Azerbaijani-Turk Activist Milad Jalili Begins Prison Term for Political Rap

On June 5, 2024, Azerbaijani-Turk activist Milad Jalili commenced his eight-month prison sentence at Tabriz Prison. This sentence was confirmed by Branch 32 of the Appellate Court of East Azerbaijan Province.

In a video on his personal page, Jalili shared that he had begun serving his term. Originally arrested on November 28, 2023, by security forces in Tabriz, where he resides and is known as a rapper, Jalili was initially released on bail on January 29, 2024.

The Revolutionary Court of Tabriz had sentenced him for “propaganda against the regime by performing political rap music in support of convicted secessionists.” However, he was acquitted of the charges related to “acting against national security through inciting people to cause unrest.” The appellate court upheld this verdict.

Update on Sanaz Jahan Tigh’s Imprisonment in Tir Kala Prison, Sari

Sanaz Jahan Tigh, a political prisoner and one of the detainees during the nationwide protests of 2022, is currently serving a two-year and six-month sentence at Tir Kala Prison in Sari.

Jahan Tigh was detained by security forces in late August 2023 and subsequently sentenced on September 9, 2023, to two years and six months in prison by the Sari Revolutionary Court. The charges against her, as reported by HRANA, include “propaganda against the regime” and “insulting the Supreme Leader of Iran.”

During her arrest, security agents conducted a search of her residence, confiscating various personal items such as books and manuscripts.

Jahan Tigh, who is about 30 years old and hails from Ghaemshahr, has been arrested twice before for her involvement in the 2021 nationwide protests. She has previously spent time in detention facilities in both Sari and Ghaemshahr, released on bail each time.

Additionally, she had been arrested in connection with earlier protests in Khuzestan and subsequently released after securing bail.

 

Overview of Political Prisoner Reza Mohammad-Hosseini’s Legal Situation in Ghezel Hesar Prison

Political prisoner Reza Mohammad-Hosseini is currently incarcerated in Ghezel Hesar Prison and has been prohibited from making phone calls to his family since May 10.

The cause of this restriction remains unclear, though it may relate to his recently published audio message. In this recording, he disclosed that the IRGC forces barred him from authorizing his brother to manage exclusive inheritance affairs.

Mohammad-Hosseini was initially detained by security forces at his home on May 1, 2023, and held in Detention A-1, under IRGC Intelligence’s jurisdiction. After a period, he was relocated to the quarantine section of Evin Prison and subsequently moved to Ghezel Hesar Prison upon his indictment.

In January 2024, the Tehran Appellate Court convicted him on multiple charges, resulting in a total sentence of 14 years and six months. He received six years and three months for “membership in anti-regime groups to undermine national security,” the same term for “assembly and collusion against national security,” one year for “spreading propaganda against the regime,” property confiscation on charges of “illegal acquisition of property,” and an additional year for “defying government officers on duty.”

 

Five-Year Sentence for Mohammad-Hassan Sadeghian Confirmed by Appellate Court

The Appellate Court of Razavi Khorasan Province has upheld the five-year prison sentence of Mohammad-Hassan Sadeghian, who was detained during the nationwide protests in 2022. He is currently incarcerated in Vakilabad Prison.

Originally, the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad convicted Sadeghian on several charges, including “assembly and collusion against national security,” “propaganda against the regime,” and “disturbing public order.”

Sadeghian was arrested at his home on September 25, 2022, and has been held in Vakilabad Prison since his arrest.

Overview of Political Prisoner Elahe Fooladi’s Legal Situation in Evin Prison

Elahe Fooladi, a political prisoner, is currently serving a five-year sentence in Evin Prison, following a conviction by the Tehran Revolutionary Court on charges of “propaganda against the regime” and “assembly and collusion against national security.”

A source close to the Fooladi family informed HRANA that she has been in the Women’s ward of Evin Prison since December 12, 2023.

Fooladi, approximately 46 years old and originally from Khalkhal, has previously experienced imprisonment. In early 2020, she and her husband were detained by security forces and held in Evin Prison until her conditional release later that summer.

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Reza Khazaie Attacked in Ghezel Hesar Prison After Exposing Conditions

Reza Khazaie, an inmate at Ghezel Hesar Prison, was physically attacked by prison guards and placed in solitary confinement as punitive action today, May 30.

This incident followed the recent dissemination of a video by a group of inmates, including Khazaie, detailing the prison’s harsh conditions. HRANA received and published this video yesterday, in which inmates highlighted severe issues such as frequent executions and widespread violence and abuse against prisoners at Ghezel Hesar.

Khazaie is currently serving a 30-year sentence for drug-related offenses.

According to data gathered by the Department of Statistics and Publication of Human Rights Activists, Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj witnessed the highest number of executions in 2023, with Zahedan Prison following closely behind. For a comprehensive examination of the details and statistics surrounding the executions in Iran, refer to HRANA’s report.

 

Sama Amooshahi Detained in Isfahan

On May 25, 2024, Sama (Samaneh) Amooshahi, aged 33, was taken into custody by security forces in Isfahan.

