Category: Freedom of Expression

Report on the Arrest of Five Individuals in Mahabad, Sanandaj, and Saqqez

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Freedom of Expression, News
Anvar Moloudi, Avat Rostami, Mahabad, Saqqez, Sedigh Yousefpour, Sirvan Amini, Zeinab Azizi

HRANA – In recent days, Anvar Moloudi and Avat Rostami, residents of Mahabad, as well as Zeinab Azizi and Sirvan Amini, a couple living in Sanandaj, have been arrested by security forces. So far, no information has been obtained about their whereabouts.

Meanwhile, Sedigh Yousefpour, who had previously been arrested, was released from Saqqez Prison after posting bail.

According to Kurdpa, this citizen was released on March 9 after posting bail from Saqqez Prison. He had been arrested by security forces on January 21.

In another report, Kurdpa announced the arrest of two citizens on March 6 by forces of the Intelligence Office in Mahabad. The identities of these individuals were reported as Anvar Moloudi, a 40-year-old resident of the village of Kheyrabad, and Avat Rostami, a 40-year-old resident of the village of Khorkhoreh in Mahabad.

Additionally, Kolbar News reported that Zeinab Azizi and Sirvan Amini, a couple living in Sanandaj, were arrested by security forces on March 6.

The reports did not mention the reasons for these arrests, the location where the detainees are being held, or the charges brought against them.

Nationwide Protests: Keyumars Vaezi Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison by the Revolutionary Court

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, irgc, Keyomars Vaezi, Keyumars Vaezi, Songhor

HRANA – Keyumars Vaezi, a teacher residing in Songhor, who had been arrested in connection with recent protests, has been sentenced to five years in prison by the Revolutionary Court of this county.

According to the Coordinating Council of Iranian Teachers’ Trade Associations, the Revolutionary Court of Songhor, presided over by Judge Sadegh Tari Vardi, sentenced Vaezi to four years in prison on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security,” and one year of discretionary imprisonment on the charge of “propaganda against the regime.”

Mr. Vaezi was arrested on January 5 by intelligence forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and was subsequently transferred to Dizel Abad Prison in Kermanshah. He was later released on bail.

Keyumars Vaezi, a retired teacher and labor activist residing in Songhor, has previously also faced arrest and conviction.

It is worth noting that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began on Sunday, December 28, in Tehran, and after two days expanded beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, the protests became one of the largest waves of demonstrations in recent years. Following the crackdown on the protests by law enforcement and security forces, thousands of people were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security institutions. For more information, readers can refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “Crimson Winter,” which documents the first fifty days after the start of Iran’s nationwide protests.

Shot in the Heart: New Details Emerge on the Killing of 18-Year-Old Arian Nabati in Mashhad

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Freedom of Expression, News
Arian Nabati, HRANA, Mashhad, آرین نباتی

HRANA – Arian Nabati, an 18-year-old resident of Mashhad, lost his life while attending a memorial ceremony marking the 40th day after the deaths of victims of the nationwide protests in the city. Although some media outlets close to security institutions have denied that he was killed during the protests, a source close to his family shared new details about his death in an interview with HRANA. According to this report, Arian was shot in the side, head, and heart.

A person close to the family told HRANA that the Nabati family has been under pressure from security institutions. As a result, his father denied in a phone interview with a media outlet inside Iran that his son had been killed by gunfire during the nationwide protests in Mashhad.

The informed source went on to describe the incident, stating: “On February 17, Arian went with two friends on a motorcycle to attend the 40th-day memorial ceremony for those killed in the protests in Mashhad. According to individuals present at the scene, when security forces arrived, they fled the ceremony. During a subsequent pursuit by security forces near one of the hospitals in Mashhad, Arian was shot, causing his motorcycle to overturn. In those circumstances, his friends fled the scene.”

According to the source, two days after the incident, Arian’s family was summoned to the hospital by phone, where they were confronted with their son’s lifeless body.

The source added that at first, the family was not allowed to see the body, which was placed in a black bag. They were told to leave and that burial arrangements would be handled. However, after insisting, the family was eventually permitted to see their son’s body.

