Category: News

Execution of Three Prisoners in Zanjan, Borazjan, and Isfahan

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Executions, News
Borazjan Prison, Isfahan, Zanjan Prison

On Monday and Tuesday, January 20 and 21, three prisoners were executed in Zanjan, Borazjan, and Isfahan on charges of murder and drug-related crimes.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, on Monday, a prisoner named Saeed Diani was executed in Dastgerd Prison, Isfahan, for drug-related charges.

On the same day, a prisoner named Hojat Shahriari was executed in Borazjan Prison, Bushehr province. A source told HRANA: “Mr. Shahriari had been arrested on charges of committing a murder motivated by ‘honor’ and was sentenced to death following an unfair judicial process.”

On Tuesday, another prisoner, Karim Faridi, was executed in Zanjan Prison on murder charges.

As of the time of this report, none of these executions have been officially announced by prison authorities or other relevant institutions.

In 2024, the Department of Statistics and Publication of Human Rights Activists in Iran documented 812 cases related to the right to life, including the sentencing of 214 individuals to death and the execution of 930 individuals. Among these, 4 executions were carried out in public. Of those executed, 818 were male, 26 were female, and 5 were juvenile offenders—individuals under 18 years old at the time of their alleged crimes.

10 Baha’i Women Transferred to Dolatabad Prison in Isfahan to Serve Sentences

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News, Religious Minorities
Azita Rezvanikhah, Baha'i women, Baharestan, Boshra Motahar, Dolatabad Prison, Firoozeh Rasti-Nejad, Isfahan, Maryam Khorsandi, Mojgan Pourshafe Ardestani, Nasrin Khademi Qahfarrokhi, Roya Azad Khosh, Sanaz Rasteh, Sara Shakib, Shurangiz Bahamin

HRANA News Agency – Today, January 24, 2025, ten Baha’i women, identified as Nasrin Khademi Qahfarrokhi, Roya Azad-Khosh, Sara Shakib, Boshra Motahar, Mojgan Pourshafe Ardestani, Maryam Khorsandi, Shurangiz Bahamin, Sanaz Rasteh, Firoozeh Rasti-Nejad, and Azita Rezvanikhah, were detained and transferred to Dolatabad Prison in Isfahan to serve their prison sentences.

According to HRANA, all residents of Baharestan, Isfahan, were arrested this morning by security forces. The agents reportedly entered their homes, creating fear and in some cases scaling walls to gain access.

These women were previously arrested on April 25, 2021, along with several other Baha’i residents of Baharestan. They were released on bail next month. In May, 2024, they were sentenced by Branch 1 of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court to prison terms, fines, social restrictions, and travel bans. However, their case was sent back to the lower court for review due to procedural issues.

Following a retrial and a second appeal, Branch 37 of the Isfahan Appeals Court sentenced each of the 10 women to five years in prison, a fine of 50 million tomans, five years of social service restrictions, and a two-year travel ban.

Lawyer of Pakhshan Azizi: Execution Temporarily Halted

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Executions, News, Prisoners
HRANA, Maziar Tataei, Pakhshan Azizi

HRANA News Agency – Maziar Tataei, a defense attorney, announced that the Supreme Court has approved the temporary suspension of the death sentence for Pakhshan Azizi, a political prisoner sentenced to execution.

In a statement, lawyer Maziar Tataei noted that during his follow-up at the Supreme Court for Azizi’s request for a retrial, the court branch handling the case agreed to suspend the execution in accordance with Note 478 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Previously, Amir Raisian, another lawyer for Pakhshan Azizi, reported that the Supreme Court had upheld Azizi’s death sentence, with Branch 39 dismissing the case’s numerous procedural flaws and confirming the sentence.

On July 24, Azizi was sentenced to death and four years in prison by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, on charges of “armed rebellion (baghi)” through alleged membership in dissident groups.

On August 4, 2023, Azizi, along with her 67-year-old father Aziz Azizi (a lymphoma patient), her sister Parshang (49), and her sister’s husband Hossein Abbasi (49), was arrested in Tehran. The arrests were carried out by approximately 20 armed agents who stopped their moving vehicle, searched them, and transferred them to The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, known as Ward 209 of Evin Prison.