A report from HRANA highlights that she was apprehended at her home in Isfahan. Amooshahi, who is battling thyroid cancer, is in a precarious health situation due to limited access to necessary medications and treatment, causing significant concern among her family members.

Previously, on July 11, 2023, Amooshahi and 11 others were separately detained by security personnel in Isfahan. She was subsequently released on bail from a prison in Isfahan the following month. Given that her legal proceedings are still underway at the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office of Isfahan, her recent arrest appears to be connected to the ongoing case.

Political Prisoner Ali Maghsadjoo Denied Medical Care in Evin Prison

Ali Maghsadjoo, a political prisoner, is currently serving an 18-month sentence in Evin Prison and has been denied necessary medical care despite suffering from significant health issues.

According to a source close to his family, speaking to HRANA, Maghsadjoo requires treatment for back and knee problems that necessitate attention from a hospital outside the prison environment. However, prison authorities have consistently refused to allow him hospital access.

Maghsadjoo was initially detained by security forces on July 6, 2022, and held in Ward 209 of Evin Prison, which is managed by the Ministry of Intelligence. He was formally charged after three months and temporarily released on bail. Judge Abolghasem Salavati of Branch 15 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran sentenced him to two years on charges including “propaganda against the regime,” “assembly and collusion against national security,” and “collecting and leaking classified data.” This sentence was later reduced to 18 months following a plea of no contest.

The 48-year-old father of two began his incarceration at Evin Prison on June 24, 2023.

Four Political Detainees Face Armed Rebellion Charges

Pouya Ghobadi, Babak Alipour, Abolhassan Montazer, and Seyed-Mohammad Taghavi have been recently indicted of armed rebellion (Baghi) by the Public and Revolutionary Court of Tehran. This charge which carries the potential for severe penalties, including the death penalty, raises concerns.

On May 14, 2024, these individuals were indicted of “armed rebellion” for allegations of their involvement with an anti-regime group” and “assembly and collusion against national security.”

Earlier HRANA reported that another political detainee Vahid Bani-Amerian has also faced the same charges. He has been reportedly moved from Ward 209 of Evin prison to the quarantine section of this prison, following his indictment.

Under the Islamic penal code, Baghi is a grievous offense that can lead to severe punishments, including execution, amputation of the right hand and left foot, and exile.

Abolhassan Montazer and Babak Alipour were arrested separately in Tehran on December 22, 2023. Pouya Ghobadi was detained by security forces in Chaldoran, West Azerbaijan province, on February 23, 2024, and subsequently transferred to Maku and then Evin prison. Seyed Mohammad Taqavi was also detained by security forces late last year.

Prior Arrest and Conviction:

Montazer, 65, a political prisoner from the 1980s, was arrested in 2018, sentenced to five years, and released from Rajai-Shahr Prison in Karaj under a pardon directive after serving three years of his prison term.

Babak Alipour was also previously arrested with his brother Roozbeh while working at a market in Rasht on November 4, 2018. Sentenced to seven years for “membership in anti-regime groups and insulting the Supreme Leader,” he began his sentence at Lakan Prison in Rasht and was released from Evin Prison last spring.

Pouya Ghobadi, an electrical engineering graduate from the University of Sanandaj, was initially arrested in May 2018, sentenced to eighteen years and exile, and was released in 2022 under a pardon directive.

Seyed Mohammad Taqavi, 57, also a former political detainee from the 1980s, holds a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design from Tehran University and has previously served a prison sentence.

Mashallah Karami Sentenced to Six Years in Prison

Mashallah Karami was sentenced to six years in prison by the Revolutionary Court of Karaj. This follows the execution of his son, Mohammad-Mehdi Karami, by the regime for his participation in the 2022 nationwide protests.

On May 20, 2024, Branch 2 of the Revolutionary Court in Karaj handed down a verdict sentencing Karami to five years for “assembly and collusion against national security” and an additional year for “propaganda against the regime.”

In March, Karami’s lawyer, Sharifzadeh Ardekani, revealed that his client also faces charges of “acquisition of illegal property” and “money laundering,” which are pending in the Criminal Court of Nazarabad.

Karami was arrested at his home on August 22, 2023. During the arrest, authorities conducted a search, seizing various items from him and his family.

He was initially detained at the Ministry of Intelligence facility before being transferred to the Central Prison of Karaj on October 28, 2023. After spending three months in the prison’s quarantine section, Karami was moved to Ward 15.

It is notable that Mohammad Mehdi Karami and Mohammad Hosseini, both implicated in the death of Basij militia member Ruhollah Ajamian, were executed on January 7, 2023.

Background on the 2022 Nationwide Protests

The arrest of Mahsa Amini by Tehran Morality Police for her improper hijab and her suspicious death on September 16 sparked protests sweeping across Iran. Protesters came to the streets with the central slogan “Women, Life, Freedom” in protest against the performance, laws, and structure of the regime. During the nationwide protests, thousands of people, including journalists, artists, lawyers, teachers, students, and civil rights activists, were arrested.