Category: Freedom of Expression

Mohammad Benazadeh Amirkhizi Sentenced to Over 5 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Mohammad Benazadeh Amirkhizi, محمد بنازاده امیرخیزی

HRANA – Mohammad Benazadeh Amirkhizi, a political defendant, has been sentenced to five years and eight months in prison by Branch 28 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

According to the notice he received last week, Branch 28 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Mohammad-Reza Amouzad, sentenced him to eight months in prison on the charge of “propaganda against the regime” and to five years in prison on suspicion of membership in one of the groups opposing the regime.

Benazadeh Amirkhizi was arrested on Monday, July 28, 2025, at his residence in Tehran by security forces and transferred to The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility in Qom. He was released on bail in October 2025.

Mohammad Benazadeh Amirkhizi, 80, a resident of Tehran, has previously faced convictions related to his activities.

Sarvabad: Two Citizens Arrested by Security Forces

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Freedom of Expression, News
Kurdistan Province, Salman Advaei, Sarvabad, Yaser Advaei

HRANA – Yaser Advaei and Salman Advaei, two residents of Sarvabad, were arrested yesterday by Ministry of Intelligence agents in this county and taken to an undisclosed location.

Based on information received by HRANA, in the early hours of Thursday, November 13, Yaser Advaei and Salman Advaei were arrested at their home in Sarvabad by Ministry of Intelligence forces without a judicial warrant. Their families’ efforts to obtain information about their situation have so far gone unanswered.

As of the time of writing, no information is available regarding their whereabouts, the reasons for their arrest, or the charges brought against them.

Salman Advaei and Yaser Advaei, residents of Selin village in Sarvabad County, Kurdistan Province, have previously been detained and convicted.

Arbitrary arrests, transferring detainees to undisclosed locations, and leaving families in the dark about the fate of their loved ones are routine practices of the Iranian regime’s security agencies, such as the Ministry of Intelligence and the IRGC Intelligence Unit. This pattern of behavior stands in clear violation of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, known as the Nelson Mandela Rules.

Zeinab Mousavi Sentenced to Six Months in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Emperor Kuzco, Zeinab Mousavi, زینب موسوی

HRANA – Zeinab Mousavi, an Iranian comedian, has been sentenced by a judicial authority to six months of discretionary imprisonment and the writing of a research thesis under the supervision of the Ferdowsi Foundation, due to a video she posted online containing remarks about the Iranian poet Ferdowsi.

According to HRANA, quoting Shargh newspaper, Zeinab Mousavi has been sentenced to six months of discretionary imprisonment and the writing of a research thesis under the supervision of the Ferdowsi Foundation.

Part of the issued verdict states: “The defendant is required, under the supervision of the Ferdowsi Foundation and with the guidance of an instructor approved by this foundation, to draft and defend within six months a thesis on topics including Ferdowsi’s role in Iran’s national identity and culture, and the significance of the Shahnameh in Persian literature.”

According to the ruling, Mousavi is also obligated to conduct at least 120 hours of storytelling sessions centered on Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh in schools or cultural centers in underprivileged areas, coordinated with the Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults and the Ministry of Education, and to submit documentation to the Enforcement of Judgments Office.

Zeinab Mousavi, one of the first female stand-up comedians in Iran and the creator of the character “Emperor Kuzco,” was arrested in October 2023 and released after a few days. Her case was sent to both the Revolutionary Court and the Criminal Court of Tehran on two charges.

She was also arrested in Qom in October 2022 and released on bail in late November of the same year pending trial. Mousavi has stated that she was held in solitary confinement for 25 days during her detention and was sentenced to two years in prison.

Arrest of Protesters in Military Attire Following Public Action in Tehran Subway

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Freedom of Expression, News
Tehran

HRANA – On Wednesday, November 12 , a video circulated on social media showing two individuals in military uniforms staging a protest action at one of Tehran’s metro stations. Hours later, channels close to security agencies reported that these individuals had been arrested by law enforcement forces.

According to the HRANA News Agency, a video of the incident circulated on social media in which two individuals in military attire raise the “Lion and Sun” flag in the concourse of a Tehran metro station and, using a loudspeaker, make statements opposing the ruling establishment.