In protest against her family’s detention, Pakhshan began a hunger strike, which she ended after learning that her family members were released on bail after two weeks of solitary confinement. After being held in solitary confinement in Ward 209 for three months and three weeks, she was transferred to the women’s ward of Evin Prison on December 10, 2023.

Later, Aziz Azizi, Porshang Azizi, and Hossein Abbasi were sentenced to one year in prison each by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, also under Judge Iman Afshari, for “assisting a criminal in escaping prosecution and conviction.” Their sentences were upheld by the Tehran Court of Appeals on September 27, and their appeal was forwarded to the Supreme Court.

A source close to Azizi’s family told HRANA:
“Pakhshan has no affiliations with any groups. She worked as a social worker for 10 years in refugee camps in Rojava. The groups she worked with were fighting against ISIS—an enemy of both the Islamic Republic and the Quds Force. There was no direct conflict between Pakhshan’s associates and Iranian forces, a fact clearly evident in her case.”

In mid-October 2024, during a protest by female prisoners in Evin following the execution of Reza Rasaei and a clash with prison guards, Azizi was accused of “assaulting an officer and disobedience” and was sentenced to six months in prison by the Criminal Court.

Also, in August, 2024, Azizi faced new accusations of “inciting unrest in prison” during the second round of the 2024 presidential election, brought before Branch 3 of the Evin Prosecutor’s Office.

A native of Mahabad, Azizi has a history of arrests and judicial encounters. In 2009, she was detained on charges of political activity and was released after four months on bail.

Execution of Three Prisoners Carried Out in Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj

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Executions, News
Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, Javad Jaberi, Karaj, Omid Besharatlou

HRANA News Agency – Early this morning, January 22, 2025, three prisoners previously sentenced to death on charges of murder were executed in Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj.

The identities of two of the prisoners have been confirmed by HRANA as Omid Besharatlou, a resident of Tehran, and Javad Jaberi, a resident of Bumehen. Both were arrested on murder charges and subsequently sentenced to death by the Criminal Court.

Previously, HRANA had reported on the transfer of these prisoners to solitary confinement in preparation for the execution of their sentences.

As of the time of this report, prison authorities and relevant institutions have not officially announced the executions.

According to data gathered by the Department of Statistics and Publication of Human Rights Activists, Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj witnessed the highest number of executions in 2024. For a comprehensive examination of the details and statistics surrounding the executions in Iran, refer to HRANA’s report.

Sardasht: Three Citizens Arrested by Security Forces

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News, Other
Hassan Hassannejad, Mohammad Amin Hassannejad, Rahim Alizadeh, Sardasht

HRANA News Agency – Yesterday, January 21, 2025, Hassan Hassannejad, Mohammad Amin Hassannejad, and Rahim Alizadeh, residents of Sardasht, West Azerbaijan province, were arrested by security forces in the city and transferred to an undisclosed location.

Kurdpa has identified these detainees as: Hassan Hassannejad and his son Mohammad Amin Hassannejad from the village of Sisar, and Rahim Alizadeh from the village of Kurbanawe, both located in Sardasht County.

The report states that Hassan Hassannejad and his son Mohammad Amin were arrested in the city of Rabat by security forces without a judicial warrant. The agents later searched the family home, confiscating some personal belongings.

Similarly, Rahim Alizadeh was also arrested in Sardasht without a judicial warrant.

As of the time of this report, no information is available regarding the reasons for the arrests, the whereabouts of the detainees, or the charges brought against them.

In 2024, HRANA documented 561 cases of human rights violations in West Azerbaijan Province, placing it third among all provinces in Iran for reported violations.

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Within Two Days, Six Citizens Arrested in Piranshahr

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
Anvar Ebrahimi, Fardin Mahmoudi, Hiwa Shojaei, HRANA, Mohammad Sohrabi, Morad Ostavar, Nemat Ahmadnejad, Piranshahr

HRANA News Agency – On Sunday and Monday, January 19 and 20, 2025, at least six individuals were arrested by security forces in Piranshahr, West Azerbaijan province.

According to HRANA, quoting Kurdpa, on Sunday, security forces arrested a citizen in Piranshahr identified as Hiwa Shojaei, a 34-year-old resident of the city. The arrest reportedly occurred at his workplace without a judicial warrant.

