Female Prisoner Dies in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad Following Lack of Medical Care

HRANA – Taktam Ramezani, a prisoner convicted of non-political offenses and held in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, died in the prison following a ruptured gallbladder and delays in receiving medical care and being transferred to a hospital.

According to HRANA, a prisoner held in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad died due to a lack of timely medical care.

The prisoner, identified by HRANA as 37-year-old Taktam Ramezani, had been convicted of non-political offenses.

According to reports received by HRANA, Ms. Ramezani died in Ward 2 of Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, following a ruptured gallbladder and delays in her transfer to a hospital. During the four days preceding her death, she suffered from severe pain in the gallbladder area. Despite repeated requests for medical attention, she was denied transfer to a hospital and access to appropriate medical treatment.

Ms. Ramezani had been arrested some time earlier on drug-related charges and was serving her sentence in Ward 2 of Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. She also worked in the prison collecting garbage.

Under the regulations of Iran’s Prisons Organization, all prisoners are entitled to healthcare and medical services. The regulations stipulate that prisoners must undergo regular medical examinations and, when urgent treatment is required, be transferred to specialized hospitals. In practice, however, numerous reports indicate that prisoners are frequently denied this fundamental right.

Nasrin Kabiri Serving 10-Year Prison Sentence in Isfahan

HRANA – Nasrin (Zahra) Kabiri, a political prisoner, is currently serving her prison sentence in Dowlatabad Prison in Isfahan. Last year, she was sentenced by the judiciary to 10 years in prison.

According to HRANA, Nasrin Kabiri is currently incarcerated in Dowlatabad Prison in Isfahan.

Based on information received by HRANA, Ms. Kabiri is serving her 10-year prison sentence in Ward 2 for convicted prisoners at Dowlatabad Prison in Isfahan. Last year, the judiciary sentenced her to 10 years in prison on the charge of “espionage for Israel.”

An informed source close to the family of the political prisoner confirmed the matter to HRANA and said: “Ms. Kabiri, who is the mother of two young children, has not been granted furlough to date, despite having served approximately one year of her sentence.”

At the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the specific acts underlying the charge of “espionage for Israel,” on the basis of which Ms. Kabiri was handed a lengthy prison sentence. HRANA’s efforts to obtain further information in this regard are ongoing.

Ms. Kabiri was arrested by security forces in Isfahan in July 2025, in connection with the 12-day war.

Nasrin (Zahra) Kabiri is a resident of Isfahan and the mother of two children, approximately six and eight years old.

Leila Moallemi Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

HRANA – Leila Moallemi, a resident of Mashhad who is currently incarcerated in Vakilabad Prison, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison by the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad.

According to HRANA, Leila Moallemi has been sentenced to imprisonment.

Based on information received by HRANA, the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad sentenced Moallemi to 10 years in prison. A source close to her family, confirming the news to HRANA, said: “The sentence was communicated to Leila in prison some time ago. The sentence was issued in connection with her sending a voice message and providing information to a media outlet based outside Iran during the war.”

Ms. Moallemi was arrested by security forces in Mashhad on May 28, 2026, and subsequently transferred to Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

HRANA’s investigation into further details of the case, including the charges brought against her and the judicial authority that issued the sentence, remains ongoing.

Leila Moallemi is originally from Bandar Abbas and resides in Mashhad.

Mahshar Parandin Denied Cancer Treatment in Evin Prison

HRANA – Mahshar (Mohtaram) Parandin, a Christian convert imprisoned in Evin Prison, continues to be denied access to specialized treatment and medical furlough despite being diagnosed with lymphoma and her physician’s insistence that treatment must begin immediately.

According to HRANA, Mahshar (Mohtaram) Parandin, a Christian convert imprisoned in Evin Prison, continues to be deprived of medical care.

According to information received by HRANA, Ms. Parandin was taken to a hospital some time ago for medical tests. The test results confirmed that she has lymphoma, and given her physical condition, her treating physician emphasized the need to begin treatment immediately. However, following the tests, she has not been transferred to a medical facility to continue her treatment.

