Category: Prisoners

Lawyer Abolfazl Ranjbari Held Without Charge for Over Four Months in Tabriz Prison

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News, Prisoners
Abolfazl Ranjbari, Tabriz Prison, ابوالفضل رنجبری

Abolfazl Ranjbari, a lawyer, has been in detention for more than four months and remains held in an uncertain state in Tabriz Prison.

According to HRANA, Abolfazl Ranjbari has now been detained for 138 days. A source close to the prisoner’s family told HRANA: “After two months of interrogation and being held in The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility in Tabriz, Mr. Ranjbari was transferred to the quarantine ward of Tabriz Prison. He is now held in Ward 5, known as the secure ward (‘Health Ward’), without a clear status. So far, no opportunity has been given for him to post bail. Mr. Ranjbari has also been denied contact and visits with his family and relatives.”

His case, after being reviewed by the Tabriz Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office, has been sent to the city’s court for trial.

Abolfazl Ranjbari, lawyer and writer, was arrested by security forces in Tabriz on May 4 of this year.

More than Two Decades Behind Bars, Prisoner Profiles – No. 1: Saeed Shah-Ghaleh

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News, Prisoners
Saeed Shah Ghaleh, Saeed Shahghaleh, TwoDecadesBehindBars, سعید شاه قلعه

HRANA – A large number of political prisoners and the prisoners of conscience have spent more than two decades of their lives in Iran’s prisons. To ensure their names are not forgotten amid daily news cycles, HRANA is publishing a series introducing these prisoners and their conditions. Each report reviews their judicial case, detention situation, access rights, and urgent needs.

In this report, HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, examines the latest situation of Saeed Shah Ghaleh after two decades of imprisonment.

Information Card

• Name: Saeed Shah-Ghaleh

• Year of Arrest: 2000

• Stated Charge: “Moharebeh (enmity against God) through cooperation with the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI)”

• Initial Sentence: Death penalty

• Current Sentence: Life imprisonment (reduced by one degree)

• Places of Detention: Ward 350 of Evin Prison (until 2008); Ward 240 (temporary solitary, 2008); Mahshahr Prison (from 2008); transferred from Bushehr Prison to Ward 4 of Qom Prison (since 2022 to present)

• Leave/Access: No furlough reported in recent years; access to family and lawyer reported as limited

• Current Status: Still serving a life sentence despite legal changes that could enable review or reduction of his case

Case History and Judicial Process

Saeed Shah-Ghalehwas arrested in 2000 and sentenced to death by a criminal court on the charge of “Moharebeh through cooperation with the PMOI.” His sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment. While this spared him from execution, it effectively placed him among those serving indefinite terms, making legal review or reduction of his sentence extremely difficult.

Key points in the case:

• Heavy security charge: The label of Moharebeh is one of the gravest charges in Iran’s political-security cases, with severe judicial and practical consequences.

• Commuted sentence: The shift from a death sentence to life imprisonment reflects both the weight of the charge and later judicial intervention, but does not necessarily resolve underlying injustices in the proceedings.

• Continued imprisonment despite legal changes: Even though legal reforms allow for retrial, sentence reduction, or parole in some Moharebeh cases, Shahghaleh remains incarcerated.

Detention Conditions and Transfers

Throughout his imprisonment, Shah-Ghaleh has been held in multiple facilities. He was initially kept in Ward 350 of Evin Prison. In 2008, he was beaten by prison guards and transferred to solitary confinement in Ward 240 for a period. Later that year, he was moved to Mahshahr Prison. After making a coerced confession in 2022 to severing ties with the PMOI, he was transferred from Bushehr Prison to Ward 4 of Qom Prison, where he remains.

Observations on Detention Standards

• Frequent transfers: Moving prisoners between facilities disrupts family visits, legal access, and healthcare.

• Solitary confinement as punishment: His transfer to Ward 240 in 2008 shows solitary was used punitively, in contrast to international standards that limit it to exceptional cases.

• Exposure to violence: Reports document that he was beaten in 2008 and subjected to psychological pressure that led to his forced confession in 2022. Such incidents highlight the urgent need for independent documentation and legal accountability.

Access to Family, Lawyer, and Furlough

In recent years, Shah-Ghaleh has not been granted furlough. His access to his family and lawyer has been restricted, limiting not only his social and psychological well-being but also his ability to mount an effective legal defense or pursue retrial.