Based on the source’s statements, Arian had been shot in the side, head, and heart and died due to the severity of his injuries. His family was also warned that they were not permitted to hold a public ceremony. Ultimately, his funeral was held under restrictive conditions without broad public announcement.

Arian Nabati (Noghondar), was born on May 19, 2007, in Mashhad.

Journalist Abdolnaser Mohaymeni Arrested in Gorgan

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abdolnaser Mohaymeni, Gorgan

HRANA – On Thursday, February 26, Abdolnaser Mohaymeni, a journalist in Gorgan, was arrested.

According to HRANA News Agency, citing Didban Iran, Mr. Mohaymeni was arrested at his home in Gorgan on the evening of Thursday, February 26, 2026.

The report does not mention the arresting authority, the reasons for his arrest, or his place of detention.

Abdolnaser Mohaymeni, a journalist, English language teacher, and former member of the Gorgan City Council, has previously faced arrest and judicial action due to his activities.

Nationwide Protests: Arman Shahpouri-Khou Sentenced to Two Years in Prison and Additional Penalties

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Freedom of Expression, News
ahvaz, Arman Shahpouri-Khou, Izeh

HRANA – Arman Shahpouri-Khou, a teacher arrested during recent nationwide protests, has been sentenced by Branch One of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court to two years in prison, a two-year travel ban, and one year of mandatory presence at the Headquarters for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.

Hossein Ali Hatami, Mr. Shahpouri-Khou’s defense attorney, told HRANA: “On February 15, my client was sentenced by Branch One of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court on the charge of widespread disruption of public order and security to two years in prison, a two-year ban on leaving the country, and one year of mandatory attendance at the Headquarters for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice in Izeh County.”

Arman Shahpouri-Khou was arrested on Tuesday, December 30, during the nationwide protests in Izeh and was transferred to Sheiban Prison in Ahvaz. He was later released from the prison on January 11 after posting bail of two billion tomans.

Arman Shahpouri-Khou is a teacher residing in Izeh County.

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Nationwide Protests: A Report on the Arrest of 17 Individuals in Various Cities

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ali Bashtani, Dana Motouri, Erfan Azizi, Esmail Sanaei, Esmail Soltanabadi, Farshad Mahdavi, Fatemeh Namani, Jaber Soltanian, Mohammad Javad Sanaei, Mohammad Mehdi Pirdeh, Nader Rabeh, Sabah Karimi

HRANA – This report covers the arrest of 17 individuals in connection with the recent protests by security forces. Among them, five have been released on bail.

Based on information received by HRANA, Esmail Sanaei and Mohammad Javad Sanaei were arrested in Mashhad; Fatemeh Namani, Ali Bashtani, and Esmail Soltanabadi in Sabzevar; and Dana Motavari in Abadan, in connection with recent protests. Among these citizens, Esmail Sanaei and his brother Mohammad Javad Sanaei were arrested on January 16, while Ali Bashtani and Fatemeh Namani were arrested on February 25.

On the other hand, five citizens who had previously been arrested in connection with the protests were released on bail. Moslem Norouzian and Ali Ansarifar were released from Mashhad Prison, while Saeed Kalateh Seifari and Ali Ehteshami-Rad were released from Sabzevar Prison. Mohammad Robatjazi, who had previously been arrested in Varamin, has also been released.

Furthermore, Kurdpa News Agency reported the arrest of six individuals in cities across Ilam Province. According to the report, Mohammad Mehdi Pirdeh, 18, from Dareh Shahr, was arrested on February 20; Jaber Soltanian from Chardavol on February 21; Erfan Azizi from Helilan on February 22; Sabah Karimi from Malekshahi on February 23; and Farshad Mahdavi, 25, along with Nader Rabeh, both from Malekshahi, on February 24, all by security forces.

The report states that Mr. Rabeh was suffering from severe thigh injuries at the time of his arrest, a matter that has heightened his relatives’ concerns about his physical condition and fate.

So far, no information has been obtained regarding the charges brought against these citizens or their place of detention.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025. After two days, the protests expanded beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these demonstrations became one of the most widespread protests in recent years. Following the suppression of the protests by law enforcement and security forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security institutions. For further information, refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “The Crimson Winter: A 50 Day Record of Iran’s 2025–2026 Nationwide Protests.”

