Category: Freedom of Expression

Ali Moeini and Ava Nasiri Sentenced to Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ali Moeini, Ava Nasiri, Isfahan

Political activist Ali Moeini and his wife Ava Nasiri have been sentenced to six years and one year in prison, respectively, along with additional penalties, by Branch 1 of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court. Of these sentences, six months of Mr. Moeini’s term and three months and one day of Ms. Nasiri’s term are enforceable, with the remaining portions suspended for five years.

According to HRANA, citing Emtedad, Mr. Moeini recevied five year for  “inciting people to wage war” and one year for “propaganda against the Islamic Republic”. Ms. Nasiri was sentenced to one year for “propaganda against the Islamic Republic.” Both have also been banned from leaving the country for two years as part of their additional penalties.

The verdict specifies that beyond the enforceable sentences, the remaining penalties for Mr. Moeini and Ms. Nasiri are suspended for five years. In effect, Mr. Moeini faces six months of prison time, while Ms. Nasiri faces three months and one day of imprisonment.

Additionally, Mr. Moeini was acquitted of the charge of “collaborating with hostile countries.” However, their confiscated mobile phones and digital devices were permanently seized by authorities.

Mr. Moeini was arrested in Isfahan on August 10, 2023. Following his arrest, some of his and Ms. Nasiri’s personal belongings were confiscated. He was released on bail on October 9, 2023.

Ali Moeini, father of a three-year-old child, has a history of judicial confrontations due to his activism.

Political Prisoner Varisheh Moradi Sentenced to Death

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Executions, Freedom of Expression, News
Baghi, Evin Prison, Varishe Moradi, Varisheh Moradi, وریشه مرادی

Political prisoner Varisheh Moradi, currently held in Evin Prison, has been sentenced to death on charges of baghi (armed rebellion) by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court. The verdict was issued under the supervision of Judge Abolqasem Salavati.

Ms. Moradi was arrested on August 1, 2023, by security forces near Sanandaj. Following her arrest, she underwent interrogation at The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, referred to as Ward 209 of Evin Prison. On December 26, 2023, after the completion of the interrogation process, she was transferred to the women’s ward of Evin Prison.

The legal process in Ms. Moradi’s case has been marked by delays:

  • The first court session, held on June 17, 2024, addressed charges including membership in an opposition group and baghi.
  • A hearing scheduled for August 4, 2024, was postponed due to Ms. Moradi’s absence.
  • Another hearing on August 28, 2024, was canceled because the prosecutor’s representative and Judge Amuzad, serving as an advisor, were not present.

The second court session finally took place on October 5, 2024, during which the death sentence was finalized.

In a separate case involving four other prisoners, Ms. Moradi was recently sentenced to six months of imprisonment by Branch 2 of the Quds Judicial Complex in Tehran. This sentence relates to accusations of “assaulting an officer and defiance” during a protest in the women’s ward of Evin Prison on August 7, 2024.

The protest erupted after inmates learned of the execution of Reza Rasaei, leading to a confrontation with prison guards. This incident resulted in new charges against Ms. Moradi and other prisoners.

Lawyer Mohammadreza Faghihi Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison and Additional Restrictions

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Freedom of Expression, News
Mohammadreza Faghihi, Tehran, محمدرضا فقیهی

The Tehran Court of Appeals, Branch 36, has upheld the prison sentence and additional restrictions imposed on attorney Mohammadreza Faghihi. The initial ruling, issued by the preliminary court, sentenced Faghihi to five years in prison, a two-year travel ban, and a two-year prohibition from practicing law and participating in political groups.

The recent appellate ruling maintains these penalties, convicting Mr. Faghihi on charges of “assembly and collusion to act against national security.” In addition to the prison term, he faces a two-year ban on leaving the country, a two-year suspension from practicing law, and a two-year prohibition from participating in political organizations. The verdict was delivered to Faghihi’s legal team on November 4, and the case has since been sent to the enforcement branch for execution.

This decision echoes an earlier ruling from Branch 15 of Tehran’s Islamic Revolutionary Court, which imposed the same penalties.