Potential Legal Avenues (General Recommendations)

1. Retrial: Examine new evidence or substantive/procedural flaws in the verdict.

2. Sentence reduction/commutation: Pursue legal grounds for mitigation.

3. Parole or suspension of sentence: Assess eligibility based on time served, good conduct, or health conditions.

4. Addressing prison rights violations: Including access to healthcare, prohibition of violence, regular visitation rights, and continuous access to legal counsel.

International advocacy and documentation: Where domestic remedies are blocked, use international human rights mechanisms.

Timeline Summary

• 2000: Arrested; charged with “Moharebeh through cooperation with PMOI.”

• Initial Sentence: Death penalty → commuted to life imprisonment.

• Until 2008: Held in Ward 350, Evin Prison.

• 2008: Reported beating; transferred to solitary in Ward 240; later sent to Mahshahr Prison.

• 2022: Transferred from Bushehr Prison to Ward 4, Qom Prison.

• Recent years: No furlough; limited access to family and lawyer.

• Present: Still serving life sentence despite legal reforms that could allow review.

Conclusion and Importance of Review

Despite legal reforms that provide for retrials, mitigation, or release in Moharebeh cases, Mr. Shah-Ghaleh remains imprisoned. His case exemplifies the plight of long-term political-security prisoners in Iran and underscores the importance of pursuing all legal avenues – domestic and international – for review and reduction of such sentences.

Urgent Needs

• Regular and non-discriminatory access to lawyer and family

• Independent medical evaluation in light of reports of beatings and long-term effects

• Review of possibilities for retrial or other mechanisms for reduction/suspension of sentence under current laws

• Guarantee of compliance with prison regulations on calls, visits, and furlough

About This Series

This report is part of the “Two Decades Behind Bars” series, which aims to document the cases of long-term prisoners and to highlight the collective responsibility to ensure their visibility and pursue their rights.

80-Year-Old Former Political Prisoner Held 50 Days in Solitary in Qom

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News, Prisoners
Mohammad Banazadeh, Qom, Tehran, بنازاده

HRANA – Mohammad Banazadeh Amirkhizi, a former political prisoner, remains held in solitary confinement at the Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility in Qom, fifty days after his arrest, without any clear legal status. The 80-year-old, who suffers from multiple health conditions, is also being denied adequate medical care.

A source familiar with his situation told HRANA: “Despite fifty days having passed since his arrest, Mr. Banazadeh is still being held in solitary confinement at the Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility in Qom without clarification of his legal status. He suffers from diabetes, prostate cancer, heart disease, and a torn knee meniscus, yet has been denied medical treatment. In recent days, a sharp increase in his blood sugar levels has caused him serious health problems.”

Mr. Banazadeh was arrested on Monday, July 28, at his home in Tehran by security forces and transferred to the Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility in Qom.

Mohammad Banazadeh Amirkhizi, 80, a resident of Tehran, has previously served prison sentences due to his political activities.

Continued Detention of Six Teenagers in Sanandaj

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Children, News, Prisoners
Behrouz Rashidi, Ehsan Sabouri, IRGC Intelligence, Kamyaran, Kawan Sabouri, Payam Hosseini, Sanandaj, Soran Mozaffari, Uraz Zamani

HRANA – Six 17-year-old teenagers from Kamyaran remain in detention in Sanandaj, held without clear legal status.

According to Kolbar News, on Sunday, September 14, 2025, Kawan Sabouri, Uraz Zamani, Behrouz Rashidi, Soran Mozaffari, and Payam Hosseini were transferred from the Kamyaran Ministry of Intelligence detention facility to the IRGC Intelligence Detention Facility in Sanandaj (Shahramfar) for interrogation. Ehsan Sabouri was transferred to the Juvenile Correction and Rehabilitation Center in Sanandaj.

The families of the teenagers report that security forces have refused to provide any information regarding the reasons for the arrests or the charges brought against them.

Ehsan Sabouri and Kawan Sabouri were arrested on September 11, while Payam Hosseini was detained a day earlier, on September 10, by security forces in Kamyaran. Uraz Zamani, Behrouz Rashidi, and Soran Mozaffari had been arrested earlier on September 7 in the same city.

It is noteworthy that Soran Mozaffari suffers from diabetes and requires continuous medical supervision and regular insulin injections to manage his condition.

