Category: Freedom of Expression

Multiple Individuals Detained in Zahedan by Security Forces

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Freedom of Expression, News
coerced confessions iran, Tasnim, Zahedan

As reported by Tasnim, a news agency affiliated with security institutions, several individuals in Zahedan have been apprehended by security forces on allegations of supporting “anti-regime groups.” Additionally, news channels associated with security institutions have released a video featuring the confessions of two of these detainees.

The arrests are said to be linked to an incident in which these individuals raised an Iran flag bearing the Lion and Sun emblem in a public space, signifying their support for monarchist opposition.
The report indicates that the detainees were part of a four-member team. However, the identities of the individuals and the specific location of their detention remain undisclosed.

The Iranian regime consistently employs the tactic of airing forced confessions from detainees as a means of advancing its propaganda and instilling fear. These confessions, obtained under conditions of duress and through mistreatment, have garnered strong condemnation from international human rights organizations and are unequivocally regarded as grave violations of fundamental human rights.

Hamid-Reza Gharibi Detained in Saveh

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Freedom of Expression, News
Hamid-Reza Gharibi, HRANA, Saveh

Hamid-Reza Gharibi has been apprehended by security forces in Saveh and moved to an undisclosed location.

According to a source familiar with the Gharibi family’s situation, who shared the information with HRANA, the arrest occurred during the current week by the Ministry of Intelligence agents. Concerns regarding his safety and well-being have emerged as his family remains unaware of his current condition.

Gharibi had previously expressed his discontent with the state of affairs in a video published on social media. In the video, he criticized the Supreme Leader, citing issues like frequent power outages, governmental inefficiency, and the alleged failure to allocate unblocked funds from a recent deal with the U.S. for the betterment of citizens’ lives.

At present, the exact charges leveled against Gharibi remain unknown.

Afshin Naziri Arrested in Tehran

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Freedom of Expression, News
Afshin Naziri, Evin Prison, Tehran

In a recent development, Afshin Naziri was apprehended by security forces in Tehran on August 29 and subsequently confined to Evin Prison.

According to accounts, Naziri’s arrest transpired at his Tehran residence, where six plainclothes agents conducted the apprehension. His family was informed by the security forces that he would be prohibited from communicating with the outside world, including phone calls and visitations, for ten days.
The motives behind this arrest and the charges brought against him remain unknown at this time.

Journalist Nazila Maroufian Re-Arrested in Tehran

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Freedom of Expression, News
Evin Prison, HRANA, Nazila Maroufian, Qarchak Prison, Tehran

Journalist Nazila Maroufian was re-arrested on August 30, 2023, at her residence in Tehran by security forces. The subsequent transfer of Maroufian to the Ershad Courthouse unfolded amidst distressing circumstances, as she reportedly endured physical mistreatment during the apprehension.

According to a source close to her family, on Wednesday morning, security forces forcibly entered Maroufian’s residence, breaking down the door. The incident escalated as Maroufian was subjected to physical aggression. The agents confiscated some of her personal belongings and transferred her to the Ershad Courthouse for further proceedings.

Maroufian’s family is now facing a demand of a two-billion-Toman bail (equivalent to approximately 40,000 dollars) for her potential release, as stated by the source.

The security-affiliated news agency, Tasnim, cited “promoting abominable acts” as the primary basis for Maroufian’s arrest. Specifically, the agency reported that her public appearance in attire deemed inappropriate and the subsequent sharing of a corresponding photograph on social media were cited as pivotal factors that prompted the issuance of her arrest warrant by the Ershad Courthouse.

Maroufian’s ordeal began on October 30, 2022, when she was initially arrested by security forces and incarcerated in Ward 209 of Evin Prison. Subsequently, she was transferred to Qarchak Prison before being granted temporary freedom upon payment of a 600-million-toman bail (approximately $12,000 USD).

In January 2023, the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, handed down a two-year suspended imprisonment sentence to Maroufian. This sentence was related to charges of “spreading propaganda against the regime and disseminating falsehoods to disrupt public opinion through an interview with Mahsa Amini’s father.” Alongside the suspended sentence, she also received a fine and a five-year ban on leaving the country.

On July 4, security forces conducted a raid and search on her residence, subsequently summoning her to Evin Courthouse. Four days later, she was re-arrested and confined once again to Evin Prison, following her appearance at Evin Courthouse. After a period of time, she was charged with “propaganda against the regime.”

