Protests Spread to at least 20 Cities in Iran 

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, in recent days, triggered by soaring food prices, protests sparked in at least 20 cities in Iran. Protests took place in Dezful, Shahrekord, Andimeshk, Izeh, Junaqan, Khorramabad, Fashafouyeh, Farsan, Borujerd, Dehdasht, Dorud, Ardabil, Neyshabur, Suq, Rasht, Ahvaz, Yazd, Shadegan, Susangerd, and Yasuj. On Sunday, May 15, 2022, despite the tightening of security measures, the protest continued in several cities.

From the outset, the regime disrupted internet services in several cities in an attempt to prevent the protests.

On Friday, May 6, 2022, following the call on social media for rallying against soaring bread prices, in some cities in Khuzestan Province, the Iranian regime tightened security measures on the streets and disrupted internet and phone services to disrupt protests. Nonetheless, the day after, protests broke out in various cities of Khuzestan Province and beyond. Since then, the protests have continued in more than 20 cities. In most cases, protests turned violent by the police and security forces who used tear gas, warning shots, and pellet guns to scatter the crowds.

During the unrest, dozens of people were arrested. HRANA has obtained the identity of 20 of the individuals who were arrested in Ahvaz, 13 in Susangerd, 7 in Suq, and five in Shawr.

The regime forces have killed at least two protestors during the unrest, of which, one death has been confirmed by the city of Shahrekord’s representative in Iran’s Majles (parliament).

Update on Arrested European Nationals

Two European Nationals who were arrested by the Ministry of Intelligence have been identified as Cécile Kohler, a French teachers’ union official, and her husband. They were visiting Iran as tourists.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, on May 11, 2022, without revealing the identities of the individuals arrested, the Ministry of Intelligence announced the arrests of two European nationals for alleged espionage and “association with foreign intelligence services.” These individuals have been recently identified as Cécile Kohler and her husband, two French nationals. 

The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged Iran to release the two French citizens immediately.

Earlier, the Ministry of Intelligence claimed: “These two European individuals, who had entered the country with the purpose of taking advantage of the people’s will to cause unrest, chaos, and social disorder, were detected and apprehended by security forces.”

Two European Nationals Arrested in Iran

Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence announced the arrest of two European nationals for alleged espionage and “association with foreign intelligence services.”

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, quoting Ensaf News, this claim was released in a statement by the public relations office of The Ministry of Intelligence. 

Without revealing the identities and nationalities of those arrested, the Ministry of Intelligence claimed: “These two European individuals, who had entered the country with the purpose of taking advantage of the people’s will to cause unrest, chaos, and social disorder, were detected and apprehended by security forces.”

The statement also claimed that the two individuals are related to ” foreign intelligence services” and were in contact with the Coordination Council of the Iranian Teachers’ Trade Association. 

Earlier also, on May 6, 2022, Iran’s regime arrested a Swedish tourist who was visiting Iran through a tour agency.

At Least Ten Citizens Arrested During Protests in Khuzestan

In Khuzestan Province, the officials have attempted to quell the ongoing unrest through tightening security measures, disrupting the internet and telephones, and blackouts. Following the call for protests in the media, at least ten individuals were arrested by security forces and transferred to an unidentified location.

Those individuals who were arrested in Susangerd have been identified as Saeed Dahimi, age 35, Ali Moghinmi, age 40, Hossein Maghinami, age 22, Jasem Bohrani, Hashem Bohrani, Mohammad Tarfi who have been arrested. Also, Adel Hamadi, Mostafa Chalavi, Abbas Chaldavi and Emad Savari were arrested in Ahvaz.

The reports indicate the tightening of security measures and the constant presence of police and security forces in the streets in high numbers. Reportedly, the police used tear gas to crack down on the protests in Izeh City.

One of the civil activists described the unrest: “on last Friday evening, the protests were sparked in Susangerd and a lot of people poured into the streets chanting slogans against the high level of inflation and difficult economic conditions. In the Arab regions of Ahvaz, we witnessed street protests and burning tires.”

In recent days, increased prices and rationing of bread have ignited protests and widespread backlash in Iran.

Swedish Tourist Arrested in Iran

A Swedish newspaper reported the arrest of a Swedish tourist in Iran. According to this report, he had travelled to Iran on a tour.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, quoting Swedish newspaper  Aftonbladet, a Swedish citizen was arrested while he was leaving Iran.