Faghihi’s legal troubles trace back to October 12, 2022, when he, along with two other attorneys, was arrested by security forces during a protest held by lawyers outside the Central Bar Association in Argentina Square, Tehran. The protest called attention to the “violation of protesters’ rights and Article 27 of the Constitution.” Faghihi was released on bail on October 25, 2022, but has since faced additional legal challenges.

Mr. Faghihi has a prior history of arrests and convictions linked to his professional advocacy activities.

Samad Dowlatkhah Sentenced to One Year in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Dehdasht, Kohgiluyeh, Samad Dowlatkhah

Samad Dowlatkhah, a resident of Dehdasht, was sentenced in absentia to one year in prison by Branch 103 of the Criminal Court 2 in Kohgiluyeh County.

On October 8, Judge Saeed Taheri-Nasab of the Criminal Court 2 issued this sentence in absentia, convicting Mr. Dowlatkhah of blasphemy. The ruling was subsequently communicated to him.

Mr. Dowlatkhah was previously detained by security forces in Dehdasht on October 18, 2023, but was released on bail a few hours later.

In a separate case, he faced a hearing on January 23, 2024, at Branch 101 of the Criminal Court 2 in Charam on the charge of “propaganda against the regime.”

Samad Dowlatkhah has a history of legal actions against him due to his activism.

Three Citizens Sentenced to a Total of 4 Years in Prison on Political Charges

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Freedom of Expression, News
Diako Azizi, Loghman Zangi, Oshnavieh, Siamand Zangi

Diako Azizi, Loghman Zangi, and Siamand Zangi, residents of Oshnavieh, have each been sentenced to 16 months in prison by the city’s Criminal Court, according to a report by Kurdpa.

The verdict, issued by Branch 101 of Oshnavieh’s Criminal Court 2 under Judge Ansari, charges Azizi, Zangi, and Zangi with “collaboration with an opposition group” against the government. Each individual received a 16-month prison term.

These citizens were initially detained by security forces in Oshnavieh on Wednesday, September 4, 2024. Following their arrests, Siamand Zangi was released on bail on September 25, and Loghman Zangi was released on October 5, 2024.

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Vadood Asadi Sentenced to Five Years and Six Months in Prison

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Ethnic Minorities, Freedom of Expression, News
Rasht, Salar Taher Afshar, Vadood Asadi

After his appeal was accepted and a retrial held, Azerbaijani-Turk activist Vadood Asadi has been sentenced to five years and six months in prison by Branch 3 of the Revolutionary Court in Rasht.

Asadi was originally sentenced in absentia by the same court. He had received a one-year sentence for “propaganda against the regime,” three years and six months for “membership in opposition groups,” and an additional one year for “insulting the Supreme Leader.” Following Asadi’s appeal, the court reconvened on Sunday, October 27, ultimately reissuing a verdict of five years and six months in prison.

In a separate case, Asadi was recently sentenced to four years in prison by the Revolutionary Court in Tehran, following a hearing held on May 21, 2024.

Asadi’s recent detainment history began in February 2024, when he was arrested by security forces in Rasht. He was transferred to Evin Prison in March, where he remained briefly before being released on bail.

Asadi has faced previous legal action due to his activism, adding to a history of judicial confrontations related to his advocacy work.

Solmaz Hassanzadeh Sentenced to One Year in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Bukan, Mahabad, Mohammad Hassanzadeh, Saqqez, Solmaz Hassanzadeh, Urmia prison

Solmaz Hassanzadeh, sister of Mohammad Hassanzadeh, who was killed by regime forces during the 2022 nationwide protests, has been sentenced to one year in prison by judicial authorities.

According to Kurdpa, the one-year sentence was issued by Branch 101 of Criminal Court Two in Bukan, presided over by Judge Mehdi Fakhri, on the charge of “propaganda against the regime.”

Though cases of this nature typically fall under the jurisdiction of the Revolutionary Court, the lack of such a court in Bukan means security-related cases are first referred to the Revolutionary Court in Mahabad. Once a decision is reached, the case is returned to Bukan’s Criminal Court for sentencing.

On July 30, Solmaz and her father were arrested by security forces while attempting to hold a memorial ceremony for Mohammad’s birthday. The next day, her father, Ahmad Hassanzadeh, was released on a bail of four billion tomans, while Solmaz was released on August 13 after posting a bail of 500 million tomans.

