Category: Freedom of Expression

Hojat Al-Mohammadi Sentenced to 21 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
ahvaz, Hojat Al-Mohammadi, HRANA, Mohammad Tahmasebi, Sheiban Prison

HRANA – Hojat Al-Mohammadi, a political prisoner held in Sheiban Prison in Ahvaz, has been sentenced to 21 years in prison by the Revolutionary Court of Ahvaz.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mr. Al-Mohammadi was sentenced to 21 years in prison by Branch 3 of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court. The verdict was formally communicated to him in prison last week.

His trial session was held in this branch in December of 2025. During the hearing, Mr. Al-Mohammadi and Mohammad Tahmasebi, who were tried jointly in this case, defended themselves against charges including “propaganda against the regime,” “disrupting public order,” and “cooperation with anti-regime groups.”

Mr. Al-Mohammadi was arrested at his home in Izeh on September 16, 2024, by several security agents. After the completion of interrogations, he was transferred from The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility in Ahvaz to Ward 5 of Sheiban Prison.

Hojat Al-Mohammadi, 40 years old, is the father of a young child and a resident of Izeh County. He has previously faced arrest and conviction due to his activities.

2026 Protests; Ilya Ben-Rashid Sentenced to Imprisonment and Flogging

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Ilya Ben-Rashid, Isfahan, moharebeh, Shahin-Shahr

HRANA – Ilya Ben-Rashid, one of the detainees arrested during the January 2026 protests in Shahin Shahr, has been sentenced by a criminal court to six months in prison and 20 lashes. Another part of his case, involving the charge of “enmity against God” (moharebeh), is currently under review by the Revolutionary Court, and no verdict has yet been issued for that part of the case.

According to HRANA, Ilya Ben-Rashid, who is currently imprisoned in Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan, has been sentenced to imprisonment and flogging.

Based on the ruling issued by Branch 102 of the Shahin Shahr and Meymeh Criminal Court Two, Mr. Ben-Rashid was sentenced to six months of discretionary imprisonment and 20 lashes on the charge of “direct involvement in the theft of a computer case belonging to the Shahin Shahr Health and Treatment Network.” The court acquitted him of the charge of disrupting public order and peace through participation in protests.

According to information received by HRANA, another part of his case is still being reviewed by the Isfahan Revolutionary Court, and no ruling has yet been issued in that regard.

In April of this year, a hearing was held at Branch 5 of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court to address the charges against this citizen. In this part of the case, he faces charges including “enmity against God (moharebeh) through participation in the destruction of public property, assembly and collusion to commit crimes against national security, and anti-state propaganda activity.”

Mr. Ben-Rashid was arrested on January 22, 2026, in connection with the nationwide protests in Shahin Shahr, Isfahan, and was subsequently transferred to Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan.

He was later formally charged on February 20, 2026, at Branch 2 of the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Shahin Shahr regarding the aforementioned accusations.

Ilya Ben-Rashid is 22 years old and a resident of Shahin Shahr, Isfahan.

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.

Bijan Kazemi Sentenced to More Than 37 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abolghasem Salavati, Bijan Kazemi, HRANA

HRANA – Bijan Kazemi, a political prisoner currently held in Evin Prison, has been sentenced by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court to a total of 37 years and six months in prison.

Based on a ruling issued by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, and recently communicated to him, he was sentenced to a total of 37 years and six months in prison on the charges brought against him in his case.

Bijan Kazemi, who had remained in pretrial detention until now, was tried in February of 2026 before Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court on charges including “assembly and collusion to commit crimes against national security, and membership in groups opposing the state.”

An informed source told HRANA: “In this case, he also faced an accusation related to ‘procuring a weapon for the assailant of Judges Razini and Moghiseh,’ an allegation that had previously been rejected by security interrogators and about which judicial authorities in Kuhdasht had remained silent.”

In mid-August 2025, Bijan Kazemi’s interrogation session was held at Branch 5 of the Prosecutor’s Office of District 33 in Tehran without the presence of a lawyer. At the end of the session, bail was set at four billion tomans, but the case officer opposed his release. Mr. Kazemi was later transferred to The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility in Qom and returned to Evin Prison on September 25, 2025.

