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Soheil Arabi Sentenced to Five Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ghezel Hesar prison, Karaj, Soheil Arabi, سهیل عربی

HRANA – Soheil Arabi has been sentenced by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court to five years in prison and a two-year ban on employment involving social media activities.

According to HRANA, Soheil Arabi has been sentenced to imprisonment.

Based on a ruling issued on August 16 by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, Arabi was sentenced to five years of discretionary imprisonment, with time previously served in detention credited toward his sentence, on the charge of “assembly and collusion with the intent to commit a crime against national security,” with the court taking into account provisions concerning repeat offenses. As a supplementary punishment, the court also barred him for two years from “engaging in a specific occupation, profession, or work related to the committed offense (social media activity).”

In part of the ruling, the court cited Arabi’s communications with individuals outside Iran, the contents of the case file, images documenting his social media activities, and reports by judicial officers among the evidence supporting the verdict.

A hearing on the charges against Arabi was held before the same branch on August 10. During the hearing, reports from a security agency, content he had published on social media, and his assistance to several people detained during the January protests were among the matters raised in the case. In his defense, Arabi stated that his support activities were not limited to prisoners or protesters, noting that of more than 200 families covered by the support network, over 100 had no history of arrest or political activity.

In March, Arabi was arrested by security forces and transferred to Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj. He was released from the prison this spring.

Soheil Arabi has previously faced arrest and judicial proceedings in connection with his activities.

Arabi is a blogger and citizen journalist who received the Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Prize in 2017. He has previously faced multiple prosecutions and convictions. In 2014, Branch 76 of the Tehran Province Criminal Court sentenced him to death on the charge of “insulting the Prophet of Islam” on Facebook. The death sentence was later overturned and replaced with other punishments.

More recently, Arabi wrote a letter describing detention conditions in Suite 35 of Unit 3 at Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

January 2026 Protests: Yashar Hassanzadeh Remains Detained in Legal Limbo at Tabriz Prison

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News, Students
HRANA, Tabriz Prison, Yashar Hassanzadeh

HRANA – Yashar Hassanzadeh, a resident of Tabriz who was arrested during the January 2026 protests, remains detained in Tabriz Prison without resolution of his legal status, more than six months after his arrest. Throughout his detention, he has also been denied phone calls and visits with his family.

According to HRANA, Yashar Hassanzadeh remains in pretrial detention.

An informed source close to Hassanzadeh’s family confirmed the matter to HRANA, stating: “Mr. Hassanzadeh has been held in Tabriz Prison for more than six months without resolution of his legal status. His case remains unresolved, and no trial has been held for him to date.”

According to the source, Yashar Hassanzadeh has also been denied phone calls and visits with his family throughout his detention.

Hassanzadeh was arrested at his home in Tabriz on January 23, 2026, in connection with the nationwide protests. He was subsequently transferred to Tabriz Prison.

HRANA’s efforts to obtain further information regarding the specific details of his case and the reasons for his arrest are ongoing.

Background on the January 2026 Protests

The 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.

Nine Esfarayen Residents Face Serious Charges, Remain in Legal Limbo; Two Are Under 18

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News, Prisoners
Ali Babri, Amirhossein Nazarzadeh, Amirhossein Sarban, Esfarayen, Hossein Mehrangiz, January 2026 Protests, Mohammad Azari, moharebeh, Mostafa Rajabalizadeh, Reza Rezapour, Sajjad Sang-Sefidi, Sajjad Shamsaei

HRANA – Nine residents of Esfarayen who were arrested in connection with the nationwide protests of January 2026, remain in legal limbo. Several of these individuals face charges including “moharebeh” (enmity against God) and “corruption on earth.”

According to HRANA, nine residents of Esfarayen are being prosecuted in a joint case in connection with the nationwide protests of January 2026.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mohammad Azari, Reza Rezapour, Hossein Mehrangiz, Ali Babri, Amirhossein Nazarzadeh, Sajjad Sang-Sefidi, and Mostafa Rajabalizadeh were transferred from Esfarayen Prison to Bojnurd Prison in early August. Their case has been referred to judicial authorities in Bojnurd County for further proceedings.

Amirhossein Sarban and Sajjad Shamsaei, the two defendants under the age of 18 in this case, were not transferred to Bojnurd Prison and are being held in a juvenile correctional center. Information received by HRANA indicates that both were under the age of 18 at the time of the events at issue in the case.

These individuals were arrested in connection with a fire at a traffic police kiosk in Esfarayen during the protests on January 8, 2026. The incident resulted in the deaths of Ali-Akbar Hosseinzadeh, the prosecutor of Esfarayen, and four others. HRANA had previously published reports on their continued detention and unresolved legal status.

