Category: Freedom of Expression

Tara and Kimia Davoudi Sentenced to a Total of 16 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Evin Prison, HRANA, Kimia Davoudi, Tara Davoudi

HRANA – Tara and Kimia Davoudi, two sisters currently imprisoned in Evin Prison who were arrested during the 2026 January protests, have been collectively sentenced to 16 years in prison by the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

According to HRANA, two sisters in Tehran have been sentenced to prison terms. Based on a ruling issued by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, Kimia Davoudi was sentenced to 10 years in prison on charges including “communication with opposition groups and networks,” and “assembly and collusion against national security.” Tara Davoudi was sentenced to 6 years in prison on charges including “assembly and collusion against national security” and “propaganda against the regime.”

Tara Davoudi and Kimia Davoudi were arrested on January 14, 2026, during nationwide protests in Tehran and are currently being held in the women’s ward of Evin Prison. The arrest of the two sisters was accompanied by beatings and violence carried out by security forces.

PhD Student Shayan Houshyar Sentenced to Over 3 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Shayan Houshyar, Urmia

HRANA – Shayan Houshyar, a researcher and PhD student of Iranian history, has been sentenced to three years and eight months in prison by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Urmia.

The ruling was recently issued by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Urmia and communicated to Massoud Shamsnejad, Mr. Houshyar’s defense attorney. Based on the verdict, Mr. Houshyar was sentenced to three years and eight months in prison.

Massoud Shamsnejad, an attorney, stated that one of the charges brought against his client was “propaganda against the regime.” He added that, as Mr. Houshyar’s lawyer, they will soon file an appeal against the prison sentence. He also described the alleged evidence against his client as “political analysis, criticism of performance, and expressing differing views.”

Shayan Houshyar is a researcher and PhD student of Iranian history. He was arrested in October of last year and transferred to Urmia Prison. He was ultimately released from the prison after some time.

Mohammad Tarighat Esfanjani, Attorney Sentenced to Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Mohammad Tarighat Esfanjani, Osku

HRANA – Mohammad Tarighat Esfanjani, an attorney and member of the East Azerbaijan Bar Association, has been sentenced to three years in discretionary imprisonment by the Revolutionary Court of Osku County, East Azerbaijan province.

According to HRANA, Mohammad Tarighat Esfanjani has been sentenced to prison. Based on the ruling, which was recently issued by the Revolutionary Court of Osku County and formally communicated to Tarighat Esfanjani, he was sentenced to one year in prison on the charge of “propaganda against the regime” and two years of discretionary imprisonment for “insulting the Supreme Leader” and the founder of the Islamic Republic.

Publishing content on his Instagram page was cited as evidence supporting the charges against Mr. Tarighat Esfanjani.

Mohammad Tarighat Esfanjani is an attorney and a member of the East Azerbaijan Province Bar Association. Last year, he was reportedly attacked and beaten by individuals wearing military uniforms. His wife was also threatened during the incident.

Seyed Mohammadreza Razavi Fard, Attorney at Law, Tried in Court

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Iranian Attorney, Mohammadreza Razavi Fard, Qom Province

HRANA – Today, Tuesday, May 26, a court session was held at Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Qom County to address the charges against Seyed Mohammadreza Razavi Fard, an attorney at law.

According to HRANA, Seyed Mohammadreza Razavi Fard, an attorney at law, was tried in court. Mr. Razavi Fard appeared today, Tuesday, May 26, before Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Qom to defend himself against the charge of “propaganda against the regime.”

According to information received by HRANA, the case has been filed based on Article 4 of the “Law on Intensifying Punishments”; a provision that criminalizes certain political, cultural, media, and propaganda-related activities, including the production or publication of content deemed by the court 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 such actions are determined to be contrary to national security.

Seyed Mohammadreza Razavi Fard is a licensed attorney in Qom Province. He is currently temporarily released on bail.

Hojat Al-Mohammadi Sentenced to 21 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
ahvaz, Hojat Al-Mohammadi, HRANA, Mohammad Tahmasebi, Sheiban Prison

HRANA – Hojat Al-Mohammadi, a political prisoner held in Sheiban Prison in Ahvaz, has been sentenced to 21 years in prison by the Revolutionary Court of Ahvaz.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mr. Al-Mohammadi was sentenced to 21 years in prison by Branch 3 of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court. The verdict was formally communicated to him in prison last week.