Bijan Kazemi has previously faced judicial harassment due to his activities.

Assets of Seven Citizens Seized in Ilam Province

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ilam, Mohseni Eje’i, Property Confiscation

HRANA – The Chief Justice of Ilam Province has announced the seizure of the assets of seven citizens in the province. He accused the individuals of “espionage and collaboration with the Zionist regime.”

According to Mizan News Agency, the assets of seven citizens in Ilam Province have been confiscated. The Chief Justice of Ilam Province claimed that the measure was carried out within the framework of “protecting public rights” and based on laws related to “espionage and collaboration with the Zionist regime.” He added that the cases against these individuals are currently under review.

Omran Ali Mohammadi further stated that the confiscated assets included housing, vehicles, bank assets, and other property belonging to the citizens.

The report did not disclose the identities of the individuals or provide details regarding the legal proceedings against them.

Amid the military attacks on Iran, Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei announced that judicial orders had been issued for the seizure and confiscation of assets allegedly linked to what he described as “elements cooperating with the enemy inside and outside the country.” He also threatened such individuals with execution, stating: “One of the punishments prescribed in such cases is execution, and following investigations, one of the legal punishments will be applied to those concerned.”

Following this directive by the judiciary, a smart financial inquiry system known as “Saham” was launched. With the activation of this system, prosecutor’s offices and courts across the country are now able to identify citizens’ assets and properties online in the shortest possible time and carry out the necessary confiscation measures.

Ghazal Marzban Sentenced to More Than 9 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Christian convert, Evin Prison, Ghazal Marzban, HRANA, Iman Afshari

HRANA – Ghazal Marzban, a Christian convert imprisoned in Evin Prison, has been sentenced to 9 years and 8 months in prison by Judge Iman Afshari.

Based on a ruling issued by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, and officially communicated to Ms. Marzban, she was sentenced to 9 years and 8 months in prison.

The charges brought against her include “propaganda against the regime” and “assembly and collusion against national security.”

Ms. Marzban was arrested by security agents at her home in Tehran on January 15, 2026. She was subsequently transferred to Evin Prison.

The citizen, who converted to Catholic Christianity, has previously served prison sentences related to her activities.

It should be noted that in recent years, this Christian convert has faced numerous difficulties obtaining Parkinson’s medication for her husband, some of which were reportedly linked to the couple’s Christian faith.

Ghazal Marzban Jourshari is a law graduate, originally from Lasht-e Nesha in Rasht Province, and currently resides in Tehran.

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2026 Protests: Supreme Court Overturns Death Sentences of Mohammadreza Majidi-Asl and Bita Hemmati

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Freedom of Expression, News
Behrouz Zamaninejad, Bita Hemmati, Evin Prison, HRANA, Iman Afshari, Kourosh Zamaninejad, Mohammadreza Majidi-Asl

HRANA – The death sentences issued against Mohammadreza Majidi-Asl and his wife, Bita Hemmati, both arrested during the January 2026 protests, have been overturned by Iran’s Supreme Court. The couple had previously been sentenced to death by Judge Iman Afshari.

According to HRANA, the Supreme Court has overturned the death sentences of two individuals detained during the January 2026 protests. The case of Mohammadreza Majidi Asl and Bita Hemmati has been referred to a parallel branch for retrial.

In April of this year, the couple, along with two co-defendants, Behrouz Zamaninejad and Kourosh Zamaninejad, were sentenced to death by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, on charges of “operational collaboration with the hostile government of the United States and hostile groups.”

The four defendants were also each sentenced to five years of discretionary imprisonment on charges of “assembly and collusion against national security.” The court additionally ordered the confiscation of all their assets as a supplementary punishment.

Another defendant in the case, Amir Hemmati, was sentenced to five years in prison on charges of “assembly and collusion against national security” and an additional eight months for “propaganda against the regime.”

