Category: Freedom of Expression

Appeals Court Upholds Sentence Against Karim Esmaeilzadeh

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Karim Esmaeilzadeh, Tabriz Prison, کریم اسماعیل زاده

HRANA – The sentence issued against Karim Esmaeilzadeh, an Azerbaijani-Turk activist, has been fully upheld by Branch 31 of the East Azerbaijan Province Court of Appeals. He had previously been sentenced by the lower court to one year in prison, a monetary fine, and the blocking of his social media accounts.

Based on the ruling issued by Branch 31 of the East Azerbaijan Province Court of Appeals, Mr. Esmaeilzadeh was convicted of “spreading falsehoods with the intent to disturb public opinion” and sentenced to one year of discretionary imprisonment, a fine of 50 million tomans, and the blocking of his social media accounts. This Azerbaijani-Turk activist had previously received the same sentence in the court of first instance.

On November 1, 2025, Esmaeilzadeh was released from Tabriz Prison after posting bail.

On October 18, 2025, Esmaeilzadeh was arrested after appearing at the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Tabriz and was transferred to The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility in the city. He was later transferred to Tabriz Prison.

The activist had previously been summoned to the same court branch on October 15, 2025, on charges of spreading falsehoods and propaganda against the regime.

Karim Esmaeilzadeh, an Azerbaijani-Turk activist, had also been arrested by intelligence forces in Tabriz in March 2025 and was eventually released on bail. He has previously faced arrest and conviction on other occasions as well.

January 2026 Protests: Arman Soleimani Sentenced to Two Years by Appeals Court

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News
Arman Soleimani, Izeh, January 2026 Protests, Khuzestan, Sheiban Prison

HRANA – The conviction of Arman Soleimani, a detainee from the nationwide protests of January 2026 who is currently imprisoned in Sheiban Prison in Ahvaz, has been upheld in full by the Khuzestan Province Court of Appeals. He had previously been sentenced by the Revolutionary Court of Izeh to two years in prison.

Based on the ruling issued by the Khuzestan Province Court of Appeals, Mr. Soleimani was sentenced to two years and one day in prison on the charge of “disrupting public order,” pursuant to the Note to Article 286 of the Islamic Penal Code.

He had previously received the same sentence at the trial stage from Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Izeh.

Arman Soleimani was arrested on January 8, 2026, during the nationwide protests and was subsequently transferred to Sheiban Prison in Ahvaz.

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.

Three Attorneys Sentenced to Prison and Additional Punishments

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Mahmoud Taravat Rouy, Masoud Ahmadian, Nazanin Salari, Shiraz

HRANA – Nazanin Salari, Mahmoud Taravat Rouy, and Masoud Ahmadian, three defense attorneys, have each been sentenced by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz to three years in prison and a two-year ban on leaving the country.

According to HRANA, citing Emtedad, three defense attorneys in Shiraz have been sentenced to imprisonment and supplementary punishments.

A recent ruling issued by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz found Nazanin Salari, Mahmoud Taravat Rouy, and Masoud Ahmadian guilty. Under the verdict, each attorney was sentenced to two years in prison on charges of “assembly and collusion with the intent to commit crimes against national security,” and one year in prison for “propaganda activities against the regime.” As an additional punishment, they were also sentenced to a two-year travel ban accompanied by the invalidation of their passports.

The court acquitted the three attorneys of the charge of cooperating with a hostile government.

The report further states: “While the head of Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz had been handling the case during previous hearings, the case was suddenly reassigned to one of the court’s associate judges during the final session. Despite existing procedural flaws, the associate judge took the defendants’ final defense statements and subsequently issued the conviction ruling.”

According to the report, the judicial case against these attorneys stems from their participation in seminars on children’s and women’s rights, their advocacy for legal reforms concerning domestic violence, and other efforts aimed at combating violence against women and child marriage.

The trial session addressing the charges against these attorneys was held on January 6, 2026, at Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz.

The ruling is related to a case opened against them in 2020 on the aforementioned charges. In 2022, during proceedings before the same branch of the Revolutionary Court, the case was returned to the prosecutor’s office due to deficiencies in the investigation and ambiguities in the indictment. A new court session was subsequently held on May 31, 2023, before the same branch. The case was later referred back to the prosecutor’s office once again for further investigation.

The three attorneys were first summoned in connection with this case in November 2020 by the Ministry of Intelligence. Summonses and interrogations continued for more than ten sessions without formal charges being presented. Ultimately, in the summer of 2021, they were summoned to the Shiraz Prosecutor’s Office, formally charged, and released on bail of 1 billion tomans each.

The attorneys are additionally facing charges before Branch 112 of the Criminal Court, including encouraging immodesty and appearing in public without the mandatory hijab.

