Category: Freedom of Expression

Abbas Haghgooi Receives Six-Month Prison Sentence for Political Charges

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abbas Haghgooi, Abbas Haghgooi Takrami, Gilan province, Lakan prison, Rasht, عباس حقگوی

A judge from the Revolutionary Court in Shaft County, Gilan Province, has sentenced Abbas Haghgooi Takrami to six months in prison.

Haghgooi, approximately 55 years old, was found guilty of “propaganda against the regime.” This charge was supported by evidence of him publishing videos, pictures, and written articles on social media.

Earlier, the Criminal Court sentenced him to three months in prison and a fine for “disseminating false information” in a separate case. This verdict was upheld by the Appellate Court of Gilan Province. However, the court acquitted him of the charge of “insulting the Supreme Leader of Iran.”

Currently serving his sentence in Lakan Prison in Rasht, Haghgooi was recently granted furlough.

Haghgooi was arrested by security forces on April 26, 2023, and later was released pending legal proceedings.

Security Forces Arrest Mother and Daughter in Malekan

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Freedom of Expression, News
Akram Kookhian, East Azerbaijan province, Farangis Fathi, HRANA, Malekan, اکرم کوخیان, فرنگیس فتحی

On May 12, 2024, security forces in Malekan, East Azerbaijan province, arrested Farangis Fathi and her daughter, Akram Kookhian. The arrests occurred at their home, from where they were taken to an undisclosed location.

A source close to the family confirmed to HRANA that the operation involved several agents who forcibly entered the residence, breaking a window and conducting an extensive search. During the raid, their car and various personal items were seized.

Additional reports obtained by HRANA indicate that the security team, consisting of five agents, used pepper spray against Fathi and Kookhian during a confrontation sparked by the latter’s protest. The agents returned a few hours later to conduct a second search of the property.

The reasons for the arrests, the current location of the detained individuals, and any charges filed remain undisclosed at this time.

Four Detained in Urmia for Organizing Nowruz Celebration

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
Heyman Alizadeh, Othman Abbasi, Rahman Khosrawi, Shahin Dej, Shahram Soltani

On May 9, security forces in Urmia detained four individuals for reportedly organizing a Nowruz celebration, subsequently transferring them to an undisclosed location. Kolbar News identified the detainees as Othman Abbasi, Rahman Khosrawi, Heyman Alizadeh, and Shahram Soltani, all residents of Shahin Dej.

The reason cited for their arrest was the organization of a Nowruz celebration. The security agents reportedly did not present any arrest warrants at the time of the detention.
The current whereabouts of the detainees and any specific charges against them have yet to be disclosed.

Two Singers Detained in Shiraz by Security Forces

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Freedom of Expression, News
Danial Moghaddam, Shiraz, Vafa Ahmadpour, Vafadar, دنیال مقدم, وفا احمدپور, وفادار

On May 9, 2024, singers Vafa Ahmadpour, also known as Vafadar, and Danial Moghaddam were arrested by security forces in Shiraz and taken to an undisclosed location.

The news of their arrest was announced via Ahmadpour’s social media.

The singers had recently released a music video titled “Amadeh Bash” (Be Ready!). The reasons for their arrests, their current whereabouts, and the specific charges against them have not been disclosed.

Previously, on February 4, 2024, Ahmadpour was arrested at his home and detained for over 15 days before being released on bail from Evin Prison. He was later sentenced to one year for “spreading propaganda against the regime” by the Revolutionary Court. Moghaddam has also experienced previous arrests and legal challenges related to his protest songs.

Film Director Mohammad Rasoulof’s Conviction Confirmed by Appellate Court

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Freedom of Expression, News
Babak Paknia, Mohammad Rasoulof, بابک پاکنیا, محمد رسول اف

The Appellate Court of Tehran has confirmed the initial verdict against the acclaimed film director Mohammad Rasoulof.

Rasoulof’s lawyer, Babak Paknia, announced that Rasoulof faces a sentence of eight years in prison, in addition to flogging, a monetary fine, and the confiscation of his property. The enforcement of five years of this sentence has been authorized by the executive branch of the Department of Justice.

