Category: Freedom of Expression

Attorney Hassan Younesi Sentenced to Prison and Additional Punishments

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Freedom of Expression, News
Hassan Younesi, HRANA, حسن یونسی

HRANA – Hassan Younesi, an attorney, was sentenced by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court to three years in prison, a ban on online activity, confiscation of his mobile phone, and a fine.

According to HRANA, Hassan Younesi has been sentenced to prison and additional punishments.

According to the verdict issued by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, he was sentenced to one year in prison on the charge of “propaganda against the regime” and two years in prison on the charge of “spreading falsehoods.” He was also ordered to pay a fine of 50 million tomans and was sentenced to a ban on online activity and confiscation of his mobile phone.

Mr. Younesi also wrote that his statements regarding the events of January 7 and 8, in connection with the January 2026 protests, were among the grounds for the charges against him.

A hearing on Mr. Younesi’s charges was held before the aforementioned branch on August 10, 2026.

Previously, an interrogation session for the attorney had been held at the Culture and Media Prosecutor’s Office. According to Mr. Younesi, the case was opened following a complaint filed against him by a security agency.

Hassan Younesi, an attorney and one of those arrested during the nationwide protests of 2022, has previously been summoned and arrested in connection with his activities.

Turkish Aid Worker Residing in Germany, Serkan Eren, Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison in Iran

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
HRANA, Serkan Eren, سرکان ارن

HRANA – Serkan Eren, a 42-year-old aid worker and Turkish citizen residing in Germany who has been detained in Iran for more than a year, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison by an Iranian court.

According to HRANA, citing Deutsche Welle Persian, Serkan Eren, an aid worker and Turkish citizen residing in Germany, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison by a court in Iran.

STELP, a Stuttgart-based aid organization, said the sentence was issued against Mr. Eren in connection with the charge of “having ties with a hostile country.”

According to the report, Serkan Eren traveled to Iran on June 24, 2025, as a humanitarian aid worker to distribute donated supplies from Germany. He intended to leave Iran that same day, but contact with his family was cut off, and he has remained in detention ever since.

STELP protested the sentence, describing the punishment as disproportionate to the circumstances of the case. The organization said that, in order to protect the safety of Serkan Eren and others involved, it would not release further details about the case at this time.

The organization also said that, given Mr. Eren’s Turkish citizenship, it is in contact with Turkish authorities to follow up on his situation and secure his return.

According to Deutsche Welle Persian, before traveling to Iran, Mr. Eren told Germany’s ARD television network that, in order to avoid any misunderstandings, he was not carrying any communications or protective equipment, including a satellite phone, bulletproof vest, or helmet, and had entered Iran carrying only a backpack.

Serkan Eren began his humanitarian aid work in 2015, during the refugee crisis in Europe. In 2023, he received the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany from the country’s president.

Deutsche Welle has described Eren as a “Turkish-German citizen.” However, members of the STELP aid organization told HRANA that he does not hold German citizenship and is only a resident of Germany.

Armin Robber, Rapper and Organizer of Music Meetups, Arrested

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Freedom of Expression, News
Armin Robber, HRANA, Iranian Rapper, آرمین رابر

HRANA – Armin, known as “Armin Robber,” a rapper, was arrested by security forces and transferred to an undisclosed location. In recent years, he has been involved in organizing a number of gatherings related to rap music in various cities across the country.

According to HRANA, Armin, known as “Armin Robber,” a rapper, was arrested by security forces.

Following his arrest, the singer was transferred to an undisclosed location.

He also recently attended a rap-related gathering, known as a “rap meetup,” in one of the country’s cities. A review of his activities indicates that in recent years he has played a role in organizing and overseeing such gatherings in various cities, including Tehran, Karaj, Gilan, and Kermanshah.

Numerous videos of these gatherings and rap performances have been published on pages and channels associated with Armin Robber’s activities. Among them, videos from an “Armin Robber meetup” were published in April 2026. Images from similar events attended by him in Kermanshah and several other locations across the country had also previously been published.

As of the time of this report, no precise information has been obtained regarding the location or circumstances of his arrest or the charges brought against him.