After Retrial; Political Prisoner Naser Bakrzadeh Sentenced to Death for the Second Time

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Executions, News, Prisoners
IRGC’s intelligence, Naser Bekrzadeh, Urmia prison, ناصر بکرزاده

HRANA – Naser Bakrzadeh, a political prisoner held in Urmia Prison, has been sentenced to death for the second time by Branch Two of the Revolutionary Court of Urmia. He had previously received a death sentence from Branch Three of the Revolutionary Court of Urmia, which was overturned by the Supreme Court and referred to another branch for retrial.

Based on the ruling recently issued by Branch Two of the Revolutionary Court of Urmia, presided over by Judge Shahini, Mr. Bakrzadeh has been sentenced to death on charges of espionage for Israel.

In November 2024, he had initially been sentenced to death by Branch Three of the Revolutionary Court of Urmia on charges of “espionage for Israel and collaboration with Mossad intelligence services.” That ruling was overturned by the Supreme Court in April 2025, which referred the case to another branch for reconsideration.

Naser Bakrzadeh, about 26 years old, was arrested in January 2024. He was held for a period in the IRGC’s intelligence detention facility in Urmia, where he was subjected to interrogation. According to a source close to his family, this process involved violations of his basic rights, including being denied contact and visits with his family.

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British Couple Held in Harsh Conditions in Iran

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News, Prisoners
Craig Foreman, HRANA, Lindsay Foreman

HRANA – Craig and Lindsay Foreman, two British nationals, have been detained in Iran since December of last year and remain in a state of limbo. According to their family, the couple continue to endure harsh and inhumane prison conditions. Their son has expressed deep concern for their health and well-being, calling on the UK government to take urgent action to secure their release.

According to HRANA, citing BBC World, Joe Bent, the son of Lindsay and Craig Foreman, stated that his parents remain in poor conditions in Iranian prisons.

The couple, from East Sussex, were on a global motorcycle trip when they were arrested by security forces in Iran in December 2024 and charged with espionage—an accusation their family rejects.

In a statement issued by the family, it was reported that Mr. Foreman is being held in a small room with 57 other prisoners. Their sleeping arrangements consist of triple bunks without mattresses, inadequate ventilation, poor food, and little access to fresh air. He is also suffering from pain caused by untreated dental problems. According to the report, the UK Foreign Office has managed to deposit money into his account so that he can purchase essential supplies. Meanwhile, Mrs. Foreman is being held in a 140-square-meter space with about 70 other women. Her family reports that she has to endure extreme heat, frequent power cuts, insufficient food, and sleep on a metal bed that has caused chronic back pain.

During a meeting with the British ambassador in Tehran, Mrs. Foreman requested a transfer to another prison to be closer to her husband. She has also been allowed to maintain regular phone contact with him and meet with him once a week.

Their son, Joe Bent, said: “My parents’ resilience is admirable, but that does not make their situation acceptable. Their dignity is currently being violated, and we call on the government to take urgent steps to improve their conditions and maintain family contact.”

A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office also reacted to this report, stating: “We are deeply concerned about the espionage charges against two British citizens and have raised this matter directly with Iranian officials. We continue to provide consular assistance to them and remain in close contact with their family.”

The two British nationals, who had entered Iran during their global motorcycle journey, were arrested in December last year by the IRGC Intelligence Organization in Kerman. Judicial officials charged them with “espionage,” alleging that the couple, under the guise of tourism and research activities, had collected information across several provinces.

The then-British ambassador to Iran also met with the couple in Kerman’s prosecutor’s office in February of the same year.

In recent years, Iranian authorities have arrested several foreign nationals on charges such as espionage or collaboration with hostile governments. Some detainees have been released after a period of imprisonment following political negotiations. Human rights organizations and some Western governments have accused Iran of using such arrests as a tool of political pressure, but Iranian officials have consistently denied these allegations.

Omid Fathi on Hunger Strike in Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad

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News, Prisoners
Mashhad, Omid Fathi, Vakilabad prison, امید فتحی

HRANA – Political prisoner Omid Fathi has gone on hunger strike in Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad, in protest against his poor detention conditions and the authorities’ failure to uphold the principle of separation of crimes.