3,121 Prosecuted, 2,406 Held Under Iran’s Espionage Law

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News
121 Prosecuted, 2, 3, Asghar Jahangir, IRGC Intelligence, Mohseni Eje’i, Starlink

HRANA – The spokesperson for Iran’s judiciary announced that 3,121 individuals across the country have been subjected to legal prosecution on charges including “operational actions in favor of Israel, security-related offenses, collaboration with Israel, media and propaganda activities benefiting Israel, and possession or trade of communication equipment, including Starlink.” According to him, 2,406 of these individuals have been arrested and remain in detention.

According to HRANA, citing ILNA, the judiciary spokesperson provided details regarding judicial measures taken under the framework of the “Law on Intensifying Punishment for Espionage and Collaboration with Israel.”

Asghar Jahangir stated: “In this regard, a total of 3,121 individuals have come under judicial prosecution. Of these, 2,406 have been arrested and remain in detention. So far, 1,000 indictments have been issued against these individuals.”

He added that these citizens were identified and arrested by the IRGC Intelligence Organization, the Ministry of Intelligence, and the Law Enforcement Command (FARAJA). He further explained: “Twenty percent of these individuals are being prosecuted for operational actions in favor of Israel, while 22% face charges related to security, economic, military, and financial activities. Approximately 7% have been charged with collaboration and assistance to Israel, 43% with cooperation in political, cultural, media, and propaganda activities benefiting Israel, and 7% with possession or buying and selling electronic equipment, including Starlink.”

Jahangir also referred to judicial measures aimed at identifying and seizing the assets of individuals he described as “affiliated with the enemy.” He said that the assets of hundreds of such individuals have so far been identified and confiscated. According to him, these assets will be formally expropriated following judicial proceedings and the issuance of court rulings.

Earlier, Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei announced the issuance of judicial orders to seize the assets of individuals described as “collaborators with the enemy” and warned that such individuals could face the death penalty. Subsequently, an online system for checking citizens’ assets was launched, enabling judicial authorities to identify and seize property. Since then, numerous reports have been published regarding the confiscation of assets belonging to a number of citizens.

January Protests: Hossein Bahadori Sentenced to Prison by Appeals Court

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News
Hossein Bahadori, HRANA, حسین بهادری

HRANA – The prison sentence of Hossein Bahadori, one of those arrested during the nationwide protests of January 2026, has been upheld in full by the Hamedan Province Court of Appeals. He has been sentenced to a total of four years, one month, and 17 days in prison.

Based on a ruling issued by Branch 11 of the Hamedan Province Court of Appeals, Mr. Bahadori was sentenced to seven months and 16 days of discretionary imprisonment on the charge of “propaganda against the regime in physical or online spaces,” and to three years, six months, and one day of imprisonment on the charge of “assembly and collusion to commit crimes against national security. The ruling was issued in late May 2026 and formally communicated to him.

In the initial proceedings, Branch 2 of the Revolutionary Court of Hamedan had sentenced him to the same prison term in February 2026.

Hossein Bahadori, a resident of Hamedan, was arrested during the January 2026 nationwide protests and was released after 23 days upon posting bail of 1 billion tomans.

He has previously been arrested due to his civil activities.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Now is definitely not the time to stop reading!

Reza Babrnejad Sentenced to Six Years in Prison

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Mehdi Babrnejad, Quchan, Reza Babrnejad, رضا ببرنژاد

HRANA – Reza Babrnejad, the brother of Mehdi Babrnejad, who was killed during Iran’s 2022 nationwide protests, has been sentenced to a total of six years in prison by Branch 101 of the Criminal Court of Quchan. Four years and six months of this sentence have been suspended.

Recently, Branch 101 of the Criminal Court of Quchan, presided over by Judge Pour Aria, issued and formally notified Mr. Babrnejad of its verdict. Under the ruling, he was sentenced to five years in prison on the charge of “membership in anti-state groups” and one year in prison for propaganda against the regime. Pursuant to Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, only the severest punishment, five years’ imprisonment, will be enforceable. Four years and six months of the five-year sentence have been suspended.

It should be noted that, under Article 302 of Iran’s Criminal Procedure Code, charges such as “propaganda against the state” fall within the jurisdiction of the Revolutionary Court. However, in some counties, such charges are reviewed by criminal courts. This practice, which stems from the absence or structural limitations of Revolutionary Courts in smaller cities, is not fully consistent with the law but has become common in practice due to the lack of specialized judicial institutions and resources.

Reza Babrnejad was released from Quchan Prison on July 21, 2024, after posting bail. He had been arrested by security forces on June 6, 2024, and transferred to Quchan Prison.

Reza Babrnejad, the brother of Mehdi Babrnejad, one of those killed during the 2022 nationwide protests, has previously faced arrest and judicial action due to his activities.

Mehdi Babrnejad, a 22-year-old resident of Quchan, was killed on September 21, 2022, after being shot by security forces during the nationwide protests in the city. Security forces withheld his body for three days before returning it to his family upon obtaining a written commitment from them. His funeral was held under heavy security measures in the village of Shark, located in Quchan County

Teenager Arrested by Security Forces in Mehrestan

Posted on by . .
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.

