Category: News

22-Year-Old Man Executed in Salmas Prison

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Executions, News
HRANA, Omid Sheikh Kanlou Milan, Salmas

Omid Sheikh Kanlou Milan, a 22-year-old man previously sentenced to death on charges of forced same-sex relations, was executed in Salmas Prison on Wednesday, November 13. The execution was carried out despite the plaintiff in the case having pardoned him, as the judge insisted on implementing the sentence based on the “public aspect of the crime.”

HRANA’s sources report that Mr. Sheikh Kanlou Milan was arrested about a year ago following a complaint by “A.M.” (identity withheld by HRANA), a teacher-soldier and member of the Basij militia. He was accused of forced same-sex relations and sentenced to death by the Khoy Criminal Court. Despite the plaintiff officially pardoning him in recent weeks, the judge insisted on proceeding with the execution due to the public nature of the offense.

A relative of the executed man told HRANA: “Since the plaintiff had pardoned him, the family hoped the execution would not take place. His mother and other relatives, who had waited outside Salmas Prison since 4 a.m. on Wednesday, were informed at 9 a.m. that the sentence had been carried out.”

As of the time of this report, the execution has not been publicly confirmed by prison officials or relevant authorities.

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.

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.

Urmia Prison: Three Prisoners Transferred to Solitary for Execution

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Executions, News
HRANA, Urmia prison

Early this morning, November 14, three prisoners in Urmia Prison, previously sentenced to death on drug-related charges, were transferred to solitary confinement in preparation for the execution of their sentences.

According to HRANA, the news agency of the Human Rights Activists in Iran, the transfer of these prisoners took place today, Thursday, November 14, for the implementation of their death sentences.

Further details, including the identities of the prisoners, are under investigation by HRANA.

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.

727 Days of Silence: The Ongoing Detention of Osman Mameh

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News, Prisoners
Bukan, HRANA, Osman Mame, Osman Mameh, Urmia, عثمان مامه

Osman Mameh, a 55-year-old resident of Bukan, has been held in detention for 727 days without any clear explanation from authorities. The prolonged lack of communication about his condition has left his family and relatives deeply concerned.

A source close to Mameh’s family told HRANA: “Despite nearly two years since his arrest and continuous efforts by his family to seek answers from security and judicial authorities in cities such as Bukan, Urmia, Karaj, and Tehran, no clear information has been provided. Mr. Mameh has not been allowed any contact with his family since his detention, which has only intensified their fears. Security officials have merely stated that he is alive and that the family would have been informed if he had died.”

Mameh was arrested by security forces on November 18, 2022, in Bukan.

As of this report, no details have been disclosed about the reasons for his arrest, the location of his detention, or the charges brought against him.

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Teacher Union Activist Mohammad Hassan Poure Arrested

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Labor and Guilds, News
Evin Prison, Mohammad Hassan Poure, محمد حسن پوره

Today, November 13, Mohammad Hassan Poure, a teacher union activist, was arrested by security forces and transferred to Evin Prison.

According to the Coordination Council of Iranian Teachers’ Trade Associations, Mohammad Hassan Poure was detained on Wednesday, November 13. Security forces reportedly entered his home to carry out the arrest before transferring him to Evin Prison.

The reasons for his arrest and the charges against him remain unknown at this time.

Mohammad Hassan Poure has a history of prior arrests and judicial encounters related to his activism.

In 2023, the Department of Statistics of Human Rights Activists in Iran documented 1,700 reports related to the rights of trade unions and associations. This included 53 individuals who received sentences totaling 1,230 months of imprisonment.

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.

Several Followers of a Religious Movement Arrested in Torbat Heydariyeh

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News, Religious Minorities
Torbat Heydariyeh, Yamani

The Public Prosecutor of Torbat Heydariyeh, Razavi Khorasan province, announced the arrest of several followers of the “Yamani” movement in the city. Their residences and workplaces were searched, and some personal belongings were confiscated during the operation.

According to HRANA, quoting IRNA, the detainees were accused of promoting beliefs related to Mahdism through online sessions and recruiting individuals, particularly youth, to their cause.

Prosecutor Mohammad-Hossein Hassannejad did not specify the number or identities of the detainees but stated that the arrests were part of a coordinated operation by intelligence agencies.

He added that various items, including digital media production equipment, symbols of the movement, dozens of books, brochures, and flags, were confiscated during the searches.

Each year, individuals in Iran are arrested for claiming spiritual connections to the Mahdi, the Twelfth Imam of Shia Islam. Among these groups, the Yamani movement, led by Ahmad al-Hassan Yamani, stands out for its prominent activities and claims centered on Mahdism.

The Iranian government’s intelligence apparatus, particularly the Ministry of Intelligence, actively targets religious, spiritual, and ideological groups that fall outside its accepted ideological framework.

Three Prisoners Executed in Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj on Drug-Related Charges

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Executions, News
Ghezel Hesar prison, Karaj, Zahedan Prison

Early this morning, November 13, three prisoners previously sentenced to death on charges related to drug offenses were executed in Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, the identities of the prisoners executed today have been confirmed as Hamzeh Torkashvand, Jafar Rahsepar, and (first name unknown) Rasgoo.

These individuals were previously arrested on drug-related charges and later sentenced to death by judicial authorities.

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

Update: With the identification of four additional prisoners executed early this morning in Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj, the number of executions in this prison today has risen to at least seven. HRANA has identified the four individuals as Khaled Tajik, Ahmad Alizadeh, and Saman Bozorgi, along with a woman whose name remains unknown.

In 2023, 66% of HRANA’s reports on executions lacked official announcements by judicial authorities and went unreported by media inside Iran, highlighting a troubling lack of transparency in due process.

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 2023, with Zahedan Prison following closely behind. For a comprehensive examination of the details and statistics surrounding the executions in Iran, refer to HRANA’s report.

 

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.