Category: News

13 Azerbaijani-Turk Activists Sentenced to Over 81 Years in Prison by Appeals Court

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Ethnic Minorities, Freedom of Expression, News
Ali Babaei, Amirhossein Aghaei, Araz Ebrahim-Nejad, Davoud Shiri, East Azerbaijan, Ebrahim Avaz-Zadeh, Hamed Yeganehpour, Hossein Azadi, HRANA, Javad Soodbar, Mehrdad Ghaderi, Mohammadreza Movahed, Morteza Nourmohammadi, Yoroush Mehrali Beiglou

HRANA – By order of the East Azerbaijan Province Court of Appeals, 13 Azerbaijani-Turk activists were collectively sentenced to 81 years and five months in prison.

According to HRANA, the ruling issued by the East Azerbaijan Province Court of Appeals has been formally communicated to the defendants’ attorney.

The verdict was delivered to the lawyer of these individuals on Saturday, May 16. According to the ruling, the defendants were collectively sentenced to 81 years and five months of imprisonment.

The details of the charges and final sentences issued against each defendant are as follows:

1. Yoroush Mehrali Beiglou was sentenced to 6 years and 2 months in prison on the charge of “forming an illegal group,” and to 3 years and 7 months on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security.”

2. Hamed Yeganehpour was sentenced to 2 years and 9 months in prison on the charge of “membership in an illegal group,” and to 3 years and 7 months on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security.”

3. Ebrahim Avaz-Zadeh was sentenced to 2 years and 9 months in prison on the charge of “membership in an illegal group,” and to 3 years and 7 months on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security.”

4. Araz Ebrahim-Nejad was sentenced to 2 years and 9 months in prison on the charge of “membership in an illegal group,” and to 3 years and 7 months on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security.”

5. Hossein Azadi was sentenced to 2 years and 9 months in prison on the charge of “membership in an illegal group,” and to 3 years and 7 months on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security.”

6. Amirhossein Aghaei was sentenced to 2 years and 9 months in prison on the charge of “membership in an illegal group,” and to 3 years and 7 months on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security.”

7. Naser Razmjou was sentenced to 2 years and 9 months in prison on the charge of “membership in an illegal group,” and to 3 years and 7 months on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security.”

8. Davoud Shiri was sentenced to 2 years and 9 months in prison on the charge of “membership in an illegal group,” and to 3 years and 7 months on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security.”

9. Javad Soudbar was sentenced to 2 years and 9 months in prison on the charge of “membership in an illegal group,” and to 3 years and 7 months on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security.”

10. Mehrdad Ghaderi was sentenced to 2 years and 9 months in prison on the charge of “membership in an illegal group,” and to 3 years and 7 months on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security.”

11. Ali Babaei was sentenced to 2 years and 9 months in prison on the charge of “membership in an illegal group,” and to 3 years and 7 months on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security.”

12. Mohammadreza Movahed was sentenced to 2 years and 9 months in prison on the charge of “membership in an illegal group,” and to 3 years and 7 months on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security.”

13. Morteza Nourmohammadi was sentenced to 2 years in prison on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security.”

These individuals had previously been sentenced in late-December 2025 by Branch Two of the Tabriz Revolutionary Court to a total of 85 years and 9 months in prison at the preliminary trial stage.

According to HRA’s annual report, a total of 302 individuals were arrested in 2025 on the basis of their ethnic status or national minority identity. In addition, arrests of citizens belonging to ethnic minorities increased by 15.2% compared to the previous one-year period. At least 186 of these arrests were carried out without judicial warrants. Although in many cases the specific charges and reasons for arrest were not disclosed, given the previous conduct of security institutions, it is likely that these individuals were detained due to their activities related to ethnic rights.

At Least 32 People Arrested on Security-Related Charges in Several Provinces

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, HRANA, irgc, IRGC Intelligence, Kerman, Qazvin

HRANA  – The IRGC Intelligence Organization has announced the arrest of at least 32 individuals in the provinces of Qazvin, Kerman, and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari. The agency stated that the charges against these individuals include “espionage, links to anti-regime groups, terrorist activities, and sabotage.”

According to a report by Mehr News Agency, the IRGC Intelligence Organization announced the identification and arrest of several citizens in multiple provinces across the country.