According to the court ruling, the charges against the defendants included participation in protest gatherings on January 8 and 9, 2025, chanting anti-government slogans, throwing objects such as bottles, concrete blocks, and incendiary materials, and damaging public property. The ruling claimed these acts were intended to disrupt national security and were linked to hostile groups.

Judge Afshari also referred to the alleged use of explosive materials and unspecified weapons, injuries to deployed forces, and the dissemination of content aimed at undermining national security. However, the ruling did not specify the details of these allegations or clearly attribute them individually to each defendant.

A source familiar with the families told HRANA: “Mohammadreza Majidi-Asl and Bita Hemmati are a couple living in Tehran, and Amir Hemmati is a relative of theirs. Kourosh Zamaninejad and Behrouz Zamaninejad were also residing in the same residential building, and all were arrested simultaneously.”

According to information received by HRANA, the defendants were subjected to pressure during interrogations, raising concerns about forced confessions.

The initial death sentences were reportedly based on a combination of legal provisions, including Articles 131 and 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, as well as Articles 500 and 610, which concern “propaganda against the regime” and “assembly and collusion against national security.” The application of the death penalty in cases tied to public protests has drawn criticism from human rights organizations in recent years.

The individuals were arrested by security forces in Tehran on January 9, 2026. Bita Hemmati is currently being held in the women’s ward of Evin Prison. Further details regarding the whereabouts of Mohammadreza Majidi-Asl, Behrouz Zamaninejad , and Kourosh Zamaninejad are still under investigation by HRANA.

Judicial Case Filed Against Individuals Involved in a Feature Film

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Tehran Kenaret

HRANA – The Judiciary Media Center has announced that a judicial case has been opened against those involved in the film “Tehran Kenaret” over what it described as the presence of “immoral content” in the movie. In connection with the case, the head of Iran’s Cinema Organization has also been summoned by the relevant judicial authority.

According to Mizan News Agency, a judicial case has been filed against the individuals involved in the production of the film.

The judiciary stated that the case was opened due to reasons including the presence of “immoral content contrary to public decency” in “Tehran Kenaret.” According to the Judiciary Media Center, the head of Iran’s Cinema Organization was also summoned for issuing a screening permit for the film.

The report adds that, by order of the judicial authority and under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, the cited content will be removed from the film, and a censored version will be screened in cinemas across the country.

The report did not provide further details, including the identities of the individuals involved.

January 2026 Protests; Omid Bayat Sarmadi Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Omid Bayat Sarmadi, Tehran Revolutionary Court

HRANA – Omid Bayat Sarmadi, one of those arrested during the January 2026 protests, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison by the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

Kaveh Rad, the lawyer representing this prisoner, wrote in a published statement: “The preliminary verdict in Omid Bayat’s case has been issued and officially communicated to us. Unfortunately, Omid has been sentenced by the Tehran Revolutionary Court to 25 years of discretionary imprisonment. This ruling is not final and can be appealed before the Supreme Court. We will challenge it within the legal deadline.”

Omid Bayat Sarmadi was arrested by security forces on January 13, 2026, during the nationwide protests and was transferred to Greater Tehran Prison.

So far, no information has been obtained regarding the charges brought against Mr. Bayat.

At Least 12 Citizens Arrested by Security Forces

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abolfazl Mojaradi, Ahmad Ghaedi Rahmati, Ali Rajaei, Amirmehdi Jalali, Erfan Abbasifar, Farzad Fardad, Mohammad Goudarzi, Mohsen Daqaqeleh, Rajabali Chilan, Reza Roshani, Sattar Babaei, Sobhan Esparvini

HRANA – In recent days, at least 12 citizens have been arrested by security forces in various cities across Iran. There is still no information available regarding their condition or whereabouts.

HRANA has identified the detainees as Mohammad Goudarzi, Farzad Fardad, Sattar Babaei, Mohsen Daqaqeleh, Sobhan Esparvini, Ali Rajaei, Amirmehdi Jalali, Ahmad Ghaedi Rahmati, Rajabali Chilan, Abolfazl Mojaradi, Reza Roshani, and Erfan Abbasifar.