A source close to the prisoner’s family confirmed the matter to HRANA, stating: “Doctors have warned about delays in her treatment and have assessed her condition as high-risk. If she continues to be denied treatment, there is a risk of irreversible complications and even death. Ms. Parandin’s requests for medical furlough have also remained unanswered to date.”

HRANA had previously reported that, in addition to a heart condition, Ms. Parandin was suffering from masses beneath her throat and near the cerebellum. These conditions have caused problems with her balance, movement, and speech, with noticeable pauses when she speaks. Furthermore, due to the lack of medical care, swelling beneath her throat had become visibly apparent.

Mahshar (Mohtaram) Parandin, approximately 50 years old, is a contemporary artist and painter, the head of her household, and the mother of a school-aged child. She was previously sentenced by the Revolutionary Court to two years in prison and is currently serving her sentence in Evin Prison.

Attorney Bahareh Aghaei Remains in Custody, Legal Limbo at Qarchak Prison

HRANA – Bahareh Aghaei, an attorney currently held at Qarchak Prison in Varamin, remains in legal limbo despite more than seven months having passed since her arrest.

According to HRANA, Bahareh Aghaei remains in detention.

A source close to her family confirmed the matter to HRANA, stating: “Bahareh Aghaei, who was arrested following the protests in the January 2026 protests, remains in legal limbo despite more than seven months having passed since her arrest. She was transferred to Qarchak Prison in Varamin some time ago. During her detention, she has spent at least 15 days in solitary confinement at Qarchak Prison and has also gone on hunger strike once in protest against her situation.”

According to information obtained by HRANA, despite repeated efforts by her family, she has not been granted temporary release on bail.

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the reasons for Ms. Aghaei’s arrest or the charges brought against her. HRANA’s efforts to obtain further information in this regard are ongoing.

Bahareh Aghaei is a licensed attorney and a student of international law at the University of Tehran.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Now is definitely not the time to stop reading!

Life Sentences of Three Political Prisoners Reduced to 25 Years

HRANA – The life sentences of three political prisoners, Mohammad Ali Amouri, Mokhtar Al-Boushoukeh, and Jaber Al-Boushoukeh, have been reduced to 25 years and one day in prison. The three prisoners have been incarcerated for more than 15 years.

According to information obtained by HRANA, the life sentences of Mohammad Ali Amouri, Mokhtar Al-Boushoukeh, and Jaber Al-Boushoukeh, three political prisoners from Ramshir, have been reduced to 25 years in prison. The new sentences were communicated to the prisoners while in prison.

HRANA is investigating further details, including the authority that issued the new ruling.

Of the three prisoners, Mohammad Ali Amouri and Jaber Al-Boushoukeh are currently serving their sentences in Sheiban Prison in Ahvaz. Mokhtar Al-Boushoukeh was transferred from Sheiban Prison to Arak Prison in February of last year and remains incarcerated there.

Mohammad Ali Amouri, Seyed Mokhtar Al-Boushoukeh, and Jaber Al-Boushoukeh are co-defendants in the same case and members of the Al-Hiwar Cultural Institute, which carried out cultural activities in the city of Ramshir, approximately 90 kilometers southeast of Ahvaz. The three were arrested in 2011 and sentenced to death by a Revolutionary Court during proceedings in their case. Their death sentences were subsequently commuted to life imprisonment.

Hashem Shaabani Amouri and Hadi Rashedi, two other members of the Al-Hiwar Institute and defendants in the same case, were also sentenced to death. Hashem Shaabani Amouri, a poet, Arabic literature teacher, and master’s student in political science, and Hadi Rashedi, a chemical engineer and high school teacher, were executed in January 2014.

Ardabil Prison: Identities of 54 Citizens Arrested During the January 2026 Protests Confirmed

HRANA – At least 54 individuals arrested during the nationwide January 2026 protests are currently being held in the security ward of Ardabil Prison. HRANA has confirmed the identities of all 54 detainees. Of them, 25 have collectively been sentenced to 49 years and three months in prison, while the remaining 29 continue to be held in judicial limbo. The following report examines their identities and the latest developments in their cases.

