Category: Freedom of Expression

Arrest of Several Individuals by IRGC Intelligence Agents

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
HRANA, irgc, IRIB

HRANA – The IRGC Intelligence Organization announced the identification and arrest of several individuals across the country without providing detailed information. The organization claims these individuals were members of “espionage teams” who sent images of sensitive locations in the country to media outlets based abroad. A video of forced confessions from several of the detainees has also been released, though the conditions under which it was recorded remain unclear.

According to IRIB (state broadcasting), the IRGC Intelligence Organization reported the arrest of several individuals in the country. The organization stated that it had identified and detained “members of an espionage network affiliated with Mossad.”

According to the claims made, these individuals are accused of sending sensitive images and information to foreign-based channels and networks, including the media outlet “Iran International.”

It has also been claimed that weapons and communication equipment were discovered in their possession. A video of forced confessions from several detainees has also been released, though the circumstances under which it was recorded remain unclear.

The report does not provide independent information regarding the number, identities, or places of detention of those arrested.

Maryam Davoudian Arrested After Being Summoned to the Intelligence Office in Bukan

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
Bukan, HRANA, Maryam Davoudian, مریم داودیان

HRANA – Maryam Davoudian, a resident of Bukan, was arrested on Monday, April 20, after being summoned to the Ministry of Intelligence office of this city, and was transferred to Urmia Prison.

According to a report by Kurdpa, Ms. Davoudian was summoned via a phone call to the Intelligence Office in Bukan. On Monday, April 20, after appearing at this security institution, she was arrested and transferred to the quarantine ward of the women’s section of Urmia Prison under a 10-day temporary detention order.

This 58-year-old citizen was able to make a brief phone call to her family after her arrest.

The report states that Ms. Davoudian suffers from multiple medical conditions, including diabetes, minor thalassemia, and rheumatoid arthritis. She had previously lost vision in one of her eyes due to an eye stroke and requires medical care and continuous access to her medications.

As of the time of this report’s publication, no information is available regarding the reasons for her arrest or the charges brought against her.

January Protests: Nine More Citizens Arrested in Connection with the Killing of a Security Force Member

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
Farajollah Shushtari, January Protests, Mashhad

HRANA – The Police Information Center announced the arrest of 9 additional citizens in connection with the case of the killing of a security force member during the January protests in Mashhad. Previously, state media had also reported that a number of protesters had been arrested in relation to the same case.

According to Tasnim News Agency, the Information Center of the Law Enforcement Command of the Islamic Republic of Iran stated that, in a “joint operation” between the Khorasan Razavi police and security forces, an individual identified as a suspect in the killing of Farajollah Shushtari, along with eight others, has been arrested.

According to the police’s claims, the detainees have been described as “individuals involved in this crime” and have been handed over to judicial authorities. However, the identities of these individuals, the exact details of how they were arrested, and their place of detention have not been disclosed.

Earlier, state media had also reported the arrest of a number of citizens in Mashhad in connection with the same case. In that report, without mentioning the number or identities of those arrested, the charge of “killing a security force member” was attributed to the detainees.

No independent details are available regarding the legal proceedings of this case, the detainees’ access to legal counsel, or their current condition.

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.

At Least 70 Citizens Sentenced to Prison in West Azerbaijan and Fars

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Freedom of Expression, News
Fars, HRANA, West Azerbaijan

HRANA – The judiciary’s media center has announced the issuance of prison sentences for citizens in 11 cases in West Azerbaijan Province and 59 cases in Fars Province. The statement provides no further details about the cases, describing the charges against these individuals as “cooperation with the enemy.”

According to Mizan News Agency, at least 70 citizens have faced prison sentences. The judiciary’s media center stated that 11 cases in West Azerbaijan Province have been reviewed, resulting in prison sentences. In Fars Province, the cases of 59 individuals have also led to convictions, and those sentenced are currently serving their terms.

The prison sentences reportedly range from one to five years on charges of “cooperation with the enemy.”

The report does not provide further details regarding the identities of the individuals, the specific nature of the charges, or the exact sentences issued.

Maryam Derisi and Fariba Hosseini Sentenced to Imprisonment and Flogging

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Freedom of Expression, News
Fariba Hosseini, Kazerun, Maryam Derisi, Shiraz

HRANA – Maryam Derisi and Fariba Hosseini, residents of Kazerun and Shiraz respectively, have been sentenced by Branch 101 of the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz to a total of seven years in prison and 74 lashes.

Based on a ruling recently issued by Branch 101 of the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz and communicated to these individuals, Maryam Derisi has been sentenced to one year in prison and 74 lashes on the charge of “disrupting public order.” Fariba Hosseini has been sentenced to five years in prison on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security,” and one additional year on the charge of “propaganda against the regime.” The court acquitted Ms. Hosseini of the charge of insulting the Supreme Leader.

According to information received by HRANA, Maryam Derisi also faces a charge of propaganda against the state; however, this charge has not yet been adjudicated in court.

