Category: Freedom of Expression

Arrest of Five Individuals for Filming and Sending Footage to Media

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Freedom of Expression, News
Faraja, HRANA, Tehran, Yazd

HRANA – At least four citizens in Tehran and one in Yazd have been arrested for filming sites where missiles struck and bombed areas and sending the footage to a foreign-based media outlet.

According to Fars News Agency, the public relations office of the Yazd Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office announced the arrest of a citizen. The individual was arrested following judicial coordination for filming and sending footage to a foreign-based media outlet (Iran International). After being formally charged and issued a legal bail order, the person was transferred to prison.

The report states that the individual had recorded images or videos from specific locations, including missile launch or impact sites during the recent war.

Meanwhile, Tasnim News Agency reported the arrest of four citizens in Tehran. According to the report, these individuals were also detained by the Special Units of the Law Enforcement Command (FARAJA) for the same actions.

The reports do not mention the identities of the detainees or the dates of their arrests.

Since February 28, Iran’s territory has been targeted by military attacks by Israel and the United States. For more information, you can refer to HRANA’s report on the thirteenth day after the start of these attacks, which was published last night.

Report on the Arrest of 9 Citizens and Security Measures Against 160 Individuals in Kerman Province

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Freedom of Expression, News
and Shahr Babak, Darab, Kerman, Khorramabad

HRANA – Following the U.S. and Israeli military attacks on Iran, at least nine citizens have been arrested in Kerman Province and in the cities of Khorramabad, Darab, and Shahr Babak. Additionally, the Intelligence Department of Kerman Province announced that since the start of the war, 160 individuals in the province have been identified and subjected to what it described as “legal action” for alleged “activities against national security.”

Based on the report by Fars News Agency, the police in Lorestan Province introduced the individual as a suspect accused of having connections with Israel. In another report by this agency, a citizen was arrested in Darab County.

The deputy commander of law enforcement in Fars Province claimed that the individual had placed the logo of a relief organization on a vehicle and misused it in an attempt to gather information and send it to foreign countries.

Meanwhile, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting reported that six citizens were arrested in Kerman Province by agents of the Intelligence Department. The report alleged that these individuals were “affiliated with the United States and Israel and were waiting for an opportunity to take to the streets and create unrest.”

Another individual was also arrested in Shahr Babak, in Kerman Province. According to the report, the detained citizen allegedly intended to carry out an armed action, and a firearm reportedly used during the January protests was seized from him.

The Intelligence Department of Kerman Province also announced that since the start of the war it has identified 160 citizens who, according to the authority, were “acting against the country’s security,” and has taken what it described as legal measures against them. Some of the accusations against these individuals include participation in the January protests, damaging public property, using weapons during the protests, and communicating with Persian-language media outlets abroad following the recent war.

These reports did not provide further details about the actions taken, nor did they disclose the identities of the detained individuals or the locations where they are being held.

It should be noted that Iranian territory has been targeted by military attacks by the United States and Israel since February 28. For further information, readers may refer to HRANA’s report on the twelfth day after the beginning of these attacks, which was published last night.

It is worth noting that protests and strikes by shopkeepers and merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025. Within two days, the movement spread beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these demonstrations became one of the most widespread protests in recent years. Following the suppression of the protests by law enforcement and security forces, thousands of people were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security institutions. For further information, readers may refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “Crimson Winter,” which documents the first fifty days after the start of Iran’s nationwide protests.

Over 195 Citizens Arrested Across Iran Amid U.S. and Israeli Attacks; Authorities Cite Media Activity and Espionage Allegations

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
and Rezvanshahr, Eslamshahr, Tabriz, Tehran

HRANA –in connection with U.S. and Israeli military attacks on Iran, more than 195 citizens have been arrested in various cities across the country. These arrests took place in the cities of Tehran, Eslamshahr, Tabriz, and Rezvanshahr, as well as in the provinces of Khuzestan, Kurdistan, Lorestan, and Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad.

Additionally, according to reports published by official media outlets, a video containing the forced confessions of several of these detainees has been released. It remains unclear under what conditions these confessions were recorded.

These individuals are facing accusations including activity on social media and sending content to foreign media outlets, spreading public anxiety, cooperation with foreign media, espionage and gathering information for foreign countries, as well as attempting to disrupt public security.

Yesterday, the country’s Chief Commander of Law Enforcement announced in a video report the arrest of 82 citizens. Ahmadreza Radan, without specifying the locations of the arrests, claimed that 81 of these individuals were detained due to activity on social media and sending materials to a foreign media outlet (Iran International). One citizen was also arrested for financial connections with foreign networks.

