Category: Prisoners

Atena Farghadani Sentenced to 8 Months in Prison on Appeal

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Atena Farghadani, Iman Afshari, Qarchak Prison, Varamin, آتنا فرقدانی

The six-year prison sentence of Atena Farghadani, a prominent cartoonist and civil activist detained in Evin Prison, has been reduced to eight months following an appeals court ruling.

A social media page associated with Ms. Farghadani announced that the appeals court had acquitted her of the charge of blasphemy but sentenced her to eight months in prison for creating a cartoon titled “Class Inequality.”

Earlier, Tehran’s Revolutionary Court Branch 26, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, had sentenced her to five years for insulting sanctities and one year for propaganda against the regime.

Ms. Farghadani declined to participate in court sessions related to these charges.

On the evening of Saturday, April 13, 2024, she staged a protest by attempting to display one of her paintings on a wall in Tehran’s Pasteur Street. Security forces intervened violently during the act, arresting her and transferring her to Evin Prison.

Earlier, on June 7, 2023, she was detained after reporting to the Evin Prosecutor’s Office and subsequently transferred to Qarchak Prison in Varamin. Days later, the First Branch of the Evin Prosecutor’s Office charged her with disrupting public order. She was eventually released on bail.

Atena Farghadani has faced multiple arrests and convictions in the past due to her activism and artistic work.

Mashallah Karami, Father of Executed Protester, Faces Prison and Multiple Charges

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News, Prisoners
Central Prison of Karaj, HRANA, Mashallah Karami, Mohammad-Mehdi Karami, Nazarabad, Ruhollah Ajamian, ماشالله کرمی

Mashallah Karami, the father of executed protester Mohammad Mehdi Karami, is serving his sentence in the Central Prison of Karaj. His legal cases are being reviewed in two separate proceedings: his Revolutionary Court case is under appeal at the Supreme Court, while his Criminal Court case awaits a decision from the Court of Appeals.

A source familiar with his situation told HRANA: “Recently, Mashallah was sent to a specialized clinic for treatment due to blurred vision in one of his eyes. His Revolutionary Court case, in which he was sentenced to four years and three months in prison, is currently under appeal at the Supreme Court. Additionally, his Criminal Court case, in which he was sentenced to eight years and ten months in prison, a fine of 1.9 billion tomans, and asset confiscation, is pending the final verdict from the Court of Appeals.”

Karami, the father of Mohammad Mehdi (Koumar) Karami, an executed protester, was arrested on August 22, 2023, by security forces. During his arrest, authorities confiscated all electronic devices and froze the family’s bank accounts.
On October 28, 2023, he was transferred from The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility to the Central Prison of Karaj. After three months in quarantine, he was moved to Ward 15 of the prison.

Initially, on May 21, 2024, the Karaj Revolutionary Court sentenced Karami to five years in prison for “assembly and collusion against national security” and one year for “propaganda against the regime.” However, in September, the Alborz Province Court of Appeals reduced these sentences to three years and seven months for the first charge and eight months for the second.

In a separate case, in August 2024, the Criminal Court Branch 102 in Nazarabad convicted Karami of “money laundering and acquiring illicit wealth,” sentencing him to eight years and ten months in prison, a fine of 1.9 billion tomans, and confiscation of his assets.

Karami’s attorney, Ali Sharifzadeh, previously stated that the security-related charges against his client did not align with his actions. He explained: “Mr. Karami only distributed free meals, funded through public donations. This information was presented to the court but was not properly considered. Additionally, my client’s assets have no connection to the security charges leveled against him.”

In September, 2024, five citizens were fined by the Alborz Province Court of Appeals for providing financial assistance to Mashallah Karami. These individuals were previously convicted by the Karaj Revolutionary Court of “aiding in assembly and collusion against national security” through financial support to Karami, with each sentenced to two years in prison and fined 24 million tomans.

It is noteworthy that on January 7, 2023, Mohammad Mehdi Karami, one of the detainees from the nationwide protests, was executed in connection with the case known as the “murder of Basij member Ruhollah Ajamian.”

Political Detainee Nayereh Behnoud Held Over 70 Days Without Trial in Evin Prison

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News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, HRANA, Nayereh Behnoud, نیره بهنود

Nayereh Behnoud, a political detainee, has been held in Evin Prison for over 70 days without resolution.

A source familiar with her case told HRANA: “Ms. Behnoud has been in detention for over 70 days. She faces charges such as ‘propaganda against the regime’ and ‘assembly and collusion against national security through membership in opposition groups.’ However, her case remains in limbo, and no court hearing has been held to address the charges against her.”
Behnoud was arrested by security forces in Tehran in late September 2024.

Following approximately one month of interrogation at The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility in Ward 209 of Evin Prison, Behnoud was transferred to the women’s ward of the prison on October 21, 2024.

Houman Almasi: Over 600 Days of Uncertainty in Sheiban Prison Without Trial

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News, Prisoners
ahvaz, Houman Almasi, HRANA, Sheiban Prison, هومان الماسی

Houman Almasi, a political detainee, has been held in Sheiban Prison, Ahvaz, for over 600 days without trial or legal resolution, according to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran.