A source close to his family confirmed the news to HRANA, explaining: “Mr. Fathi was recently transferred to Ward 103 of Vakilabad Prison by order of the prison’s internal management and security. He has been denied separation of crimes, and his detention conditions are harsh, particularly as he suffers from health problems, including a herniated disc. In protest against this situation, he began his hunger strike on Thursday, September 4.”

In June, Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad sentenced Fathi to a fine of 50 million tomans in lieu of six months in prison. Unable to pay the fine, he was subsequently arrested and transferred to Vakilabad Prison.

Fathi, a resident of Mashhad, has previously been targeted by security authorities in connection with his activities.

HRANA’s data from the past decade shows that during this ten-year period, over 2,050 political prisoners and prisoners of conscience in Iran prisons have been forced to go on hunger strike in protest of various abuses—including prolonged detention, being held in legal limbo, unfair trials, poor prison conditions, and being held in solitary confinement or alongside inmates convicted of violent crimes.

Attorney Hesam Pourahmadi Held in Solitary Confinement

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News, Prisoners
Hesam Pourahmadi, HRANA, Lakan prison, Rasht, حسام پورمحمدی

HRANA – Attorney Hesam Pourahmadi has been held by security forces for a week and remains in solitary confinement at Lakan Prison in Rasht without due process.

Based on information obtained by HRANA, Mr. Pourahmadi was arrested by security forces a week ago and is currently held in solitary confinement in the “Misagh” ward of Lakan Prison in Rasht.

A source close to this attorney confirmed the news to HRANA, stating: “After Hesam Pourahmadi was arrested, his Instagram account was inspected by agents. The agents then claimed that in private messages to several people, he had expressed critical views against the regime, and they considered this the reason for his arrest.”

Hesam Pourahmadi is a member of the Gilan Bar Association.

Uncertainty and Hunger Strike of Taher Sarli in Gonbad-e Kavus Prison

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News, Prisoners
Gonbad-e Kavus Prison, HRANA, Taher Sarli, طاهر سارلی

HRANA – Twenty-three days after his arrest, Taher Sarli remains in a state of uncertainty in Gonbad-e Kavus Prison. In protest against this situation, he has been on hunger strike for the past nine days.

According to information received by HRANA, Sarli was arrested on August 5 for posting critical statements on social media and subsequently transferred to Gonbad-e Kavus Prison. Since then, he has been held without clear legal status, prompting him to begin a hunger strike.

Sarli suffers from diabetes and requires daily insulin injections. He also has a history of heart attack and is currently battling prostate cancer. Despite these serious health conditions, reports indicate that he has been denied access to adequate medical treatment.

As of the time of this report, no information has been made available regarding the charges against him.

Taher Sarli, approximately 50 years old, holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Azad University of Shahroud and a master’s degree in history from Azad University of Abhar. He has previously been arrested for his activities.

Neda Fotoohi and Zohreh Sarv Face Fresh Charges in Prison

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News, Prisoners
Iman Afshari, Mahsa Amini, Neda Fotoohi, Qarchak Prison, Zohreh Sarv, زهره سرو, ندا فتوحی

HRANA – Political prisoners Zohreh Sarv and Neda Fotoohi, held in Qarchak Varamin Prison, are now facing a new case filed against them at the Tehran Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office.

According to information received by HRANA, a recent power outage in Qarchak Prison led some inmates to chant protest slogans. In the aftermath, Branch 39 of the Tehran Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office opened a new case against Sarv and Fotoohi, accusing them of “insulting the Supreme Leader.”

In July of this year, Sarv’s six-year prison sentence was upheld in full after the Supreme Court approved her retrial request and the case was re-examined by another branch of the Revolutionary Court. Earlier, Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court had sentenced her to a total of seven years in prison on charges of “assembly and collusion” and “propaganda against the regime.” Under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, six years of that sentence remain enforceable.

In October last year, Sarv’s request for conditional release was once again denied, despite the fact that, including her pre-trial detention, she had already served more than one-third of her sentence.

Zohreh Sarv, 39, and active on social media under the name “Mah Far”, was arrested by security forces in August 2022. She has previously faced arrest and conviction.

Neda Fotoohi was also tried by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Iman Afshari. She was sentenced to a total of six years and eight months in prison on charges including “propaganda against the regime,” “membership in the Erfan-e Halgheh group,” and “assembly and collusion against national security” through attending and encouraging others to attend protests related to Mahsa Amini and her anniversary. This political prisoner, a resident of Tehran, was arrested by security forces in October 2023.