The IRGC’s Abolfazl Unit in Lorestan also announced that three citizens were arrested on charges of spreading public anxiety and cooperating with foreign media outlets. The statement claimed that these individuals had engaged in actions such as “spreading rumors, setting fire to mourning symbols, and sending images to media outlets.”

Tasnim News Agency reported the arrest of a citizen in Eslamshahr. Saeed Doosti-Nejad, the prosecutor of Eslamshahr, claimed that the individual was affiliated with one of the Persian-language media networks operating outside the country and had collected information for them.

In recent days, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Intelligence Organization announced that 10 individuals who had filmed locations struck in the attacks and sent the footage to foreign media had been arrested so far. At the same time, a video containing forced confessions from these citizens has been released.

On Thursday, March 5, five citizens were arrested by security forces in Tehran. Fars News Agency, a media outlet close to security institutions, claimed that they were collecting information from certain centers and mosques to provide to the United States and Israel. However, the outlet did not mention the identities or the locations where the detainees are being held.

In another report, Fars News Agency stated that 50 citizens were arrested by intelligence agents of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province. The report claimed that the individuals “intended to obtain weapons to disrupt public security and were identified and arrested before taking any action.”

According to ILNA, the local police commander announced the identification and arrest of two individuals in this county. Hamed Shadbahr, providing details on the matter, stated that officers from the county’s Public Security Police had identified and arrested two individuals on charges of publishing and republishing false news and producing online content which, according to law enforcement authorities, caused public anxiety and concern within society.

Meanwhile, the Public Relations Office of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced the arrest of six citizens and the killing of another by the forces of this institution in Kurdistan Province. In the statement, published by Fars News Agency, it was claimed that these individuals were “armed elements” connected to groups opposed to the political establishment and had been identified and arrested in the northwest of Kurdistan Province.

According to Tasnim News Agency, on February 28 a citizen in Tabriz was arrested for what was described as an “attempt to disrupt the mourning ceremony for the death of Ali Khamenei.” The Deputy for Social Affairs of the East Azerbaijan Law Enforcement Command claimed that the detained individual “intended to drive into the crowd of participants and disrupt the ceremony.”

According to Hamshahri, the Ministry of Intelligence of the Islamic Republic of Iran also announced in a statement the arrest of several individuals in Tehran, claiming that they had been planning to carry out the directives of the United States and Israel in the capital. The statement added that weapons of war, amounts of foreign currency, and a Starlink device were discovered from them. However, the security body did not disclose the identities or the number of those arrested.

Additionally, the General Directorate of Intelligence in Khuzestan Province reported the arrest of six individuals in the province. In the statement, the security body claimed that the detainees were members of an “armed” group linked to foreign countries and that a quantity of military equipment had been discovered in their possession.

Furthermore, at least 30 citizens have been arrested in recent days by forces of the Ministry of Intelligence of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Tasnim News Agency, quoting this security institution, reported that these arrests were carried out on charges described as “espionage for the United States and Israel.”

Although countering espionage is not considered a violation of human rights, given the Iranian government’s record of instrumentally using such accusations against political opponents, such claims—particularly when details and due process remain unclear—are often viewed with skepticism. In the reports mentioned, no information has been provided regarding the identities of the detainees or the locations where they are being held.

It should be noted that the military attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran began on February 27, 2026. Since the beginning of these attacks, HRANA has been documenting and recording developments related to these conflicts across different parts of the country on a daily basis. For further information, readers may refer to HRANA’s detailed report on the twelfth day of the conflict, which was published last night.

Report on the Arrest of Five Individuals in Mahabad, Sanandaj, and Saqqez

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Freedom of Expression, News
Anvar Moloudi, Avat Rostami, Mahabad, Saqqez, Sedigh Yousefpour, Sirvan Amini, Zeinab Azizi

HRANA – In recent days, Anvar Moloudi and Avat Rostami, residents of Mahabad, as well as Zeinab Azizi and Sirvan Amini, a couple living in Sanandaj, have been arrested by security forces. So far, no information has been obtained about their whereabouts.

Meanwhile, Sedigh Yousefpour, who had previously been arrested, was released from Saqqez Prison after posting bail.

According to Kurdpa, this citizen was released on March 9 after posting bail from Saqqez Prison. He had been arrested by security forces on January 21.

In another report, Kurdpa announced the arrest of two citizens on March 6 by forces of the Intelligence Office in Mahabad. The identities of these individuals were reported as Anvar Moloudi, a 40-year-old resident of the village of Kheyrabad, and Avat Rostami, a 40-year-old resident of the village of Khorkhoreh in Mahabad.

Additionally, Kolbar News reported that Zeinab Azizi and Sirvan Amini, a couple living in Sanandaj, were arrested by security forces on March 6.

The reports did not mention the reasons for these arrests, the location where the detainees are being held, or the charges brought against them.