Despite his prolonged detention, authorities have taken no action to address his case or convene a court hearing.

On October 19, 2024, Mr. Almasi began a hunger strike to protest his indefinite legal limbo. Following this, he was transferred to solitary confinement within Sheiban Prison. He ended his hunger strike after receiving assurances from prison officials, after which he was returned to the general ward.

A source close to Mr. Almasi previously informed HRANA that the detainee, who suffers from kidney disease, has been denied specialized medical care and access to treatment outside the prison.

Houman Almasi was initially arrested in March-April 2023 by security forces and detained at The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility in Ahvaz. After two months of interrogation, he was transferred to Sheiban Prison, where he remains in custody.

As of this report, the charges against Mr. Almasi remain undisclosed.

Agrin Sedighi: Political Prisoner Serving Six-Month Sentence in Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad

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News, Prisoners
Agrin Sedighi, Mashhad, Vakilabad prison

Agrin Sedighi, a political prisoner, is currently serving her sentence in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. Ms. Sedighi was previously sentenced to six months in prison by Branch 1 of the Mashhad Revolutionary Court.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, Ms. Sedighi, aged around 23, is serving her prison term in the women’s ward of Vakilabad Prison.

Based on HRANA’s findings, Ms. Sedighi was arrested on July 17, 2024, after appearing before Branch 21 of the Mashhad Prosecutor’s Office for enforcement of sentences. She was then transferred to Vakilabad Prison. Earlier, Branch 1 of the Mashhad Revolutionary Court had sentenced her to six months in prison on charges of “propaganda on the Internet in support of the Zionist regime.”

The activities cited in support of these charges included social media posts, which the court interpreted as examples of propaganda against the regime.

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Nasrin Roshan: Iranian-British Dual National Serving Three-Year Sentence in Evin Prison

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News, Prisoners
Iman Afshari, Mahsa Amini, Nasrin Roshan, Tehran, نسرین روشن

Nasrin Roshan, an Iranian-British dual national, is currently serving a three-year prison sentence in Evin Prison. Her sentence was handed down by the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, the initial ruling against Ms. Roshan was issued by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari. She was originally sentenced to four years for “assembly and collusion against national security” and an additional eight months for “propaganda against the regime.” However, after filing an appeal, her total sentence was reduced to three years.

Sources close to the case have reported that the charges against Ms. Roshan, who resided in the United Kingdom for many years, were based on her participation in protests abroad following the death of Mahsa Amini.

HRANA’s investigation revealed that Ms. Roshan was arrested on November 16, 2023, at Imam Khomeini International Airport while attempting to leave Iran. She was subsequently detained in a solitary confinement cell within the Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, known as Ward 209 of Evin Prison.

Born in 1963, Ms. Roshan was transferred to the women’s ward of Evin Prison on January 1, 2024, after completing her interrogation.

This case highlights the ongoing risks faced by dual nationals and activists engaging in protests or dissent abroad.

Reports from the Department of Statistics and Publication of HRA in 2023 indicate a total of 193 cases in which Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, has been involved in issuing verdicts that infringe upon the human rights of defendants.

Narges Mohammadi Released on Medical Leave Following Suspension of Sentence

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News, Prisoners
Mostafa Nili, Narges Mohammadi, نرگس محمدی

Today, December 4, Narges Mohammadi, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and human rights activist, was granted a 21-day medical leave after her prison sentence was temporarily suspended.

Her lawyer, Mostafa Nili, explained, “Based on a forensic report, the Tehran prosecutor suspended her sentence for three weeks due to her medical condition following surgery to remove a tumor and a bone graft performed 21 days ago. Fortunately, the tumor was benign, but she requires check-ups every three months.”

Mohammadi has long suffered from heart conditions, breast masses, and chronic back pain. Despite needing urgent medical care, including angiography, she often faced denial of access to treatment. On October 27, she was hospitalized for surgery and  returned to prison on November 16.

Narges Mohammadi has faced numerous convictions, totaling 15 years and 6 months of prison sentences, as well as 154 lashes, exile, and restrictions on travel and social activities.

In 2023, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Narges Mohammadi for her “for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her fight to promote human rights and freedom for all.”

Mostafa Tajzadeh Sentenced to Six Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Abolghasem Salavati, Evin Prison, Mostafa Tajzadeh

Mostafa Tajzadeh, a political prisoner held in Evin Prison, has been sentenced to six years in prison by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court on charges stemming from a new case opened against him during his incarceration.

A recent verdict issued by Judge Abolghasem Salavati of Branch 15 sentenced Tajzadeh to one year in prison for “propaganda against the regime” and five years for “assembly and collusion against national security,” totaling six years. Under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the most severe sentence—five years—will be enforceable.

Fakhrosadat Mohtashami-Pour, Tajzadeh’s wife, revealed that the case was filed by the IRGC Intelligence Organization. She also noted that this is the third time since 2009 that Judge Salavati has issued a new sentence against her husband.

