Journalist Kimia Fathizadeh Receives Six-Month Sentence and Further Penalties

In a recent development, the Criminal Court in Sirjan, Kerman province, has imposed a six-month prison sentence and additional penalties on Kimia (Zahra) Fathizadeh, a journalist based in Tehran.

According to the verdict issued on February 21, 2024, Fathizadeh was found guilty of “disseminating false information to cause harm and disturbing public opinion.” In addition to the six-month imprisonment, she is required to pay a fine and is prohibited from engaging in journalistic activities for two years.

Confirmation of Fathizadeh’s conviction comes from a reliable source close to the journalist who disclosed to HRANA that the legal action was initiated due to a report in which Fathizadeh criticized the head of the Intelligence Protection Organization and the former prosecutor of Sirjanو, who subsequently filed a complaint against her.

It is noteworthy that Fathizadeh, 50, experienced a raid on her residence in Tehran on August 27, 2023, conducted by Cyber Police. During the operation, several of her digital devices were confiscated.

Journalist Saba Azarpeik Receives Two-Year Prison Sentence and Additional Penalties

Renowned journalist Saba Azarpeik has been handed a two-year prison sentence and a ban on social media activities, following complaints from several authorities within the regime, as reported by Hamshahri Newspaper.

The verdict, issued on February 26, cited Azarpeik’s conviction on charges of “disseminating false information, slandering, defamation, and threatening.” Additionally, the court specified that any recurrence of such actions would result in a one-third extension of her imprisonment.

The legal proceedings originated from complaints lodged by members of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, including Alireza Razm Hosseini, the former Minister of Industry, Mine, and Trade, Zahra Sheikhi, a Parliament member, and Mohsen Dehnavi, a Director of the Islamic Consultative Assembly.

Azarpeik has a history of summons and arrests for her journalistic activities.

Hossein Hosseinpour Sentenced to Eleven Months in Prison

Hossein Hosseinpour, a resident of Mahabad, received an 11-month prison sentence after originally being sentenced to one year, following a plea of no contest. The verdict, based on charges of “spreading propaganda against the regime,” cites Instagram posts as evidence.

Arrested by the Ministry of Intelligence in Shiraz in August 2023, Hosseinpour underwent the interrogation process in a detention facility before being transferred to Adelabad Prison. In January 2024, he was relocated to Prison No. 2 in Shiraz.

During the 2022 nationwide protests, Hosseinpour suffered injuries to his right eye from an airgun bullet fired by regime forces, undergoing four surgeries since then. Despite contracting an infection in his eye during detention, he has been denied access to necessary medical treatment.

In December 2023, he was indicted on charges of “spreading propaganda against the regime,” leading to the initial one-year sentence, later reduced to 11 months. The case highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of individuals involved in the protests and their access to adequate medical care.

Three Political Prisoners Held in Prolonged Detention for Over 13 Months

Hafez Forouhi, Arman Sedghi Sabet, and Mehdi Mirzaie have been trapped in legal limbo for over 13 months at Lakan Prison in Rasht.

A source close to one of the individuals’ families informed HRANA that the Rasht Criminal Court held a session on February 14, 2024, addressing multiple charges, including “membership in anti-regime groups.” Despite the court session, the judge dismissed their release on bail, opting to extend their detention further.

They were initially arrested by security forces in Rasht last year and later transferred to Lakan Prison on January 19, 2023.

Dana Lenj-Abadi Arrested in Marivan

On February 20, security forces in Marivan, Kurdistan province, apprehended Dana Lenj-Abadi, as reported by Kolbar News.

Subsequently, two days later, Lenj-Abadi’s detention period was extended by one month. He faces charges of “spreading propaganda against the regime,” as stated by the Public and Revolutionary Courthouse.

It is worth noting that Lenj-Abadi has a history of previous arrests, convictions, and educational deprivation due to his activities.

According to data collected by the Department of Statistics and Publication of HRA in 2023, Kurdistan Province accounted for 8.3% of reported human rights violations, including instances of arbitrary detentions.

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Researcher Ali Ramezani Receives Three Years and Seven Months Sentence on Political Charges

Ali Ramezani, a researcher at Amirkabir University of Technology and a member of Iran’s Microelectronics Olympiad team, has been sentenced to three years and seven months by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

Judge Iman Afshari presided over the case, ruling that Ramezani must serve a three-year prison term for “assembly and collusion against national security” and an additional seven months for “spreading propaganda against the regime.” If the verdict is upheld on appeal, Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code stipulates that the three-year prison term for the first count will be enforceable.

