Report on the Arrest and Broadcast of Forced Confessions of a Woman in Zanjan

HRANA – A woman in Zanjan has been arrested on charges including insulting religious sanctities, communicating with foreign-based media outlets, and allegedly sending military images and information to those outlets. Simultaneously, a video purportedly showing the woman’s forced confessions has been released, although the circumstances under which the footage was recorded remain unclear.

According to a report by Mehr News Agency, a woman was arrested in Zanjan. Based on the report, the arrest was carried out on charges of insulting religious sanctities, communicating with the media outlets Manoto and Iran International, and sending military images and information to these outlets.

A video containing the forced confessions of this citizen has also been published, though it remains unclear under what circumstances the recording was obtained.

The report does not mention the identity of the arrested individual, the date of her arrest, or the location where she is being held.

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.

Zarandieh: Five Citizens Arrested on Accusation of Sending Information to Opposition Media Network

HRANA – The police commander of Zarandieh County announced the arrest of five citizens on charges described as “sending information and cooperating with a hostile media network.”

According to IRNA, five citizens were arrested in Zarandieh County, Markazi province. Saeed Mohammadizad, the police commander of Zarandieh County, claimed that these individuals had been sending images showing the locations of security forces, military sites, relief and rescue centers, checkpoints, and other facilities to hostile networks.

The report does not provide further details, including the date of the arrests, the identities of the detainees, or their place of detention.

No Information on the Fate of Payam Afkhami After More Than 50 Days in Detention

HRANA – More than 50 days after his arrest, Payam Afkhami, a Tehran resident, remains in a state of uncertainty. The continued lack of information regarding Mr. Afkhami’s fate has intensified concerns among his family members.

According to HRANA, the uncertain status of detained Tehran resident Payam Afkhami has now entered its 52nd day. A source close to Mr. Afkhami’s family confirmed the matter to HRANA, stating: “Since his arrest, Payam has only had one brief phone call with his family, during which he was unable to provide any explanation regarding his condition or place of detention. The lack of information about his situation continues while he had been the caretaker of his ill mother, and his absence has caused growing concern and additional pressure on his family.”

Payam Afkhami was arrested on March 16, 2026, by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence at his home. The arrest was carried out under an order issued by Investigator Mehrdadi from Branch 2 of the District 33 Prosecutor’s Office in Tehran.

As of the time of this report, judicial and security authorities have not provided any explanation regarding the reasons for his arrest, the charges against him, the status of his case, or his place of detention.

Several Citizens Arrested and Forced Confessions Broadcast in Tehran

HRANA – Several citizens in Tehran have been arrested by the Tehran Province Security Police over what authorities described as “communication with hostile foreign-based media outlets.” A video containing the forced confessions of at least three of these individuals has also been published, although the circumstances under which the recordings were obtained remain unclear.

According to Rokna, several citizens have been arrested in Tehran. The individuals are accused of having contact with media outlets based outside the country. They were arrested by officers of the West Tehran Province Security Police and, after judicial cases were opened against them, were referred to judicial authorities.

Additionally, a video of the forced confessions of at least three of the aforementioned citizens has been released, although the conditions under which the confessions were recorded are unknown.

The report does not provide further details, including the identities of those arrested, the dates of their arrests, or their places of detention.

January Protests: Rasoul Salehi Sentenced to Nine Years and Three Months in Prison

HRANA – Rasoul Salehi, one of the individuals arrested in connection with the January 2026 protests, has been sentenced to 9 years and 3 months in prison by the Revolutionary Court.

Based on the verdict issued by the Revolutionary Court, he was sentenced to five years in prison on the charge of “providing the means for committing assembly and collusion against national security,” two years for “insulting the Supreme Leader,” one year and three months for “propaganda against the regime,” and one year for “spreading falsehoods.”

Under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, out of the total sentence of 9 years and 3 months, five years of imprisonment will be enforceable for Mr. Salehi.

Rasoul Salehi had previously participated in a protest gathering outside the Najafabad Judiciary Office during the January 2026 protests, following the killing of a teenager in Yazdanshahr. He had demanded the release of detained protesters. In a video circulated on social media, he gave judicial authorities a deadline to release detainees and warned of further protest gatherings.

He was ultimately arrested on January 6, 2026, by security forces at a relative’s home. His arrest took place despite prior attempts by security institutions to pressure organizers into canceling protest gatherings through phone calls.

Following Rasoul Salehi’s arrest, citizens in Yazdanshahr held a protest gathering, which led to clashes after intervention by security and law enforcement forces.

As of the time of this report, no information has been published regarding the prisoner’s current place of detention or his access to legal rights, including access to a lawyer.

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.

