Category: Freedom of Expression

Lawyer Mohammad Seifzadeh’s One-Year Sentence Upheld on Appeal

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ali Mazloum, Evin, Iranian Lawyer, ohammad Seifzadeh

The Tehran Court of Appeals has recently upheld the original one-year sentence against attorney Mohammad Seifzadeh. The case has been referred to the Evin Judgement Enforcement unit.

Initially, Branch 29 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Seyed Ali Mazloum, found the lawyer guilty of “propaganda against the regime and spreading falsehoods.”

Seifzadeh faces this legal action as a result of co-writing an open letter with a group of lawyers and human rights activists, expressing concern to the UN Secretary-General about the widespread crackdown on protests in 2022.

It’s worth noting that he has a history of previous arrests and convictions related to his activism.

Omid Mazloum Arrested in Mahabad

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Freedom of Expression, News
Hazhir Faramarzi, Mahabad, Omid Mazloum, Pezhman Fatehi, Vafa Azarbar

On July 25, security forces conducted the arrest of Omid Mazloum in Mahabad County, taking him to an undisclosed location.

A trusted source close to his family, who spoke to HRANA, disclosed that Mazloum was apprehended at his residence in a village near Mahabad. During the arrest, the agents searched his house.

It’s worth noting that Omid’s brother, Mohsen Mazloum, is a political prisoner who was arrested on September 23, 2022, along with three other individuals, Pezhman (Perjman) Fatehi, Vafa Azarbar, and Hazhir (Hajir) Faramarzi.

Following their arrest, the security-institution-affiliated news agency, Tasnim, reported on the arrest of what they referred to as a “network of Israeli spies,” implicating the aforementioned individuals. Approximately 80 days later, Iran’s state TV aired coerced confessions from them, accusing them of spying for foreign intelligence and claiming they were arrested in sensitive locations in Isfahan.

In response to these developments, Komalah (CPI), a Kurdish oppositional political party, issued a statement firmly denying all allegations and warned against potential conspiracies by intelligence institutions targeting detainees accused of being members of the party.

 

Ayoub Javanpour Receives 15-Year Prison Sentence

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
Ayoub Javanpour, Keyvan Jahani, Sanandaj, Saqqez

Ayoub Javanpour, a resident of Saqqez, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison by the Saqqez Revolutionary Court, according to Kurdpa news agency.

The verdict, handed down by Branch 1 of the Saqqez Revolutionary Court presided over by Keyvan Jahani, includes one year for “propaganda against the regime,” ten years for “organizing groups to act against national security,” two years for “insulting the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” and two years for “insulting the Supreme Leader of Iran.”

If the verdict is upheld on appeal, Ayoub Javanpour would serve ten years in prison as per Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code.

The arrest of Javanpour took place on June 10, 2023, following an interrogation process at the Ministry of Intelligence detention facility in Sanandaj. He was later transferred to Saqqez Prison.

Notably, Javanpour has a history of previous judicial encounters due to his activism.

Iranian Lawyer Jalal Fatemi Sentenced to One Year in Prison for Online Activism

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Freedom of Expression, News
Blasphemy, Iran's Central Bar Association, Jalal Fatemi

Jalal Fatemi, a member of Iran’s Central Bar Association, has been sentenced to one year in prison by the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

The verdict was delivered by Judge Seyed-Ali Mazloum, who cited “propaganda against the regime on the Internet” as the reason for the conviction.

The court session took place on July 10, 2023, during which Fatemi was acquitted of the charge of “blasphemy.”

In a separate development, it has come to light that Fatemi is currently facing another legal case.

Amir-Hossein Moradi Arrested in Tehran

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Freedom of Expression, News
Amir Hossein Moradi, Evin Prison, Tehran

Amir-Hossein Moradi, a resident of Tehran, has been arrested by security forces and taken to Evin Prison.

According to a reliable source close to Moradi’s family, who shared the information with HRANA, he is currently detained in the public ward of Evin Prison. The specific reasons for his arrest and the charges against him remain undisclosed.

Previously, Moradi was arrested by security forces at his father’s residence in Tehran on May 8, 2023, and was later released on bond from Evin Prison on June 3, 2023.

It is important to note that Moradi has a history of arrests and incarceration due to his activism.