Charges

According to information available in the case, the defendants face charges including “moharebeh,” “corruption on earth,” “premeditated murder,” “participation in premeditated murder,” “aiding and abetting premeditated murder,” “intentional destruction of property,” “arson,” “inciting or provoking people to wage war and kill one another,” “disrupting public order and peace,” and charges related to national security.

Reza Rezapour faces charges including destruction of property and setting fire to a police kiosk with the alleged intent of undermining national security and confronting the Islamic Republic, as well as inciting or provoking people to wage war and kill one another.

Mohammad Azari has been charged with “moharebeh and corruption on earth through displaying a bladed weapon with the intent to cause public fear and intimidation during the events of January 8.”

Sajjad Sang-Sefidi is also being prosecuted on charges of destroying and setting fire to a police kiosk with the alleged intent of undermining national security and confronting the Islamic Republic, conduct characterized by the authorities as constituting moharebeh.

Amirhossein Nazarzadeh faces charges including moharebeh and corruption on earth through brandishing a weapon with the alleged intent to cause public fear and intimidation, as well as destroying and setting fire to a police kiosk with the alleged intent of undermining national security and confronting the Islamic Republic.

Mostafa Rajabalizadeh likewise faces charges of destroying and setting fire to a police kiosk with the alleged intent of undermining national security and confronting the Islamic Republic, conduct characterized as constituting moharebeh.

Amirhossein Sarban, 16, one of the two defendants under the age of 18 in this case, faces charges including “moharebeh and corruption on earth,” “destruction and arson of facilities used by the public,” “assembly and collusion to commit crimes against the country’s internal security,” “propaganda against the regime,” and “forming or managing a group or association with the purpose of undermining national security, or membership in such a group.”

No specific information is currently available regarding the charges brought against Hossein Mehrangiz, Ali Babri, and Sajjad Shamsaei.

Arrests and Detention

These individuals were separately arrested by security forces in Esfarayen County in connection with the nationwide protests of January 2026. Amirhossein Nazarzadeh was arrested on January 20, Mohammad Azari on January 14, Hossein Mehrangiz on January 9, and Ali Babri in late January.

Amirhossein Nazarzadeh, 27, from the village of Fartan; Mohammad Azari, 35; Reza Rezapour; Hossein Mehrangiz; Ali Babri; Sajjad Sang-Sefidi; Mostafa Rajabalizadeh; Amirhossein Sarban, 16; and Sajjad Shamsaei, who is under 18, are all residents of Esfarayen County.

As of the time of this report, all nine individuals remain in legal limbo, and no information is available regarding when a final hearing on the charges against them will be held.

Background on the January 2026 Protests

The 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 in Sanandaj Prison

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Executions, News
HRANA, Kaveh Rafoosheh, Sanandaj, Sanandaj Prison, کاوه رفوشه

HRANA – At dawn today, Sanandaj Prison authorities carried out the execution of Kaveh Rafoosheh, who had previously been sentenced to death on a murder charge.

According to HRANA, Kaveh Rafoosheh was executed in Sanandaj Prison today, Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

Mr. Rafoosheh, a 35-year-old unmarried resident of Sanandaj, had been transferred from the general ward of Sanandaj Prison to solitary confinement earlier this week in preparation for the execution of his sentence.

According to information received by HRANA, approximately three years ago, Kaveh Rafoosheh committed a murder during a street altercation in Sanandaj and turned himself in to the police following the incident. After his arrest, the Sanandaj Criminal Court sentenced him to death.

As of the time of this report, prison officials and relevant authorities have not publicly announced his 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.

January 2026 Protests: Parsa Moslehi-Fard Sentenced to One Year in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Parsa Moslehi-Fard, پارسا مصلحی فرد

HRANA – Branch 29 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced Parsa Moslehi-Fard, one of the individuals arrested in connection with the January 2026 protests, to one year in prison.

According to HRANA, Parsa Moslehi-Fard has been sentenced to imprisonment.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mr. Moslehi-Fard was recently sentenced to one year in prison by Branch 29 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Seyed Ali Mazloum, on the charge of “propaganda against the regime.”

A source close to his family, confirming the matter to HRANA, said: “The SIM card belonging to this citizen, who was arrested in connection with last January’s protests, has been blocked, and all of his electronic devices also remain in the possession of security agencies.”

The court hearing addressing the charges against Mr. Moslehi-Fard was held on July 19 of this year before the aforementioned judicial branch.

