Latest Update on the Situation of Maryam Vahidifar in Evin Prison

Maryam Vahidifar, a 56-year-old prisoner, is currently serving a 17-month prison sentence in Evin Prison. She was sentenced by the Shahriar Revolutionary Court on security-related charges.

According to information obtained by HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, Ms. Vahidifar was arrested to serve her sentence and transferred to the women’s ward of Evin Prison on October 31, 2024.

A source close to Ms. Vahidifar’s family told HRANA, “Maryam’s arrest and sentencing were a result of her support for Saeed Mohammadi Doraki.”

Ms. Vahidifar was initially arrested by security forces in early winter last year and subsequently taken to Ward 209 of Evin Prison, the Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, for interrogation. She was later transferred to the women’s ward of Evin Prison on February 10, 2024.

After posting bail, she was temporarily released on March 1, 2024, before being re-arrested to serve her sentence.

Journalist Reza Valizadeh Sentenced to Ten Years Imprisonment and Additional Punishments

Reza Valizadeh, a journalist currently detained in Evin Prison, has been sentenced by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court to 10 years in prison, a two-year ban on leaving the country, and additional penalties.

According to Mohammad Hossein Aghasi, his attorney, the verdict issued by Judge Iman Afshari convicted Mr. Valizadeh of “collaboration with a hostile government (the United States).” Alongside the 10-year prison sentence, he has been banned from leaving the country, residing in Tehran Province or neighboring provinces, and joining any political or social parties or groups for two years as part of his supplementary punishments.

Despite the conclusion of investigations and the issuance of an initial verdict, Mr. Valizadeh remains confined to Evin Prison’s Ward 209, a section controlled by the Ministry of Intelligence, and is denied both transfer to the general ward and visitation with his family.

The trial for Mr. Valizadeh was held on November 20, following his arrest in late September by security forces. He had previously returned to Iran in March after living abroad for several years. Upon arrival, he was interrogated by the IRGC and Ministry of Intelligence and released only after signing a written commitment to cooperate with authorities if summoned.

Months later, he was detained again and transferred to Evin Prison. Voice of America previously reported that he is being held in isolation and remains barred from meeting his family.

Before his emigration, Mr. Valizadeh had been arrested in 2007 and was later released on bail. With probable dual citizenship, he is an experienced journalist, having worked with several media outlets, including Radio France, Voice of America, Radio Farda, and the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB).

In 2023, the Department of Statistics and Publications of the Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA) documented 2,380 cases in which citizens, including journalists and civil rights activists, faced legal and security consequences for exercising their freedom of expression and thought. These incidents resulted in the arrest of 3,130 individuals.

Concerns Over Imminent Executions: Saman Mohammadi and Mohammad-Amin Mahdavi Transferred to Solitary Confinement

Saman Mohammadi Khiare and Mohammad-Amin Mahdavi Shayesteh, two political prisoners sentenced to death, have been transferred to solitary confinement in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj. This move has heightened fears of their imminent execution.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, concerns over the execution of these two political prisoners have intensified following their transfer.

Mahdavi Shayesteh was recently moved from Evin Prison to solitary confinement in Ghezel Hesar Prison, while Saman Mohammadi was transferred from the general ward to solitary confinement in the same facility. Both individuals have been denied basic fair trial rights, including access to legal counsel of their choosing.

Saman Mohammadi Khiarah, a 34-year-old from Sanandaj, was arrested in January-February 2010 on charges of “enmity against God” (moharebeh). A few months later, Tehran’s Revolutionary Court Branch 15, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, sentenced him to death. However, due to insufficient evidence, the Supreme Court overturned the ruling and referred the case to a parallel court, which eventually sentenced him to 15 years of imprisonment for membership in opposition groups.

Despite this, under ambiguous circumstances and pressure from security agencies involved in the case, the initial sentence was overturned, and he was once again sentenced to death on the same charges.

A source close to Mohammadi’s family confirmed to HRANA that he had endured physical and psychological pressure during his detention and was coerced into confessing to allegations, including involvement in the killing of a military officer and another individual during the 2009 protests. However, he consistently denied these confessions during all investigation and trial phases.

Yesterday, December 14, Mohammadi’s family was informed of his transfer to solitary confinement. They visited Ghezel Hesar Prison for what they fear could be their final meeting with him. The family has expressed deep concern over the looming execution and urged authorities to halt the implementation of the death sentence and review his case.

Twenty-six-year-old political prisoner Mohammad-Amin Mahdavi Shayesteh was arrested in the fall of last year and sentenced to death by Tehran’s Revolutionary Court Branch 15, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, on charges of collaborating with Israel.

A source close to Mahdavi’s family told HRANA: “The allegations against Mohammad-Amin lack sufficient evidence, and he was subjected to severe pressure to extract confessions whose validity is questionable. Moreover, the process of his arrest and trial was fraught with clear injustices, and he was denied access to an attorney of his choice.”

The transfer of these two political prisoners to Ghezel Hesar Prison, a facility known for carrying out executions, has amplified fears of their imminent deaths. Human rights organizations have repeatedly raised alarms over the increasing number of death sentences in Iran.

Mehdi Bahman Sentenced to Prison by Revolutionary Court

Mehdi Bahman, a political prisoner held in Evin Prison, has been sentenced to five years and one month in prison by Branch 54 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, Bahman’s sentence was issued following a retrial ordered by the Supreme Court.

Previously, Branch 28 of the Revolutionary Court had issued the same sentence against Bahman. However, after his appeal was accepted, the Supreme Court overturned the ruling and referred the case back to Branch 54 for reconsideration.

In the initial stages of his case, Bahman faced charges of espionage. He was later acquitted of this accusation during the appeal process and ultimately sentenced to five years in prison.

Bahman was arrested on October 13, 2022, by security forces at his home and subsequently transferred to Ward 209 of Evin Prison, which is operated by the Ministry of Intelligence.

Mehdi Bahman is an author and illustrator known for his work in illuminating religious texts, including the Torah, Psalms, Gospel, and the Book of Ezra. His illustrated version of the Psalms is held in the Library of Congress, while his illuminated Book of Ezra is housed in Israel.

Atena Farghadani Sentenced to 8 Months in Prison on Appeal

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.