Without revealing the individual’s identity, this newspaper mentioned that he is about 30 years old and speculated the arrest is the Iranian regime’s attempt to retaliate against the ongoing trial of Hamid Nouri, who has been accused of complicity in the mass executions of political prisoners in the 1980s. In November 2019, Hamid Nouri was arrested in Sweden and indicted for a “crime against humanity.”

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Three Individuals Arrested and Accused of Association with Foreign Intelligence Services

The Ministry of Intelligence announced that three individuals have been arrested and accused of “association with foreign intelligence services.”

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, quoting Fars News Agency, three individuals were arrested in Sistan and Baluchestan Province allegedly for “association with foreign intelligence services.”

Without mentioning any details about the individuals arrested, the Ministry of Intelligence’s statement  stated, “these individuals who are associated with Israel’s intelligence service have published classified documents.”

Although the prosecution of individuals for espionage is not considered a violation of human rights, there are concerns about the validity of these allegations due to the frequent use of such accusations by the Iranian regime to suppress its political dissidents and due to the ambiguities in legal proceedings and the lack of transparency about such legal cases.  

Hassan Yazdani and Jalal Khaksar Arrested by Security Forces in Quchan

Recently, security forces arrested two individuals named Hassan Yazdani and Jalal Khaksar in Quchan City located in Khorasan Razavi Province.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, in recent days, Hassan Yazdani, age 45, and Jalal Khaksar, age 44, were arrested by security forces in Quchan and transferred to an unidentified location.

The agents did not show arrest warrants. Reportedly, these individuals had been arrested after returning from Kurdistan Province.

The reasons for this arrest and the charges are still unknown.

Thirteen Citizens Arrested and Accused of Impurity and Prostitution 

Deputy attorney of the Public and Revolutionary Court of Yasuj announced the arrest of 13 citizens for what he called “provoking and provision of indecency and prostitution.”

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, quoting ISNA, thirteen citizens were arrested and accused of provoking indecency.

Deputy attorney of the Public and Revolutionary Court of Yasuj, Hamid Naderian claimed:

“The Moral Security Police of the province identified the place where the activities tainted with indecency and prostitution in an organized manner were taking place. By the order of the prosecutor of the Public and Revolutionary Court, in an operation, the inhabitants who were accommodated in groups and in several apartments were arrested.”

“These individuals have been charged with prostitution and severe punishment up to 10 years imprisonment awaits them. Also, by the order of the prosecutor, the building is closed until further notice.”

The Moral Security Police is a sub-branch of the Intelligence and Public Security Police that acts as an Islamic religious police center.

100 People Arrested; 85 Businesses Closed for Breaking Ramadan Rules

Deputy Police Chief of Gilan Province announced that so far, since the beginning of the month of Ramadan, they have shut down 85 shops and arrested 100 people for breaking the mandatory fasting rules, namely serving food, eating, and drinking in public. Also, 1500 citizens have received warning notices for breaking these rules.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, quoting Mehr News Agency, Deputy Police Chief of Gilan reported the indictment of175 businesses and the arrest of 100 people for breaking the Ramadan fasting rules.

According to the Deputy Police Chief, “During this time, more than 85 businesses have been closed and 1000 individuals who were eating and drinking in public received warning from the authorities, of which 400 people were forced to sign a  commitment letter attesting to not to breaking the Ramadan rules.” 

Earlier, Mohammad-Jafar Montazeri, Prosecutor-General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in a letter asked the commander chief of police for preventive measures against those who break the rules of Ramadan and do not respect Sharia laws.

Eating and drinking during the month of Ramadan have not been explicitly criminalized in Iranian laws. Based on Article 638 of the Islamic Penal Code, committing an act that the Islamic jurisprudence considers Haram (forbidden) can be subject to a penalty of either ten days to two months imprisonment or flogging of up to 74 lashes.

Vahed Sheikh Mohammadi Sentenced to Six Months in Prison

Following a series of convictions against some residents of Oshnavieh County in West Azerbaijan Province, the Revolutionary Court of Oshnavieh sentenced Vahed Sheikh Mohammadi, the resident of Oshnavieh County, to six months in prison.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, quoting Kurdpa News Outlet, Vahed Sheikh Mohammadi, the resident of  Oshnavieh was sentenced to six months on the charge of “collaboration with an anti-regime party”.

On January 30, 2021, security forces arrested Mr Sheikh Mohammadi and transferred him to a detention centre in Urmia. On March 10, 2021, he was relocated from there to Urmia Prison. Three days later, he was released on bail until the end of the legal proceeding.