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Christian Convert Mehran Shamlooei Arrested in Mashhad

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News, Religious Minorities
Mashhad, Mehran Shamlooei, Tehran

HRANA – Security forces arrested Christian convert Mehran Shamlooei yesterday at Mashhad Airport and transferred him to a security detention facility in the city.

A source close to Shamlooei’s family confirmed to HRANA: “He was arrested upon entering Iran at Mashhad Airport and taken to a local security facility. As he is facing a prison sentence, the on-duty judge has ordered his transfer to Tehran on Monday.”

Shamlooei was previously sentenced by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court to 10 years and 8 months in prison, a fine of 250 million tomans, and an 11-year ban on social rights. The charges against him included “propaganda against Islamic law” and “membership in groups opposing the state.” The verdict was upheld in full by Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeals on April 23, 2025.

His trial was held on February 13, 2025, following an earlier interrogation in January at Branch 3 of the Tehran Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office.

Shamlooei was last released from Evin Prison on December 1, 2024, after posting bail. He had been arrested on November 1, 2024, by Ministry of Intelligence agents for establishing a house church in Tehran and was held in Ward 209 of Evin Prison, which is operated by the Ministry.

Based on about 170 reports compiled by HRANA over the past decade, 11% of all victims of religious minority rights violations by Iran’s security-judicial apparatus were Christians—particularly Christian converts. In 2024 alone, Christians made up over 9% of those targeted.

Appeals Court Upholds Prison Sentence for Political Activist Hossein Yazdi

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Freedom of Expression, News
Dastgerd Prison, Hossein Yazdi, Iran Times, Isfahan, Mobin 24

HRANA– The Isfahan Court of Appeals has upheld the conviction of political activist Hossein Yazdi. He had previously been sentenced to one year in prison, along with two-year bans on international travel, online activity, and access to social rights.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, Yazdi was convicted of “propaganda against the regime.” The initial verdict had been issued by the Isfahan Revolutionary Court.

Yazdi was released from Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan on July 12, 2023, after posting bail. His arrest took place earlier that month following a summons to the Isfahan Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office.

Hossein Mohammadi Yazdi is a political activist and former editor-in-chief of the Mobin 24 website and the Iran Times news channel. He has previously faced arrest and legal action for his activism.

Rezgar Beigzadeh Babamiri Sentenced to Death

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Executions, News, Prisoners
HRANA, moharebeh, Rezgar Beigzadeh Babamiri, Urmia Revolutionary Court, رزگار بیگ زاده بابامیری

HRANA – Rezgar Beigzadeh Babamiri, a detainee from the 2022 nationwide protests currently held in Urmia Prison, has been sentenced to death by Branch 1 of the Urmia Revolutionary Court.

His attorney, Othman Mozayan, told HRANA: “The verdict was issued by Branch 1 of the Urmia Revolutionary Court. Yesterday, a notice was sent to the legal team for the formal delivery and transcription of the ruling. It is still unclear which specific security-related charge the death sentence is based on.”

Beigzadeh Babamiri’s indictment had previously listed multiple charges, including moharebeh (enmity against God), baghi (armed rebellion), assembly and collusion against national security, financing terrorism, propaganda against the regime, espionage, and collaboration with hostile governments. Other allegations included possession of a Starlink device, unlawful possession of weapons, membership in banned groups, and orchestrating an assassination. His case had been referred to both the Revolutionary and Criminal Courts by Branch 10 of the Urmia Prosecutor’s Office.

Beigzadeh Babamiri, a farmer from Bukan, was arrested in April 2023 in connection with the 2022 protests. After four months in the custody of security agencies, he was transferred to Urmia Prison.

Seyed Javad Hosseini-Nejad Sentenced to Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Fariman Dam, Javad Hosseini Nejad, Mashhad, جواد حسینی نژاد

HRANA – Seyed Javad Hosseini-Nejad, a resident of Mashhad, has been sentenced to three months and one day in prison by the city’s Criminal Court.