Additionally, on Monday, January 20, 2025, security forces detained five more individuals in Piranshahr: Mohammad Sohrabi, Fardin Mahmoudi, Morad Ostavar, Nemat Ahmadnejad, and Anvar Ebrahimi.

Among the detainees, Sohrabi, who was previously arrested during the nationwide protests of 2022, has a history of legal confrontations and convictions due to his activism.

As of the time of this report, there is no information about the reasons for the arrests, the detainees’ whereabouts, or the charges against these six citizens.

Court of Appeals: Lawyer Behnam Nezadi Sentenced to Prison and Temporary Disbarment

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Freedom of Expression, News
Arak, Behnam Nezadi, HRANA, بهنام نزادی

HRANA News Agency – The Court of Appeals of Markazi Province reduced the sentence of lawyer Behnam Nezadi to four months in prison and a one-year ban on practicing law. Previously, the Revolutionary Court of Arak had sentenced Nezadi to one year in prison and a two-year ban from legal practice. In a separate case, the Criminal Court of Arak sentenced him to over 16 months in prison.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, Branch 9 of the Court of Appeals of Markazi Province issued and communicated the revised sentence to Nezadi. He was sentenced to four months in prison and a one-year ban on practicing law for the charge of propaganda against the regime.

Earlier, Branch 2 of the Revolutionary Court of Arak had sentenced Nezadi to one year in prison and a two-year professional ban on the same charge.

In another part of his case, Branch 106 of the Criminal Court of Arak sentenced him to 13 months and 16 days in prison for disclosing confidential information and 113 days in prison for spreading falsehoods.

Nezadi’s interrogation session took place in late July this year at the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Tehran. During this session, he faced charges including propaganda against the regime, spreading falsehoods via social media, and disclosing the contents of confidential investigations. After the session, he was released on bail. The charges also referenced alleged acts such as “undermining the judiciary, eroding the courage of judges, and aiming to overthrow the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
Nezadi is the administrator of an Instagram page titled “Judges’ Disciplinary Violations,” where he recently published documents addressing the Judicial Disciplinary Prosecutor’s Office. In one statement, he wrote:
“Filing complaints against judges is provided for by law, and even encouraging people to seek legal recourse cannot be considered a crime. Additionally, the judiciary, as a branch of governance, cannot be equated with the entire regime.”

Behnam Nezadi, a licensed attorney from Arak currently residing in Tehran, is a member of the Central Bar Association. His case highlights the restrictions imposed on lawyers and legal activists in Iran.

Maziar Seyednejad Sentenced to 39 Months in Prison Following Sentence Consolidation

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Freedom of Expression, News
ahvaz, Evin Prison, Maziar Seyednejad, Tehran

HRANA News Agency – Following the acceptance of a request for sentence consolidation, labor activist Maziar Seyednejad’s sentence was reduced to three years, three months, and two days by the Khuzestan Province Court of Appeals. Previously, he had been sentenced to a total of six years in prison across two separate cases heard by Revolutionary Courts in Ahvaz and Tehran.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, this revised sentence was issued by Branch 16 of the Khuzestan Court of Appeals, presided over by Saeed Koosha, on December 20, 2023, and has since been communicated to Seyednejad. He was sentenced to two years, seven months, and sixteen days in prison for “membership in an anti-regime group” and to seven months and sixteen days for “propaganda against the regime.” Under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the severest sentence—two years, seven months, and sixteen days—will be enforceable.

Seyednejad, currently on furlough, had previously been sentenced by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court in January 2023 to three years in prison, a two-year ban on leaving the country, prohibition from joining political parties or groups, and a ban on social media activity for charges of “membership in an illegal Marxist-leftist group” and “propaganda against the regime.” In another case, Branch 4 of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court sentenced him to three years in prison for “membership in anti-regime groups (communist groups).”

Seyednejad was arrested by security forces on June 7, 2021, at his home in Tehran and was released from Evin Prison on August 16, 2021, after posting bail of 600 million tomans. He eventually reported to Evin Prison on May 21, 2022, to serve his sentence.

Maziar Seyednejad has a history of arrests and convictions related to his activism.

