Category: Freedom of Expression

Beniamin Rahimpour Arrested in Sanandaj

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Freedom of Expression, News
Beniamin Rahimpour, irgc, IRGC Intelligence, Sanandaj, بنیامین رحیم پور

HRANA News Agency – On Tuesday, January 21, 2025, Beniamin Rahimpour, a resident of Sanandaj, was arrested by security forces and transferred to the IRGC Intelligence detention facility in the city (Shahramfar), According to Kurdpa.

Security forces reportedly arrested Mr. Rahimpour at his workplace and transferred him to the IRGC Intelligence detention facility. They then searched his home, seizing some of his electronic devices.

As of the time of this report, no information is available about the reasons for his arrest, the charges against him, or his current location.

Rahimpour, 33, originally from Avihang village and residing in Sanandaj, has a history of previous arrests due to his activism.

From the human rights cases reported and compiled by HRANA, in 2024, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Intelligence has been involved in 117 cases, including arbitrary arrests. For details and statistics read HRANA’s 2024 annual report.

Kurdistan Shopkeepers’ Strike; 7 Protesters Against Executions Arrested

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Freedom of Expression, News
Divandarreh, HRANA, Marivan, Pakhshan Azizi, Sanandaj, Saqqez, Varisha Moradi, Varisheh Moradi

HRANA News Agency – Yesterday, January 22, 2025, amid a strike by shopkeepers across cities in Kurdistan Province protesting the death sentences of Varisheh Moradi and Pakhshan Azizi, seven citizens were arrested by security forces and taken to unknown locations.

According to HRANA, quoting Kolbar News, Soheila Mataei, previously arrested during the 2022 nationwide protests in Dehgolan, was detained for participating in the strikes. Additionally, six residents of Sanandaj—Amjad Geriakhiz, Naeem Doosti, Mohammad Seif-Panahi, Sina Rezaei, Mohammad Atlasi, and 33-year-old Omid Mohammadi—were arrested without judicial warrants for joining the strike.

As of this report, no information about the charges against these individuals has been released. Soheila Motaei has a history of arrests and legal confrontations due to her activism.

Yesterday, shopkeepers in various cities across Kurdistan, including Sanandaj, Saqqez, Divandarreh, and Marivan, went on strike, halting daily activities in protest against the death sentences of Varisheh Moradi and Pakhshan Azizi.

Within Two Days, Six Citizens Arrested in Piranshahr

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
Anvar Ebrahimi, Fardin Mahmoudi, Hiwa Shojaei, HRANA, Mohammad Sohrabi, Morad Ostavar, Nemat Ahmadnejad, Piranshahr

HRANA News Agency – On Sunday and Monday, January 19 and 20, 2025, at least six individuals were arrested by security forces in Piranshahr, West Azerbaijan province.

According to HRANA, quoting Kurdpa, on Sunday, security forces arrested a citizen in Piranshahr identified as Hiwa Shojaei, a 34-year-old resident of the city. The arrest reportedly occurred at his workplace without a judicial warrant.

Additionally, on Monday, January 20, 2025, security forces detained five more individuals in Piranshahr: Mohammad Sohrabi, Fardin Mahmoudi, Morad Ostavar, Nemat Ahmadnejad, and Anvar Ebrahimi.

Among the detainees, Sohrabi, who was previously arrested during the nationwide protests of 2022, has a history of legal confrontations and convictions due to his activism.

As of the time of this report, there is no information about the reasons for the arrests, the detainees’ whereabouts, or the charges against these six citizens.

Court of Appeals: Lawyer Behnam Nezadi Sentenced to Prison and Temporary Disbarment

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Freedom of Expression, News
Arak, Behnam Nezadi, HRANA, بهنام نزادی

HRANA News Agency – The Court of Appeals of Markazi Province reduced the sentence of lawyer Behnam Nezadi to four months in prison and a one-year ban on practicing law. Previously, the Revolutionary Court of Arak had sentenced Nezadi to one year in prison and a two-year ban from legal practice. In a separate case, the Criminal Court of Arak sentenced him to over 16 months in prison.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, Branch 9 of the Court of Appeals of Markazi Province issued and communicated the revised sentence to Nezadi. He was sentenced to four months in prison and a one-year ban on practicing law for the charge of propaganda against the regime.

Earlier, Branch 2 of the Revolutionary Court of Arak had sentenced Nezadi to one year in prison and a two-year professional ban on the same charge.

In another part of his case, Branch 106 of the Criminal Court of Arak sentenced him to 13 months and 16 days in prison for disclosing confidential information and 113 days in prison for spreading falsehoods.

Nezadi’s interrogation session took place in late July this year at the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Tehran. During this session, he faced charges including propaganda against the regime, spreading falsehoods via social media, and disclosing the contents of confidential investigations. After the session, he was released on bail. The charges also referenced alleged acts such as “undermining the judiciary, eroding the courage of judges, and aiming to overthrow the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
Nezadi is the administrator of an Instagram page titled “Judges’ Disciplinary Violations,” where he recently published documents addressing the Judicial Disciplinary Prosecutor’s Office. In one statement, he wrote:
“Filing complaints against judges is provided for by law, and even encouraging people to seek legal recourse cannot be considered a crime. Additionally, the judiciary, as a branch of governance, cannot be equated with the entire regime.”

