Category: News

Mehdi Bahman Sentenced to Prison by Revolutionary Court

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News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, Mehdi Bahman, مهدی بهمن

Mehdi Bahman, a political prisoner held in Evin Prison, has been sentenced to five years and one month in prison by Branch 54 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, Bahman’s sentence was issued following a retrial ordered by the Supreme Court.

Previously, Branch 28 of the Revolutionary Court had issued the same sentence against Bahman. However, after his appeal was accepted, the Supreme Court overturned the ruling and referred the case back to Branch 54 for reconsideration.

In the initial stages of his case, Bahman faced charges of espionage. He was later acquitted of this accusation during the appeal process and ultimately sentenced to five years in prison.

Bahman was arrested on October 13, 2022, by security forces at his home and subsequently transferred to Ward 209 of Evin Prison, which is operated by the Ministry of Intelligence.

Mehdi Bahman is an author and illustrator known for his work in illuminating religious texts, including the Torah, Psalms, Gospel, and the Book of Ezra. His illustrated version of the Psalms is held in the Library of Congress, while his illuminated Book of Ezra is housed in Israel.

At Least Nine Prisoners Executed in Ghezel Hesar Prison

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Executions, News
Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, Karaj, قزل حصار

At dawn on December 11, 2024, the death sentences of at least nine prisoners were carried out in Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj. Five of the individuals had been convicted of murder, while four were sentenced to death on drug-related charges.

HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, has confirmed the identities of five of the executed prisoners: Ahmad Jahan Khani, Nasser Tokhchi, Iman Moghadam, Rahman Sarlak, and Abdullah Tajik.

According to HRANA, Jahan Khani and four others had been convicted of murder. Tokhchi, Moghadam, Sarlak, and Tajik were sentenced to death for drug-related offenses. Abdullah Tajik was identified as an Afghan national.

On December 9, HRANA reported that the prisoners had been transferred to solitary confinement in preparation for their executions.

At the time of this report, neither prison authorities nor relevant officials have officially announced or confirmed 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 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.

Supreme Court Overturns Death Sentence of Abbas (Mojahed) Korkor

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News
HRANA, Izeh, Kian Pirfalak, Korkori, Kurkur, Mojahed Korkor, مجاهد کورکور

The Supreme Court of Iran has overturned the death sentence of Abbas (Mojahed) Korkor (Korkori), a prisoner in Sheiban Prison, Ahvaz, and referred his case to a parallel branch for retrial.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, Korkor’s death sentence was annulled following a Supreme Court review prompted by legal appeals from his defense team.

A source close to Korkor’s family confirmed the development to HRANA, stating: “Korkor’s lawyers had separately filed requests for a retrial and invoked Article 477. After the Supreme Court accepted these requests, it reviewed the case and ultimately overturned his death sentence.”

In April 2023, Korkor was sentenced to death by Branch 1 of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court on charges of “waging war against God (moharebeh) and corruption on Earth.” Although the Supreme Court upheld the death sentence in December 2023 and referred the case to the Execution Branch of the Izeh Court, the recent decision marks a significant reversal.

Korkor was initially held in solitary confinement at Sheiban Prison starting December 20, 2022, before being moved to Ward 8 in early August 2023.

The judiciary accused Korkor of involvement in the killing of Kian Pirfalak, a child who died during nationwide protests. However, Kian’s family has consistently denied these allegations, with his mother stating, “When we were returning home, security forces opened fire on our car.”

The court had charged Korkor with “disrupting public order, causing severe injuries and the deaths of seven individuals, including Kian Pirfalak, significant damage to public and private property, forming opposition groups, and engaging in armed rebellion against the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

In January 2023, the Izeh prosecutor reported that judicial cases had been filed against 70 protesters involved in the November 16 protests, during which at least seven people, including Kian Pirfalak, were fatally shot by security forces.

While officials have described the November 16 events in Izeh as “terrorist attacks,” eyewitness accounts and testimonies from victims’ families directly contradict these claims.