Court of Appeals: 10 Political Defendants Sentenced to a Total of 81 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abolghasem Salavati, Araz Aman Zeynabad, Ayaz Seyfkhah, Baqer Haji Zadeh, Fatemeh Atash, Hassan Ebrahimi, Karam Mardaneh, Morteza Parvin, Saeed Minaei Gheshlagh, Salar Taher Afshar, Taher Naghavi

HRANA News Agency – Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeals upheld the sentences against nine Azerbaijani-Turk activists and attorney Taher Naghavi. Judge Abolghasem Salavati had originally sentenced these individuals in the preliminary trial to a total of 81 years in prison and additional penalties.

Summary of the Sentences:

According to the ruling, issued by Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeals on January 15, 2025, and recently communicated to the defendants:

  • Ayaz Seyfkhah: 14 years in prison (9 years for espionage and 5 years for conspiracy, with the 9-year sentence enforceable under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code).
  • Araz Aman Zeynabad and Baqer Haji Zadeh Mazraeh: Each sentenced to 13 years (8 years for espionage and 5 years for assembly and collusion against national security, with the 8-year sentence enforceable).
  • Karam Mardaneh Mostamali Beiglou: 11 years (6 years for espionage and 5 years for assembly and collusion against national security, with the 6-year sentence enforceable).
  • Taher Naghavi and Morteza Parvin Joda: Each sentenced to 6 years (5 years for assembly and collusion against national security and 1 year for propaganda against the regime, with the 5-year sentence enforceable). Additional penalties for Naghavi include a two-year travel ban and deprivation of social and political rights.
  • Salar Taher Afshar, Saeed Minaei Gheshlagh, and Fatemeh Atash Khiavi: Each sentenced to 5 years for “assembly and collusion against national security”. (Atash Khiavi’s and Minaei Gheshlagh’s sentences include partial suspensions).
  • Hassan Ebrahimi: 3 years for conspiracy, with a two-year suspension for part of the term.

Arrest and Detention Background:

These individuals were arrested on February 6-7, 2024, in various cities, including Tabriz, Karaj, Ardabil, and Urmia, by security forces.

  • Taher Naghavi was detained in Karaj on February 6, 2024.
  • Activists Araz Aman, Baqer Haji Zadeh, and Ayaz Seyfkhah were arrested in Tabriz and later transferred to Evin Prison.
  • Karam Mardaneh was detained in Ardabil on February 6, 2024.
  • Salar Taher Afshar was arrested in Urmia and transferred to Ward 209 of Evin Prison. He was released on bail on February 28, 2024.
  • Saeed Minaei was detained after appearing at the Ministry of Intelligence office in Bonab and later released on bail on March 13, 2024.

Legal Process:

The initial verdicts were issued by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Salavati, known for his harsh rulings against political and civil rights activists.

This case highlights ongoing pressures on political activists and their legal representatives in Iran.

Court of Appeals Upholds 6-Year Sentence and Additional Penalties for Taher Naghavi

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abolghasem Salavati, Evin Prison, Taher Naghavi, طاهر نقوی

HRANA News Agency – The Tehran Court of Appeals Branch 36 has upheld the 6-year prison sentence and supplementary penalties for Taher Naghavi, a lawyer currently held in Evin Prison. Previously, Judge Abolghasem Salavati sentenced him to imprisonment along with a 2-year ban on leaving the country, deprivation of social rights, and membership in political parties.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, the Appeals Court recently upheld Mr. Naghavi’s sentence, which was officially communicated to his defense lawyer yesterday. He was sentenced to 1 year in prison for “propaganda against the regime” and 5 years for “assembly and collusion against national security.” His additional penalties include a 2-year travel ban, deprivation of social rights, and prohibition from joining political parties.

A source close to Mr. Naghavi’s family confirmed the news to HRANA, stating: “One of the reasons cited by the Appeals Court for affirming the initial ruling was the support Mr. Naghavi received from foreign news networks and TV stations.”

In late October of this year, Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, convicted Naghavi of the charges.

Naghavi was arrested on February 6, 2023, by security forces and subsequently transferred to Evin Prison.

It is noteworthy that Naghavi, who suffers from prostate issues, spinal problems, and joint pain in his hands and knees, has been denied adequate medical care during his detention.

Additionally, in July 2024, prison officials filed a new case against him, accusing him of “disrupting public order” and “insulting prison officials.”