Category: Freedom of Expression

Prisoner Executed in Khorramabad Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Khorramabad Prison, Mostafa Molayie

Yesterday, November 17, a prisoner who had previously been sentenced to death on murder charges was executed in Khorramabad Prison.

The prisoner has been identified as Mostafa Molayie by HRANA.

Reports indicate that Mr. Molayie was initially arrested on murder charges and subsequently sentenced to death by the judiciary.

As of the time of this report, the execution has not been officially announced by prison authorities or related institutions.

According to latest HRANA’s annual report over between October 10, 2023, and October 8, 2024, at least 811 individuals were executed by hanging in Iran, rising to 23.06% compared to the same period last year. Of these executions, four were carried out in public. Many of the defendants were denied a fair trial.

Khashayar Sefidi Transferred to Evin Prison to Serve Sentence

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Freedom of Expression, News, Students
Evin Prison, Khashayar Sefidi, Toomaj Salehi, خشایار سفیدی

On Saturday, November 16, 2024, Khashayar Sefidi, an expelled graduate student from Tehran University of Art, was transferred to Evin Prison to serve a one-year prison sentence.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, Mr. Sefidi, 32 years old, was detained after reporting to the Sentences Enforcement Branch of the Shahre Qods Prosecutor’s Office.

The Revolutionary Court had sentenced Mr. Sefidi to one year in prison on July 2, 2024, on charges of “propaganda against the Islamic Republic.” This conviction stemmed from a three-day sit-in protest he staged in solidarity with imprisoned artist Toomaj Salehi at the House of Music.

Earlier this year, Mr. Sefidi was expelled from Tehran University of Art, where he had been pursuing a master’s degree in music. Prior to his expulsion, the university’s disciplinary committee had suspended him for one term.

Jebreil Pakrooh Sentenced to Six Months for Spreading Falsehoods

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Freedom of Expression, News
Farhad Pakrooh, HRANA, Jebreil Pakrooh, Tabriz, جبرئیل پاک روح

Jebreil Pakrooh, a resident of Tabriz, has been sentenced to six months of imprisonment by the Criminal Court in Tabriz.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, Mr. Pakrooh was sentenced in absentia by Branch 109 of the Second Criminal Court of Tabriz. The charges stem from “spreading falsehoods on the Internet,” for which he received a six-month prison sentence. Additionally, the court ordered him to “publishing a statement retracting his false information and issuing a formal apology through an official news outlet.”

The case against Mr. Pakrooh was initiated following a complaint filed by Ali Abbaszadeh, an official in The Law Enforcement Command of the East Azerbaijan Provincial Police.

A source close to Mr. Pakrooh’s family told HRANA: “In 2021, Mr. Pakrooh was arrested over a financial case. During his detention, he was beaten by officers from the Criminal Investigation Department. He later experienced severe dizziness, prompting medical examinations that revealed he had suffered internal bleeding in his head due to blows inflicted during his detention. He underwent urgent surgery to remove the clotted blood, but the complications persist. He has now lost the ability to walk and suffers from blurred vision and motor issues in his hands.”

The source added: “After being beaten by officers at the Criminal Investigation Department, Mr. Pakrooh filed a complaint against them. Concurrently, he posted online content protesting the officers’ violence. This ultimately led to the complaint by the Legal Affairs Office of the East Azerbaijan Provincial Police against him.”

Jebreil Pakrooh, a resident of Tabriz, was arrested by security forces on Monday, May 13, 2024, and released on bail a day later.

Pakrooh, aged around 59, is the father of Farhad Pakrooh, an Azerbaijani-Turk activist. He has previously faced security-related confrontations due to his own and his son’s activities.

 

Kourosh Jalil Sentenced to One Year in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Boyer-Ahmad, Kourosh Jalil, Yasuj

Kourosh Jalil has been sentenced to one year in prison by the Revolutionary Court of Boyer-Ahmad County.

According to HRANA, the news agency of the Human Rights Activists in Iran, the verdict was recently issued and officially communicated to Mr. Jalil. He was convicted of “continuous propaganda against the regime.”

This is not the only case against Mr. Jalil. In late September, he was sentenced to three years in prison by Branch 101 of the Criminal Court of Boyer-Ahmad County. That ruling was based on charges of “participating in an illegal gathering,” “propaganda against the Islamic Republic,” “insulting the Supreme Leader,” and “blasphemy through his Instagram activities.”

HRANA’s sources indicate that another hearing is scheduled for November 5 in Branch 108 of the Criminal Court of Boyer-Ahmad County. This session will address additional charges of “propaganda against the regime” and “spreading false information online to disturb public opinion.”

Jalil was first arrested on May 24 this year by agents of the Yasuj Ministry of Intelligence. After a brief period in The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, he was transferred to Yasuj Prison. He was later released on bail on June 24.

Jalil, a 43-year-old resident of Yasuj, has previously encountered law enforcement and undergone prior arrest due to his activism.

Revolutionary Court of Isfahan Sentences 22 Political Defendants to 161 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Amir Ajamian, Amir Salari, Bahar Soleimani, Erfan Khalilian, Hoda Sadeghi, Kian Talebi, Marjan Beshtam, Maryam Farhang, Mehrshad Borjiyan, Mehshad Kashani, Mina Nedaei, Minoo Heidari, Mohammad Sokhanvar, Mohammad Tavakoli, Mohammadreza Ghotbizadeh, Parsa Haji Aghaei, Pouya Dana, Pouya Talebian, Roozbeh Dana, Shamim Baharzadeh, Sima Torkian, Zeinab Parandeh

Judge Mohammad Tavakoli of Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court in Isfahan has sentenced 22 political defendants to a total of 161 years in prison along with additional penalties.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, the defendants were sentenced based on charges related to their political activities.