Nationwide Protests: Report on the Arrest of 12 Teachers in Various Cities

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Freedom of Expression, Labor and Guilds, News
Ahanali Jahandideh, Amin Brizi, Firooz Brizi, Foruzan Yektaei, Hossein Khaleghi, Mehrdad Faribarzi, Moslem Parvizi, Rahmatollah Khodavandi, Shokrallah Ahmadi

HRANA – Foruzan Yektaei in Rasht; Hossein Khaleghi and Ahanali Jahandideh in Darab; Shokrallah Ahmadi in Nurabad Mamasani; Rahmatollah Khodavandi, Moslem Parvizi, Firooz Brizi, Mehrdad Faribarzi, and Amin Brizi in Zarin Dasht; and Hadi Monfared, Hassan Jafari, and Jafar Taheri in Qir and Karzin were arrested by security forces on January 8 and 9 in connection with nationwide protests. Of these 12 employed and retired teachers, Foruzan Yektaei, Hossein Khaleghi, and Ahanali Jahandideh remain in detention, while the other nine have been released on bail.

Based on this report, on January 8 and 9, Hossein Khaleghi and Ahanali Jahandideh, both retired teachers in Darab; Shokrallah Ahmadi, a teachers’ union activist in Nurabad Mamasani; Rahmatollah Khodavandi (retired teacher), Moslem Parvizi, Firooz Brizi, Mehrdad Faribarzi, and Amin Brizi (teachers) in Zarin Dasht; Hadi Monfared (teacher); and Hassan Jafari and Jafar Taheri (both retired teachers) in Qir and Karzin were arrested by security forces in connection with the January protests. Among these 11 teachers, Hossein Khaleghi and Ahanali Jahandideh remain in detention, while the other nine have been released on bail.

Additionally, Foruzan Yektaei, a teacher residing in Rasht, was arrested by security forces in the city on January 9. Following her arrest, she was transferred to Lakan Prison in Rasht and remains there in a state of uncertainty. Despite the family’s follow-ups with security and judicial authorities, officials have so far refused to grant her release on bail.

As of now, no information has been obtained regarding the charges brought against these teachers or the place of detention of Hossein Khaleghi and Ahanali Jahandideh.

Among them, Shokrallah Ahmadi, a teachers’ union activist, has previously faced judicial action due to his activities.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025. After two days, the protests expanded beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these demonstrations became one of the most widespread protests in recent years. Following the suppression of the protests by law enforcement and security forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security institutions. For further information, refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “The Crimson Winter: A 50 Day Record of Iran’s 2025–2026 Nationwide Protests.”

Four Citizens Arrested in Separate Incidents Across Iran, Held in Uncertainty

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Freedom of Expression, News
Hamed Raisi, Iranshahr, Javad Ebrahimi, Mahsa Shafiei Moghaddam, Nooshin Manshadi, Yasuj

HRANA – Nooshin Manshadi, a resident of Yazd, and Hamed Raisi, a resident of Iranshahr, were recently arrested by security forces and transferred to an undisclosed location. Meanwhile, Mahsa Shafiei Moghaddam, a resident of Yasuj, and Javad Ebrahimi, a resident of Chaboksar, were arrested in January and remain in a state of uncertainty. Mahsa Shafiei Moghaddam is currently being held in Yasuj Prison.

Based on information received by HRANA, 40-year-old Nooshin Manshadi was arrested on February 22 at her residence in Yazd County by security forces and transferred to an undisclosed location. Hamed Raisi was also arrested by security forces on February 20 in Iranshahr and taken to an unknown location.

A source close to Mahsa Shafiei’s family confirmed to HRANA that she was arrested by security agents in Yasuj on January 8. She is currently being held in a state of uncertainty in Yasuj Prison.

Additionally, Hyrcani News reported that 18-year-old Javad Ebrahimi, a resident of Chaboksar, was arrested during the nationwide protests in January in the city. According to the report, there is still no information regarding his place of detention, and he has been subjected to pressure to obtain forced confessions.