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Meysam Shirini and Rasoul Asadzadeh Arrested in Urmia

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Freedom of Expression, News
Meysam Shirini, Rasoul Asadzadeh, Urmia prison

Meysam Shirini and Rasoul Asadzadeh were apprehended by security forces in Urmia and taken to an undisclosed location.

According to a reliable source close to Shirini’s family, the Ministry of Intelligence agents conducted the arrest at his residence on the morning of Thursday, July 20. Personal belongings were seized during the arrest.

Shirini was later informed of his charges in an Urmia courthouse and subsequently jailed in Urmia Prison after securing bail of 200 million tomans. His charges are reportedly related to “acting against national security.”

On July 22, two days after Shirini’s arrest, Rasoul Asadzadeh went to the courthouse to provide the required bail, but he himself was detained by authorities. As of now, the charges against him and his location remain unknown, adding to the concerns surrounding these cases.

It is noteworthy that during the nationwide protests of 2022, on November 16, Shirini, 31, was previously arrested by security forces in Urmia. After spending 13 days in detention in the youth ward of Urmia Prison, he was released on bail. At that time, he faced charges of “acting against national security and participating in illegal gatherings.”

 

 

Journalist Ali Moslehi Arrested in Kashan

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ali Moslehi, Detained journalist, Kashan

On Thursday, July 20, security forces apprehended Ali Moslehi, a Kashan resident, and transferred him to an undisclosed location.

According to a credible source who spoke to HRANA, this journalist was taken into custody at his residence. A few hours later, security agents contacted his relatives to notify them about the arrest.

As of now, the reasons behind Moslehi’s arrest and the location of his detention remain shrouded in uncertainty.

It is essential to note that Moslehi has a history of previous arrests and convictions, raising concerns about his well-being and right to a fair legal process.

Azerbaijani (Turk) Activist Saleh Mola-Abbasi Sentenced to Three Months in Prison

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Ethnic Minorities, Freedom of Expression, News
Ahar, Azerbaijani Turk activist, Saleh Mola-Abbasi, Tabriz, Tabriz Prison

Ahar Criminal Court has handed down a three-month prison sentence to Azerbaijani (Turk) activist Saleh Mola-Abbasi.

The verdict was delivered by Judge Khadivi, who informed Mola-Abbasi’s lawyer, Asghar Mohammadi, that his client has been found guilty of “spreading falsehood to disturb public opinions.”

The arrest of Saleh Mola-Abbasi took place at his residence in Ahar on October 9, 2022, by security forces. After spending approximately one month in Tabriz Prison, he was released on bail with 1.2 billion tomans. On July 10, 2023, the court session was convened, leading to his sentencing.

It is pertinent to mention that Mola-Abbasi has a history of previous arrests and convictions linked to his activism.

Update on Fereshteh Nouri’s Condition in Evin Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
2022 nationwide protests, Evin Prison, Fereshteh Nouri, Tehran, Ward 209 of Evin Prison

Fereshteh (Tahereh) Nouri, one of the individuals detained during the nationwide protests of 2022, has been serving a five-year sentence in Evin Prison since July 3, 2023.

The Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced her to five years for charges related to “assembly and collusion against national security,” and an additional year for “disturbing public order.” Pursuant to Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, five-year imprisonment was mandated for the first count.

Nouri’s arrest occurred during the protests in Tehran on September 25, 2023, leading to her spending 23 days in Ward 209 of Evin Prison before being released on bail.

Background on the 2022 Nationwide Protests

The arrest of Mahsa Amini by Tehran Morality Police for her improper hejab 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.

 

 

Blogger Arrested in Gorgan for Allegedly Promoting Western Lifestyle

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
Blogger, Gorgan, irgc

The IRGC Intelligence Public Relations has reported the arrest of a blogger in Gorgan province on charges of allegedly “promoting a Western lifestyle,” according to Basij News.

The arrest was carried out by judicial authorities, and the blogger’s Instagram page, which had amassed over 100 thousand followers, has been taken down.

As of now, the identity of the detained blogger, their location, and the specifics of the allegations remain undisclosed.

It’s important to note that imposing a certain lifestyle on citizens is a clear violation of Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which grants everyone the right to life, liberty, and security of person. Furthermore, Article 12 of the same declaration upholds the right to privacy, protection from arbitrary interference with personal matters, family, home, or correspondence, as well as protection from attacks on one’s honor and reputation. Every individual has the right to seek legal protection against such interference and attacks.