Category: Children

Identities of Two More Sunni Citizens Arrested in Ahvaz Confirmed

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Children, News, Religious Minorities
Abdolmajid Sharifi, ahvaz, Arkan Sharifi, Sunni Citizens

HRANA – Two more Sunni citizens arrested in Ahvaz have been identified as Abdolmajid Sharifi and his teenage son, Arkan Sharifi. Razi Heydari, Hossein Heydari, and Abdolhadi Asakereh had previously been identified. They are among at least 10 citizens arrested by intelligence agents in Ahvaz on Friday, September 4, 2026.

According to HRANA, two more Sunni citizens arrested in Ahvaz have been identified as Abdolmajid Sharifi, 44, and his 17-year-old son, Arkan Sharifi.

The two citizens, along with at least eight others, were arrested on Friday, September 4, 2026, after intelligence agents entered a private residence in the Kuy-e Mashali neighborhood of Ahvaz.

According to information received by HRANA, the citizens had gathered at a friend’s home for a meeting when intelligence agents surrounded the residence, entered the home, and arrested at least 10 of those present.

Reports received by HRANA also indicate that some of the citizens were beaten during their arrests and subsequently transferred to an undisclosed location.

HRANA had previously identified three other detainees: Razi Heydari, 50; Hossein Heydari, 29; and Abdolhadi Asakereh, 30. With the identification of Abdolmajid Sharifi and Arkan Sharifi, the identities of five of the detainees have now been confirmed.

These citizens are residents of the Kuy-e Mashali and Akhar-e Asfalt neighborhoods of Ahvaz.

In recent days, their families have visited judicial authorities seeking information about the condition and whereabouts of their relatives. However, their inquiries have so far yielded no results.

As of the time of this report, the identities of the remaining detainees have not been confirmed, and no information has been obtained regarding their whereabouts or the charges brought against them.

Siamak Mofidi and Soroush Enayati, Two Teenagers, Arrested in Takab

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Children, News, Other
Siamak Mofidi, Soroush Enayati, Takab County, سروش عنایتی, سیامک مفیدی

HRANA – Siamak Mofidi, 17, and Soroush Enayati, 16, two teenagers from Takab, were arrested by security forces in the county on Saturday and transferred to an undisclosed location in Tehran.

According to HRANA, citing Kurdpa, two teenagers have been arrested in Takab County. They have been identified as Siamak Mofidi, 17, and Soroush Enayati, 16, both residents of Takab.

According to the report, on the evening of Saturday, September 5, 2026, security forces entered the teenagers’ homes without presenting a judicial warrant, arrested them, and transferred them to an undisclosed location. They were subsequently transferred to an unspecified location in Tehran for interrogation.

The report states that the two teenagers had been working at a café in Tehran in recent months.

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the reasons for their arrest, the agency responsible for their detention, the charges against them, or their exact place of detention. They have also been denied access to legal counsel and have not been permitted to contact or meet with their families.

January 2026 Protests: 17-Year-Old Benjamin Vahidi Arrested to Serve Prison Sentence

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Children, Freedom of Expression, News
Benjamin Vahidi, Bojnurd, HRANA, January 2026 Protests, بنیامین وحیدی

HRANA – Benjamin Vahidi, a 17-year-old resident of Bojnurd, was arrested to begin serving his prison sentence. He had previously been sentenced in absentia to two years in prison and a paying a fine in connection with the January 2026 protests.

According to HRANA, Benjamin Vahidi has been arrested to serve his sentence.

A source familiar with the teenager’s family confirmed the arrest to HRANA, stating that in late July, several officers entered the family’s home at around 9:00 p.m. and arrested him after physically assaulting him. Following his arrest, he was initially transferred to Police Station No. 11 in Bojnurd. His current place of detention remains unknown.

The source added that the family was informed Benjamin would be denied phone calls and visitation rights until the monetary fine is paid.

Benjamin Vahidi had previously been convicted by a judicial authority in Bojnurd in connection with the protests on charges including “disrupting public order and peace,” “damaging public property,” and “clashing with law enforcement officers.” He was sentenced to two years of discretionary imprisonment and ordered to pay a 100 million toman fine. The sentence was issued in absentia, without Mr. Vahidi’s presence in court and without access to legal counsel. His family has also been informed that the verdict is final.

Benjamin Vahidi, 17, is an athlete specializing in boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA).

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.

January 2026 Protests: Nine Detained Citizens from Esfarayen, Including a Teenager, Remain in Legal Limbo

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Children, News, Prisoners
Ali Bebri, Amirhossein Nazarzadeh, Amirhossein Sarban, Esfarayen, Hossein Mehrangiz, HRANA, Mohammad Azari, Mostafa Rajabalizadeh, Reza Rezapour, Sajjad Sang-Sefidi, Sajjad Shamsaei

HRANA – Nine citizens, including a 16-year-old teenager, who were arrested in connection with the January 2026 protests in Esfarayen, remain in judicial limbo.