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the charges brought against these individuals.

Mahsa Shafiei Moghaddam has previously been arrested and faced judicial action due to her activities.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025. After two days, the protests expanded beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these demonstrations became one of the most widespread protests in recent years. Following the suppression of the protests by law enforcement and security forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security institutions. For further information, refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “The Crimson Winter: A 50 Day Record of Iran’s 2025–2026 Nationwide Protests.”

Amin Masouri Sentenced to Imprisonment and Exile

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Freedom of Expression, News
Amin Masouri, HRANA, Khorramabad

HRANA – Amin Masouri, a writer and researcher, has been sentenced by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Khorramabad to one year of discretionary imprisonment and two years of internal exile to the city of Sarakhs.

Based on information received by HRANA, Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Khorramabad convicted Mr. Masouri on the charge of propaganda activities in favor of groups and organizations opposed to the regime, sentencing him to one year of discretionary imprisonment and two years of exile to Sarakhs. The verdict has been formally served to him in person.

Amin Masouri was arrested in August of 2025 by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence in Khorramabad and was later transferred to Parsilon Prison in the city. He was ultimately released on September 15 after posting bail set at 5 billion rials.

Amin Masouri has previously faced arrest and judicial action due to his activities.

Nationwide Protests: Report on the Arrest of 13 Citizens in Various Cities

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Ahmad Tamouei, Ali Ansari, Ali Sharifzadeh, Elias Jahannoush, Farhad Salari, Farshad Salari, IRGC Intelligence, Lakan prison, Leila Bakhshandehfar, Mohammad Kalmishi, Mousa al-Reza Meshkani, Raham Rahimi, Saeed Gharagholi, Vakilabad

HRANA – In connection with the recent nationwide protests, security forces have arrested 13 individuals. Some of those detained have since been released, while information regarding the charges against these individuals remains unclear.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mousa al-Reza Meshkani was arrested on January 10 in Meshkan, a district of Sabzevar, and is currently being held in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. Ali Sharifzadeh (Eizi), Saeed Gharagholi, and Mohammad Kalmishi were arrested in Sabzevar on January 8 (18 Dey), February 11, and January 9, respectively. Ali Sharifzadeh was transferred to Mashhad Prison, while Saeed Gharagholi and Mohammad Kalmishi are still being held in Sabzevar Prison. Reza Gerami was arrested on February 14 in Joghatai and is currently detained in the city’s prison.

Raham Rahimi, Elias Jahannoush, Ali Ansari, and Farshad and Farhad Salari, other residents of Sabzevar, were released on Tuesday, February 24, from Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad after posting bail.

Leila Bakhshandehfar, who had been arrested on January 3 by the Mashhad Intelligence Office, was also released yesterday from Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. She had previously been sentenced by a judicial authority to four years and six months of discretionary imprisonment. The sentence was initially converted to a fine of 140 million tomans in lieu of imprisonment. Ultimately, taking into account her detention period and submission to the verdict, the amount was reduced to 70 million tomans.

Additionally, the Kurdpa news outlet reported that in the early hours of Monday, February 23, Ahmad Tamouei, a former political prisoner from Salmas County, was arrested by security forces in Tehran and taken to an undisclosed location. Mr. Tamouei has previously served prison sentences due to his activities.

Hyrcani media also reported that Sohrab Kolthoumi, 32, a resident of Rasht, was arrested by security forces at his home in the city on January 25.

According to the report, following his arrest, he was held for 26 days at an IRGC Intelligence detention facility, where he was interrogated and beaten. He was then transferred for a short time to the triage ward of Lakan Prison in Rasht. He was subsequently removed from the prison and transferred back to the IRGC Intelligence detention facility. Concerns have increased regarding continued pressure to extract a forced confession and about his physical condition.

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the charges brought against these individuals.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025. After two days, the protests expanded beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these demonstrations became one of the most widespread protests in recent years. Following the suppression of the protests by law enforcement and security forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security institutions. For further information, refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “The Crimson Winter: A 50 Day Record of Iran’s 2025–2026 Nationwide Protests.”