Solmaz Hassanzadeh had previously been detained by security forces at a checkpoint between Bukan and Saqqez on September 27 of last year, and was subsequently released.

Mohammad Hassanzadeh, a 28-year-old Bukan resident, was fatally shot during the 2022 protests and passed away on November 16 of that year.

Yashar Nikroo Sentenced to One Year in Prison Following Appeal

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ahmad Gourabi, Azerbaijani Turk activist, Rasht, Rasht Revolutionary Court, Yashar Nikroo

After the acceptance of his appeal and a retrial, Azerbaijani-Turk activist Yashar Nikroo has been sentenced to one year in prison by Branch 3 of the Rasht Revolutionary Court.

Nikroo’s initial trial was held in absentia earlier this year, resulting in a one-year prison sentence for “propaganda against the regime.” On September 10, a new hearing was held in the same court to reconsider the charges. Despite the appeal, the court reaffirmed the one-year prison sentence during a subsequent session on October 9.

Yashar Nikroo, also known as Ahmad Gourabi, is a well-known Azerbaijani-Turk activist residing in Rasht. He had previously faced similar charges in the Rasht Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office.

Five Female Prisoners Sentenced to 27 Months in Evin Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, Mahboobeh Rezaie, Narges Mohammadi, Pakhshan Azizi, Parivash Moslemi, Reza Rasaei, Tehran, Varishe Moradi

Varishe Moradi, Pakhshan Azizi, Mahboobeh Rezaei, Narges Mohammadi, and Parivash Moslemi, all prisoners held in Evin Prison, have been sentenced to a total of 27 months and one day in prison in connection with a recently opened case against them.

The ruling, issued by Branch 2 of the Criminal Court at the Quds Judicial Complex in Tehran, was presided over by Judge Abolfazl Amiri Shahrabi. The verdict was delivered to the prisoners in Evin on Saturday, October 19. Pakhshan Azizi, Mahboobeh Rezaei, Narges Mohammadi, and Varishe Moradi each received six-month sentences, while Pariyoush Moslemi was sentenced to three months and one day. The charges against them included “assaulting officers” and “disobedience.” Ms. Moslemi was acquitted of “disturbing prison order,” and the other defendants were cleared of “property destruction.”

A source close to the family of one of the prisoners confirmed the news to HRANA, noting that “Only Ms. Moslemi attended the court session, while the other prisoners refused to appear in court.”

The case dates back to August 6, when inmates in Evin’s women’s ward protested after learning of the execution of Reza Rasaei, resulting in a clash with prison guards. Following the protest, several female prisoners, including these five, were barred from making phone calls or meeting with their families.

Morteza Parvin and Taher Naghavi Sentenced to a Total of 12 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abolqasem Salavati, HRANA, Morteza Parvin, Reza Asadi Naderabadi, Taher Naghavi, Taher Naqavi

Morteza Parvin, an Azerbaijani-Turk activist, and Taher Naghavi (Naqavi), a defense attorney, have been sentenced to a combined total of 12 years in prison by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

According to the ruling issued by Judge Abolqasem Salavati, both individuals received one year in prison for “propaganda against the regime” and five years for “assembly and collusion against national security.” In addition, Mr. Naghavi has been banned from leaving the country for two years and stripped of social rights and political party membership for two years.

A source close to Naghavi’s family informed HRANA that he was recently scheduled to be transferred to a hospital for medical examinations. However, the transfer was blocked when he refused to wear a prison uniform and use handcuffs and leg cuffs.

Both Mr. Parvin and Mr. Naghavi were arrested by security forces on February 6, 2024, and subsequently transferred to Evin Prison.

On July 13, a hearing was held to address the charges against Mr. Naghavi at Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court. His final court session took place in late September. Recently, Naghavi faced new charges initiated by prison authorities, including “disruption of public order” and “insulting prison officers.” A few weeks ago, an officer at Evin Prison, identified as Reza Asadi Naderabadi, physically assaulted Mr. Naghavi following a verbal altercation, after which Naghavi was transferred to Evin’s quarantine section.

In late May, a court session was also held to examine the charges against Parvin related to the joint case with Naghavi at Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.