Civil Rights Activist Elham Salehi Sentenced to Prison and Fine

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ebrahim Raisi, Elham Salehi, الهام صالحی

Elham Salehi, a civil activist, has been sentenced to six months in prison and fined 20 million tomans. The prison sentence has been suspended for five years.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, Salehi was convicted on charges of “spreading falsehoods,” “disturbing public opinion by insulting the former president,” and “propaganda against the regime.” The court handed down a six-month prison term, which has been suspended for five years, and imposed a fine of 20 million tomans.

The case stems from her reaction to the death of Ebrahim Raisi. Following the crash of a helicopter carrying the then-President, Ebrahim Raisi, which resulted in his death, dozens of individuals faced legal prosecution for their comments on the incident.

Salehi’s legal troubles began when security forces raided her home, conducting a search and confiscating personal belongings, including her mobile phone and handwritten notes.

In October 2023, she was summoned to a prosecutor’s office, where she was formally charged.

Elham Salehi has a history of legal challenges related to her civil activism.

Edris Menbari Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Edris Menbari, Nozhin, Sanandaj, ادریس منبری

Edris Menbari, arrested during the 2022 nationwide protests, has been sentenced to 2 years in prison by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court in Sanandaj. One year of his sentence has been suspended for three years.

According to HRANA, citing Kurdpa, the court convicted Menbari on charges of “forming groups with the intent to disrupt national security.” The verdict was issued by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court in Sanandaj and communicated to him on December 9, 2023.

In a previous ruling by the same court in October 2023, Menbari was sentenced to 10 years in prison for similar charges. However, the Appeals Court overturned that sentence, and the case was sent back for review.

In another segment of his case, in October 2023, Branch 106 of the Criminal Court of Sanandaj sentenced him to 1 year in prison and 40 lashes.

Menbari, a resident of Sanandaj and a board member of the Nozhin Cultural and Social Association, was originally arrested on December 18, 2022, at his home in Sanandaj during the nationwide protests. He was released on bail in February 2023.

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Kamal Jafari Yazdi Arrested by Ministry of Intelligence in Mashhad

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Freedom of Expression, News
Kamal Jafari, Mashhad, کمال جعفری

Today, December 10, Kamal Jafari Yazdi, a political defendant, was arrested by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence in Mashhad and transferred to an undisclosed location.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, Kamal Jafari Yazdi was detained at 12:30 PM on Tuesday, December 10, 2024. A source close to his family confirmed the arrest, stating that he was taken from his residence in Mashhad. During the arrest, intelligence agents searched his home and confiscated his mobile phone.

As of this report, the reasons for his arrest and the charges against him remain unknown.

Kamal Jafari Yazdi has a history of prior arrests and judicial confrontations due to his activities.

Heydar Fattahi Sentenced to 37 Months in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Heydar Fattahi, HRANA, Marivan, حیدر فتاحی

Heydar Fattahi, a resident of Marivan, has been sentenced to 37 months in prison by the Revolutionary Court of Marivan.

According to HRANA, citing Kolbar News, the court convicted Fattahi on charges of “collaborating with an anti-regime party.”

Fattahi was arrested on June 8, 2024, by agents of the city’s Ministry of Intelligence at his home and was subsequently transferred to the agency’s detention facility in Marivan. He was released after four months on bail of 800 million tomans.

Three Prisoners Executed in Zahedan Prison for Drug-Related Charges

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Executions, News
HRANA, Zahedan

On December 9, 2024, three prisoners previously sentenced to death on drug-related charges were executed in Zahedan Prison.

According to Haal Vsh, the identities of the executed prisoners, all residents of Zahedan, are:

  • Khoda-Bakhsh Ghanbarzahi (Barahooie), 40, married, and father of eight.
  • Omid Hosseinzaie, 33, father of one.
  • (First Name Unknown) Rakhshani.

Ghanbarzahi and Hosseinzaie were separately arrested in Zahedan in 2022 and subsequently sentenced to death by the city’s Revolutionary Court on drug-related charges.