According to HRANA News Agency, HRANA has confirmed the identities of 54 individuals arrested during the January 2026 nationwide protests in Ardabil Province.

HRANA’s findings show that, of the 54 identified detainees, 25 have been tried by judicial authorities in Ardabil and collectively sentenced to 49 years and three months’ imprisonment.

Below are the names of these 25 individuals, along with the latest available information on the status of their legal cases:

1. Ahmad Seifi
He was arrested by security forces during the nationwide protests. He was subsequently sentenced by a judicial authority to five years and three months’ imprisonment on political charges.

2. Peyman Dorvalizadeh
He was arrested during the 2026 nationwide protests. Following judicial proceedings in Ardabil, he was sentenced to three years and six months’ imprisonment.

3. Peyman Dorvalizadeh
Following his arrest and the opening of a judicial case against him, Reza Nabidoost was sentenced by a judicial authority in Ardabil to one year and six months’ imprisonment. He is currently serving his sentence in Ardabil Prison.

4. Yashar Soufi
Yashar Soufi was arrested by security forces during the 2026 nationwide protests. Following judicial proceedings in Ardabil, he was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.

5. Teymour Ghaznavi
Teymour Ghaznavi was arrested in connection with the nationwide protests in January 2026. A judicial authority in Ardabil sentenced him to three years’ imprisonment, and he is currently incarcerated in Ardabil Prison.

6. Ali Ahmadi
Following judicial proceedings in Ardabil, Ali Ahmadi was sentenced to three years and six months’ imprisonment. He is currently being held in Ardabil Prison.

7. Mehdi Shirani
Mehdi Shirani was arrested during the nationwide protests in January 2026. After being tried in Ardabil, he was sentenced to one year’s imprisonment.

8. Amir Mohammad Zadehkhak
Amir Mohammad Zadehkhak was arrested by security forces in connection with the 2026 nationwide protests. A judicial authority in Ardabil sentenced him to two years’ imprisonment.

9. Alireza Hosseini
Alireza Hosseini was among those arrested during the 2026 nationwide protests. Following judicial proceedings in Ardabil, he was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.

10. Amir Reza Sharifi
Amir Reza Sharifi was also arrested in connection with the 2026 nationwide protests, after which a judicial case was opened against him. He was ultimately sentenced by a judicial authority in Ardabil to one year and six months’ imprisonment.

11. Yavar Farahmand
Yavar Farahmand was arrested by security forces during the 2026 nationwide protests. Following the issuance of a verdict by a judicial authority in Ardabil, he was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment and is currently incarcerated in Ardabil Prison.

12. Abbas Kowsari
Abbas Kowsari was also arrested in connection with last year’s nationwide protests. A judicial authority in Ardabil sentenced him to three years and six months’ imprisonment.

13. Mehram Azarm
Mehram Azarm was among those arrested in connection with the 2026 nationwide protests. Following judicial proceedings in Ardabil, he was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment and is currently serving his sentence in Ardabil Prison.

14. Masoud Norouzi
Masoud Norouzi was arrested by security forces in connection with the January 2026 protests. Following a ruling by a judicial authority in Ardabil, he was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.

15. Sina Farzaneh-Vash
Like the other individuals on this list, Sina Farzaneh-Vash was arrested during the nationwide protests and, following trial proceedings in Ardabil, was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.

16. Amirhossein Baghermaleki
Amirhossein Baghermaleki was among those arrested in connection with the 2026 nationwide protests. A judicial authority in Ardabil sentenced him to one year and six months’ imprisonment, and he is currently being held in Ardabil Prison.

17. Milad Ashkani
Milad Ashkani was arrested during the 2026 nationwide protests. Following judicial proceedings in Ardabil, he was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment.

18. Amirhossein Habibi
Following his arrest, Amirhossein Habibi was sentenced by a judicial authority in Ardabil to two years’ imprisonment. He is currently serving his sentence in Ardabil Prison.