Behnam Nezadi, a licensed attorney from Arak currently residing in Tehran, is a member of the Central Bar Association. His case highlights the restrictions imposed on lawyers and legal activists in Iran.

Maziar Seyednejad Sentenced to 39 Months in Prison Following Sentence Consolidation

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Freedom of Expression, News
ahvaz, Evin Prison, Maziar Seyednejad, Tehran

HRANA News Agency – Following the acceptance of a request for sentence consolidation, labor activist Maziar Seyednejad’s sentence was reduced to three years, three months, and two days by the Khuzestan Province Court of Appeals. Previously, he had been sentenced to a total of six years in prison across two separate cases heard by Revolutionary Courts in Ahvaz and Tehran.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, this revised sentence was issued by Branch 16 of the Khuzestan Court of Appeals, presided over by Saeed Koosha, on December 20, 2023, and has since been communicated to Seyednejad. He was sentenced to two years, seven months, and sixteen days in prison for “membership in an anti-regime group” and to seven months and sixteen days for “propaganda against the regime.” Under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the severest sentence—two years, seven months, and sixteen days—will be enforceable.

Seyednejad, currently on furlough, had previously been sentenced by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court in January 2023 to three years in prison, a two-year ban on leaving the country, prohibition from joining political parties or groups, and a ban on social media activity for charges of “membership in an illegal Marxist-leftist group” and “propaganda against the regime.” In another case, Branch 4 of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court sentenced him to three years in prison for “membership in anti-regime groups (communist groups).”

Seyednejad was arrested by security forces on June 7, 2021, at his home in Tehran and was released from Evin Prison on August 16, 2021, after posting bail of 600 million tomans. He eventually reported to Evin Prison on May 21, 2022, to serve his sentence.

Maziar Seyednejad has a history of arrests and convictions related to his activism.

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Court of Appeals: 10 Political Defendants Sentenced to a Total of 81 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abolghasem Salavati, Araz Aman Zeynabad, Ayaz Seyfkhah, Baqer Haji Zadeh, Fatemeh Atash, Hassan Ebrahimi, Karam Mardaneh, Morteza Parvin, Saeed Minaei Gheshlagh, Salar Taher Afshar, Taher Naghavi

HRANA News Agency – Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeals upheld the sentences against nine Azerbaijani-Turk activists and attorney Taher Naghavi. Judge Abolghasem Salavati had originally sentenced these individuals in the preliminary trial to a total of 81 years in prison and additional penalties.

Summary of the Sentences:

According to the ruling, issued by Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeals on January 15, 2025, and recently communicated to the defendants:

  • Ayaz Seyfkhah: 14 years in prison (9 years for espionage and 5 years for conspiracy, with the 9-year sentence enforceable under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code).
  • Araz Aman Zeynabad and Baqer Haji Zadeh Mazraeh: Each sentenced to 13 years (8 years for espionage and 5 years for assembly and collusion against national security, with the 8-year sentence enforceable).
  • Karam Mardaneh Mostamali Beiglou: 11 years (6 years for espionage and 5 years for assembly and collusion against national security, with the 6-year sentence enforceable).
  • Taher Naghavi and Morteza Parvin Joda: Each sentenced to 6 years (5 years for assembly and collusion against national security and 1 year for propaganda against the regime, with the 5-year sentence enforceable). Additional penalties for Naghavi include a two-year travel ban and deprivation of social and political rights.
  • Salar Taher Afshar, Saeed Minaei Gheshlagh, and Fatemeh Atash Khiavi: Each sentenced to 5 years for “assembly and collusion against national security”. (Atash Khiavi’s and Minaei Gheshlagh’s sentences include partial suspensions).
  • Hassan Ebrahimi: 3 years for conspiracy, with a two-year suspension for part of the term.

Arrest and Detention Background:

These individuals were arrested on February 6-7, 2024, in various cities, including Tabriz, Karaj, Ardabil, and Urmia, by security forces.

  • Taher Naghavi was detained in Karaj on February 6, 2024.
  • Activists Araz Aman, Baqer Haji Zadeh, and Ayaz Seyfkhah were arrested in Tabriz and later transferred to Evin Prison.
  • Karam Mardaneh was detained in Ardabil on February 6, 2024.
  • Salar Taher Afshar was arrested in Urmia and transferred to Ward 209 of Evin Prison. He was released on bail on February 28, 2024.
  • Saeed Minaei was detained after appearing at the Ministry of Intelligence office in Bonab and later released on bail on March 13, 2024.

Legal Process:

The initial verdicts were issued by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Salavati, known for his harsh rulings against political and civil rights activists.

This case highlights ongoing pressures on political activists and their legal representatives in Iran.

