HRANA – The prison sentence of Khashayar Rezvani, arrested during Iran’s nationwide January 2026 protests, has been upheld in full by the Tehran Province Court of Appeals. He had previously been sentenced in the lower court to four years and three months in prison, along with additional penalties.
According to HRANA, Mr. Rezvani’s conviction was affirmed without modification by the Court of Appeals.
According to information received by HRANA, the Tehran Province Court of Appeals sentenced Mr. Rezvani to three years and seven months of discretionary imprisonment on the charge of “assembly and collusion against the country’s internal and external security,” and eight months of discretionary imprisonment on the charge of “propaganda against the regime.” As additional punishments, he was also sentenced to a two-year ban on leaving the country and a two-year ban on online activities.
Mr. Rezvani had previously received the same sentence from Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari. According to the court ruling, a copy of which was obtained by HRANA, the charges against him were based on allegations including writing poems in support of those killed during the protests, communicating with foreign media outlets, and maintaining contact with groups opposed to the government.
Mr. Rezvani was arrested during the nationwide protests in January 2026. He was held for a period in Evin Prison before being transferred to Greater Tehran Penitentiary. He was ultimately released on March 16, 2026, after posting 5 billion tomans in bail.
Khashayar Rezvani, approximately 41 years old, is a married poet and writer originally from Gachsaran who resides in Tehran. Prior to his arrest, he worked in the real estate sector.
Background: 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.