19. Farshad Soltani
Farshad Soltani was among those arrested during the January 2026 nationwide protests. Following the opening of a judicial case and subsequent proceedings in Ardabil, he was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.

20. Hossein Nemati
Hossein Nemati was sentenced by a judicial authority in Ardabil to six months’ imprisonment and is currently serving his sentence in Ardabil Prison.

21. Ahoura Jafarzadeh
Ahoura Jafarzadeh was arrested during the 2026 nationwide protests. Following judicial proceedings in Ardabil, he was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment.

22. Farid Hamzehzadeh
Farid Hamzehzadeh was among those arrested in connection with the 2026 nationwide protests. A judicial authority in Ardabil sentenced him to six months’ imprisonment.

23. Milad Sabri
Milad Sabri was arrested in connection with the 2026 nationwide protests. Following a ruling by a judicial authority in Ardabil, he was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment and remains incarcerated in Ardabil Prison.

24. Behzad Majedi
Behzad Majedi was arrested by security forces during last year’s nationwide protests. Following judicial proceedings in Ardabil, he was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment and is currently incarcerated in Ardabil Prison.

25. Mehran Abbasi
Mehran Abbasi was arrested in connection with the January 2026 nationwide protests and was sentenced by a judicial authority in Ardabil to six months’ imprisonment.


Meanwhile, 29 other individuals arrested in connection with the protests remain in detention without having appeared before a court to face the charges against them.

According to HRANA, the identities of these detainees have been confirmed as:

Farhad Jafari, Reza Javid, Mohammad Reza Asari, Armin Nadiri, Arian Hamidi, Sina Hassanzadeh, Ali Besharati, Mohammad Jalilolghadr, Faramarz Neshat, Keyvan Baram, Faramarz Taghizadeh, Heshmat Rasouli, Avaz Rastgouyan, Mohammad Reza Agah, Reza Mirzazadeh, Mehrdad Zoodfekr, Mahyar Pour Ebrahim, Ali Abdollahvand, Mohammad Gholizadeh, Mir Mohammad Mohammadi, Mohammad Rahbari, Mohsen Najafi, Ali Nobakht, Meysam Abdollahi, Bahman Zohri, Omid Ganjeh, Alireza Karimi, Ahmad Khodaei, and Meysam Alizadeh.

All of them remain in judicial limbo, having been held without any court hearing on the charges against them. In addition, a number of these detainees have been denied the right to telephone calls and family visits. Their families have also faced numerous uncertainties and significant restrictions imposed by the relevant authorities while attempting to obtain information about their cases or seek their temporary release.

According to information received by HRANA, approximately 800 citizens were arrested across Ardabil Province during the January 2026 protests. Of these, around 500 were released within the first ten days after their arrest, while nearly 250 others were later released on bail. As a result, at least 54 individuals arrested during the protests remain detained in the security ward of Ardabil Prison.

A source familiar with the proceedings, who spoke to HRANA on condition of anonymity for security reasons, stated: “Jalal Afaghi, the Prosecutor of Ardabil, has objected to the sentences handed down to 10 of those convicted, considering the punishments too lenient, and has asked the Supreme Court to impose harsher sentences.”

HRANA had previously reported on the arrest of a number of citizens in Ardabil in connection with the January 2026 protests, as well as the publication of videos described as “confessions” by some of the detainees. It remains unclear under what circumstances those videos were recorded.

HRANA’s efforts to obtain additional information regarding this case, including the specific charges brought against the detainees, the judicial proceedings, and the authorities responsible for issuing the sentences, are ongoing.

Background on the January 2026 Protests

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.

Najmeh Amini Remains in Legal Limbo More Than Six Months After Arrest

HRANA – Najmeh Amini, one of those arrested during the January 2026 protests, has remained in legal limbo at Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad for more than six months since her arrest. Her trial on the charges against her was recently held at the Revolutionary Court in Mashhad.