Paknia stated that Rasoulof was found guilty of “assembly and collusion against national security.” The charges were based on “petitioning through open statements and his work in producing and directing documentaries.”

It should also be noted that this is not Rasoulof’s first encounter with the legal system; he has been arrested and convicted previously.

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Nowruz Rokhdad Receives Imprisonment on Political Charges

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Freedom of Expression, News
Dehdasht, Nowruz Rokhdad, Yasuj, نوروز رخداد

Nowruz Rokhdad, from Dehdasht, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, has been sentenced to a total of 37 months and 18 days in prison, with 30 months and two days suspended for two years.

The sentencing, delivered by Judge Taheri-Nasab of the Revolutionary Court in Yasuj, includes 17 months and 16 days for “spreading propaganda against the regime,” and 15 months and one day each for “insulting the Supreme Leader of Iran” and “insulting the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

Additionally, two other charges against Rokhdad, “disseminating false information to disturb public opinion” and “publishing vulgar pictures on the Internet,” will be handled by the Criminal Court.

Rokhdad, approximately 34 years old, was initially arrested on December 18, 2023, during a courthouse appearance. He spent ten days in Deshdasht prison before being released on bond.

Pediatrician Arrested for Anti-Execution Protest in Lordegan

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Freedom of Expression, News
Khosrow Besharat, Lordegan, Mahmoud Mehrabi, Mehrshard Kunlayni, محمود مهرابی, مهرشاد کلینی

In Lordegan, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, Mehrshard Kunlayni, a pediatric specialist, was arrested by security forces after he protested against capital punishment, displaying a placard in a public area.

The placard Kunlayni held read, “No to the execution of Khosrow Besharat and Mahmoud Mehrabi.” Mahmoud Mehrabi, a political prisoner, has recently been sentenced to death. Meanwhile, Khosrow Besharat, a Sunni prisoner on death row, faces imminent execution at Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

Kunlayni’s whereabouts and his condition are unknown at this time.

Two Individuals Detained by Security Forces in Piranshahr

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Freedom of Expression, News
Hossein Bayazidi, Naqadeh, Piranshahr, Somayeh Ghaderi

On May 6, 2024, security forces apprehended Somayeh Ghaderi and Hossein Bayazidi in Piranshahr, West Azerbaijan province, and transported them to an undisclosed location, according to Kurdpa.

Somayeh Ghaderi’s brother, Mohsen Ghaderi, is presently incarcerated in Naqadeh Prison on political charges. The individuals were reportedly taken from their residences without the presentation of any arrest warrant. As of now, the motive for their detention, their current whereabouts, and the specifics of the allegations against them remain unknown.

Omid Mehrban Sentenced to Over One Year and Nine Months on Political Charges

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Freedom of Expression, News
ahvaz, Behbahan, Mohammad-Hassan Mehrban, Omid Mehrban

The Revolutionary Court of Mahshahr sentenced Mohammad-Hassan (Omid) Mehrban to one year, nine months, and two days.

Mehrban’s lawyer, Sajjad Chatrsefid, announced that his client received one year, three months, and one day for “insulting the Supreme Leader of Iran,” and six months and one day for “spreading propaganda against the regime.” Mehrban has the right to appeal the verdict.

Mehrban was arrested by IRGC Intelligence at his workplace in Behbahan on September 9, 2023. On September 27, he was transferred from the IRGC detention facility in Ahvaz to Behbahan Prison after his interrogation ended. He was released on bail after seven days.

Six Individuals Arrested in Oshnavieh by Security Forces

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
Fakhreddin Modarresi, Hassan Rasouli, Hesameddin Mohmoudi, Moloud Roosta, Omid Rashid-Pak, Oshnavieh, Rahim Rafa'ati

Security forces in Oshnavieh, West Azerbaijan province, arrested six residents and transferred them to an undisclosed location, according to reports from Kurdpa.

The individuals have been identified as Omid Rashid-Pak, Fakhreddin Modarresi, Rahim Rafa’ati, Hesameddin Mohmoudi (aged 19), Moloud Roosta, and Hassan Rasouli.

Rashid-Pak and Modarresi were taken into custody on May 2, while the other four were arrested on May 1, 2024.

The reasons for their arrests, their current locations, and the charges against them remain unknown at this time.