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Seizure of Assets of 22 Individuals Accused of Cooperation with Hostile Governments

HRANA – The assets and property of 22 citizens in Semnan Province have been confiscated by order of a judicial authority. The judiciary has accused these individuals of “cooperating with hostile governments” during the recent military clashes and engaging in actions against national security.

According to Mizan News Agency, the assets of 22 citizens in Semnan Province have been seized. The judiciary stated that the reason for this action was “cooperation with hostile governments.” However, it did not specify the exact charges or provide concrete examples of the alleged offenses attributed to these individuals.

The Judiciary’s Media Center referred to these individuals as “elements affiliated with the enemy,” claiming that during the war involving the United States and Israel against Iran, they took actions against national security. Accordingly, all movable and immovable property, bank accounts, and financial assets of these individuals have been identified and confiscated, and a ban on any financial transactions has been imposed on them.

The individuals named are: Mehdi Nasiri, Zeinab Avazabadi, Fatemeh Koochakpour, Mohammadali Foadi, Zeinab Akbari, Faranak Rahbar, Hediyeh Kimiaei, Dorsa Rahbar, Ali Arian Saber, Raha Pouresmaeil, Ehsan Ebrahimian, Zahra Sheisi, Niloufar Asadian, Solmaz Ghaffarbeigi Darian, Kiarash Nili, Ali Shakeri Talarposhti, Faranak Amiri Baghbadarani, Vahid Pour-Rezaei, Mehdi Heydari, Mohsen Hosseini, Rashid Nouri, and Ramin Saemipour.

The report does not provide details about the legal proceedings or the value of the seized assets. The judiciary has stated that their cases are currently under review in judicial authorities in Semnan Province.

Among them, Mehdi Nasiri is a journalist, political activist, and former representative of Ali Khamenei at Kayhan newspaper, who currently resides in Canada.

Following the start of military attacks on Iran, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, head of the judiciary, announced that judicial orders had been issued to confiscate the assets of what he described as “enemy collaborators inside and outside the country.” He also threatened these individuals with execution, stating: “One of the prescribed punishments in such cases is execution, and after review, one of the legal punishments will be applied to those concerned.”

Following this directive, a smart financial inquiry system called “Saham” has been launched. With its activation, prosecutor’s offices and courts across the country can quickly and online identify citizens’ assets and take necessary measures to confiscate them.

Hamid Haj Jafar Kashani Sentenced to Six Years in Prison

HRANA – Hamid Haj Jafar Kashani, a political prisoner currently held in Greater Tehran Prison, has been sentenced to six years in prison by the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

Based on a verdict issued by Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court and communicated to him on April 28, 2026, he was sentenced to five years in prison on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security,” and one year for “propaganda against the regime.” Under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, only the most severe punishment, five years in prison, will be enforceable.

Mr. Haj Jafar Kashani was arrested on January 4, 2026, during nationwide protests in Tehran. He is currently being held in Ward 6, Unit 1 of Greater Tehran Prison. He has previously faced arrest and judicial action due to his activities.

Attorney Elham Zeraatpisheh Arrested in Shiraz

HRANA – Elham Zeraatpisheh, a lawyer, was arrested yesterday in Shiraz and transferred to an undisclosed location.

The arrest took place on Monday, May 4, 2026, in the vicinity of the Shiraz Prosecutor’s Office for the Enforcement of Judgments. As of the time of this report, no information is available regarding her place of detention, the reasons for her arrest, or the charges brought against her.

Elham Zeraatpisheh is an attorney and a member of the Fars Province Bar Association. She has previously faced judicial actions and arrest due to her professional activities.

Attorney-at-Law Astareh Ansari Arrested in Shiraz

HRANA – Astareh (Maryam) Ansari, an attorney-at-law, was arrested last night at her home in Shiraz and transferred to an undisclosed location.

She was arrested on the evening of Sunday, May 3, 2026, at her private residence in Shiraz by security agents. No information is currently available regarding the reasons for her arrest or her whereabouts.

Astareh (Maryam) Ansari, a practicing lawyer, had previously been arrested during the 2022 protests.

Behzad Rasouli Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison on Charge of Alleged Membership in an Opposition Party

HRANA – Behzad Rasouli, a detained citizen currently held in Saqqez Prison, has been sentenced by the Revolutionary Court of this city to eight years of discretionary imprisonment.

According to Kolbar News, Behzad Rasouli was sentenced by Branch 1 of the Saqqez Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Javad Ghaffari. Based on the verdict, Mr. Rasouli was sentenced to eight years in prison on charges of alleged membership in an opposition party. He is currently serving his sentence in Saqqez Prison.

Behzad Rasouli, a 42-year-old resident of Saqqez who had returned to Iran after leaving Iraq, was arrested on Saturday, July 26, 2025, during a trip to Isfahan by government forces.

Following his arrest, he was initially transferred to The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility in Saqqez, and after three months, he was moved to the quarantine ward of Saqqez Prison.