Category: News

January Protests: Erfan Kiani Executed

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Executions, News
Erfan Kiani, Isfahan, moharebeh, عرفان کیانی

HRANA – The death sentence of Erfan Kiani, one of those arrested during the January 2026 protests in Isfahan, was carried out early this morning. During the judicial process, he had been charged with offenses including moharebeh (enmity against God).

According to Mizan News Agency, the charges against this protester included “moharebeh through drawing a cold weapon (machete) with the intent to intimidate the public,” “creating insecurity,” “inciting individuals to violent actions,” and “participation in the destruction of public property.”

The published report lists examples of these accusations, including participation in protest gatherings, destruction of public and private property, arson, throwing stones and Molotov cocktails at security forces, blocking streets, and carrying a cold weapon. It is also claimed that he had a leadership role among a group of protesters.

According to the Judiciary, following his arrest during the January 2026 protests, he was sentenced to death by the Isfahan Revolutionary Court. After an appeal, the ruling was upheld by the Supreme Court and was carried out at dawn on Saturday, April 25, 2026.

No further details have been released regarding the circumstances of his arrest, whether he had effective access to legal counsel during different stages of the proceedings, the conditions of his detention prior to execution, or the exact location where the sentence was carried out.

It should be noted that following the outbreak of military conflict between the United States–Israel and Iran, which began on February 27, 2026, the implementation of death sentences in Iran has entered a new and concerning phase, one marked by a strong focus on prisoners with political and security-related charges and a noticeable acceleration in executions.

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.

Arrest of Several Individuals by IRGC Intelligence Agents

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
HRANA, irgc, IRIB

HRANA – The IRGC Intelligence Organization announced the identification and arrest of several individuals across the country without providing detailed information. The organization claims these individuals were members of “espionage teams” who sent images of sensitive locations in the country to media outlets based abroad. A video of forced confessions from several of the detainees has also been released, though the conditions under which it was recorded remain unclear.

According to IRIB (state broadcasting), the IRGC Intelligence Organization reported the arrest of several individuals in the country. The organization stated that it had identified and detained “members of an espionage network affiliated with Mossad.”

According to the claims made, these individuals are accused of sending sensitive images and information to foreign-based channels and networks, including the media outlet “Iran International.”

It has also been claimed that weapons and communication equipment were discovered in their possession. A video of forced confessions from several detainees has also been released, though the circumstances under which it was recorded remain unclear.

The report does not provide independent information regarding the number, identities, or places of detention of those arrested.

A Prisoner Executed in Alborz Province

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Executions, News
Alborz province, Faraja, HRANA, Mohammadmehdi Vakili

HRANA – The legal deputy of Iran’s Law Enforcement Command (FARAJA) announced the execution of a defendant convicted in the murder case of an anti-narcotics officer named Mohammadmehdi Vakili in Alborz Province. According to him, the police officer was killed during a confrontation related to drug trafficking.

According to ISNA, the legal deputy of FARAJA stated in this regard: “The defendant in the murder case of Mohammadmehdi Vakili, an anti-narcotics officer of the Law Enforcement Force in Charbagh County, located in Alborz Province, was hanged.”

He added that the police officer had been killed while on duty on February 20, 2023, during a clash with a drug trafficker.

In November 2023, the defendant in this case had been sentenced to death on the mentioned charge by Branch 2 of the Criminal Court One of Alborz Province.

The report does not provide further details, including the identity of the prisoner or the exact location and date of the execution.

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.

Sunni Prisoner Ali Soveidi Transferred to Hospital Following Deteriorating Health

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News, Prisoners
ahvaz, Ali Soveidi, HRANA, Sheiban Prison, sunni prisoner

HRANA- Ali Soveidi, a Sunni prisoner held in Ward 8 of Sheiban Prison in Ahvaz, was transferred from prison to a hospital due to his deteriorating physical condition.

A source close to Mr. Soveidi’s family, confirming the news, told HRANA:
“This Sunni prisoner suffers from several illnesses, including kidney problems, diabetes, and high blood lipids. On Sunday, April 19, he lost consciousness in prison due to a drop in blood pressure and was subsequently transferred to a hospital. However, prison authorities have not allowed his family to visit him and have not even disclosed the name of the hospital to which he was transferred. Since then, his family has remained unaware of his condition. The lack of information about his health has increased the concern of his family and relatives.”

Mr. Soveidi was arrested on October 3, 2018, in the village of Hajiyeh, a district of Dasht-e Azadegan County. He is currently being held in Ward 8 of Sheiban Prison in Ahvaz.

Ali Soveidi had previously been arrested by the Intelligence Office last year and was released from prison in May 2018 on bail.

Maryam Davoudian Arrested After Being Summoned to the Intelligence Office in Bukan

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
Bukan, HRANA, Maryam Davoudian, مریم داودیان

HRANA – Maryam Davoudian, a resident of Bukan, was arrested on Monday, April 20, after being summoned to the Ministry of Intelligence office of this city, and was transferred to Urmia Prison.

According to a report by Kurdpa, Ms. Davoudian was summoned via a phone call to the Intelligence Office in Bukan. On Monday, April 20, after appearing at this security institution, she was arrested and transferred to the quarantine ward of the women’s section of Urmia Prison under a 10-day temporary detention order.

This 58-year-old citizen was able to make a brief phone call to her family after her arrest.

The report states that Ms. Davoudian suffers from multiple medical conditions, including diabetes, minor thalassemia, and rheumatoid arthritis. She had previously lost vision in one of her eyes due to an eye stroke and requires medical care and continuous access to her medications.

As of the time of this report’s publication, no information is available regarding the reasons for her arrest or the charges brought against her.