According to the report, in Qazvin Province, two citizens were arrested on accusations described as “spying for the Zionist regime.” Authorities in the province also announced the dismantling of a network distributing military-grade weapons and the seizure of quantities of arms and ammunition. Another section of the report claimed that 1,400 tons of petrochemical raw materials allegedly stockpiled with the aim of “disrupting the market” had been discovered.

The report further stated that in Kerman Province, eight individuals were arrested as “main agents of terrorist activities.” Allegations against them include “shooting at a vehicle carrying security forces, attacking law enforcement officers, setting fire to the Sirjan Governor’s Office, spying for Israel, and maintaining ties with anti-regime groups.”

In addition, the IRGC Intelligence Organization in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province announced the identification and arrest of 22 individuals as part of several networks allegedly linked to anti-regime groups. The report claimed that these individuals, through contact with “foreign-based coordinators,” were seeking to “procure weapons, create insecurity, and carry out sabotage operations.”

The report did not provide any information regarding the identities of those arrested, the timing and manner of their arrests, or the locations where they are being held.

In recent weeks, authorities have reported numerous arrests across several Iranian provinces on similar security-related charges. In many cases, security agencies have accused detainees of “espionage” or ties to foreign-based media outlets and opposition groups without providing supporting evidence or detailed information. The absence of transparency surrounding these arrests and subsequent legal proceedings has fueled concerns over the status and treatment of those detained.

Between Missiles and Repression; HRA Releases New Report on US/Israeli Operations in Iran

Posted on by Hrana
News, Publications
Between Missiles and Repression, Israel attacks, US-Iran War

HRANA – Today, Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA) released a new report examining the US and Israeli military campaign in Iran between 28 February and 8 April 2026. The report documents 6,324 unique incidents comprising 12,798 distinct attacks, based on 177 verified sources, including open-source reporting and HRA’s in-country network.

It is important to note that the report is not intended to provide a comprehensive account of the conflict. Rather, its findings are limited to incidents documented and verified within HRA’s dataset.

Methodology

HRA relies on two primary and parallel workflows to document the scale of destruction and associated civilian harm.

First, HRA systematically collects open-source information, which is cross-checked against credible external reporting and corroborated through its established in-country network.

Second, HRA receives direct reports from its network, which are independently verified through additional contacts or cross-referenced with open-source material. In all cases, inclusion requires corroboration from at least two independent sources, with consistency in key details such as time, location, and nature of the incident.

HRA also separately preserves official narratives and state-reported figures, which are not incorporated into verified casualty counts. Incident data and casualty figures presented in the report represent documented minimums only and do not capture the full scope of harm.

Key Findings

◾️HRA documented 6,324 unique incidents comprising 12,798 distinct attacks between 28 February and 8 April 2026. Within HRA’s dataset, 77 percent of incidents involved civilian harm or damage to civilian objects.
◾️Of HRA’s verified incidents, Tehran province accounted for 44.85 percent of documented incidents, followed by Isfahan (10.5 percent), Khuzestan (6.74 percent), and Alborz (6.23 percent), indicating that some of Iran’s most densely populated provinces experienced a disproportionate concentration of attacks and civilian harm.
◾️HRA documented at least 3,636 fatalities, including 1,701 civilians, 1,221 military personnel, and 714 individuals whose identity or status could not be confirmed. These figures should be understood as minimums.
◾️HRA verified the deaths of 307 children and injuries to 2,213 children as a result of the attacks. HRA documented attacks affecting schools, sports facilities, parks, and residential areas where children were present, a majority on the first day of the conflict.

The report identifies several patterns that raise serious concerns under international humanitarian law, including:

◽️apparent failures in target verification,
◽️use of artificial intelligence with minimal human oversight,
◽️inadequate and inaccessible warnings,
◽️the use of large explosive weapons in populated areas,
◽️Repeated or “double-tap” strikes,
◽️attacks targeting widespread civilian infrastructure

Public rhetoric by senior US and Israeli officials also raised concerns, particularly statements suggesting disregard for rules of engagement and direct threats directed at civilian infrastructure.

◾️HRA independently verified damage to the following (noncomprehensive):

▫️108 educational facilities
▫️50 healthcare facilities
▫️122 cultural and religious sites
▫️381 industrial and commercial facilities
▫️173 electricity generation and distribution sites
▫️191 judicial and law enforcement facilities

HRA additionally documented conduct by Iranian authorities that increased civilian exposure to harm.

