Category: Freedom of Expression

Amirhossein Saadat Arrested in Tabriz

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Freedom of Expression, News
Amirhossein Saadat, HRANA, Tabriz, امیرحسین سعادت

HRANA – On Monday, June 1, 2026, Amirhossein Saadat, former secretary of the Student Council of Allameh Tabataba’i University, was arrested by the Ministry of Intelligence in Tabriz and transferred to an undisclosed location. Simultaneously, his home was searched, and several of his personal belongings were confiscated by the agents.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mr. Saadat was arrested this morning at his workplace by the Ministry of Intelligence agents without the presentation of a judicial warrant and was taken to an unknown location. His arrest was reportedly accompanied by violence and physical assault.

A source close to his family confirmed the news to HRANA, stating: “During a brief phone call, he informed his family of his arrest but did not disclose his place of detention. At the same time, Amirhossein’s home was searched by agents. During the search, several of his personal belongings, including his mobile phone, laptop, and passport, were confiscated.”

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the reasons for his arrest, his place of detention, or the charges brought against him.

Amirhossein Saadat, aged approximately 32, is originally from Abadeh, resides in Tabriz, and previously served as the secretary of the Student Council of Allameh Tabataba’i University.

Filmmaker Samira Norouz Naseri Arrested in Tehran

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Samira Norouz Naseri, سمیرا نوروز

HRANA – Yesterday, Samira Norouz Naseri, a filmmaker residing in Tehran, was arrested and transferred to an undisclosed location after security forces searched her home.

Based on information received by HRANA, Ms. Norouz Naseri was arrested on the morning of Monday, June 1, 2026, by security forces without the presentation of a judicial warrant. The agents also searched the filmmaker’s residence.

At the time of writing, no information is available regarding her place of detention, the reasons for her arrest, or any charges brought against her.

Samira Norouz Naseri is a filmmaker based in Tehran.

Former Political Prisoner Yashar Darolshafa Arrested

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Freedom of Expression, News
Tehran, Yashar Darolshafa

HRANA – Yashar Darolshafa, a former political prisoner residing in Tehran, was arrested yesterday by security forces at his home and transferred to an undisclosed location.

Based on information received by HRANA, on the morning of Monday, June 1, 2026, security forces raided the family home of this citizen and arrested him without presenting a judicial warrant. The agents also searched his residence.

As of now, no information is available regarding the agency responsible for the arrest, the reasons for Mr. Darolshafa’s detention, or his whereabouts.

Yashar Darolshafa has previously been arrested and imprisoned due to his activities.

2026 Protests: Supreme Court Upholds 10-Year Prison Sentence for Masoud Payahu

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Freedom of Expression, News
2026 protests, Masoud Payahu, Masoud Peyahu

HRANA – The prison sentence of Masoud Payahu, one of those arrested during the nationwide protests of January 2026, has been fully upheld by Branch 9 of the Supreme Court. He had previously been sentenced to 10 years in prison by Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

According to HRANA, citing Emtedad, Masoud Payahu, a detainee from the January protests, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.

According to the report, Branch 9 of the Supreme Court upheld Mr. Peyahu’s conviction in its entirety. He had previously been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment by Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court under the Law on Intensifying Punishments for Espionage and Cooperation with Israel.

Hassan Aghakhani, Masoud Payahu’s attorney, stated that his client was arrested during protests in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, prior to the events of January 8 and 9.

He added: “My client was working in a marketplace overlooking Jomhouri Street. At one point, an individual sat down in front of law enforcement officers, and Masoud unconsciously recorded a short video of the scene. He had absolutely no intention of publicly sharing the footage and, in fact, only posted it to a private Instagram story. Another person subsequently obtained and published the video. The Ministry of Intelligence then summoned my client. He voluntarily presented himself to the judicial authorities, but was unfortunately arrested.”

According to the attorney, Branch 23 of the Revolutionary Court disregarded Mr. Payahu’s defense that he had no intention of widely disseminating the video and nevertheless imposed a lengthy prison sentence.

The report further states that a request for judicial review has been filed on behalf of Masoud Payahu. Hassan Aghakhani noted that the case has been forwarded to the sentence enforcement branch and that his client is required to report to prison.

Masoud Payahu was among those arrested during the nationwide protests in Tehran in January 2026.

Mehdi Ansari, Attorney-at-Law, Sentenced to Five Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Mehdi Ansari, Shiraz

HRANA – Mehdi Ansari, a member of the Fars Bar Association and one of those arrested during the January 2026 protests, has been sentenced by the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz to five years in prison and a two-year travel ban.

Based on information received by HRANA, a branch of the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz sentenced Mr. Ansari to five years in prison and a two-year ban on leaving the country on the charge of “assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security.”

Mehdi Ansari, an attorney and member of the Fars Bar Association, had previously been arrested in Shiraz in connection with the January protests. He was eventually released from prison after posting bail set at 5 billion tomans.

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.

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January Protests: Three Detainees Sentenced to a Total of 9 Years and 3 Months in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Amir Amraei, Kamyar Amraei, Mohammad-Amin Shamsi

HRANA News Agency – Mohammad-Amin Shamsi, Amir Amraei, and Kamyar Amraei, three individuals arrested during the nationwide protests of 2026, have been sentenced by judicial authorities to a total of 9 years and 3 months of discretionary imprisonment.

According to HRANA, citing Kurdpa, three more detainees of the 2026 protests have been sentenced to prison terms.