According to HRANA News Agency, Najmeh Amini continues to be held without a final judicial decision in Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad.

Based on information received by HRANA, Najmeh Amini has been detained in Vakilabad Prison for more than six months. A source close to her family, who confirmed the information to HRANA, said that she was recently tried at the Revolutionary Court in Mashhad on charges of “assembly and collusion against national security” and “insulting religious sanctities and the Imams.” However, the court branch has not yet issued a verdict in her case.

On January 31, 2026, during the January protests, Najmeh Amini was arrested by security forces at Ferdowsi Shopping Center in Mashhad after being beaten. She was later transferred to Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

Najmeh Amini, 22, is an accounting student and a resident of Mashhad.

Background on the January 2026 Protests

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 2026 Protests: Naeim Lashkari’s Five-Year Prison Sentence Upheld

HRANA – The five-year prison sentence issued against Naeim Lashkari, who was arrested during the January 2026 protests and is currently held in Greater Tehran Prison, has become final after he accepted the verdict. Lashkari, who had previously received a five-year suspended prison sentence in 2023 in a separate case involving similar political charges, is now also subject to the enforcement of that suspended sentence following his re-arrest. As a result, he is required to serve a total of 10 years in prison.

According to HRANA, the five-year prison sentence issued against Naeim Lashkari, one of those arrested during the January 2026 protests, has become final.

According to information received by HRANA, Mr. Lashkari was previously sentenced by Branch 29 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court to five years in prison on the charge of “assembly and collusion to commit crimes against national security.” After the verdict was issued, he waived his right to appeal in exchange for a reduction in sentence, making the conviction final.

A source familiar with the case confirmed to HRANA that Mr. Lashkari had previously been arrested in 2023 on similar political charges and received a five-year suspended prison sentence. Following his re-arrest, that suspended sentence has now been activated.

Accordingly, with the new five-year prison sentence and the enforcement of the previous suspended sentence, Mr. Lashkari is now required to serve a total of 10 years in prison.

Naeim Lashkari, a 25-year-old native of Bijar, was arrested by security forces in Tehran on January 3, 2026, during the nationwide protests. He has remained in Greater Tehran Prison ever since.

Moloud Afand Remains in Legal Limbo at Urmia Prison

HRANA – Moloud Afand (Armandpour), a journalist and translator, has remained in legal limbo for nearly eight months since his arrest and continues to be held in Urmia Prison. His case, in which he is accused of “espionage for a hostile state,” has been referred to Branch 1 of the Urmia Revolutionary Court.

According to HRANA, Moloud Afand (Armandpour), a journalist and translator, remains detained without a final judicial decision in Urmia Prison.

Based on information received by HRANA, Moloud Armandpour has been detained for more than 220 days and is currently being held in Urmia Prison. He was previously formally charged in Branch 6 of the Investigative Prosecutor’s Office of the Urmia Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office with “espionage for a hostile state.” About a week ago, following the issuance of an indictment, his case was referred to Branch 1 of the Urmia Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Doosti.

Moloud Afand (Armandpour) was arrested in November-December 2025 and transferred to the IRGC Intelligence detention facility in Urmia. After a period of interrogation, he was transferred to Tehran in February 2026. On March 3, 2026, he was transferred from The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility to Greater Tehran Penitentiary.

The political defendant remained in Greater Tehran Penitentiary until June 2026, after which he was transferred to Urmia Prison, where he has remained ever since.

A source familiar with the family’s situation confirmed the information to HRANA, stating: “Mr. Armandpour had also disappeared in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq in 2012. After being transferred to Iran, he was held in Evin Prison until the autumn of 2015 without being brought to trial or receiving a sentence. He spent approximately one year and six months of that time in solitary confinement. During the prolonged period without any information about his whereabouts, his family believed he had lost his life. Ultimately, he was released from prison in the autumn of 2015 without any sentence being issued.”

Before his latest arrest, Moloud Armandpour worked as a journalist and editor-in-chief of a publication in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. “Afand” was his former surname, which he officially changed to “Armandpour” several years ago.