On June 30, Branch 133 of the Second Criminal Court of Mashhad County convicted Hosseini-Nejad on the charge of “spreading falsehoods.” The verdict was based on a video he recently produced in response to the drying of the Fariman Dam.

Hosseini-Nejad, approximately 37 years old, is a father of one and resides in Mashhad. He has a history of arrest and conviction related to his activism.

Baha’i Citizen Soheil Haghdoost Arrested During Home Raid in Qaemshahr

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News, Religious Minorities
IRGC Intelligence, Qaemshahr, Raquel Ataeian, Soheil Haghdoost

HRANA – On July 3, security forces arrested Soheil Haghdoost, a Baha’i citizen living in Qaemshahr, at his home. Officers searched the residence and confiscated several personal items.

According to HRANA, eight agents from the Ministry of Intelligence and Public Security carried out the arrest, reportedly using force during the operation. A source close to Haghdoost’s family confirmed the incident and noted the seizure of personal belongings during the search.

Earlier this week, on Tuesday, July 1, Haghdoost’s wife, Raquel Ataeian, was also arrested by IRGC Intelligence agents.

As of this report, the reasons behind the couple’s arrests, their current whereabouts, and the charges they face remain undisclosed.

Haghdoost has previously faced legal persecution due to his Baha’i faith.

Over the past decade, the Iranian Bahá’í community has been disproportionately targeted by Iran’s security forces and judiciary—more than any other minority group. In the past three years, an average of 72 percent of the reports on religious rights violations collected by HRANA have documented the Iranian regime’s repression of the Bahá’í community.

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Unrestrained Military Gunfire Leaves Two Dead, One Injured in Hamedan

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News, Other
Hamedan, HRANA, Unrestrained Military Gunfire

HRANA – On Tuesday, July 1, three civilians in the Tarik-Darreh area of Hamedan were shot by military forces in what has been described as unrestrained gunfire. Two people were killed and one was injured in the incident.

According to HRANA, citing Tasnim News Agency, the shooting occurred during a security operation in response to reports of drone activity in the region. Security forces were dispatched and reportedly encountered an off-road vehicle. When the vehicle failed to stop at a checkpoint, the forces opened fire. Two passengers were killed, and a third was wounded.

The head of the Hamedan Province Military Judicial Organization stated that three military personnel involved in the case are under judicial investigation and have been detained with bail orders issued. Hemmat Mohammadi added that the case is being investigated urgently and on-site.

The identities of the victims and the accused personnel have not been disclosed.

In 2024 alone, indiscriminate gunfire by Iranian regime military forces claimed the lives of 163 civilians and left 321 others injured. Over the past five years, the number of victims of these unrestrained shootings has increased—more than doubling compared to five years ago.

Nine Followers of the “Yamani” Movement Remain in Detention at Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad

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News, Prisoners, Religious Minorities
Alireza Salim Kaviani, Amin-Akbari, Emad Eftetahi, Ghasem Hatami, Mashhad, Mohammad Hossein Nazarnajad, Mohammad Kazem Fathi, Sajjad Rezvan, Seyed Yahya Tarrahomi, Yamani

HRANA – Over a month after their arrests, nine followers of the “Yamani” religious movement remain in pre-trial detention at Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. The detainees include Emad Eftetahi, Amin Akbari, Seyed Yahya Tarrahomi, Ghasem Hatami, Alireza Salim Kaviani, Sajjad Rezvan, Mohammad Kazem Fathi, Mohammad Hossein Nazarnajad, and one unidentified individual.

They were among 19 “Yamani” adherents detained in Mashhad. According to relatives, the arrests were made without official warrants and in violation of legal procedures.

In Iran, individuals are frequently detained for espousing spiritual or messianic beliefs, especially those claiming a connection to the Shi’a Mahdi. The “Yamani” movement, led by Ahmad al-Hasan Yamani, centers its teachings on Mahdism.