Mr. Moslehi-Fard was arrested on January 27, 2026, in connection with the nationwide protests that took place that January.

Parsa Moslehi-Fard, aged approximately 26, is a composer residing in Tehran. He had previously been arrested over his protest-related and artistic activities in connection with the 2022 protests.

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Teachers’ Union Activist Mehdi Fathi Sentenced to Imprisonment and Additional Punishments

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Freedom of Expression, News
Adelabad Prison, HRANA, Mehdi Fathi

HRANA – The conviction of Mehdi Fathi, a retired teacher and board member of the Fars Teachers’ Trade Association, was upheld in full by the Fars Province Court of Appeals. He had previously been sentenced by the Shiraz Revolutionary Court to 15 months in prison and additional punishments.

According to HRANA, Mehdi Fathi has been sentenced to imprisonment and additional punishments.

On July 3, the Fars Province Court of Appeals sentenced Mr. Fathi to 15 months in prison, a travel ban, revocation of his passport, and a two-year ban on online activities.

The initial ruling in this case, dated May 11, had been issued by the Shiraz Revolutionary Court on charges including “propaganda against the regime.”

In January 2024, Mehdi Fathi was released from Adelabad Prison in Shiraz under electronic ankle monitoring. He has since been serving the remainder of the sentence from his previous case outside prison, subject to restrictions on his movement.

In March 2022, Mr. Fathi was sentenced to 12 years in prison, exile, a travel ban, and passport revocation on charges including “assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security,” “propaganda against the regime,” and “insulting the Supreme Leader and the founder of the Islamic Republic.”

His sentence was subsequently reduced on appeal to eight years in prison, passport revocation, and a ban on leaving the country. Pursuant to Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the most severe sentence, five years in prison, was deemed enforceable.

This teachers’ union activist was arrested by security forces at his home in June 2022 and subsequently transferred to Ward 14 of Adelabad Prison in Shiraz.

Mehdi Fathi is a retired teacher and board member of the Fars Teachers’ Trade Association. He is from the village of Kordshul, in Pasargad County, Fars Province.

Matin Rasouli Arrested in Piranshahr

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News, Other
Matin Rasouli, Piranshahr, متین رسولی

HRANA – Matin Rasouli, a resident of Piranshahr, was arrested by security forces on Sunday, August 16, and transferred to an undisclosed location.

According to HRANA, citing Kurdpa, on Sunday, August 16, 2026, a citizen was arrested by security forces in Piranshahr.

The individual has been identified as Matin Rasouli, a resident of Piranshahr.

According to the report, Mr. Rasouli was arrested without the presentation of a judicial warrant. He has also been denied access to legal counsel, family visits, and phone calls with his family.

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding Matin Rasouli’s place of detention, the reasons for his arrest, or the charges brought against him.

January 2026 Protests: Supreme Court Overturns Death Sentences of Three Detainees

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Executions, News, Prisoners
Abolfazl Salehi Siavashani, Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, Shahab Zahdi, Yaser Rajaeifar

HRANA – The death sentences of Shahab Zahdi, Abolfazl Salehi Siavashani, and Yaser Rajaeifar, detainees from the January 2026 protests who are currently held in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj, have been overturned by Branch 9 of the Supreme Court.

According to HRANA, the Supreme Court has overturned the death sentences of three detainees from the January 2026 protests.

According to information received by HRANA, Branch 9 of the Supreme Court overturned the death sentences of Shahab Zahdi, Abolfazl Salehi Siavashani, and Yaser Rajaeifar and referred their cases to a branch of the Tehran Revolutionary Court for retrial. In February 2026, the prisoners had been sentenced to death by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, in connection with a case involving the burning of a Basij base in eastern Tehran.

During the nationwide protests of 2026, these individuals, along with four other prisoners, Mohammad-Amin Biglari, Shahin Vahedparast Kalur, Amirhossein Hatami, and Ali Fahim, were prosecuted and arrested in a joint case related to the burning of the “185 Martyr Mahmoud Kaveh” Basij base in eastern Tehran on the evening of January 8, 2026. The trial was subsequently held on February 7, 2026, before Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati. Their death sentences were issued the following day, February 8.

In April 2026, the death sentences of Mohammad-Amin Biglari, Shahin Vahedparast Kalur, Amirhossein Hatami, and Ali Fahim were carried out.

Iranian state media had previously published videos showing forced confessions by these individuals. The circumstances under which the videos were recorded remain unclear.