At the same time, Iranians experienced a convergence of harm through increased domestic repression. At least 4,023 individuals were arrested on accusations including espionage, threats to national security, or sharing information related to the conflict. Conditions inside detention facilities sharply deteriorated, while authorities expanded checkpoints, intensified movement restrictions, and imposed a prolonged internet blackout that reduced national connectivity to approximately 1 percent of normal levels. Between 28 February and 13 May, HRA documented 50 executions, including 32 carried out on political and security-related grounds. HRA also documented increased child presence at Basij checkpoints following an IRGC recruitment campaign targeting children as young as 12 years old.

Annexes

The report annexes include:

◾️a detailed list and analysis of weapons and munitions documented during the conflict, prepared with the support of HRA’s internal weapons specialist,
◾️casualty documentation,
◾️detainee documentation,
◾️and a compilation of HRA’s ground reporting, open-source verification, and exclusive visual documentation

Click on the image to download the full report

Ilam: Arshia Gheysar Beigi Faces Charges of “Enmity Against God” and “Corruption on Earth”

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News, Prisoners
Arshia Gheysar Beigi, HRANA, Ilam, moharebeh, ارشیا قیصر بیگی

HRANA – Arshia Gheysar Beigi, a resident of Sarableh in Ilam Province, was violently arrested by security forces on May 5, 2026. He is now facing charges of “moharebeh” (enmity against God) and “corruption on earth.”

Based on information received by HRANA, on May 6, 2026, the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office of Chardavol County charged him with “moharebeh” and “corruption on earth” and extended his detention order for two months. Allegations including “armed intimidation, purchasing and possessing weapons, and illegal shooting” were cited in the detention order.

A source familiar with the case told HRANA that following his arrest, Gheysar Beigi was subjected to intense pressure, and the confessions attributed to him were allegedly obtained under coercive conditions. According to the source, he is currently being held in a security detention facility, where interrogations are ongoing in solitary confinement, without access to adequate medical care.

The informed source added that since his arrest, Mr. Gheysar Beigi has been denied access to a lawyer and family visits. The severity of the beatings during his arrest reportedly resulted in fractures to his jaw, nose, and teeth, yet he has not received effective medical treatment despite his condition.

The report notes that these allegations have been raised despite existing reports regarding this citizen’s physical condition and detention circumstances, which indicate the use of violence during arrest and interrogation. This has cast serious doubt on the validity and credibility of the confessions attributed to him. Furthermore, although the detention order mentions a ten-day right to appeal, his lack of access to legal counsel and continued solitary confinement have made the practical use of this right unclear.

Arshia Gheysar Beigi was violently arrested on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, after security forces entered his home without presenting a judicial warrant.

Assets of 129 Citizens Seized in West Azerbaijan Province

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, West Azerbaijan

HRANA – The Chief Justice of West Azerbaijan Province announced the seizure of the assets of 129 citizens in the province, describing them as “agents of the enemy.” This action follows a previously issued order for the confiscation of these citizens’ assets.

According to IRIB News, Nasser Atabati, the Chief Justice of West Azerbaijan Province, stated that the assets of 129 individuals had been confiscated in the interest of public rights based on accusations including “anti-security activities” and cooperation with “hostile countries.”

He claimed that some of these individuals are among the “main operatives and key members” of groups opposed to the Islamic Republic.

The Chief Justice of West Azerbaijan Province also referred to these individuals as “terrorists” and accused them of collaborating with the United States and Israel. He emphasized that the process of asset seizure and judicial action against what he described as “traitors and those who sell out the homeland” would continue forcefully.

The published report did not provide any information regarding the identities of these individuals, their whereabouts, or details of their judicial cases.

Previously, reports had also been published regarding the issuance of orders to confiscate the assets of these 129 citizens. At that time, judicial authorities stated that the decision had been made as part of measures against individuals allegedly cooperating with the “enemy.”

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Habib Mehri Sentenced to Prison by Tabriz Revolutionary Court

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Freedom of Expression, News
Habib Mehri, HRANA, Tabriz Revolutionary Court

HRANA – Habib Mehri, a resident of Tabriz, has been sentenced to six months in prison by Branch 1 of the Tabriz Revolutionary Court.