In part of the video, a bystander hesitantly asks, “Is this a hidden camera?” One of the protesters responds: “No sir, this is resistance against the criminal regime of the Supreme Leader’s rule.” Midway through the footage, a person attempts to seize the flag from the protesters but fails.

Hours later, channels close to security agencies, including Saberin News, reported that the two individuals had been arrested by law enforcement. Official authorities have so far made no comment regarding the identity or status of the detainees.

In related reports, state media claimed that “the detainees are not members of the country’s military forces” and that “their information does not match that of any Armed Forces personnel.”

At the same time, another video surfaced on social media showing an individual in military uniform calling on people to join protest marches. So far, no link has been established between this individual and the two protesters who were arrested.

As of the time of this report, no further information has been obtained regarding the identity, place of detention, or legal status of the detainees.

Court of Appeals Upholds Prison and Flogging Sentences for Masoud Vazifeh and Sohrab Hassan-Khani

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ekbatan Town case, Masoud Vazifeh, Sohrab Hassan-Khani, سهراب حسن خانی, مسعود وظیفه

HRANA – The Tehran Province Court of Appeals has upheld the sentences of Masoud Vazifeh and Sohrab Hassan-Khani in full. The two citizens had previously been sentenced by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court to a combined total of six years and eight months in prison, 114 lashes, and a fine of 100 million tomans.

Masoud Vazifeh received one year in prison for “propaganda against the regime,” one year in prison and 74 lashes for “disturbing public order and peace,” and two years in prison plus a 50 million toman fine for “spreading false information.”

Sohrab Hassan Khani received eight months in prison and 40 lashes for “disturbing public order and peace,” and two years in prison plus a 50 million toman fine for “spreading false information.”

The initial verdicts were issued on April 20, 2025, by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari. Mr. Vazifeh’s subsequent appeal for retrial was later rejected.

Both men had been released from Evin Prison on bail, Vazifeh on February 5, 2025, and Hassan Khani on December 30, 2024.

They were originally arrested by security forces in December 2024 for staging a sit-in protest against death sentences issued for defendants in the so-called “Ekbatan Town case.” Following their arrest, they were transferred to The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility (Ward 209 of Evin Prison).

Masoud Vazifeh has previously faced arrest and judicial prosecution due to his civil activities.

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Maryam Abbasi Nikoo Arrested

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Freedom of Expression, News
Bita Shafiei, irgc, IRGC Intelligence, Maryam Abbasi Nikoo, Shahin-Shahr, مریم عباسی نیکو

HRANA – On Monday, November 10, Maryam Abbasi Nikoo, a resident of Shahin Shahr, was arrested by agents of the IRGC Intelligence Organization and taken to an undisclosed location.

Her daughter, Bita Shafiei, reported that around 2 p.m., IRGC Intelligence agents entered their home, arrested her mother, and transferred her to an unknown location. Shafiei stated that the agents caused damage to household items during the raid.

As of this report, no information has been released regarding the reasons for Abbasi Nikoo’s arrest, the charges against her, or her current whereabouts.

Maryam Abbasi Nikoo, a resident of Shahin Shahr, is the mother of Bita Shafiei, a student previously arrested by security forces during protests over the mass poisoning of students in Shahin Shahr and later released. Abbasi Nikoo has also faced prior arrests and judicial proceedings related to her activism.

Four Azerbaijani-Turk Activists Arrested by Security Forces

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Ethnic Minorities, Freedom of Expression, News
Abbas Lesani, Ali Kheirjoo, Behzad Dashti, Evin Prison, HRANA, Taher Naghavi, Vadood Asadi, Yousef Kari

HRANA – On Tuesday, November 11, Azerbaijani-Turk activists Abbas Lesani (Lisani), Ali Kheirjoo, Yousef Kari, and Behzad Dashti were arrested in front of Evin Prison and taken to an unknown location. They had traveled to Tehran to support the sit-in held by families of several political prisoners detained in this prison.

According to HRANA, the arrests were carried out today by security forces outside Evin Prison. These Azerbaijani-Turk activists had gone to Tehran in solidarity with the families of Taher Naghavi and Vadood Asadi, political prisoners currently held in Evin Prison.