According to information obtained by HRANA, these citizens were arrested on allegations related to support for the Mojahedin-e Khalq Organization (MEK). However, no information has been obtained regarding the specific charges brought against them.

At the time of this report, no details are available regarding the location of their detention, the agency responsible for their arrests, or their health conditions. The families of these citizens also remain unaware of their fate, a situation that has heightened their concerns.

Iran Court Issues New Verdicts in Ekbatan Case After Supreme Court Overturns Death Sentences

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Alireza Bormarz Pournak, Alireza Kafaei, and Amir Mohammad Khosh-Eghbal, Ekbatan town, Ghezel Hesar prison, Hossein Nemati, HRANA, Milad Armoun, Navid Najaran

HRANA – Branch 13 of Tehran Province Criminal Court One has issued new verdicts for six defendants in the case known as “Ekbatan Town.” According to the ruling, Milad Armoun, Alireza Kafaei, and Amir Mohammad Khosh-Eghbal were each sentenced to imprisonment and payment of diyah (blood money) on charges of participation in murder. Navid Najaran, Hossein Nemati, and Alireza Barmarz Pournak were acquitted of the same charge. Their death sentences had previously been overturned by the Supreme Court.

According to HRANA, new verdicts have been issued for the defendants in the so-called “Ekbatan Town” case by Branch 13 of Tehran Province Criminal Court One.

Under the issued ruling, Milad Armoun, Alireza Kafaei, and Amir Mohammad Khosh-Eghbal were each sentenced to five years in prison and payment of an equal share of the full diyah for one person after being convicted of participation in intentional murder. Meanwhile, the three other defendants in the case, Alireza Barmarz Pournak, Hossein Nemati, and Navid Najaran, were acquitted of participation in intentional murder due to lack of evidence proving they inflicted blows on a specific part of Arman Aliverdi’s body.

The verdict was issued on February 4, 2025, and was formally communicated to the defendants’ lawyers yesterday.

In November 2024, these individuals had each been sentenced to death by Branch 13 of Tehran Criminal Court. In September 2025, the Supreme Court overturned the death sentences and referred the case back to Branch 13 for retrial. Ultimately, on December 3 of that year, a new hearing was held in the same branch.

The case involving Milad Armoun, Seyed Mohammad Mehdi Hosseini, Mehdi Imani, and Navid Najjaran, designated as confidential, had been returned in late April 2024 from Branch 13 of Tehran Province Criminal Court One to Branch Four of the Prosecutor’s Office for Criminal Affairs in Tehran’s District 27 to address deficiencies and objections in the case. In early September that year, after the deficiencies were addressed, the case was referred back to Branch 13 of Tehran Criminal Court One and Branch 15 of Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolqasem Salavati.

Four of the defendants , Nemati, Barmarz Pournak, Kafaei, and Khosh-Eghbal, were released from Ghezel Hesar Prison on bail in February 2024.

In late October 2023, after four court sessions were held, the court did not return the case to the prosecutor’s office for further investigation. Instead, Branch 13 of Tehran Criminal Court One intervened to conduct supplementary investigations, expedite proceedings, and determine the defendants’ status. Another part of the case was referred to Branch 15 of Tehran Revolutionary Court.

In May 2023, the spokesperson for Iran’s Judiciary announced that three defendants in the “murder of Arman Aliverdi” case had been charged with “enmity against God (moharebeh) through the use of cold weapons and acting against national security.” According to the indictment, these individuals were charged with “moharebeh,” “participation in intentional murder,” and “disrupting public order and peace.”

Previously, an informed source had told HRANA regarding the “Ekbatan Town” case: “The case has been divided into two sections. One section was referred to Branch 15 of Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolqasem Salavati, and the other to Branch 13 of Tehran Criminal Court One. So far, no verdict has been issued for those defendants whose cases in the Revolutionary Court involve security-related charges and moharebeh.”

In early November 2022, during nationwide protests and following the killing of a Basij member named Arman Aliverdi in Ekbatan Town, at least 50 young residents of the area were arrested by security and law enforcement forces. Indictments were ultimately issued against 14 of them.