The court orally delivered the sentences in early-November. Samaneh (Sama) Amooshahi received 23 years in prison; Marjan Beshtam and Minoo Heidari each received 11 years; Shamim Baharzadeh received 8 years; and 17 others, including Mehshad Kashani, Hoda Sadeghi, Erfan Khalilian, Mehrshad Borjian, Pouya Talebian, Maryam Farhang, Kian Talebi, Mina Nedaei, Roozbeh Dana, Pouya Dana, Bahar Soleimani, Mohammadreza Ghotbizadeh, Sima Torkian, Zeinab (Maryam) Parandeh, Mohammad Sokhanvar, Amir Ajamian, Parsa Haji Aghaei, and Amir Salari, were each sentenced to 6 years.
Additionally, all 22 defendants were sentenced to two years of travel bans and restrictions on online activities as complementary punishments.

Details of Sentences for Each Individual:

  1. Samaneh (Sama) Amooshahi
    Samaneh suffers from thyroid cancer and was denied medical care during her detention. She was sentenced to:

    • 10 years for forming a group to disrupt national security,
    • 1 year for propaganda against the regime,
    • 2 years for insulting the Supreme Leader,
    • 5 years for membership in groups aimed at disrupting national security,
    • 5 years for inciting people to violence with the intent to disrupt national security.

    Under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the most severe punishment, 10 years, is enforceable. Of this, 8 years have been suspended for 5 years.

  2. Marjan Beshtam
    A 43-year-old and the sole provider for her family, Marjan was sentenced to:

    • 10 years for forming a group to disrupt national security,
    • 1 year for propaganda against the regime.

    Under Article 134, the 10-year sentence is enforceable, with 8 years suspended for 5 years.

  3. Minoo Heidari
    Minoo was sentenced to:

    • 1 year for propaganda against the regime,
    • 5 years for membership in groups aimed at disrupting national security,
    • 5 years for inciting people to violence with the intent to disrupt national security.

    Under Article 134, the 5-year sentence is enforceable, with 4 years and 6 months suspended for 10 years.

  4. Shamim Baharzadeh
    Shamim was sentenced to:

    • 5 years for membership in groups aimed at disrupting national security,
    • 1 year for propaganda against the regime,
    • 2 years for insulting the Supreme Leader.

    Under Article 134, the 5-year sentence is enforceable, with 4 years and 6 months suspended for 10 years.

  5. Hoda Sadeghi and the rest of the defendants
    Sadeghi and others were sentenced to:

    • 5 years for membership in groups aimed at disrupting national security,
    • 1 year for propaganda against the regime.

    Under Article 134, the 5-year sentence is enforceable, with 4 years and 6 months suspended for 10 years.

The trial took place on October 8, 2023, in the Revolutionary Court in Isfahan, presided over by Judge Tavakoli. According to a source close to one of the families, the hearing was conducted publicly for all 22 defendants simultaneously in the court’s prayer hall due to space limitations.

The defendants were arrested on different dates in 2023. Several, including Maryam Parandeh, Mina Nedaei, her husband Roozbeh Dana, and others, were detained by security forces on July 11. Maryam Farhang and Pouya Talebian were arrested on August 6, and Mehrshad Borjian and Pouya Dana on August 2 in Isfahan.

During interrogations, male defendants were reportedly beaten by an interrogator known as “Doctor,” while female defendants faced psychological abuse.

The cases were initially investigated by Branch 13 of the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office of Isfahan, presided over by Investigator Ali Sabbagh, before being referred to the Revolutionary Court.

The defendants were eventually released on bail from various detention centers, including Dastgerd and Dolatabad Prisons, the Juvenile Correction Center, and the Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility in Isfahan.

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Six Defendants in the “Ekbatan Town” Case Sentenced to Death

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Executions, Freedom of Expression, News
Abolghasem Salavati, Alireza Barmarz Pournak, Alireza Kafaei, Amir-Mohammad Khosh Eghbal, Babak Paknia, Ekbatan, Hossein Nemati, Milad Armoon, Navid Najaran

Milad Armoun (Armoon), Alireza Kafaei, Amir-Mohammad Khosh-Eghbal, Navid Najaran, Hossein Nemati, and Alireza Barmarz Pournak, defendants in the so-called “Ekbatan Town” case, have been sentenced to death by Branch 13 of Tehran Criminal Court.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, the defendants were convicted on charges of “participation in murder and intentional assault.” Babak Paknia, a defense attorney, confirmed the sentences, noting that while the court’s advisors upheld the death penalties, the presiding judge opposed the decision and issued a minority opinion. These verdicts are subject to appeal.

The final defense sessions were held on November 3, 2024. Following the hearings, four of the accused—Hossein Nemati, Alireza Barmarz Pournak, Alireza Kafaei, and Amir-Mohammad Khosh-Eghbal—were detained and transferred to Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

This case stems from protests in October 2022 at the Ekbatan Complex, during which a Basij member, Arman Ali Vardi, was killed. Security forces reportedly arrested over 50 residents from Ekbatan, with indictments later issued for 14 individuals.

The charges include “moharebeh” (enmity against God), “participation in premeditated murder,” and “disturbing public order.” The case has been reviewed by Branch 13 of Tehran Criminal Court and Branch 15 of the Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati.

While four of these defendants were temporarily released on bail in early 2024, several remain in custody.

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.