Nationwide Protests: Keyumars Vaezi Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison by the Revolutionary Court

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, irgc, Keyomars Vaezi, Keyumars Vaezi, Songhor

HRANA – Keyumars Vaezi, a teacher residing in Songhor, who had been arrested in connection with recent protests, has been sentenced to five years in prison by the Revolutionary Court of this county.

According to the Coordinating Council of Iranian Teachers’ Trade Associations, the Revolutionary Court of Songhor, presided over by Judge Sadegh Tari Vardi, sentenced Vaezi to four years in prison on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security,” and one year of discretionary imprisonment on the charge of “propaganda against the regime.”

Mr. Vaezi was arrested on January 5 by intelligence forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and was subsequently transferred to Dizel Abad Prison in Kermanshah. He was later released on bail.

Keyumars Vaezi, a retired teacher and labor activist residing in Songhor, has previously also faced arrest and conviction.

It is worth noting that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began on Sunday, December 28, in Tehran, and after two days expanded beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, the protests became one of the largest waves of demonstrations in recent years. Following the crackdown on the protests by law enforcement and security forces, thousands of people were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security institutions. For more information, readers can refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “Crimson Winter,” which documents the first fifty days after the start of Iran’s nationwide protests.

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Shot in the Heart: New Details Emerge on the Killing of 18-Year-Old Arian Nabati in Mashhad

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Freedom of Expression, News
Arian Nabati, HRANA, Mashhad, آرین نباتی

HRANA – Arian Nabati, an 18-year-old resident of Mashhad, lost his life while attending a memorial ceremony marking the 40th day after the deaths of victims of the nationwide protests in the city. Although some media outlets close to security institutions have denied that he was killed during the protests, a source close to his family shared new details about his death in an interview with HRANA. According to this report, Arian was shot in the side, head, and heart.

A person close to the family told HRANA that the Nabati family has been under pressure from security institutions. As a result, his father denied in a phone interview with a media outlet inside Iran that his son had been killed by gunfire during the nationwide protests in Mashhad.

The informed source went on to describe the incident, stating: “On February 17, Arian went with two friends on a motorcycle to attend the 40th-day memorial ceremony for those killed in the protests in Mashhad. According to individuals present at the scene, when security forces arrived, they fled the ceremony. During a subsequent pursuit by security forces near one of the hospitals in Mashhad, Arian was shot, causing his motorcycle to overturn. In those circumstances, his friends fled the scene.”

According to the source, two days after the incident, Arian’s family was summoned to the hospital by phone, where they were confronted with their son’s lifeless body.

The source added that at first, the family was not allowed to see the body, which was placed in a black bag. They were told to leave and that burial arrangements would be handled. However, after insisting, the family was eventually permitted to see their son’s body.

Based on the source’s statements, Arian had been shot in the side, head, and heart and died due to the severity of his injuries. His family was also warned that they were not permitted to hold a public ceremony. Ultimately, his funeral was held under restrictive conditions without broad public announcement.

Arian Nabati (Noghondar), was born on May 19, 2007, in Mashhad.

Journalist Abdolnaser Mohaymeni Arrested in Gorgan

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abdolnaser Mohaymeni, Gorgan

HRANA – On Thursday, February 26, Abdolnaser Mohaymeni, a journalist in Gorgan, was arrested.

According to HRANA News Agency, citing Didban Iran, Mr. Mohaymeni was arrested at his home in Gorgan on the evening of Thursday, February 26, 2026.

The report does not mention the arresting authority, the reasons for his arrest, or his place of detention.

Abdolnaser Mohaymeni, a journalist, English language teacher, and former member of the Gorgan City Council, has previously faced arrest and judicial action due to his activities.

Nationwide Protests: Arman Shahpouri-Khou Sentenced to Two Years in Prison and Additional Penalties

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Freedom of Expression, News
ahvaz, Arman Shahpouri-Khou, Izeh

HRANA – Arman Shahpouri-Khou, a teacher arrested during recent nationwide protests, has been sentenced by Branch One of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court to two years in prison, a two-year travel ban, and one year of mandatory presence at the Headquarters for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.

Hossein Ali Hatami, Mr. Shahpouri-Khou’s defense attorney, told HRANA: “On February 15, my client was sentenced by Branch One of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court on the charge of widespread disruption of public order and security 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 in Izeh County.”

Arman Shahpouri-Khou was arrested on Tuesday, December 30, during the nationwide protests in Izeh and was transferred to Sheiban Prison in Ahvaz. He was later released from the prison on January 11 after posting bail of two billion tomans.

Arman Shahpouri-Khou is a teacher residing in Izeh County.

