Category: News

Several Citizens Arrested by Intelligence Ministry Forces in Ardabil

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ardabil, HRANA

HRANA – In recent days, several citizens were arrested by Ministry of Intelligence over what has been described as “cooperation with foreign-based media outlets.” At the same time, a video containing the forced confessions of three of these individuals has been published, although the circumstances under which the footage was recorded remain unclear.

According to a report by IRIB News Agency, several citizens have been arrested in Ardabil. Based on the report, these citizens were detained in recent days by Intelligence Department forces on charges of “cooperation with foreign-based media outlets.”

Simultaneously, a video showing the forced confessions of three of these individuals was released, though the conditions under which the confessions were recorded are unknown.

The report does not mention the exact number of those arrested, their identities, or where they are being held.

January Protests: Samira Rezvanifar Remains Detained in Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad

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News, Prisoners
HRANA, Mashhad, Samira Rezvanifar, Vakilabad prison, سمیرا رضوانی فر

HRANA – Samira (Fatemeh) Rezvanifar, one of those arrested during the 2026 nationwide protests in Mashhad, has been held in legal limbo in Vakilabad Prison for nearly four months.

Based on information received by HRANA, Ms. Rezvanifar was arrested by security forces on January 17, 2026, during the nationwide protests in Mashhad. Following her arrest, she was transferred to the quarantine ward of Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad and, after 111 days, remains in judicial limbo.

A source close to her family told HRANA’s journalist that no court hearing has yet been held to address her case, and no information has been obtained regarding the charges against Samira. According to the source, her family’s efforts to secure her temporary release have so far been unsuccessful.

According to reports received by HRANA, detained and imprisoned women held in the quarantine section of Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad are facing harsh conditions. These prisoners are deprived of basic facilities, including proper ventilation, standard sanitary services and showers, beds, and adequate access to medical care.

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.

 

January Protests: Iman Sadeghi’s Legal Limbo Extends Beyond Three Months

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News, Prisoners
HRANA, Iman Sadeghi, Kashan prison, ایمان صادقی

HRANA – Iman Sadeghi, one of those arrested during the 2026 nationwide protests in Kashan, has been held in legal limbo in the city’s prison for more than three months.

Based on information received by HRANA, Iman Sadeghi was arrested on January 31, 2026, during the nationwide protests of January 2026 at his family home in Kashan. Following his arrest, he was transferred to Kashan Prison and, despite more than three months having passed since his detention, he continues to be held there without legal clarification of his status.

An informed source told HRANA: “So far, no court session has been held to address his case, and no information has been obtained regarding the charges against Iman.”

Iman Sadeghi, 20 years old, is a blogger and resident of Kashan.

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.

Two Prisoners Executed in Qazvin Prison

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Executions, News
Choobindar Prison, HRANA, Qazvin prison

HRANA– The death sentences of two prisoners who had previously been sentenced to execution on charges related to drug offenses and murder were carried out in Choobindar Prison in Qazvin.

The Iran Human Rights Organization identified the executed prisoners as Sajjad Hosseini, 28, from Chahardangeh, Tehran, and Behnam Abdi, 49, from Qazvin and the father of two children.

Based on the report, Mr. Abdi, who had been sentenced to death around three years ago on charges related to drug offenses, was hanged at dawn on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Sajjad Hosseini was also executed at dawn on Monday, April 27, 2026. He had been arrested six years ago following a street fight on a murder charge and was sentenced to death by the criminal court.

The report states that Sajjad Hosseini had previously been taken to the gallows twice, once in 2023 and once in June of last year, but both times he was returned to his ward after receiving temporary reprieves from the victim’s family. The victim’s family had requested 9 billion tomans in exchange for granting forgiveness. Sajjad’s family managed to raise 5.4 billion tomans through extensive efforts, but the complainant’s family refused to accept the amount.

According to HRA’s Annual Report, in 2025 at least 2,063 citizens, including 61 women and 2 juvenile offenders, were executed. Of these, the sentences of 11 individuals were carried out in public. During the same period, 172 other individuals were sentenced to death.

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

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
January Protests, 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.

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Azadeh Yaghoubi Remains in Limbo at Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad

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News, Prisoners
Azadeh Yaghoubi, Mashhad, Vakilabad prison

HRANA – Azadeh (Masoumeh) Yaghoubi, a resident of Mashhad, has been detained for more than three months following her arrest by security forces during the nationwide protests and remains held without clarification of her legal status in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

Based on information received by HRANA, Ms. Yaghoubi was arrested by security forces in Mashhad on February 3, 2026. She is currently being held in the quarantine ward of Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

A source familiar with her situation confirmed the news and told HRANA: “It has been 93 days since Azadeh’s arrest, and we still have no information regarding the charges brought against her. Additionally, her temporary release has not been possible so far.”

According to reports received by HRANA, detained and imprisoned women held in the quarantine section of Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad are facing harsh conditions. These prisoners are deprived of basic facilities, including proper ventilation, standard sanitary services and showers, beds, and adequate access to medical care.

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.

Two Prisoners Executed in Kermanshah and Isfahan

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Executions, News
Isfahan, Kermanshah, Masoud Shirzad, Mohammad-Taghi Shahveisi, Mohammadtaghi Shahveisi

HRANA- During the current week, two prisoners were executed in Isfahan and Kermanshah prisons on charges related to drug offenses and murder, respectively.

In the early hours of Monday, May 4, the execution sentence of a prisoner previously convicted on drug-related charges was carried out in Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan.

According to Iran Human Rights Organization, the prisoner was identified as 30-year-old Masoud Shirzad, a resident of Kashan.

Based on the report, Mr. Shirzad had been arrested approximately three years ago on drug-related charges and was later sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court.

His execution took place simultaneously with the execution of Ghasem Nouri Roudini in Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan.

Yesterday, Wednesday, May 6, Kurdpa reported the execution of a prisoner identified as Mohammad-Taghi Shahveisi, a married father of four, in Kermanshah Prison. According to the report, Mr. Shahveisi had been arrested last year on a murder charge and was later sentenced to death by judicial authorities.

As of the time of this report, prison officials and relevant authorities have not publicly announced the executions of these prisoners.

According to HRA’s Annual Report, in 2025 at least 2,063 citizens, including 61 women and 2 juvenile offenders, were executed. Of these, the sentences of 11 individuals were carried out in public. During the same period, 172 other individuals were sentenced to death.

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

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Markazi Province, Zarandieh

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

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
HRANA, Payam Afkhami, Tehran, پیام افخمی

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

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
forced confessions, HRANA, 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.