Court of Appeals Upholds 6-Year Sentence and Additional Penalties for Taher Naghavi

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abolghasem Salavati, Evin Prison, Taher Naghavi, طاهر نقوی

HRANA News Agency – The Tehran Court of Appeals Branch 36 has upheld the 6-year prison sentence and supplementary penalties for Taher Naghavi, a lawyer currently held in Evin Prison. Previously, Judge Abolghasem Salavati sentenced him to imprisonment along with a 2-year ban on leaving the country, deprivation of social rights, and membership in political parties.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, the Appeals Court recently upheld Mr. Naghavi’s sentence, which was officially communicated to his defense lawyer yesterday. He was sentenced to 1 year in prison for “propaganda against the regime” and 5 years for “assembly and collusion against national security.” His additional penalties include a 2-year travel ban, deprivation of social rights, and prohibition from joining political parties.

A source close to Mr. Naghavi’s family confirmed the news to HRANA, stating: “One of the reasons cited by the Appeals Court for affirming the initial ruling was the support Mr. Naghavi received from foreign news networks and TV stations.”

In late October of this year, Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, convicted Naghavi of the charges.

Naghavi was arrested on February 6, 2023, by security forces and subsequently transferred to Evin Prison.

It is noteworthy that Naghavi, who suffers from prostate issues, spinal problems, and joint pain in his hands and knees, has been denied adequate medical care during his detention.

Additionally, in July 2024, prison officials filed a new case against him, accusing him of “disrupting public order” and “insulting prison officials.”

Kaveh Amiri Arrested After Summons to Security Police

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Kaveh Amiri, Shahriar, کاوه امیری

HRANA News Agency – Today, Kaveh Amiri, a resident of Shahriar, was arrested after responding to a summons and appearing at the local Security Police headquarters.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, Mr. Amiri was summoned by phone on January 16 by the investigator to appear at the Security Police office. On Saturday, January 18, after complying with the summons, he was detained. No information has been released about the reasons for his arrest or his current condition.

A source close to Mr. Amiri’s family confirmed the news to HRANA, adding that the summons was issued under the orders of Shahriar Prosecutor Mehdi Mohammadi.

In October 2023, Amiri was sentenced by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Shahriar to eight months in prison for “propaganda against the regime,” a sentence later upheld by Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeals. He was arrested on January 2, 2024, to serve his prison sentence and was granted conditional release from Evin Prison in May 2024.

Mr. Amiri is also facing another legal case in Branch 108 of the Revolutionary Court of Shahriar on charges of “disturbing public opinion.”

Kaveh Amiri, 40, is a judo coach and a resident of Shahriar.

Davoud Haddadinia Arrested by Security Forces

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Freedom of Expression, News
Bahmai, Boyer-Ahmad County, Davoud Haddadinia, Mahsa Amini, داوود حدادی نیا

HRANA News Agency – On January 17, Davoud Haddadinia, a resident of Bahmai County in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, was arrested by security forces upon his return to Iran and transferred to an undisclosed location.

A source close to Mr. Haddadinia’s family confirmed the arrest to HRANA, stating: “Mr. Haddadinia, who had been residing in Turkey, was detained by security forces in the city of Likak, Bahmai, after his return to Iran.” No details have yet emerged regarding the reasons for his arrest, the charges against him, or his current location.

Previously, on December 19, 2023, the Revolutionary Court of Boyer-Ahmad County sentenced Mr. Haddadinia to six months in prison on charges of “propaganda against the regime.”

In another case, after being arrested on February 17, 2024, Mr. Haddadinia was sentenced by Criminal Court Branch 101 in Likak to three months and one day in prison for “propaganda against the Islamic Republic of Iran on social media, specifically via Instagram.” His sentence was later reduced to two months and nine days following an appeal and accounting for time already served in detention.

Mr. Haddadinia has faced multiple arrests and legal proceedings due to his activities. During the first anniversary of Mahsa (Jina) Amini’s death, he was detained by security forces in Bahmai County. He was released on bail on October 9, 2023.

Appeals Court: Morteza Parvin Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abolghasem Salavati, Ardabil, Evin Prison, Morteza Parvin, مرتضی پروین

The sentence of Morteza Parvin, an Azerbaijani-Turk activist currently imprisoned in Evin Prison, was reduced to five years by Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeals. Previously, he had been sentenced to six years in prison by Judge Abolghasem Salavati.

Per the ruling issued by Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeals, Mr. Parvin received a five-year prison sentence for the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security” and was acquitted of the charge of “propaganda against the regime.”

In late October of this year, Morteza Parvin had been sentenced by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, to one year in prison for “propaganda against the regime” and five years for “assembly and collusion.”

A source close to the family of this Azerbaijani-Turk activist confirmed the news to HRANA, stating: “Mr. Parvin had also faced espionage charges in the past but was acquitted of those charges.”

Security forces detained Parvin in Ardabil on February 6, and after a few days, he informed his family of his transfer to Evin Prison. This incident is not the first time Parvin has faced arrest due to his involvement as an Azerbaijani-Turk activist.