Nationwide Protests: A Report on the Arrest of 17 Individuals in Various Cities

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ali Bashtani, Dana Motouri, Erfan Azizi, Esmail Sanaei, Esmail Soltanabadi, Farshad Mahdavi, Fatemeh Namani, Jaber Soltanian, Mohammad Javad Sanaei, Mohammad Mehdi Pirdeh, Nader Rabeh, Sabah Karimi

HRANA – This report covers the arrest of 17 individuals in connection with the recent protests by security forces. Among them, five have been released on bail.

Based on information received by HRANA, Esmail Sanaei and Mohammad Javad Sanaei were arrested in Mashhad; Fatemeh Namani, Ali Bashtani, and Esmail Soltanabadi in Sabzevar; and Dana Motavari in Abadan, in connection with recent protests. Among these citizens, Esmail Sanaei and his brother Mohammad Javad Sanaei were arrested on January 16, while Ali Bashtani and Fatemeh Namani were arrested on February 25.

On the other hand, five citizens who had previously been arrested in connection with the protests were released on bail. Moslem Norouzian and Ali Ansarifar were released from Mashhad Prison, while Saeed Kalateh Seifari and Ali Ehteshami-Rad were released from Sabzevar Prison. Mohammad Robatjazi, who had previously been arrested in Varamin, has also been released.

Furthermore, Kurdpa News Agency reported the arrest of six individuals in cities across Ilam Province. According to the report, Mohammad Mehdi Pirdeh, 18, from Dareh Shahr, was arrested on February 20; Jaber Soltanian from Chardavol on February 21; Erfan Azizi from Helilan on February 22; Sabah Karimi from Malekshahi on February 23; and Farshad Mahdavi, 25, along with Nader Rabeh, both from Malekshahi, on February 24, all by security forces.

The report states that Mr. Rabeh was suffering from severe thigh injuries at the time of his arrest, a matter that has heightened his relatives’ concerns about his physical condition and fate.

So far, no information has been obtained regarding the charges brought against these citizens or their place of detention.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025. After two days, the protests expanded beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these demonstrations became one of the most widespread protests in recent years. Following the suppression of the protests by law enforcement and security forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security institutions. For further information, refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “The Crimson Winter: A 50 Day Record of Iran’s 2025–2026 Nationwide Protests.”

Nationwide Protests: Report on the Arrest of 12 Teachers in Various Cities

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Freedom of Expression, Labor and Guilds, News
Ahanali Jahandideh, Amin Brizi, Firooz Brizi, Foruzan Yektaei, Hossein Khaleghi, Mehrdad Faribarzi, Moslem Parvizi, Rahmatollah Khodavandi, Shokrallah Ahmadi

HRANA – Foruzan Yektaei in Rasht; Hossein Khaleghi and Ahanali Jahandideh in Darab; Shokrallah Ahmadi in Nurabad Mamasani; Rahmatollah Khodavandi, Moslem Parvizi, Firooz Brizi, Mehrdad Faribarzi, and Amin Brizi in Zarin Dasht; and Hadi Monfared, Hassan Jafari, and Jafar Taheri in Qir and Karzin were arrested by security forces on January 8 and 9 in connection with nationwide protests. Of these 12 employed and retired teachers, Foruzan Yektaei, Hossein Khaleghi, and Ahanali Jahandideh remain in detention, while the other nine have been released on bail.

Based on this report, on January 8 and 9, Hossein Khaleghi and Ahanali Jahandideh, both retired teachers in Darab; Shokrallah Ahmadi, a teachers’ union activist in Nurabad Mamasani; Rahmatollah Khodavandi (retired teacher), Moslem Parvizi, Firooz Brizi, Mehrdad Faribarzi, and Amin Brizi (teachers) in Zarin Dasht; Hadi Monfared (teacher); and Hassan Jafari and Jafar Taheri (both retired teachers) in Qir and Karzin were arrested by security forces in connection with the January protests. Among these 11 teachers, Hossein Khaleghi and Ahanali Jahandideh remain in detention, while the other nine have been released on bail.

Additionally, Foruzan Yektaei, a teacher residing in Rasht, was arrested by security forces in the city on January 9. Following her arrest, she was transferred to Lakan Prison in Rasht and remains there in a state of uncertainty. Despite the family’s follow-ups with security and judicial authorities, officials have so far refused to grant her release on bail.

As of now, no information has been obtained regarding the charges brought against these teachers or the place of detention of Hossein Khaleghi and Ahanali Jahandideh.

Among them, Shokrallah Ahmadi, a teachers’ union activist, has previously faced judicial action due to his activities.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025. After two days, the protests expanded beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these demonstrations became one of the most widespread protests in recent years. Following the suppression of the protests by law enforcement and security forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security institutions. For further information, refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “The Crimson Winter: A 50 Day Record of Iran’s 2025–2026 Nationwide Protests.”