According to the report, Mohammad-Amin Shamsi, Amir Amraei, and Kamyar Amraei, three residents of Karaj, have each been sentenced to three years and one month of discretionary imprisonment. They are currently being held in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

In this regard, Mohammad-Amin Shamsi has appealed the verdict, and his case has been referred to the Court of Appeals for review.

The report states that precise details regarding the court branch that issued the sentences have not been disclosed. However, it is believed that the rulings were issued by one of the Revolutionary Courts in Karaj on charges such as “assembly and collusion against national security.”

The three prisoners were reportedly subjected to repeated beatings during their detention and were held for ten days in solitary confinement at an undisclosed location. During this period, they were denied access to legal counsel and family visits. Their physical and psychological condition was reported to be poor.

These individuals originally from Dareh Shahr in Ilam Province and residing in Karaj, were arrested by security forces on January 8 and 9, 2026, in connection with the nationwide 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.

January Protests: Benjamin Naghdi Sentenced to Death

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Executions, Freedom of Expression, News
Benjamin Naghdi, HRANA, moharebeh, Mostafa Nili, بنیامین نقدی

HRANA – Benjamin Naghdi, arrested during the nationwide protests of 2026, has been sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz on the charge of “spreading corruption on earth” (efsad-e fel-arz). His attorney, Mostafa Nili, has announced that he will appeal the verdict before the Supreme Court.

According to HRANA, citing Emtedad, Benjamin Naghdi, who was arrested during the nationwide protests in January 2026, has been sentenced to death.

According to Mr. Naghdi’s lawyer, Mostafa Nili, he was initially charged with “attempted murder,” but the charge was later changed to “enmity against God” (moharebeh). Following the completion of the preliminary investigation, an indictment was issued against him on charges including “enmity against God,” “membership in groups disrupting national security,” “assembly and collusion against national security,” and “propaganda against the regime.” At the same time, the charges of “causing bodily harm to law enforcement officers” and “carrying a cold weapon” were dismissed, and no prosecution was pursued on those counts.

Mr. Nili further stated that the court judges determined that all of the alleged offenses constituted “spreading corruption on earth” and, on that basis, issued a death sentence for his client.

The attorney also said that he and his colleagues will file an appeal within the legal deadline. He expressed hope that, given that no individuals were injured during the incident, the Supreme Court would overturn the sentence.

According to the defense lawyer, Mr. Naghdi was arrested in Shiraz on January 3, 2026, for “igniting a fire extinguisher and directing it toward law enforcement officers.”

Before his arrest, Benjamin Naghdi was active in kickboxing and Muay Thai and had won championship titles in competitions in those disciplines.

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.

January 2026 Protests: Khashayar Rezvani Sentenced to Over 4 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Evin Prison, Gachsaran, HRANA, Khashayar Rezvani, خشایار رضوانی

HRANA – Khashayar Rezvani, one of those arrested during the nationwide protests of 2026, has been sentenced by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court to four years and three months in prison, along with a two-year ban on leaving the country and engaging in online activities.

According to HRANA, Khashayar Rezvani has been sentenced to imprisonment and additional punitive measures.

The verdict was recently issued by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court. Judge Iman Afshari sentenced Mr. Rezvani to three years and seven months of discretionary imprisonment on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security,” and an additional eight months of discretionary imprisonment for “propaganda against the regime.” Under the ruling, he was also sentenced to a two-year ban on leaving Iran and participating in online activities as supplementary punishments.

According to the court ruling, a copy of which has been obtained by HRANA, allegations cited against him include “composing poems in support of those killed during the protests, communicating with foreign media outlets, and maintaining contacts with groups opposed to the government.”

Mr. Rezvani was arrested during the nationwide protests in January 2026. He spent a period of detention in Evin Prison and was later transferred to Greater Tehran Penitentiary. He was ultimately released on March 16, 2026, after posting bail set at 5 billion tomans.

Khashayar Rezvani, approximately 41 years old, is a married poet and writer originally from Gachsaran and currently residing in Tehran. Prior to his arrest, he worked in the real estate sector.

Report on the Arrest of Homeyra and Shalir Aminpour in Bukan

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Freedom of Expression, News
Bukan, Homeyra Aminpour, Shalir Aminpour

HRANA – Homeyra Aminpour and Shalir Aminpour, two sisters residing in Bukan, were arrested by security forces on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, and transferred to an undisclosed location.

According to Kolbar News, Homeyra Aminpour and Shiler Aminpour were arrested in Bukan. Based on the report, the two sisters were arrested by security forces at their homes on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Security agents also searched their residences and confiscated a number of their personal belongings.

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the reasons for their arrest, their place of detention, or the charges brought against them.

Homeyra Aminpour, 50, and Shalir Aminpour are both residents of Bukan.

Judicial Cases Opened Against 40 Citizens in Shemiranat for Using Starlink Internet

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Starlink

HRANA – The commander of the Al-Ghadir Basij District in Shemiranat, Tehran province, announced that since March 21, 2026, 40 Starlink satellite internet devices have been discovered in the county, and judicial cases have been opened against their owners.

According to HRANA, citing IRNA, judicial cases have been opened against 40 citizens in Shemiranat for possessing Starlink satellite internet equipment.

The commander of the Al-Ghadir Basij Resistance District in Lavasan and Rudbar-e Qasran, Shemiranat, stated that since March 21, 2026, 40 Starlink satellite internet devices have been discovered in villas, recreational complexes, and eco-lodges located in Lavasan, Oushan, Fasham, and Meygun.

According to Hassan Pourqorban, judicial cases have been filed against the owners of the confiscated devices, and they have been referred to the judicial authorities.