Maryam Derisi was arrested on February 13, 2026, in Kazerun, and Fariba Hosseini was arrested on January 4, 2026, in Shiraz during nationwide protests. Both were released on bail on March 9, 2026.

Both have previously been arrested and convicted due to their activities.

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Report on the Arrest of Azam Mohebbi by the IRGC Intelligence Organization

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Freedom of Expression, News
Azam Mohebbi, IRGC Intelligence, Urmia

HRANA – Azam Mohebbi, a journalist and the editor-in-chief of the news website “Madar-e Sharghi”, who had traveled to Kurdistan Province about 20 days ago to prepare a report, has been arrested by the IRGC Intelligence Organization in Urmia and transferred to one of this institution’s security detention centers.

According to HRANA News Agency, citing BBC Persian, Azam Mohebbi was arrested by the IRGC Intelligence Organization in Urmia. Based on the report, Ms. Mohebbi had traveled to Kurdistan Province about 20 days ago to prepare a report and was subsequently arrested by the IRGC Intelligence Organization in Urmia. The report states that the arrest of this journalist was carried out on suspicion of cooperation with opposition groups.

The report also states, quoting one of Ms. Mohebbi’s close colleagues, that she has gone on a hunger strike due to being held unlawfully in the IRGC detention facility in Urmia.

Azam Mohebbi is a social affairs journalist and has a history of collaboration with newspapers such as “Iran” and “Shargh.”

Fate Unknown: Continued Detention of Executed Prisoner’s Brother Raises Concern

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Babak Alipour, HRANA, Maryam Alipour, Omolbanin Dehghan, Roozbeh Alipour

HRANA – Roozbeh Alipour, the brother of Babak Alipour, an executed political prisoner, remains in a state of uncertainty 87 days after his arrest. The lack of information about his fate has heightened his family’s concerns.

An informed source close to Mr. Alipour’s family confirmed this in a conversation with HRANA, stating: “During this period, Roozbeh has only made two brief phone calls to his family, each lasting about one minute. Nearly two months have passed since his last call, and since then, he has had no contact with his family. His father’s follow-ups with judicial authorities have also gone unanswered, and the prosecutor’s office has so far provided no information regarding his situation.”

On January 26, 2026, Roozbeh Alipour was arrested along with his mother, Omolbanin Dehghan, and his sister, Maryam Alipour, while returning from a visit with Babak Alipour. Maryam Alipour and Ommolbanin Dehghan were transferred to Qarchak Varamin Prison, while Mr. Alipour was initially taken to The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, known as Ward 209 of Evin Prison. After some time, he was transferred from this security detention facility to an undisclosed location.

The lack of information about his condition continues while, on March 31, his brother’s execution was carried out without prior notice to the family. Following this event, the family, while enduring grief, has also expressed serious concern about Roozbeh Alipour’s fate.

As of the time of this report, no independent information is available regarding the charges against this individual or his health condition.

Roozbeh Alipour, a resident of Rasht, had previously been arrested in 2018 and was sentenced to two years in prison on charges of “insulting the Supreme Leader.” He was released in 2019 after serving his sentence.

Ardestan: Four Citizens Arrested in Connection with January Protests

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ardestan, HRANA, Isfahan

HRANA – The Law Enforcement Command of Isfahan Province has announced the arrest of four citizens in Ardestan County in connection with the December–January protests.

According to Mehr, four citizens have been arrested in Ardestan. The Law Enforcement Command of Isfahan Province stated that the arrests were carried out in connection with the January protests. No details were provided regarding the charges against the detainees.

The report does not mention the exact time of the arrests or the identities of the detained citizens.

t 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.

Sentences Issued for 22 Defendants to Long-Term Imprisonment in Two Provinces

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, January Protests

HRANA – The Judiciary’s Media Center has announced the issuance of long-term prison sentences for 22 defendants in two provinces of the country. According to the report, eight of them have been sentenced to more than 10 years in prison, while 14 others have received sentences of less than 10 years, along with additional penalties. However, no details have been published regarding the identities of the convicted individuals or the exact charges against them.

According to Mizan, 22 defendants in several cases across two provinces have been sentenced to long-term imprisonment. Based on the report, eight of the defendants received sentences exceeding 10 years in prison, while 14 others were sentenced to less than 10 years, accompanied by supplementary punishments.

The Judiciary’s Media Center stated that these individuals were prosecuted on charges of “cooperation with an enemy,” and the mentioned sentences were issued following proceedings in competent courts.

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.

Report on the Arrest of a Citizen in Malard County

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Malard

HRANA – A citizen in Malard County has been arrested on charges of “propaganda against the regime on social media and cooperation with anti-government groups.”

According to Mehr News Agency, a citizen has been arrested in Malard, Tehran Province. Judicial authorities in the county announced that a man, approximately 33 years old, was arrested on charges of “propaganda against the system on social media and cooperation with anti-government groups.”

Based on the report, the social media accounts belonging to this citizen have also been deleted, and he has been handed over to judicial authorities.

The report does not mention the identity of the arrested individual or his place of detention.