Category: Freedom of Expression

Following Sentence Consolidation, Vadood Asadi Sentenced to Eight Years and One Month in Prison

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Ethnic Minorities, Freedom of Expression, News
Ayaz Seifkhah, Azerbaijani Turk activist, HRANA, Karam Mardaneh, Mahmoud Ojaghlou, Morteza Parvin, Taher Naghavi, Vadood Asadi

HRANA – Following the acceptance of a request to consolidate sentences, the Gilan Province Court of Appeals revoked the previous convictions of Vadood Asadi, an Azerbaijani-Turk activist imprisoned in Evin Prison, and sentenced him in a new ruling to eight years and one month in prison. He had previously been sentenced to a total of six years and three months of imprisonment in two separate cases.

According to HRANA, after accepting the request for sentence consolidation, Branch 11 of the Gilan Province Court of Appeals, presided over by Mohammad Sadegh Iran-Aghideh and Esmaeil Rostami Taromsari, annulled Mr. Asadi’s previous sentences and issued a new verdict.

Under this ruling, Mr. Asadi was sentenced to:

• Six years and one month in prison on charges of “assembly and collusion against national security”;
• Eight months in prison for “propaganda against the regime in favor of anti-regime and opposition groups”;
• Sixteen months in prison for “insulting the Supreme Leader”.

Additionally, a hearing concerning charges brought against Mr. Asadi in a case opened against him during his imprisonment was held on April 25, 2026. Mr. Asadi, along with Morteza Parvin, Taher Naghavi, Mahmoud Ojaghlou, and three other defendants in the case, refused to attend the court session.

In March 2026, an interrogation session for Taher Naghavi, a lawyer, and imprisoned Azerbaijani-Turk activists Morteza Parvin-Joda, Vadood Asadi, Ayaz Seifkhah, Karam Mardaneh, and Araz Aman was held via videoconference. During the session, investigator Nasser Jalayi formally charged the prisoners with propaganda against the regime. Their hunger strike, publication of protest statements, and support for the nationwide protests of December 2025 were cited as the reasons for opening the case.

In May 2025, Vadood Asadi, an Azerbaijani-Turk activist, was sentenced by Branch 11 of the Gilan Province Court of Appeals to a total of five years and six months in prison on charges of propaganda against the regime, membership in anti-regime groups, and insulting the Supreme Leader.

Earlier, in late October 2024, in a separate case, Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, sentenced Mr. Asadi to four years of discretionary imprisonment on charges of assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security. This prison sentence was later covered by an amnesty and reduced to one year of imprisonment. After he accepted the verdict, one-fourth of his remaining sentence was further reduced, and he was ultimately sentenced to nine months in prison.

Teacher Hadi Jalali Sentenced to Prison

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Freedom of Expression, Labor and Guilds, News
Hadi Jalali, HRANA, Kerman

HRANA – The conviction of Hadi Jalali, a teacher residing in Kerman, has been upheld in full by Branch 7 of the Kerman Province Court of Appeals. He had previously been sentenced to two years and seven months in prison by the Revolutionary Court.

According to a report by HRANA, citing the Coordinating Council of Iranian Teachers’ Trade Associations, Hadi Jalali has been sentenced to imprisonment.

According to a ruling issued by Branch Seven of the Kerman Province Court of Appeals on June 9, 2026, Mr. Jalali was sentenced to two years and seven months in prison on the charge of disrupting the country’s security.

The report states that the appellate court’s decision was issued only eight days after the case was referred to the court, without holding a defense hearing and without giving him an opportunity to present explanations.

The hearing on the charges against Hadi Jalali was held on February 11, 2025, in Branch One of the Revolutionary Court of Kerman. In the initial proceedings, the court sentenced him to the same term of imprisonment.

“Exchanging information with individuals linked to Israel and engaging in media and propaganda activities” were cited as examples of the charges brought against this teacher.

In September 2024, Mr. Jalali was formally charged by Branch Five of the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Kerman, and the indictment in his case was issued in November of the same year.