His trial session was held in this branch in December of 2025. During the hearing, Mr. Al-Mohammadi and Mohammad Tahmasebi, who were tried jointly in this case, defended themselves against charges including “propaganda against the regime,” “disrupting public order,” and “cooperation with anti-regime groups.”

Mr. Al-Mohammadi was arrested at his home in Izeh on September 16, 2024, by several security agents. After the completion of interrogations, he was transferred from The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility in Ahvaz to Ward 5 of Sheiban Prison.

Hojat Al-Mohammadi, 40 years old, is the father of a young child and a resident of Izeh County. He has previously faced arrest and conviction due to his activities.

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2026 Protests; Ilya Ben-Rashid Sentenced to Imprisonment and Flogging

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Ilya Ben-Rashid, Isfahan, moharebeh, Shahin-Shahr

HRANA – Ilya Ben-Rashid, one of the detainees arrested during the January 2026 protests in Shahin Shahr, has been sentenced by a criminal court to six months in prison and 20 lashes. Another part of his case, involving the charge of “enmity against God” (moharebeh), is currently under review by the Revolutionary Court, and no verdict has yet been issued for that part of the case.

According to HRANA, Ilya Ben-Rashid, who is currently imprisoned in Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan, has been sentenced to imprisonment and flogging.

Based on the ruling issued by Branch 102 of the Shahin Shahr and Meymeh Criminal Court Two, Mr. Ben-Rashid was sentenced to six months of discretionary imprisonment and 20 lashes on the charge of “direct involvement in the theft of a computer case belonging to the Shahin Shahr Health and Treatment Network.” The court acquitted him of the charge of disrupting public order and peace through participation in protests.

According to information received by HRANA, another part of his case is still being reviewed by the Isfahan Revolutionary Court, and no ruling has yet been issued in that regard.

In April of this year, a hearing was held at Branch 5 of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court to address the charges against this citizen. In this part of the case, he faces charges including “enmity against God (moharebeh) through participation in the destruction of public property, assembly and collusion to commit crimes against national security, and anti-state propaganda activity.”

Mr. Ben-Rashid was arrested on January 22, 2026, in connection with the nationwide protests in Shahin Shahr, Isfahan, and was subsequently transferred to Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan.

He was later formally charged on February 20, 2026, at Branch 2 of the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Shahin Shahr regarding the aforementioned accusations.

Ilya Ben-Rashid is 22 years old and a resident of Shahin Shahr, Isfahan.

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.

Bijan Kazemi Sentenced to More Than 37 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abolghasem Salavati, Bijan Kazemi, HRANA

HRANA – Bijan Kazemi, a political prisoner currently held in Evin Prison, has been sentenced by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court to a total of 37 years and six months in prison.

Based on a ruling issued by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, and recently communicated to him, he was sentenced to a total of 37 years and six months in prison on the charges brought against him in his case.

Bijan Kazemi, who had remained in pretrial detention until now, was tried in February of 2026 before Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court on charges including “assembly and collusion to commit crimes against national security, and membership in groups opposing the state.”

An informed source told HRANA: “In this case, he also faced an accusation related to ‘procuring a weapon for the assailant of Judges Razini and Moghiseh,’ an allegation that had previously been rejected by security interrogators and about which judicial authorities in Kuhdasht had remained silent.”

In mid-August 2025, Bijan Kazemi’s interrogation session was held at Branch 5 of the Prosecutor’s Office of District 33 in Tehran without the presence of a lawyer. At the end of the session, bail was set at four billion tomans, but the case officer opposed his release. Mr. Kazemi was later transferred to The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility in Qom and returned to Evin Prison on September 25, 2025.

Bijan Kazemi has previously faced judicial harassment due to his activities.

Assets of Seven Citizens Seized in Ilam Province

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ilam, Mohseni Eje’i, Property Confiscation

HRANA – The Chief Justice of Ilam Province has announced the seizure of the assets of seven citizens in the province. He accused the individuals of “espionage and collaboration with the Zionist regime.”

According to Mizan News Agency, the assets of seven citizens in Ilam Province have been confiscated. The Chief Justice of Ilam Province claimed that the measure was carried out within the framework of “protecting public rights” and based on laws related to “espionage and collaboration with the Zionist regime.” He added that the cases against these individuals are currently under review.

Omran Ali Mohammadi further stated that the confiscated assets included housing, vehicles, bank assets, and other property belonging to the citizens.

The report did not disclose the identities of the individuals or provide details regarding the legal proceedings against them.