Ramezani was arrested on October 16, 2023, at his residence by security forces and was later released on bail.

As a distinguished researcher, Ramezani received the best thesis award from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in 2021.

Appeals Court Upholds One-Year Sentence for Amir Sheibani Zaveh Linked to 2022 Nationwide Protests

The Appeals Court of Razavi Khorasan Province has upheld the one-year sentence against Amir Sheibani Zaveh, citing his involvement in the 2022 nationwide protests.

The initial verdict, issued by the Mashhad Revolutionary Court and presided over by Judge Hadi Mansouri, found Sheibani Zaveh guilty of “propaganda against the regime.” In addition to the one-year imprisonment, he faces a two-year travel ban and two years of restrictions on Internet and social media use.

A source close to Sheibani Zaveh’s family, who spoke to HRANA, revealed that the charge was based on his communication with the families of protestors injured or killed by regime forces during the 2022 nationwide protests.

Sheibani Zaveh was apprehended by security forces in Mashhad in late October 2022 and remained in detention for a period. In January 2023, he received a sentence of eight years and six months, which was later nullified following his inclusion in the “general pardon and commutation” directive.

About the 2022 Nationwide Protests

The arrest of Mahsa Amini by Tehran Morality Police for her improper hejab and her suspicious death on September 16 sparked protests sweeping across Iran. During the nationwide protests, about 19600 people, including journalists, artists, lawyers, teachers, students, and civil rights activists, were arrested.

Journalist Ruhollah Nakhaei Begins Serving Two-Year Sentence Despite Pardon

Journalist Ruhollah Nakhaei has initiated his two-year sentence, despite being included in the “general commutation and pardon” directive issued in the winter of 2023, as stated by his lawyer, Parto Borhanpour.

Arrested during the 2022 nationwide protests, Nakhaei was convicted by Branch 28 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court for “assembly and collusion against national security” (two years) and “propaganda against the regime” (seven months). The verdict, upheld on appeal, is now enforceable for two years, per Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code.

About the 2022 Nationwide Protests

The arrest of Mahsa Amini by Tehran Morality Police for her improper hejab and her suspicious death on September 16 sparked protests sweeping across Iran. During the nationwide protests, about 19600 people, including journalists, artists, lawyers, teachers, students, and civil rights activists, were arrested.

Afshin Naziri Faces Imprisonment and Travel Restrictions Over Political Charges

Afshin Naziri has been handed a verdict by the Revolutionary Court of Pardis, resulting in a sentence of four years and nine months of imprisonment, coupled with a two-year travel ban.

The charges against Naziri include 33 months for “membership in groups acting against national security,” 16 months for “insulting the Supreme Leader of Iran,” and eight months for “propaganda against the regime.”

Additionally, as per the court’s decision, Naziri is prohibited from leaving the country for a duration of two years, and his cell phone has been ordered to be confiscated.

Naziri’s troubles began on August 27, 2023, when security forces arrested him at his residence, subsequently transferring him to Evin Prison. After enduring 12 days of detention, he was released on bond.

Azerbaijani-Turk Activist Salar Taher Afshar and Rap Singer Milad Jalili Sentenced to a Total of 14 Months in Prison

In a recent legal development, the Revolutionary Court in Tabriz has handed down a combined 14-month prison sentence to Salar Taher Afshar, an Azerbaijani-Turk activist, and Milad Jalili, a rap singer.

As per the verdict issued by Branch 2 of the Tabriz Revolutionary Court, Taher Afshar has been sentenced to six months for “assisting in spreading propaganda against the regime,” while Jalili has received eight months for “propaganda against the regime through performing a political rap music supporting convicted secessionists.” Notably, Jalili has been acquitted of the charge of “acting against national security through inciting people to violence and riots.”

Jalili was taken into custody on November 28, 2023, and Taher Afshar on December 19. They were both released on bond on January 29 and 22, 2024, respectively. However, Taher Afshar was re-arrested in Urmia on February 6 and subsequently transferred to Evin Prison in Tehran after four days.

In 2023, the Department of Statistics and Publications of the Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA) recorded 329 reports, citing the arrest of 324 citizens linked to ethnic and national rights. Notably, 156 of these arrests occurred without the issuance of a judicial warrant.