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

The reports from the Department of Statistics and Publication of Human Rights Activists for the year 2023 reveal a concerning prevalence of executions for drug offenses in Iran, constituting 56.4% of the total executions. For a comprehensive examination of the details and statistics surrounding the executions in Iran, refer to HRANA’s report.

Court of Appeals Issues Sentences for 15 Baháʼí Citizens in Isfahan Province

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News, Religious Minorities
Azita Rezvani-Khah, Boshra Motahar, Farkhondeh Rezvan Pey, Firoozeh Rastinejad, Isfahan, Maryam Khorsandi, Mojgan Pourshafe Ardestani, Nasrin Khademi Ghaqarakhi, Nooshin Hemmat, Roya Azadkhosh, Sanaz Rasteh, Sara Shakib, Sholeh Ashouri, Shurangiz Bahamin

The Court of Appeals of Isfahan Province has issued the sentences of 15 Baháʼí citizens residing in Baharestan, Isfahan Province.

The original sentences, which included imprisonment and monetary fines, were confirmed for Mojgan Pourshafe Ardestani, Nasrin Khademi Ghaqarakhi, Azita Rezvani Khah, Sholeh Ashouri, Boshra Motahar, Sara Shakib, Roya Azadkhosh, Nooshin Hemmat, Shurangiz Bahamin, Sanaz Rasteh, Maryam Khorsandi, Farkhandeh Rezvan Pey, and Firoozeh Rastinejad. However, Samira Shakib and Mojdeh Bahamin were only fined, with their prison sentences revoked.

Branch 37 of the Court of Appeals issued its decision on November 20. The final ruling, recently communicated to their attorneys, confirmed the original sentences for 13 individuals while modifying those of two others.

Previously, these individuals were each sentenced by the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan to 5 years in prison, a fine of 50 million tomans, 5 years of social service restrictions, and a 2-year travel ban in May 2024. The charges stem from allegations of “propaganda against the Islamic Republic” and “participation in promotional and educational activities contrary to Islamic law.”

Among the defendants, 11 individuals were detained in 2021 and later released on bail. Security forces had also raided the homes of Mojdeh Bahamin, Farkhandeh Rezvan Pey, Boshra Motahar, and Samira Shakib during the investigation.

Baha’is are subjected to violations of their religious rights, comprising 82% of reports on infringements against religious minorities, according to HRA’s 2023 annual report.

The Baha’i faith is not recognized as a legitimate religion by Iranian authorities, leading to systematic and longstanding violations of the rights of Baha’is in the country. This includes the denial of their fundamental right to practice their religion, which constitutes a clear breach of both Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The United Nations covenant holds that every person has the right to freedom of religion, freedom of converting religion, as well as freedom of expression, individually or collectively; openly or secretly.

Appeals Court Upholds One-Year Prison Sentence for Attorney Mehdi Karimi Farsi

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Freedom of Expression, News
Iran Bar Association, Mehdi Karimi Farsi, Seyed Ali Mazlum, Tehran

The one-year prison sentence for Seyed Mehdi Karimi Farsi, a senior attorney and member of the Central Bar Association, has been upheld by Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeals. This decision confirms the initial ruling by the lower court.

According to the ruling, issued by Branch 36 and delivered to Mr. Karimi Farsi’s defense attorney on November 24, 2024, he was sentenced to one year in prison on charges of “propaganda against the regime.”

Previously, on October 12, 2024, Branch 29 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Seyed Ali Mazlum, had issued the same sentence against Mr. Karimi Farsi.

A court hearing regarding these charges, involving Mr. Karimi Farsi and two other attorneys, was held earlier on February 5, 2024, in the same branch of the Revolutionary Court.

In August 2023, Karimi Farsi drew widespread attention among Iranian attorneys by staging a protest walk across Tehran to defend the independence of the Bar Association. This symbolic act resonated deeply within the legal community and highlighted ongoing concerns over the pressures faced by Iranian lawyers.