Appeals Court Sentences Mohammad Hosseini Chamani to More Than 30 Months in Prison

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News
ahvaz, HRANA, Mohammad Hosseini Chamani, Sheiban Prison, محمد حسین چمنی

HRANA – Branch 18 of the Khuzestan Province Court of Appeals has sentenced political prisoner Mohammad Hosseini Chamani, currently held in Sheiban Prison in Ahvaz, to two years, six months, and two days in prison. In the initial trial, he had been sentenced to four years in prison along with supplementary punishments.

According to HRANA, Branch 18 of the Khuzestan Province Court of Appeals has reduced the initial sentence issued against Mohammad Hosseini Chamani.

Under the appellate ruling, Mr. Hosseini Chamani was sentenced to 15 months and one day in prison on the charge of “disrupting public order” and to an additional 15 months and one day in prison for “insulting the Supreme Leader.” The supplementary punishments imposed at the trial stage were also removed from his sentence.

No information is available regarding the specific acts that formed the basis of the charges against this political prisoner.

Previously, during the initial trial, Branch 1 of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court had sentenced him to two years in prison for “disrupting public order” and two years in prison for “insulting the Supreme Leader.” The Revolutionary Court judge had also imposed supplementary punishments, including a two-year travel ban and one year of mandatory attendance at the Office for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.

Mohammad Hosseini Chamani was arrested on January 8, 2026, and is currently being held in Sheiban Prison in Ahvaz.

Homeyra Sharifi Sentenced to Five Years in Prison; Denied Medical Care in Evin Prison

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, Homeira Sharifi, Homeyra Sharifi, HRANA, Qarchak Prison, Varamin

HRANA – Homeyra Sharifi, one of those arrested during the January 2026 protests and currently imprisoned in Evin Prison, has been sentenced to five years in prison. The Afghan national is reportedly suffering from both physical and psychological health problems and has been denied adequate medical care.

The five-year prison sentence was recently communicated to Ms. Sharifi while she was being held in Evin Prison. According to information received by HRANA, she suffers from a skin disease and is experiencing serious psychological distress. Despite her condition, she has not received adequate medical or mental health care.

A source familiar with her situation told HRANA:

“Homeyra Sharifi does not possess identity documents. Since her transfer to Evin Prison, she has attempted suicide twice, the most recent incident occurring last week. After fellow prisoners expressed concern, she was sent for a single counseling session, but no effective follow-up care was provided afterward.”

Homeyra Sharifi was arrested during the nationwide January protests and transferred to Qarchak Prison in Varamin. On February 16, 2026, she was transferred from Qarchak Prison to Evin Prison, where she has remained ever since.

HRANA’s investigation into the charges brought against Ms. Sharifi and the authority that issued the sentence is ongoing.

January 2026 Protests: Rostam Shahpari Talkh Abi and Iman Shahpari Nia Sentenced to Prison

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
ahvaz, Iman Shahpari Nia, Rostam Shahpari Talkh Abi

HRANA – The convictions of Rostam Shahpari Talkh Abi and Iman Shahpari Nia, who were arrested during the January 2026 protests, have been fully upheld by the Khuzestan Province Court of Appeals. In a joint case, Branch 1 of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court had previously sentenced each of them to two years in prison along with supplementary punishments.

Based on a ruling recently issued by Branch 14 of the Khuzestan Province Court of Appeals, Mr. Shahpari Talkh Abi and Mr. Shahpari Nia were each sentenced, on the charge of “disrupting public order,” to two years in prison, a two-year ban on leaving the country, and one year of mandatory attendance at the Headquarters for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice. The court cited the note to Article 286 of the Islamic Penal Code as the basis for the sentence.

The initial verdict in their case had been issued by Branch 1 of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court on the same charge.

In this case, the charge of “disrupting public order” was brought under the note to Article 286 of the Islamic Penal Code. Under Iran’s legal framework, Article 286 itself pertains to the offense of “spreading corruption on earth” (efsad-e fel-arz). However, according to its accompanying note, if a defendant’s actions are deemed to have caused disorder or insecurity but are not considered sufficiently extensive to constitute efsad-e fel-arz, the death penalty is not applied, and the defendant may instead be sentenced to a Grade 5 or Grade 6 discretionary prison term (up to five years’ imprisonment).

The reliance on this note rather than Article 618 of the Islamic Penal Code, which addresses ordinary public-order offenses and carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison, indicates that the case was handled through a security-oriented approach, with the court relying on the more severe penalties provided under the note to Article 286.

Rostam Shahpari Talkh Abi and Iman Shahpari Nia were arrested on January 9, 2026, during the nationwide protests and were subsequently transferred to Sheiban Prison in Ahvaz.