According to HRANA, the nine individuals arrested in connection with the January 2026 protests in Esfarayen County continue to be held without a final judicial decision.

A source familiar with the case, who confirmed the information to HRANA, said that they were arrested in connection with the fire at the traffic police station in Esfarayen, an incident that resulted in the deaths of Esfarayen Prosecutor Ali Akbar Hosseinzadeh and four other people on January 8, 2026. The detainees are currently facing charges including enmity against God (moharebeh), corruption on earth, premeditated murder, complicity in premeditated murder, intentional destruction of property, arson, inciting and provoking people to engage in armed conflict, disrupting public order and peace, and endangering national security. Their case is currently under review by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court in Bojnurd.

According to information received by HRANA, Mohammad Azari, Reza Rezapour, Hossein Mehrangiz, Sajjad Shamsaei, Ali Babri, Amirhossein Nazarzadeh, Sajjad Sang-Sefidi, and Mostafa Rajab-Alizadeh are being held in Esfarayen Prison, while 16-year-old Amirhossein Sarban is detained at the Juvenile Correction and Rehabilitation Center in Bojnurd. All nine were arrested in connection with the January 2026 nationwide protests in Esfarayen and, more than six months later, remain in legal limbo.

They were arrested separately by security forces over the course of January 2026. Amirhossein Nazarzadeh was detained on January 20, Mohammad Azari on January 14, Hossein Mehrangiz on January 9, and Ali Bebri later that month.

Amirhossein Nazarzadeh, 27, is from the village of Fartan. Mohammad Azari, 35, Amirhossein Sarban, 16, and the remaining detainees, Reza Rezapour, Hossein Mehrangiz, Sajjad Shamsaei, Ali Bebri, Sajjad Sang-Sefidi, and Mostafa Rajab-Alizadeh, are residents of Esfarayen County.

At the time of publication, no confirmed information was available regarding the formal charges brought against these individuals, the judicial authority handling their case, or whether they have access to legal counsel.

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.

Behrouz Izanlou and 16-Year-Old Zeynab Izanlou Sentenced to Imprisonment, Flogging, and Fine

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Children, Freedom of Expression, News
Behrouz Izanlou, Bojnurd, HRANA, Zeynab Izanlou, بهروز ایزانلو, زینت ایزانلو

HRANA – Behrouz Izanlou, arrested during the nationwide protests in January 2026, has been sentenced by Branch 103 of the Criminal Court Two of Bojnurd to four years and nine months in prison, 80 lashes, and paying a fine. His 16-year-old daughter, Zeynab Izanlou, has also been sentenced to six months and 15 days in prison in connection with the same case.

According to HRANA, Behrouz Izanlou and his 16-year-old daughter, Zeynab Izanlou, have been sentenced to imprisonment, flogging, and a monetary fine.

A source close to the family, who confirmed the information to HRANA, said that Branch 103 of the Criminal Court Two of Bojnurd convicted Behrouz Izanlou on charges including disobeying law enforcement officers while they were performing their duties and disrupting public order and peace through participation in protests. He was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison, 80 lashes, and a fine of 800 million rials (80 million tomans). The source added that his 16-year-old daughter, Zeynab Izanlou, was also sentenced to six months and 15 days in prison in connection with the same case.

Behrouz Izanlou and Zeynab Izanlou were arrested at their home on January 4, 2026, by security forces without the presentation of a judicial warrant. Following his arrest, Mr. Izanlou was transferred to Bojnurd Prison and was later released on bail set at 40 billion rials (4 billion tomans). Zeynab Izanlou was also released on bail some time after her arrest.

During his detention, Mr. Izanlou was denied family visits and access to legal counsel.

Behrouz Izanlou is a 43-year-old construction worker, a father of two, and a resident of Bojnurd.

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.

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January 2026 Protests: 17-Year-Old Yasin Sarfaraz Sentenced to Prison

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Children, Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Yasin Sarfaraz

HRANA – Yasin Sarfaraz, a 17-year-old resident of Bojnurd who was arrested during the January 2026 protests, has been sentenced by a judicial authority to three years and three months in prison.

According to HRANA, citing Kolbar News, Yasin Sarfaraz has been sentenced to imprisonment.

According to the report, Mr. Sarfaraz was sentenced to three years and three months in prison on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security.” The verdict was formally served on him in July 2026.

The report further states that throughout his detention and the judicial proceedings, Yasin Sarfaraz was denied access to a lawyer of his choice. His trial was also held without the presence of defense counsel.