On August 14, she was re-arrested and detained for two days in Qarchak Prison in Varamin.
Nazila Maroufian, a journalist and student at Allameh Tabatabai University, hails from Saqqez and currently resides in Tehran. With a notable career in media, she has contributed to outlets such as Didban Iran and Rouydad24.

 

Amir-Hossein Balali Arrested in Tehran

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
Amir-Hossein Balali, Tehran

Amir-Hossein Balali, a former student activist, has been apprehended by security forces and moved to an undisclosed facility, according to Emtedad Online.

The arrest of Balali took place at his residence in Tehran, where authorities conducted a search and seized several of his personal items. As of now, details about his location and the nature of the charges remain undisclosed.

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Court of Appeal Upholds Eight-Year Sentence for Farhad Hafezi

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Freedom of Expression, News
Farhad Hafezi, Farhad Hafezi Semnani, Tehran

The Tehran Court of Appeals has upheld an eight-year sentence against Farhad Hafezi Semnani (Azarm). Pursuant to Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, a five-year prison term will be enforceable.

Originally, the Tehran Revolutionary Court had issued a verdict of five years on charges of “assembly and collusion against national security,” one year for “propaganda against the regime,” and an additional two years for “insulting former and current Supreme Leaders of Iran.”

Numerous University Professors Face Expulsions and Suspensions Ahead of Mahsa Amini Protests Anniversary

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ali Sharifi Zarchi, Amaneh Ali, Arash Bidollah Khani, Azin Movahed, Aziz Shafiee Zarghani, Baharak Akhtardanesh, Dariush Rahmanian, Ghasem Azizi, Hamideh Khademi, Hossein Mesbahian, Javad Bashari, Leily Varahram, Mehdi Khoyi, Mehdi Motie, Milad Azimi, Mohammad Soltani, Mohammad-Mehdi Olumi, Mohammad-Reza Nazari-Nejad, Raham Afghani, Raheleh Ali-Moradzadeh, Shirzad Azad, Vahid Eydgah

As the anniversary of the 2022 nationwide protests, known as the Mahsa Amini Protests, approaches, Iranian academic circles are witnessing increased pressure from security institutions. A rising number of university professors are being expelled or suspended under various justifications.

Currently, HRANA has documented 22 university professors who have been affected, facing expulsion or suspension.

The roster of professors targeted due to their perceived involvement in supporting last year’s protests is as follows:

  • Mohammad-Reza Nazari-Nejad-expelled
  • Raham Afghani-expelled
  • Ali Sharifi Zarchi-expelled
  • Dariush Rahmanian-expelled
  • Hamideh Khademi-expelled
  • Amaneh Ali-expelled
  • Mehdi Khoyi-expelled
  • Aziz Shafiee Zarghani-expelled
  • Baharak Akhtardanesh-expelled
  • Mohammad-Mehdi Olumi-expelled
  • Raheleh Ali-Moradzadeh-expelled
  • Vahid Eydgah-suspended
  • Javad Bashari-suspended
  • Milad Azimi-suspended
  • Leily Varahram-suspended
  • Ghasem Azizi-suspended
  • Hossein Mesbahian-suspended
  • Arash Bidollah Khani-suspended
  • Shirzad Azad-suspended
  • Azin Movahed-suspended
  • Mehdi Motie-suspended
  • Mohammad Soltani-suspended

Moreover, Safavardi, a former professor of political science at Islamic Azad University, revealed that nine professors have been compelled into early retirement due to reasons such as holding pro-Western opinions and expressing dissent against the Islamic Revolution. He did not, however, mention their names.

Just last month, Sharifi Zarchi, a faculty member at the Sharif University of Technology, exposed the covert infiltration of approximately 15,000 individuals purportedly “aligned with the government” into faculty boards. In protest against these actions targeting Iranian academics, Mohammad-Reza Aref, the head of the Union of University Professors (and a former Vice President of Iran), tendered his resignation.

Two days ago, the Ministry of Interior expressed approval of the Ministry of Science’s decision to dismiss university professors, asserting that this action aligns with legal, administrative criteria, and “the revolutionary duty to sustain the vibrancy of universities’ academic and cultural landscapes”, warranting appreciation. Furthermore, these professors were accused of “politicizing and exploiting their positions for political and partisan gains.”