In March 2024, a new case was opened against Tajzadeh while he was already imprisoned, and he was summoned to Evin Prosecutor’s Office. At the time, Tajzadeh stated: “As before, I refused to accept the summons and declared that I would not appear in court or the prosecutor’s office. The judiciary is free to convict me in absentia.”

Previously, Tajzadeh had criticized the revival of the the “Guidance Patrol” program known as “Noor Plan” by the Iranian police (FARAJA). In a letter from Evin Prison, he attributed the reinstatement of this program to the orders or approval of Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader, writing: “No authority other than the Leader can mandate directives for the police.” Tajzadeh, who served as the Deputy Interior Minister for Political Affairs for several years, emphasized in his letter that only the Supreme Leader has such authority over the police.

The prominent political activist was apprehended by security forces on July 8, 2022, and subsequently transferred to Ward 2-A in Evin Prison under the control of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). After months of legal uncertainty, Tajzadeh was sentenced to eight years in prison by Branch 15 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran, presided over by Judge Salavati. The charges included “assembly and collusion against national security,” “disseminating false information,” and “propaganda against the regime,” with five years of the verdict deemed enforceable.

Tajzadeh, who previously served as the deputy interior minister under President Mohammad Khatami, has a history of judicial confrontations and periods of incarceration stemming from his activism.

Toomaj Salehi Released from Prison After Serving Sentence

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News, Prisoners
Amir Raisian, Isfahan, Mostafa Nili, Toomaj Salehi, توماج صالحی

The public relations office of Isfahan’s Judiciary has announced that Toomaj Salehi, a protest rapper, was released from prison on Sunday, December 1, 2024, after completing a one-year sentence for “propaganda against the regime.”

The Judiciary’s media center, citing the Isfahan Judiciary’s public relations office, confirmed that Mr. Salehi’s release marked the end of his imprisonment on these charges.

Recently, Mostafa Nili, one of Salehi’s lawyers, revealed that Branch 5 of the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan had closed his 2022 case, issuing a decision to discontinue prosecution.

Earlier, another of Salehi’s lawyers, Amir Raisian, had disclosed that the same court had dismissed the charge of “spreading corruption on earth” (efsad-e-fel-arz), which had initially resulted in a death sentence, and instead acquitted him of that charge.

In April of this year, Salehi was sentenced to death by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan on the charge of “corruption on earth.” However, following an appeal, Branch 39 of the Supreme Court overturned the death sentence in early July and referred the case to Branch 5 of the Revolutionary Court for further review.

Salehi’s release concludes a complex legal ordeal that included facing and ultimately overcoming charges that carried the death penalty.

Salehi was arrested in late October 2022 in connection with the nationwide protests by security forces. Official news agencies claimed that he was attempting to illegally leave the country through the western borders, a claim denied by his associates. In July last year, he was sentenced by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court in Isfahan to six years and three months in prison, a travel ban, a ban on producing music and singing, and two years of mandatory behavior management and skills training. After this sentence was overturned by Branch 39 of the Supreme Court, he was released on bail on November 18, 2023.

Nevertheless, Salehi’s freedom was short-lived as he was re-arrested in Babol on November 30, just twelve days after being bailed out from Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan. The Judiciary spokesperson cited Salehi’s post-release statement as grounds for this subsequent arrest.

In January of 2024, in another part of his case, the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan sentenced him to one year in prison, two years of passport invalidation, and participation in behavior management courses on the charge of ‘propaganda against the regime.’ This sentence was upheld by the Isfahan Provincial Court of Appeals in late February. Late last year, Branch 117 of Criminal Court 2 in Isfahan acquitted him of the charges of ‘spreading falsehoods’ and ‘inciting violence.’

Toomaj Salehi, a protest rapper from Shahin Shahr, Isfahan, had previously been sentenced to six months in prison and a fine in 2021 for ‘insulting the Supreme Leader’ and ‘propaganda against the regime.’

Prolonged Legal Limbo: Fariborz Sebghatollahi Held Without Trial in Rasht

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News, Prisoners
Astara, Fariborz Sebghatollahi, HRANA, Lakan prison, فریبرز سبقت اللهی

Fariborz Sebghatollahi, a political detainee from Astara, has been held in legal limbo at Lakan Prison in Rasht for over 130 days.

HRANA’s sources report that he was charged in a Rasht prosecutor’s office on suspicion of membership in an opposition group. For the past 136 days, he has been held without resolution in Lakan Prison, and no court hearing has been scheduled.

Sebghatollahi was arrested on July 17, 2024, by Astara Intelligence Ministry agents. He was initially detained at The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility in Astara for two days before being transferred to the Ministry’s detention center in Rasht. After interrogation, he was moved to Lakan Prison.

Previously, a source informed HRANA: “Sebghatollahi was repeatedly subjected to interrogations, psychological torture, threats against his family, and humiliation while in detention at the Ministry of Intelligence facility in Rasht. During his arrest, his daughter, daughter-in-law, ex-wife, and several friends were also detained but later released.”

Sebghatollahi, approximately 50 years old, resides in Astara.