Meanwhile, a media outlet covering music reported on the singer’s arrest and, citing people close to him, stated that Armin Robber had previously been subject to judicial restrictions and required to wear an electronic ankle monitor. Details regarding the previous case, the duration for which he wore the ankle monitor, the charge, or any sentence issued in connection with the matter have not yet been independently verified by HRANA and remain under review.

Armin Robber’s activities related to “rap meetups” date back at least to the early 2010s. Archived pages associated with him also contain videos of rap gatherings held in 2014–2015. At one gathering held in Tehran’s Niavaran neighborhood in previous years, organizers reported the presence of police and a change in the event’s location.

Armin, known as “Armin Robber,” aged approximately 33, is a rapper and an active figure in organizing gatherings and performances related to rap music.

Further information regarding the exact time of his arrest, his place of detention, the arresting authority, and his legal status remains under review.

January 2026 Protests: Alireza Nami Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Alireza Nami, Greater Tehran Prison, HRANA, January 2026 Protests, علیرضا نامی

HRANA – Alireza Nami, arrested in connection with the January 2026 protests who is currently incarcerated in Greater Tehran Prison, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

Based on information received by HRANA, Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, sentenced Mr. Alireza Nami to 30 years in prison on the charge of carrying out operational activities for Israel. The sentence was recently communicated to him in prison.

An informed source close to the family of this political prisoner confirmed the matter to HRANA and said: “Following the notification of the sentence, Mr. Nami appealed the ruling.”

Alireza Nami was arrested by security forces in January 2026 and has been held in Greater Tehran Prison since his arrest.

Background on the January 2026 Protests

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.

Vahideh Haghparast Sentenced to Prison by Mashhad Revolutionary Court

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Freedom of Expression, News
Khosrow Alikordi, Noura Haghi, Vahideh Haghparast, وحیده حق پرست

HRANA – Vahideh Haghparast (Noura Haghi), one of those arrested at the seventh-day memorial ceremony for Khosrow Alikordi, was sentenced by Branch 1 of the Mashhad Revolutionary Court to a total of four years and four months in prison.

According to HRANA, Vahideh Haghparast has been sentenced to prison.

Under a ruling issued by Branch 1 of the Mashhad Revolutionary Court, Ms. Haghparast was sentenced to three years and seven months in prison on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security” and nine months on the charge of “propaganda against the regime.”

An informed source told HRANA that the hearing on the charges against Ms. Haghparast was held on September 1, 2026, in the absence of both her and her defense attorney. The source said that Haghparast was unable to attend the court session due to illness and had filed a formal request to reschedule the hearing.

Haghparast was arrested on December 12, 2025, during the seventh-day memorial ceremony for Khosrow Alikordi in Mashhad. She was released one month later after posting bail.

Vahideh Haghparast, also known as Noura Haghi, holds a doctoral degree in veterinary medicine.

Khosrow Alikordi, an attorney and human rights defender from Sabzevar who resided in Mashhad, died on the evening of Friday, December 5, 2025. His funeral was held in Sabzevar on Sunday, December 7, during which attendees chanted protest slogans, including “Woman, Life, Freedom” and “Long Live Iran.” On Friday, December 12, his seventh-day memorial ceremony was held at Ghadir Mosque in Mashhad with a large number of citizens in attendance. Participants chanted protest slogans during the ceremony. Following the intervention of law enforcement forces, the gathering turned violent. At least 27 people were arrested.

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Alborz Court of Appeals Upholds Manouchehr Bakhtiari’s 18-Year Prison Sentence

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
HRANA, Manouchehr Bakhtiari, منوچهر بختیاری

HRANA – Branch 1 of the Alborz Province Court of Appeals, after reviewing Manouchehr Bakhtiari’s appeal in a case dating back to 2020 on Kish Island, upheld his sentence totaling 18 years in prison.

According to HRANA, the sentence totaling 18 years in prison for Manouchehr Bakhtiari, who is currently incarcerated in Bandar Abbas Prison, has been upheld.

In a ruling issued on September 16, 2026, by Branch 1 of the Alborz Province Court of Appeals, Mr. Bakhtiari’s appeal was rejected, and his sentence totaling 18 years in prison was upheld, with modifications to the charges and penalties. The sentence of 74 lashes previously imposed on him was removed from the ruling.