Iran’s security agencies—particularly the Ministry of Intelligence—operate dedicated units to suppress religious, spiritual, and ideological groups that fall outside the bounds of the state-sanctioned doctrine.

Uncertainty Surrounds Detention of Milad Karimi-Nasab and Mahdi Karami

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News, Prisoners
Mahdi Karami, Milad Karimi-Nasab

HRANA – Milad Karimi-Nasab and Mahdi Karami, two residents of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, were arrested by security forces on June 11 and June 18, respectively. Days after their arrests, their whereabouts and current condition remain unknown, heightening concerns among their families and loved ones.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, both men were detained in separate incidents by unidentified security forces. No official information has been released regarding the reasons for their arrests, the charges they may face, or the authority responsible for their detention.

Milad Karimi-Nasab is a resident of Charam County, while Mahdi Karami lives in the town of Suq, in Kohgiluyeh County. The lack of transparency and communication from authorities has left their families in a state of distress.

Writer Pedram Mohammadzadeh Held 19 Days in Rudsar Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Pedram Mohammadzadeh, Rahimabad, Rudsar, پدرام محمدزاده

HRANA- On Saturday, June 14, Ministry of Intelligence agents arrested Pedram Mohammadzadeh, a poet, writer, and researcher from Rahimabad, Rudsar County, who remains in detention without clear legal status in Rudsar Prison.

A source close to his family confirmed to HRANA: “Mr. Mohammadzadeh was arrested at his home in Rahimabad, Rudsar, on Saturday, June 14, by Ministry of Intelligence agents without a judicial warrant. The arrest followed a social media post about Israel’s attack on Iran. He faces charges including “propaganda against the regime,” “insulting the Supreme Leader,” and “insulting religious sanctities.” Nineteen days later, he remains in limbo in Rudsar Prison. The principle of separating prisoners by the type of offense has not been respected in his case. Despite the family’s efforts, authorities have not agreed to release him on bail.”

HRANA has also learned that Mohammadzadeh suffers from a cervical disc condition and has been denied access to his medications. Additionally, due to a flea infestation in the prison ward where he is held, he has developed skin wounds.

Pedram Mohammadzadeh, aged around 32, is a poet, writer, and researcher from and residing in Rahimabad, Rudsar County.

Three Members of the Film “Bidad” Sentenced to Prison and Fines

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Freedom of Expression, News
Bidad, Leili Rashidi, Sarvin Zabetian, Soheil Beiraghi

HRANA News Agency – Soheil Beiraghi, director of the film Bidad, and Leili Rashidi, one of its cast members, have been sentenced to fines in lieu of imprisonment. Sarvin Zabetian, another actress in the film and a co-defendant in the case, received a suspended prison sentence and a monetary fine.

According to the court’s verdict, Beiraghi was sentenced to three years and seven months in prison for “encouraging corruption,” and an additional eight months for “producing obscene content.” The court also ordered the confiscation of his equipment. However, the entire sentence was converted to a fine of 165 million tomans.

Rashidi was sentenced to 91 days in prison for “propaganda against the regime.” Her sentence was also converted to a fine, totaling 30 million tomans.

Zabetian received a 91-day prison sentence and a 10 million toman fine for “encouraging immoral acts.” Her prison sentence has been suspended for five years, during which she is barred from using a smartphone.

Three other members of the film’s production—Amir Jadidi, Ali Malagholipour, and Ali Shadmanfar—were acquitted of all charges.

Bidad, directed by Soheil Beiraghi and starring Leili Rashidi, Amir Jadidi, and Sarvin Zabetian, was produced in 2024. The film, which features scenes without mandatory hijab, follows a young female singer who protests Iran’s ban on women performing by singing in public spaces. Due to its critical content, Bidad was denied official production permits, and its director was interrogated during filming.