Branch 1 of the Tabriz Revolutionary Court sentenced Mr. Mehri to six months of discretionary imprisonment on the charge of “propaganda against the regime.”

This resident of Tabriz had been arrested by security forces in October 2025 and was later released on bail after a period of detention.

Additionally, in October of last year, security agents searched Mr. Mehri’s home and confiscated his mobile phone and several personal belongings.

Attorney Bahar Sahraeian Arrested, Charged

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Freedom of Expression, Labor and Guilds, News
Adelabad Prison, Bahar Sahraeian, HRANA, Shiraz

HRANA – Bahar Sahraeian, an attorney in Shiraz, was arrested on May 16, 2026. Yesterday, after being formally charged, she was transferred to Adelabad Prison in Shiraz.

According to Emtedad, Bahar Sahraeian was arrested and formally charged. Based on the report, on the morning of Sunday, May 17, 2026, Ms. Sahraeian was formally charged at the Shiraz Prosecutor’s Office with “assembly and collusion with the intent to act against national security,” “propaganda against the regime,” and “spreading falsehoods.”

The attorney was arrested yesterday after appearing before the Shiraz Revolutionary Court to follow up on matters related to her legal practice.

At the time of this report, no information had been obtained regarding her place of detention.

Bahar Sahraeian, an attorney and member of the Fars Province Bar Association, has previously faced arrest due to her activities.

Reza Kooshki-Nejad Sentenced to Imprisonment and Other Punishments

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Freedom of Expression, News
Birjand, Reza Kooshki Nejad, رضا کوشکی نژاد

HRANA – Reza Kooshki-Nejad has been sentenced by Branch 1 of the Khorramabad Revolutionary Court to one year in prison, two years of internal exile to the city of Birjand, and additional supplementary punishments.

Branch 1 of the Khorramabad Revolutionary Court sentenced Mr. Kooshki-Nejad on charges of “propaganda against the regime” and “publishing photos, images, and content deemed contrary to public morality through sharing images and inciting people to disrupt public security in cyberspace” to one year in prison and two years of exile to the city of Birjand. As a supplementary punishment, he was also ordered to study and review documents related to SAVAK records and submit a handwritten report to the Khorramabad sentence enforcement branch. The verdict was issued and formally communicated to him on May 2, 2026.

This citizen was arrested in late September 2025 by judicial order and was released from Khorramabad Central Prison on October 7, 2025.

Reza Kooshki-Nejad, aged approximately 35, and one of the detainees of the 2022 nationwide protests, has previously faced arrest and convictions due to his activities.

Report on the Arrest of Shahram Pas-o-Pish in Piranshahr

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News, Other
HRANA, Piranshahr, Shahram Pas-o-Pish

HRANA – Shahram Pas-o-Pish, a resident of Piranshahr, was arrested by security forces in the county on Wednesday, May 13. There is still no information available regarding his whereabouts or condition.

According to a report by Kurdpa, Shahram Pas-o-Pish remains in detention. Based on the report, Shahram Pas-o-Pish was arrested on Wednesday, May 13, at his home in Piranshahr by security forces without the presentation of a judicial warrant. Since then, no information has been obtained regarding his fate or place of detention. Despite repeated inquiries by his family to security and judicial authorities, officials have so far failed to provide any clear response regarding their son’s whereabouts.

During his detention, he has been denied access to a lawyer and family visits. The lack of information about his condition has intensified concerns among his family and relatives.

At the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the reasons for his arrest or the charges brought against him.

Shahram Pas-o-Pish, is a resident of Chiane village, located in Piranshahr County.

Hadi Abbasian Arrested by Security Forces in Shirvan

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Freedom of Expression, News
Hadi Abbasian, HRANA, Shirvan

HRANA – Hadi Abbasian, a resident of Shirvan County, was arrested by security forces and transferred to the city’s prison.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mr. Abbasian was arrested on Wednesday, May 13, in Shirvan, North Khorasan province, and, after one day, was transferred to the city prison.

According to informed sources, “During the protests of January 2026, this citizen had published videos supporting protesters. He was likely arrested in connection with these videos.”

So far, no information has been obtained regarding the charges brought against this citizen.

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.