An informed source, confirming the report, told HRANA about the judicial proceedings in Shahab Zahdi’s case: “Mr. Zahdi’s trial was held without his lawyer present.” The charges brought against him were “assembly and collusion against national security” and “moharebeh (enmity against God) and corruption on earth through setting fire to public property and facilities.” His interrogation session was held on January 10, 2026, at Branch 33 of the Tehran Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office (Shahid Moghaddas Security Prosecutor’s Office). Zahdi had been arrested by security forces on January 8 of that year.

Abolfazl Salehi Siavashani was arrested by security forces on January 9, 2026, while Yaser Rajaeifar was arrested on January 8, 2026.

The three are currently being held in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

Abolfazl Salehi Siavashani is 52 years old, married, and the father of an 18-year-old child. Before his arrest, he worked as a motorcycle courier. Yaser Rajaeifar is 31 years old, and Shahab Zahdi is the father of a 15-year-old daughter.

Background on the January 2026 Protests

The 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.

Revolutionary Court Sentences 16 Citizens in Mahabad to Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abdullah Ghoveh, Abdullah Houshmand, Abdulrahman Ghoveh, Ali Maroufi, Aram Mabzooleh, Ayoub Rasouli, Ghader Khoramanfar, Jalal Sadafi, Kamal Masoudi, Mahabad, Nazanin Elyasi, Othman Jahanifar, Rahman Dana, Rebwar Rasouli, Salar Shams Borhan, Yousef Tal, Zanyar Seyed-Ahmadi

HRANA – Sixteen residents of Mahabad County have been sentenced by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Mahabad to a combined 77 years and seven months in prison.

According to HRANA, citing IranWire, 16 citizens in Mahabad have been sentenced to prison.

According to the report, Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Mahabad, presided over by Judge Ahad Siami, issued sentences against the 16 residents on charges including “assembly and collusion against national security,” “membership in opposition parties,” “propaganda against the regime,” and “supporting parties opposed to the government.”

Under the court ruling, Abdullah Houshmand and Abdulrahman Ghoveh were each sentenced to seven years and one month in prison. Abdullah Ghoveh, Ghader Khoramanfar, Jalal Sadafi, Ali Maroufi, Aram Mabzooleh, Yousef Tal, Rebwar Rasouli, Ayoub Rasouli, Othman Jahanifar, Rahman Dana, Salar Shams-Borhan, and Zanyar Seyed-Ahmadi were each sentenced to five years and one month in prison. Nazanin (Golaleh) Elyasi was sentenced to two years in prison, while Kamal Masoudi received a five-month prison sentence.

The report further states that these citizens, who were arrested by security forces in October–December 2024, were subjected to torture while in detention. They were also denied access to legal counsel and deprived of phone calls and visits with their families.

Nazanin Elyasi was released from Urmia Prison on bail on April 10, 2025. She had been arrested on December 16, 2024, after reporting to the Ministry of Intelligence office in Mahabad.

Salar Shams-Borhan and Abdullah Ghoveh were arrested on December 17, 2024. Othman (Shwaneh) Jahanifar, Ayoub Rasouli, Rebwar Rasouli, Rahman Dana, Kamal Masoudi, Jalal Sadafi, Ghader Khoramanfar, Yousef Tal, Aram Mabzoleh, and Zanyar Seyed-Ahmadi were also arrested by security forces in Mahabad on December 15, 2024. Among them, Qader Khoramanfar and Jalal Sadafi were transferred to Mahabad Prison in January–February 2025. The two were released from the prison on bail in November–December 2025.

Ali Maroufi, Abdullah Houshmand, and Abdulrahman (Hawri) Ghoveh were also arrested by security forces on Monday, October 28, 2024.

Two Prisoners Executed at Adelabad Prison in Shiraz

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Executions, News
Adelabad Prison, Hassan Kordi, HRANA, Mohammad Ali Pazireh, Shiraz

HRANA – The death sentences of two prisoners who had previously been sentenced to death on charges of murder and non-political offenses were carried out yesterday, August 16, 2026, at Adelabad Prison in Shiraz.

According to HRANA, two prisoners were executed at Adelabad Prison in Shiraz.

HRANA has confirmed the identities of the prisoners, who were hanged at dawn today, Sunday, August 16, 2026, as Mohammad Ali Pazireh and Hassan Kordi.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mohammad Ali Pazireh had previously been arrested on a murder charge and was subsequently sentenced to death by a criminal court. Mr. Kordi had also previously been arrested on charges related to non-political offenses, and his death sentence was issued by a judicial authority.

As of the time of this report, the executions of these two prisoners have not been announced by prison officials or other relevant authorities.

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.