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Report on the Latest Status of Soheil Arabi in Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj

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News, Prisoners
Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, Karaj, Soheil Arabi, سهیل عربی

HRANA – Soheil Arabi, a political defendant imprisoned in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj, is still being held in a state of uncertainty in this prison. He was recently summoned to attend an interrogation session after receiving an official notice.

An informed source close to Arabi’s family confirmed the news to HRANA, stating: “Mr. Arabi has been held in solitary confinement in Ghezel Hesar Prison since his arrest, without a clear status. During interrogations, he was beaten by prison officers. He was eventually transferred to a hospital outside the prison and then returned to solitary confinement.”

According to this source, Arabi, who is facing charges of membership in anti-government groups, was recently summoned to attend an interrogation session after receiving a formal notice.

In March 2026, Soheil Arabi was arrested by security forces and transferred to Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

Soheil Arabi has previously been arrested and faced judicial action due to his activities.

It is worth noting that Soheil Arabi is a blogger and citizen journalist who received the “Press Freedom Award” from Reporters Without Borders in 2017. He has previously faced multiple convictions and legal actions. In 2014, he was sentenced to death by Branch 76 of the Tehran Criminal Court on charges of “insulting the Prophet of Islam” on Facebook. This sentence was later overturned and commuted to other punishments.

January Protests: Nine More Citizens Arrested in Connection with the Killing of a Security Force Member

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
Farajollah Shushtari, January Protests, Mashhad

HRANA – The Police Information Center announced the arrest of 9 additional citizens in connection with the case of the killing of a security force member during the January protests in Mashhad. Previously, state media had also reported that a number of protesters had been arrested in relation to the same case.

According to Tasnim News Agency, the Information Center of the Law Enforcement Command of the Islamic Republic of Iran stated that, in a “joint operation” between the Khorasan Razavi police and security forces, an individual identified as a suspect in the killing of Farajollah Shushtari, along with eight others, has been arrested.

According to the police’s claims, the detainees have been described as “individuals involved in this crime” and have been handed over to judicial authorities. However, the identities of these individuals, the exact details of how they were arrested, and their place of detention have not been disclosed.

Earlier, state media had also reported the arrest of a number of citizens in Mashhad in connection with the same case. In that report, without mentioning the number or identities of those arrested, the charge of “killing a security force member” was attributed to the detainees.

No independent details are available regarding the legal proceedings of this case, the detainees’ access to legal counsel, or their current condition.

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.

At Least 70 Citizens Sentenced to Prison in West Azerbaijan and Fars

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Freedom of Expression, News
Fars, HRANA, West Azerbaijan

HRANA – The judiciary’s media center has announced the issuance of prison sentences for citizens in 11 cases in West Azerbaijan Province and 59 cases in Fars Province. The statement provides no further details about the cases, describing the charges against these individuals as “cooperation with the enemy.”

According to Mizan News Agency, at least 70 citizens have faced prison sentences. The judiciary’s media center stated that 11 cases in West Azerbaijan Province have been reviewed, resulting in prison sentences. In Fars Province, the cases of 59 individuals have also led to convictions, and those sentenced are currently serving their terms.

The prison sentences reportedly range from one to five years on charges of “cooperation with the enemy.”

The report does not provide further details regarding the identities of the individuals, the specific nature of the charges, or the exact sentences issued.

Political Prisoner Sultanali Shirzadi Fakhr Executed

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Executions, News
moharebeh, Sultanali Shirzadi Fakhr

HRANA – The judiciary announced the execution of Sultanali (Sultan-Ali) Shirzadi Fakhr, a political prisoner, stating that he had been sentenced to death on charges including “membership in the Mojahedin-e Khalq Organization, collaboration with Israel, and enmity against God (Moharebeh).”

According to Mizan News Agency, the death sentence of Sultanali Shirzadi Fakhr was implemented at dawn on Thursday, April 23, after completing legal proceedings and being confirmed by the Supreme Court.

According to the claims of this institution, the charges against him included “membership in the Mojahedin-e Khalq Organization, cooperation with Israel’s intelligence service, and moharebeh.”

Mizan News Agency has claimed that he joined the group in the 1980s after leaving the country and, following military training, participated in operations including “Forough Javidan” and “Chelcheragh.” It was also stated that in recent years, after residing abroad, he entered Iran under the cover of a family visit on a mission allegedly linked to foreign intelligence bodies and was arrested upon arrival.

The location where the execution was carried out has not been announced by the judiciary’s media center or other official authorities.

It is worth noting that following the outbreak of military conflict between the United States–Israel and Iran, which began on February 28, 2026, the execution of prisoners with political-security charges has accelerated.

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.

Maryam Derisi and Fariba Hosseini Sentenced to Imprisonment and Flogging

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Freedom of Expression, News
Fariba Hosseini, Kazerun, Maryam Derisi, Shiraz

HRANA – Maryam Derisi and Fariba Hosseini, residents of Kazerun and Shiraz respectively, have been sentenced by Branch 101 of the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz to a total of seven years in prison and 74 lashes.

Based on a ruling recently issued by Branch 101 of the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz and communicated to these individuals, Maryam Derisi has been sentenced to one year in prison and 74 lashes on the charge of “disrupting public order.” Fariba Hosseini has been sentenced to five years in prison on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security,” and one additional year on the charge of “propaganda against the regime.” The court acquitted Ms. Hosseini of the charge of insulting the Supreme Leader.

According to information received by HRANA, Maryam Derisi also faces a charge of propaganda against the state; however, this charge has not yet been adjudicated in court.

Maryam Derisi was arrested on February 13, 2026, in Kazerun, and Fariba Hosseini was arrested on January 4, 2026, in Shiraz during nationwide protests. Both were released on bail on March 9, 2026.

Both have previously been arrested and convicted due to their activities.