So far, there is no information on the detainees’ whereabouts or the charges brought against them. Recently, Vadood Asadi and Taher Naqavi were transferred to solitary confinement in Evin Prison as a punitive measure following their hunger strike.

Abbas Lesani, Ali Kheirjoo, Yousef Kari, and Behzad Dashti have previously faced arrests and judicial proceedings due to their activism.

Hamid Farhadi Arrested by Security Forces

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Freedom of Expression, News
Hamid Farhadi, Tehran, حمید فرهادی

HRANA – On November 9, Hamid Farhadi, a resident of Tehran, was arrested by security forces in the city and taken to an undisclosed location. Simultaneously, his home was searched by agents.

According to a report by HRANA, a source close to Mr. Farhadi’s family confirmed the arrest and told HRANA: “On Sunday evening, November 9, security agents entered Mr. Farhadi’s private residence without presenting a judicial warrant and arrested him. They also searched his home.”

As of the time of this report, no information has been made available regarding the reasons for his arrest, the location of his detention, or the charges against him.

Hamid Farhadi has previously been detained and faced judicial proceedings in connection with his activities.

Three Citizens Arrested for Writing About the Self-Immolation of an Ahvazi Vendor

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ahmad Baldi, ahvaz, Hassan Salamat, HRANA, Javad Saedi, Seyed Sadegh Alboshoukeh

HRANA – Following the self-immolation of Ahmad Baldi, a 20-year-old student and street vendor from Ahvaz who set himself on fire in protest against the demolition of his family’s kiosk by municipal agents, three citizens have been arrested for writing about his situation on social media.

According to a report by HRANA, at least three individuals have been detained in Ahvaz. HRANA has identified them as Hassan Salamat, Javad Saedi, and Seyed Sadegh Alboshoukeh. The reason for their arrest has been cited as posting and sharing information about Ahmad Baldi and his family’s condition online.

According to a source familiar with the matter, “A heavy security presence surrounds Ayatollah Taleghani Hospital in Ahvaz, and security agents are preventing journalists and citizens from contacting the Baladi family. Public gatherings near the hospital and online discussions about the incident have led to more arrests.”

On the morning of Sunday, November 2, municipal officers demolished the Baldi family’s kiosk in Zeytoon Park. Ahmad and his mother remained inside the kiosk to stop the demolition, but officers forcibly removed them. After the violent confrontation, Ahmad Baldi set himself on fire. His health condition remains critical.

The Ahvaz Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office issued an official statement warning that any reporting on this incident constitutes “exploiting a tragic event to sow division among ethnic groups” and announced that it would take action against those who “agitate public sentiment.”

On the evening of Thursday, November 6, following Baldi’s self-immolation, a group of citizens gathered in protest outside the hospital where he is being treated.

Local sources have reported a higher number of arrests, which HRANA is currently investigating.

Teachers’ Union Activist Mohammad Hassan Davoudi Sentenced to Imprisonment

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Freedom of Expression, Labor and Guilds, News
Miandoab, Mohammad Hassan Davoudi

HRANA – Mohammad Hassan Davoudi, a teachers’ union activist, has been sentenced by a branch of the Miandoab Revolutionary Court to three years, four months, and two days in prison.

Based on the verdict issued on November 1, 2025, and officially communicated to Mr. Davoudi, he was sentenced to seven months and sixteen days in prison for the charge of propaganda against the regime and to thirty-two months and sixteen days in prison for the charge of membership in anti-regime groups.

The verdict was issued by Rasoul Hojabri, the judge of the Miandoab Revolutionary Court, which operates under Branch 103 of the county’s Criminal Court Two.

If upheld at the appeals stage, under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the severest punishment, thirty-two months and sixteen days of imprisonment, will be enforceable for this teachers’ union activist.

Mr. Davoudi was arrested by security forces in Miandoab in October-November 2022 and was released after two months of detention upon posting bail.

Mohammad Hassan Davoudi, a teachers’ union activist residing in Miandoab, has previously been subjected to arrest and judicial proceedings due to his professional and union activities.