Yasin Sarfaraz, 17, is a resident of Bojnurd, North Khorasan province. He was arrested by security forces on January 11, 2026 in connection with the nationwide protests.

Teenager Arrested by Security Forces in Mehrestan

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Children, Freedom of Expression, News
Mehrestan, Taha Dehani, طاها دهانی

HRANA – Taha Dehani, a 16-year-old resident of Mehrestan County, was arrested by security forces on Monday, June 1, 2026, and transferred to an undisclosed location.

According to Haal Vash, a teenager has been arrested in Mehrestan County, located in Sistan and Baluchestan province. The teenager has been identified as Taha Dehani, 16, a resident of Kohn Megar village in the Central District of Mehrestan County.

According to the report, on Monday, June 1, 2026, security forces raided the teenager’s home and arrested him without presenting a judicial warrant.

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the reasons for his arrest or his whereabouts.

16-Year-Old Protest Detainee Diana Taherabadi Still Held in Karaj Prison

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Children, News, Prisoners
Diana Taherabadi, HRANA, Kachooie Prison

HRANA – Diana Taherabadi, a 16-year-old who was arrested during the January protests, remains detained in the Juvenile Correction and Rehabilitation Center section of Kachooie Prison in Karaj.

A source familiar with the teenager’s family confirmed the matter to HRANA, stating: “Despite the passage of 126 days since Diana Taherabadi’s arrest, she is still being held in the Juvenile Correction and Rehabilitation Center section of Kachooie Prison in Karaj. Security forces obtained forced confessions from her and subsequently sent her case to court. She denied the charges against her during the court proceedings, and her case has now been transferred to Tehran for further review following the intervention of security agencies.”

Diana Taherabadi, a 16-year-old student, was arrested by security forces in Karaj on January 25, 2026, during the protests. Following her arrest, she was transferred to the Juvenile Correction and Rehabilitation Center section of Kachooie Prison in the city.

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.

January Protests; Detained Teenager Nima Araban Remains in Legal Limbo

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Children, News, Prisoners
Abbas Akbari Feyzabadi, Isfahan, Naein, Nima Araban, نیما عربان

HRANA– Nima Araban, a 17-year-old teenager and one of those arrested during the 2026 protests in Naein, remains in a state of legal limbo at the Isfahan Juvenile Correction and Rehabilitation Center. He has been prosecuted in a joint case alongside Abbas Akbari Feyzabadi, one of the protesters who was executed.

Based on information received by HRANA, Nima Araban was arrested together with Abbas Akbari Feyzabadi, an executed protester, during the protests in January 2026 in Naein, Isfahan Province. He has now been held for more than four months at the Isfahan Juvenile Correction and Rehabilitation Center.

A source familiar with the teenager’s situation confirmed the news to HRANA and said: “Nima Araban is currently 17 years and 9 months old and is approximately three months away from reaching the legal age of adulthood. Given the execution of his co-defendant, concerns among Nima’s family and relatives have intensified regarding the possibility of a heavy sentence being issued against him after he reaches legal adulthood.”

Abbas Akbari Feyzabadi, one of the detainees from the 2026 protests, was executed on May 25, 2026.

Symbolic Military Event Involving Children Held in Hamedan Despite International Prohibitions

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Children, News
children in military, HRANA, khorramshahr

HRANA – Despite Iran’s international commitments under the Convention on the Rights of the Child and obligations regarding the prohibition of involving children in military activities, a symbolic event titled “Deployment to the Front” was held in Hamedan. The program involved dressing children in military uniforms, placing weapons in their hands, reenacting scenes of children being sent to war fronts, and using other military-related symbols in the presence of children.

According to HRANA, citing IRIB News, a number of children in Hamedan were made to participate in a symbolic military program.

The event included dressing children in military clothing, placing weapons in their hands, recreating scenes of children being deployed to war fronts, the presence of military personnel, and the use of other military symbols around children. It appears that the event was organized by governmental and state-affiliated institutions.

The report referred to the event as the “Second Symbolic Vehicle Convoy and Deployment to the Front.” The program took place on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Imam Square in Hamedan and, according to the report, was organized to mark the anniversary of the liberation of Khorramshahr during the Iran-Iraq war.

Images from the event published by IRIB News follow in the original report:

Under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, individuals under the age of 18 are considered children, and involving them in military activities is prohibited. Iran, which joined the convention in 1994, has violated its obligations in areas including child labor, judicial punishments, marriage, and military-related education.

In this regard, some human rights organizations believe that sending students to the “Rahian-e Noor” camps — which include visits to war zones, exposure to violent content, and ideological instruction — constitutes a form of instrumental use of children in pursuit of militaristic objectives. These camps have also raised safety concerns, including the risk of accidents such as bus rollovers.