Hadi Jalali, a teacher residing in Kerman, was arrested by security forces in August 2024 and was released after approximately one month upon posting bail of one billion tomans.

He had also been briefly detained on two separate occasions in April and May 2024.

Kokab Badaghi Pegah Sentenced to One Year in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, Labor and Guilds, News
ahvaz, HRANA, Izeh, Kokab Badaghi Pegah, کوکب بداغی پگاه

HRANA – Kokab Badaghi Pegah, a teacher residing in Izeh, Khuzestan province, has been sentenced to one year in prison by Branch 101 of the Criminal Court Two of Ahvaz.

According to a report by HRANA, citing the Coordinating Council of Iranian Teachers’ Trade Associations, Kokab Badaghi Pegah has been sentenced to imprisonment. Based on the report, Ms. Badaghi Pegah was sentenced by Branch 101 of the Criminal Court Two of Ahvaz to one year of discretionary imprisonment on the charge of “propaganda against the regime.”

In January 2026, Badaghi Pegah was summoned to the Intelligence Department of Izeh after receiving an official notice. At the same time, security forces searched her home and confiscated some of her personal belongings.

In December 2025, Branch 20 of the Khuzestan Province Court of Appeals acquitted Ms. Badaghi Pegah of the charges in a separate case. She had previously been sentenced to six years in prison by the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court in the initial stage of those proceedings.

In September 2025, Ms. Badaghi Pegah was also sentenced to a three-month suspension from public service by the Appeals Board for Administrative Violations of the Khuzestan Province Department of Education.

Kokab Badaghi Pegah, a labor rights activist among teachers in Khuzestan Province, has previously faced judicial actions due to her activities.

Sari Prosecutor: 700 Cases Opened in Connection with January 2026 protests

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Freedom of Expression, News
January 2026 Protests, Sari

HRANA – The Prosecutor of Sari announced that 700 judicial cases have been opened in connection with January 2026 protests. Of these, around 450 cases have been referred to the Revolutionary Court following the issuance of indictments. He also reported the identification of 139 cases of what he described as “activities against the regime.”

According to HRANA, citing Mehr News Agency, 700 cases have been opened in Sari in relation to January 2026 protests.

Announcing the figures, the Prosecutor of Sari stated that nearly 450 of these cases had been referred to the Revolutionary Court after indictments were issued.

He further added: “So far, 139 cases of affiliation with and activities against the Islamic Republic of Iran have been identified and documented. Some of these individuals reside outside the country and engage in anti-state activities through propaganda, media activities, and organizing actions against the regime.”

According to him, these 139 cases were identified by “security institutions, including the IRGC, the Ministry of Intelligence, and the Law Enforcement Command.”

The report does not provide the identities of the individuals concerned or any details regarding their cases.

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.

Zahedan: Sentences Issued for 111 Detainees from January 2026 Protests

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Prosecutor of Zahedan, Zahedan

HRANA – The Prosecutor of Zahedan announced that judicial verdicts have been issued for 111 individuals detained during the January 2026 protests following the issuance of indictments and the completion of legal proceedings. Some of these sentences have already been carried out. He also reported that rulings have been issued in a number of cases related to the recent war.

According to HRANA, citing IRIB, the Prosecutor of Zahedan announced the convictions of 111 detainees arrested during the 2026 nationwide protests.

Mehdi Shamsabadi stated that indictments had been issued for 111 individuals detained during the 2026 nationwide protests and that judicial rulings were subsequently issued after legal proceedings were completed. According to him, some of these sentences have already been enforced, while the remainder will be implemented once the verdicts become final.

Regarding those arrested in connection with the recent war, he said: “Indictments have also been issued for the defendants in these cases, and judicial proceedings are currently underway. Some of the cases have resulted in verdicts, while in certain instances the implementation of sentences depends on the arrest of defendants who remain at large.”

The report does not specify the number of defendants in the cases related to the war, nor does it provide details regarding the other convicted individuals or the nature of their cases.