It is crucial to note that the Iranian regime has a historical record of purging both students and professors, particularly in humanities and arts faculties, who express criticism towards the regime. In a report, Etemad Newspaper has identified 157 university professors who were expelled over the course of the last three administrations.

Background on the 2022 Nationwide Protests

The arrest of Mahsa Amini by Tehran Morality Police for her improper hijab and her suspicious death on September 16 sparked protests sweeping across Iran. Protesters came to the streets with the central slogan “Women, Life, Freedom” in protest against the performance, laws and structure of the regime. During the nationwide protests, thousands of people, including journalists, artists, lawyers, teachers, students and civil rights activists, were arrested.

Reza Ramezanzadeh Initiates One-Year Sentence at Great Tehran Penitentiary

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Freedom of Expression, News
Iman Afshari, Mahsa Amini, Reza Ramezanzadeh, Tehran Revolutionary Court

Reza Ramezanzadeh commenced his one-year prison term at the Great Tehran Penitentiary on Tuesday, August 29, 2023. Ramezanzadeh, a former political detainee, was apprehended during the nationwide protests.

Ramezanzadeh’s sentence of one year was handed down by Judge Iman Afshari of the Tehran Revolutionary Court. The conviction was based on charges of “propaganda against the regime.” Despite an appeal process, the verdict was upheld.

On January 7, 2023, Ramezanzadeh was summoned to the Evin Courthouse, leading to his immediate detainment in Ward 209 of Evin Prison. Subsequently, on February 9, he was released on bail.

Ramezanzadeh’s recent encounter with the legal system is not his first; he has faced arrests and convictions previously for his activism.

Background on the 2022 Nationwide Protests
The arrest of Mahsa Amini by Tehran Morality Police for her improper hijab and her suspicious death on September 16 sparked protests sweeping across Iran. Protesters came to the streets with the central slogan “Women, Life, Freedom” in protest against the performance, laws and structure of the regime. During the nationwide protests, thousands of people, including journalists, artists, lawyers, teachers, students and civil rights activists, were arrested.

 

singer-songwriter Mehdi Yarrahi Arrested

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Freedom of Expression, News
ahvaz, Iranian singer, Mehdi Yarrahi

Renowned Iranian singer-songwriter Mehdi Yarrahi has been taken into custody based on an order from the Tehran Prosecutor’s office. The arrest comes in connection with a song that authorities have deemed “unlawful,” according to ISNA’s report.

Recently, the judiciary’s news agency, Mizan, revealed that Yarrahi is facing legal proceedings due to a song that has been judged as “contrary to the values and norms of Islamic society.”

It’s worth noting that the singer had previously faced legal restrictions on his personal property rights due to his support for the 2022 nationwide protests. Mehdi Yarrahi, aged 42, is a singer and songwriter, hailing from Ahvaz.

Background on the 2022 Nationwide Protests

The arrest of Mahsa Amini by Tehran Morality Police for her improper hijab and her suspicious death on September 16 sparked protests sweeping across Iran. Protesters came to the streets with the central slogan “Women, Life, Freedom” in protest against the performance, laws and structure of the regime. During the nationwide protests, thousands of people, including journalists, artists, lawyers, teachers, students and civil rights activists, were arrested.

 

Security Forces Detain Four Family Members of Deceased Protester Hananeh Kia

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Freedom of Expression, News
Amir Kia, Hanane Kia, Hananeh Kia, Helia Kia, Mahsa Amini, Masoumeh Azari, Mazandaran, Nowshahr, Vahid Kia

Masoumeh Azari, Helia, Vahid, and Amir Kia Kojuri – four family members of Hananeh Kia, who was killed by regime forces during the nationwide protests of 2022 – have been apprehended at their residence and subsequently transported to an undisclosed location.

A source, with close ties to the Kia family, disclosed to HRANA that on the evening of Sunday, August 27, Vahid, Helia, and Amir Kia, all siblings of Hananeh, as well as their mother Masoumeh Azari, were arrested at their residence in Nowshahr, Mazandaran province.

The specific grounds for these detentions and the whereabouts of their confinement remain undisclosed at this time.

Hananeh Kia, a 22-year-old, was shot dead by security forces on September 21, 2022, during protests in Nowshahr.

As the approaching anniversary of the 2022 nationwide protests, commonly referred to as the Mahsa Amini Protests looms, families of the victims are grappling with heightened pressures stemming from security and judicial entities. For more details, please refer to HRANA’s report on the arrest of some family members.