According to the ruling, Mr. Bakhtiari was sentenced to 10 years in prison on the charge of forming and managing an online group with the aim of disrupting national security; five years on the charge of assembly and collusion with the intent to commit crimes against national security through cooperation with an opposition group; two years on the charge of publishing falsehoods with the intent to disturb public opinion; and one year on the charge of propaganda against the regime.

The case dates back to events on Kish Island in 2020. A source close to Mr. Bakhtiari’s family told HRANA that the case was opened after he raised a flag on the island. According to the source, he was acquitted during proceedings in a Kish court, and the Supreme Court also reviewed the case twice, with outcomes in Mr. Bakhtiari’s favor.

In January 2024, Mr. Bakhtiari had previously been sentenced in the same case to a total of 18 years in prison and 74 lashes by Branch 1 of the Karaj Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Seyed Mousa Asef al-Hosseini. Following an appeal, Branch 1 of the Alborz Province Court of Appeals issued a ruling on April 20, 2024, overturning the judgment due to the trial court’s lack of jurisdiction and referring the case to the Kish Revolutionary Court for retrial.

On January 19, 2026, while serving his period of exile in Bandar Abbas, he was arrested and transferred to the city’s prison. He subsequently faced a new case. In late August 2026, Branch 1 of the Bandar Abbas Revolutionary Court sentenced him to an additional total of 10 years in prison.

Bakhtiari had previously been arrested by security forces at his home in Tehran on April 29, 2021, and was ultimately sentenced to three years and six months in prison, two years and six months of exile, and a two-year travel ban. After serving more than four years in prison, he was released from Choobindar Prison in Qazvin in October 2025 and transferred to Bandar Abbas to serve his exile sentence.

During his imprisonment, additional cases were also opened against Bakhtiari. In one case, he was sentenced to six months in prison. In another, he was sentenced to 18 years in prison and 74 lashes. The latter sentence was overturned on appeal, and the case was sent back to the Revolutionary Court for retrial.

Manouchehr Bakhtiari, the father of Pouya Bakhtiari, has stated that his 27-year-old son was shot and killed in Phase 4 of Mehrshahr, Karaj, during the November 2019 protests. According to Bakhtiari, Pouya, along with his mother and sister, joined protesters on the second day of demonstrations against the increase in gasoline prices. He was shot in the head and died before reaching the hospital.

Pouya Bakhtiari (born September 10, 1992; died November 16, 2019, in Mehrshahr, Karaj) was among those killed during Iran’s nationwide protests of 2019.

Revolutionary Court Sentences Amir Gerousi to 10 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Amir Gerousi, HRANA, Seyed Ali Mazloum

HRANA – Amir Gerousi, a 60-year-old political prisoner currently held in Greater Tehran Prison, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison by Branch 29 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

According to HRANA, tAmir Gerousi has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.

According to information obtained by HRANA, Branch 29 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Seyed Ali Mazloum, sentenced Mr. Gerousi to 10 years in prison on suspicion of “sending photos and videos to media outlets outside Iran.” The political prisoner is currently being held in Greater Tehran Prison.

A source close to the political prisoner’s family confirmed the matter to HRANA and said that Mr. Gerousi has appealed the sentence issued by the Tehran Revolutionary Court and is awaiting a ruling from the Court of Appeals.

Amir Gerousi, a 60-year-old political prisoner, was arrested in March/April 2026.

New Case Filed Against Political Prisoner Mostafa Tajzadeh

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, HRANA, Mostafa Tajzadeh, مصطفی تاجزاده

HRANA – Mostafa Tajzadeh, a political prisoner held in Evin Prison, is facing a new case on the charge of “propaganda against the regime.” The filing of this case during his imprisonment has halted the process of granting him furlough.

According to HRANA, citing Emtedad, a new case has been filed against Mostafa Tajzadeh while he is in prison.

Fakhrossadat Mohtashamipour, Tajzadeh’s wife, stated that after his furlough was approved and the administrative procedures were completed, the process of sending him on furlough was halted at the final stage. Follow-up inquiries revealed that a new case had been opened against him on the charge of “propaganda against the regime,” with bail set at 500 million tomans.

According to his wife, the case dates back to August of this year and must be resolved by the branch handling the case.

Mostafa Tajzadeh was arrested by security forces on July 8, 2022, and subsequently transferred to Evin Prison.