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January 2026 Protests: Mehdi Karimi Arrested

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, January 2026 Protests, Mehdi Karimi

HRANA – Mehdi Karimi, a resident of Malekshahi who had been under judicial prosecution after a photo of him during the 2026 nationwide protests was published, was arrested on Thursday, June 18, 2026, by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence in the city of Mehran. Several days after his arrest, no information is available regarding his whereabouts or condition. A video of his forced confession has also been released by state media, although the circumstances under which it was recorded remain unclear.

According to HRANA, Mehdi Karimi was arrested in Mehran, Ilam province.

A source close to Mr. Karimi’s family confirmed the news to HRANA, stating: “During the protests in Malekshahi, an image of Mr. Karimi sitting on a chair in front of the governor’s office building was published. Some time later, he came under judicial prosecution in connection with this issue and his participation in the protests. On Thursday, June 18, 2026, he was arrested in the city of Mehran by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence and was beaten during the arrest. The efforts of his family and relatives to obtain information about his whereabouts and condition have so far been unsuccessful.”

According to information received by HRANA, Mr. Karimi’s physical condition has reportedly deteriorated following his arrest. This has heightened concerns among his family and relatives regarding his well-being. He has also been denied access to legal counsel.

At the same time, a video of this citizen’s forced confession has been released, although it remains unclear under what conditions it was recorded.

Yesterday, Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence announced in a statement the arrest of 17 citizens in connection with the January nationwide protests in Ilam Province. In the statement, Mr. Karimi was identified only as “Mehdi-K.”

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.

Attorney Javad Alikordi Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison, Exile, and Permanent Disbarment

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Freedom of Expression, News
Javad Alikordi, Khosrow Alikordi, Mashhad, Vakilabad prison

HRANA – Javad Alikordi, the brother of deceased attorney Khosrow Alikordi, has been sentenced by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad to 18 years in prison, permanent disbarment, exile, and additional punishments.

According to HRANA, Javad Alikordi, an attorney currently imprisoned in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, has been sentenced to imprisonment and supplementary penalties.

According to the verdict issued by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad, Mr. Alikordi was sentenced to five years in prison on charges of “assembly and collusion to act against national security,” and to 13 years in prison on charges of “propaganda activity contrary to national security” under Article 4 of the Law on Intensifying Punishments for Espionage. He was also sentenced to permanent disbarment from the legal profession, a two-year travel ban, and two years of internal exile in the city of Saravan, Sistan and Baluchestan Province.

On June 10, 2026, a hearing on the charges against Mr. Alikordi was held in the same branch of the court.

Javad Alikordi was arrested by security forces at his workplace in Mashhad on December 12, 2025. He was initially transferred to a security detention facility and was later moved to Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

Mr. Alikordi had previously been convicted in a separate case on political and security-related charges, although the implementation of part of that sentence had been suspended. He is the brother of Khosrow Alikordi, an attorney and human rights defender who passed away in December 2025.

Seyed Mohammadreza Razavi-Fard, Attorney Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Mohammadreza Razavi Fard, Qom, محمدرضا رضوی فرد

HRANA – Seyed Mohammadreza Razavi-Fard, an attorney, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Qom.

Based on information received by HRANA, Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Qom recently sentenced this attorney to 10 years in prison on charges of “propaganda activity against the national security” under Article 4 of the Law on Intensifying Punishment for Crimes Against National Security.

Mr. Razavi-Fard has filed an appeal against the ruling, and his case will be reviewed by the Court of Appeals.

The hearing on the charges against him was held on May 26, 2026, in the aforementioned branch of the court.

The case was initiated under Article 4 of the Law on Intensifying Punishment for Crimes Against National Security, a provision that criminalizes certain political, cultural, media, and propaganda activities, including the production or dissemination of content that a court deems to be against national security. The article also considers the sending of videos, images, or information to foreign or opposition media outlets and social media pages punishable if it is determined to be contrary to national security.

Seyed Mohammadreza Razavi-Fard is a licensed attorney based in Qom Province. He is currently free on bail pending further proceedings.

