026, has been sentenced to imprisonment and supplementary punishments.

Based on information received by HRANA, the Tehran Province Court of Appeals has upheld Amir-Mohammad Ahmadi’s conviction in its entirety. The 19-year-old had previously been sentenced by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, to five years in prison. In addition, he was sentenced to two years of travel ban and two years of deprivation of social services as supplementary punishments.

Amir-Mohammad Ahmadi, 19, was arrested by security forces on January 2, 2026, during the nationwide protests. He is currently being held in Greater Tehran Penitentiary.

HRANA’s investigation into the details of the current case, including the charges brought against this prisoner, is ongoing.

Background on the January 2026 Protests

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.