Tajzadeh has faced several judicial cases in recent years.

He was initially sentenced in 2022 to eight years in prison, five years of which were enforceable. In 2024, he was sentenced in another case to a total of six years in prison. In July 2025, he was also sentenced to an aggregate five-year prison term in a case opened against him while he was incarcerated. Following the issuance of this new ruling, Houshang Pourbabai, Tajzadeh’s attorney, stated that his client’s cumulative prison sentences had reached 17 years at that time. In February 2026, Tajzadeh was sentenced to an additional 14 months in prison in another case that had been opened against him during his incarceration.

Tajzadeh, who is serving his sentence in Evin Prison, has previously faced judicial action and imprisonment in connection with his activities.

Hossein Molaei Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Greater Tehran Prison, Hossein Molaei, HRANA, حسین مولایی

HRANA  – Hossein Molaei, a 50-year-old political prisoner held in Greater Tehran Prison, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison by Branch 29 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

According to HRANA, Hossein Molaei has been sentenced to imprisonment.

Based on information received by HRANA, Molaei, who is currently held in Greater Tehran Prison, was sentenced by Branch 29 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court to 15 years in prison on the charge of “supporting Israel.”

An informed source familiar with his situation told HRANA: “Mr. Molaei is in a difficult financial situation and cannot afford the cost of an attorney. Accordingly, he needs access to legal counsel to pursue the judicial proceedings in his case and appeal the sentence issued against him.”

Hossein Molaei, 50, was arrested by security forces in March 2026 and transferred to Greater Tehran Prison.

HRANA is reviewing details regarding the specific acts underlying the charge brought against him.

Merchants and Shopkeepers Strike in Several Cities on Fourth Anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s Death

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Freedom of Expression, Labor and Guilds, News
Baneh, Bukan, Divandarreh, ermanshah, HRANA, Jina Amini, Kamyaran, Mahabad, Mahsa Amini, Marivan, Oshnavieh, Piranshahr, Qorveh, Sanandaj, Saqqez, Urmia

HRANA – Yesterday, Wednesday, September 16, marking the fourth anniversary of the death of Mahsa (Jina) Amini, merchants and shopkeepers in several cities across the country refrained from their daily business activities and went on strike. Meanwhile, a heavy presence of security forces created a heightened security atmosphere in Saqqez. Security forces also blocked routes leading to the city’s Aichi Cemetery, preventing Mahsa Amini’s family and other citizens from visiting her grave.

According to HRANA, yesterdam, September 16, 2026, merchants and shopkeepers in Sanandaj, Saqqez, Mahabad, Baneh, Bukan, Divandarreh, Oshnavieh, Piranshahr, and Qorveh went on strike.

Kurdpa, which covers human rights violations in Kurdish regions, also reported strikes by merchants and shopkeepers in Kermanshah, Urmia, Kamyaran, and Marivan.

Reports received by HRANA indicate that security forces established a heavy presence throughout Saqqez, creating a heightened security atmosphere. By blocking the main and secondary roads leading to Aichi Cemetery, they prevented Amini’s family and other citizens from visiting her grave.

Baneh, Sanandaj, Bukan

Qorveh, Piranshahr

Oshnavieh

Saqqez, Divandarreh

Despite four years having passed since Mahsa Amini’s death, there has yet to be effective judicial accountability regarding the circumstances of her death or the responsibility of the individuals and institutions involved, and no reports have been published to date of anyone being tried or punished in connection with her death. Iranian authorities have from the outset denied that her death was linked to violence or physical mistreatment by officers. The United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, however, concluded after reviewing evidence that Amini was subjected to physical violence while in custody that led to her death, and that the Iranian state bears responsibility for her unlawful death.

Mahsa (Jina) Amini, a 22-year-old woman from Saqqez who had traveled to Tehran, was arrested by morality police officers at Tehran’s Haqqani Metro Station on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, over what authorities deemed improper hijab. Hours after her arrest, she was transferred in critical condition to the intensive care unit at Kasra Hospital after falling into a coma with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3. She later died at the hospital. The explanations provided by Iran’s Law Enforcement Command (FARAJA) in defense of its conduct regarding Amini’s death, together with the police force’s record and widespread public dissatisfaction with the institution known as the morality police, led to months of widespread protests across many parts of the country.