Singer Parastoo Ahmadi and Members of the “Caravanserai Concert” Team Sentenced to Flogging and Ban on Artistic Work

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Cultural, Freedom of Expression, News
Ehsan Beiraqdar, HRANA, Nowshahr, Parastoo Ahmadi

HRANA – Parastoo Ahmadi, a singer, along with eight members of the production team and musicians involved in the “Caravanserai Concert,” has been sentenced by the Criminal Court of Qom Province to 74 lashes, a two-year travel ban, and a two-year prohibition on artistic activities.

According to HRANA, citing BBC Persian, Parastoo Ahmadi and eight members of the production team and musicians of the “Caravanserai Concert” have been sentenced to flogging and other penalties.

According to the report, Parastoo Ahmadi, together with eight members of the concert’s production team and musicians, was sentenced by the Criminal Court of Qom Province to 74 discretionary lashes, a two-year ban on leaving the country, and a two-year ban on engaging in artistic activities.

The charges against the defendants reportedly included “offending public decency through the production and publication of vulgar and immoral content on cyberspace platforms.”

In December 2024, Parastoo Ahmadi and several of her musicians held a symbolic concert without an audience at the Deir Gachin Caravanserai in Qom. The performance was livestreamed on Ahmadi’s YouTube channel. The publication of the video subsequently led to the opening of a judicial case against them.

Shortly afterward, Ms. Ahmadi, pianist Ehsan Beiraqdar, and electric guitarist Soheil Faqih-Nasiri were arrested. In a report published by Tasnim News Agency, quoting the head of the Information Center of the Mazandaran Province Police Command, authorities stated that “following the production and publication of a video by Ms. Parastoo Ahmadi that was deemed contrary to social norms and values, she was summoned to the Public Security Police and instructed to appear before the judicial authorities.”

On the evening of December 15, 2024, the two male musicians were released under judicial supervision orders. Parastoo Ahmadi was also released from detention at approximately 3:00 a.m. the following day under similar conditions.

On December 23, 2024, the defendants were formally charged at Branch 38 of the Tehran Prosecutor’s Office for Moral Security Affairs. At the conclusion of the session, which was attended by their defense attorneys, all were released on bail.

Parastoo Ahmadi, born in 1997 in Nowshahr, is a singer and a graduate of film directing from Soore University. She previously gained prominence during the 2022 nationwide protests through her rendition of the patriotic song “Az Khoon-e Javanan-e Vatan” (“From the Blood of the Youth of the Homeland”) by Aref Qazvini. Her body of work also includes reinterpretations of Mazandarani folk songs and poems by Baba Taher and Mehdi Akhavan Sales.

January 2026 Protests: Amirhossein Samar Ansari Sentenced to Imprisonment

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Freedom of Expression, News
Amirhossein Samar Ansari, January 2026 Protests, امیرحسین ثمر انصاری

HRANA – Amirhossein Samar Ansari, one of the individuals arrested during the January 2026 protests, has been sentenced by the Tehran Revolutionary Court to one year in prison along with supplementary punishments.

Amirhossein Samar Ansari was sentenced by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, to one year of discretionary imprisonment on the charge of “propaganda activity against the regime.” As a supplementary punishment, he was also banned from membership in political and social parties and groups for two years. He was acquitted by the same branch of the charge of “assembly and collusion to commit a crime against national security.”

According to a portion of the court ruling published by this citizen, the court found that he had participated in what it described as “creating an atmosphere and promoting opposition propaganda against the Islamic Republic” through publishing and reposting content and images on social media. Citing reports from security officers, the contents of his mobile phone, his statements, and other evidence contained in the case file, the court concluded that the charge of “propaganda activity against the regime” had been established.

Amirhossein Samar Ansari, aged approximately 45, was arrested on January 5, 2026, during the nationwide protests. After approximately two months, he was released from prison upon posting bail. During his detention, he was held in Ward 209 of Evin Prison and in Unit 6 of Greater Tehran Penitentiary.

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.