Amid the military attacks on Iran, Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei announced that judicial orders had been issued for the seizure and confiscation of assets allegedly linked to what he described as “elements cooperating with the enemy inside and outside the country.” He also threatened such individuals with execution, stating: “One of the punishments prescribed in such cases is execution, and following investigations, one of the legal punishments will be applied to those concerned.”

Following this directive by the judiciary, a smart financial inquiry system known as “Saham” was launched. With the activation of this system, prosecutor’s offices and courts across the country are now able to identify citizens’ assets and properties online in the shortest possible time and carry out the necessary confiscation measures.

Ghazal Marzban Sentenced to More Than 9 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Christian convert, Evin Prison, Ghazal Marzban, HRANA, Iman Afshari

HRANA – Ghazal Marzban, a Christian convert imprisoned in Evin Prison, has been sentenced to 9 years and 8 months in prison by Judge Iman Afshari.

Based on a ruling issued by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, and officially communicated to Ms. Marzban, she was sentenced to 9 years and 8 months in prison.

The charges brought against her include “propaganda against the regime” and “assembly and collusion against national security.”

Ms. Marzban was arrested by security agents at her home in Tehran on January 15, 2026. She was subsequently transferred to Evin Prison.

The citizen, who converted to Catholic Christianity, has previously served prison sentences related to her activities.

It should be noted that in recent years, this Christian convert has faced numerous difficulties obtaining Parkinson’s medication for her husband, some of which were reportedly linked to the couple’s Christian faith.

Ghazal Marzban Jourshari is a law graduate, originally from Lasht-e Nesha in Rasht Province, and currently resides in Tehran.

2026 Protests: Supreme Court Overturns Death Sentences of Mohammadreza Majidi-Asl and Bita Hemmati

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Freedom of Expression, News
Behrouz Zamaninejad, Bita Hemmati, Evin Prison, HRANA, Iman Afshari, Kourosh Zamaninejad, Mohammadreza Majidi-Asl

HRANA – The death sentences issued against Mohammadreza Majidi-Asl and his wife, Bita Hemmati, both arrested during the January 2026 protests, have been overturned by Iran’s Supreme Court. The couple had previously been sentenced to death by Judge Iman Afshari.

According to HRANA, the Supreme Court has overturned the death sentences of two individuals detained during the January 2026 protests. The case of Mohammadreza Majidi Asl and Bita Hemmati has been referred to a parallel branch for retrial.

In April of this year, the couple, along with two co-defendants, Behrouz Zamaninejad and Kourosh Zamaninejad, were sentenced to death by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, on charges of “operational collaboration with the hostile government of the United States and hostile groups.”

The four defendants were also each sentenced to five years of discretionary imprisonment on charges of “assembly and collusion against national security.” The court additionally ordered the confiscation of all their assets as a supplementary punishment.

Another defendant in the case, Amir Hemmati, was sentenced to five years in prison on charges of “assembly and collusion against national security” and an additional eight months for “propaganda against the regime.”

According to the court ruling, the charges against the defendants included participation in protest gatherings on January 8 and 9, 2025, chanting anti-government slogans, throwing objects such as bottles, concrete blocks, and incendiary materials, and damaging public property. The ruling claimed these acts were intended to disrupt national security and were linked to hostile groups.

Judge Afshari also referred to the alleged use of explosive materials and unspecified weapons, injuries to deployed forces, and the dissemination of content aimed at undermining national security. However, the ruling did not specify the details of these allegations or clearly attribute them individually to each defendant.

A source familiar with the families told HRANA: “Mohammadreza Majidi-Asl and Bita Hemmati are a couple living in Tehran, and Amir Hemmati is a relative of theirs. Kourosh Zamaninejad and Behrouz Zamaninejad were also residing in the same residential building, and all were arrested simultaneously.”

According to information received by HRANA, the defendants were subjected to pressure during interrogations, raising concerns about forced confessions.

The initial death sentences were reportedly based on a combination of legal provisions, including Articles 131 and 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, as well as Articles 500 and 610, which concern “propaganda against the regime” and “assembly and collusion against national security.” The application of the death penalty in cases tied to public protests has drawn criticism from human rights organizations in recent years.

The individuals were arrested by security forces in Tehran on January 9, 2026. Bita Hemmati is currently being held in the women’s ward of Evin Prison. Further details regarding the whereabouts of Mohammadreza Majidi-Asl, Behrouz Zamaninejad , and Kourosh Zamaninejad are still under investigation by HRANA.