Category: Prisoners

January Protests: Death Sentence of Sasan Azadvar Junaqani Upheld by Supreme Court

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Executions, News, Prisoners
Dastgerd Prison, HRANA, Isfahan, Mahmoud Kazemzadeh, Sasan Azadvar Junaqani

HRANA – The death sentence of Sasan Azadvar Junaqani, who was arrested during the January 2026 protests and is currently being held in one of the solitary confinement cells of Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan, has been upheld by the Supreme Court.

Based on information received by HRANA, his death sentence was upheld by the Supreme Court some time ago. Additionally, yesterday his family was summoned to the prison and met with him.
A family member, in an interview with an HRANA journalist, described the meeting as a “last visit,” adding: “Given that Azadvar is being held in solitary confinement, his family is deeply concerned about his condition.”

Sasan Azadvar Junaqani was arrested on January 1, 2026, during nationwide protests in Isfahan. He was later tried in March 2026 by Branch One of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court, presided over by Seyed Mahmoud Kazemzadeh, with advisor Mohammad Vakili.

On March 17, 2026, his verdict was issued. He was sentenced to death on charges of moharebeh, including:
(a) effectively inciting military forces to desert and refuse to carry out their duties during unrest with the intent to oppose the regime and overthrow the government;
(b) destruction of public property and disruption of public order.

He was also sentenced to 15 months in prison for “propaganda against the system,” 7 years in prison for “inciting or provoking people to engage in war and killing one another with the intent to disrupt national security,” including encouraging unrest in public and online spaces, 25 months in prison for insulting the Supreme Leader.

Sasan Azadvar Junaqani, 21, is a karate athlete and a resident of Isfahan.

It should be noted that following the onset of military conflict between the United States–Israel and Iran on February 28, 2026, the issuance and implementation of death sentences against prisoners facing political and security-related charges have intensified, driven by an expedited judicial process.

It should be noted that protests and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025, and within two days spread beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests became one of the largest protest movements of recent years. Following the crackdown by security and law enforcement forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security agencies. For more information, readers may refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “Crimson Winter,” documenting the first fifty days following the outbreak of Iran’s nationwide protests.

January Protests: Report on the Latest Status of Ilya Ben-Rashid in Dastgerd Prison, Isfahan

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News, Prisoners
Dastgerd Prison, HRANA, Ilya Ben-Rashid, Isfahan

HRANA – Ilya Ben-Rashid, one of those arrested during the January protests in Shahin Shahr, has been in detention for nearly 100 days and is currently being held in Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan. Recently, a court session was held to address the charges against him, including moharebeh (enmity against God), at the Isfahan Revolutionary Court.

An informed source confirmed to HRANA: “In early April, a court session reviewing Ilya’s charges was held via video conference at Branch 5 of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court. He faces charges including moharebeh through alleged involvement in the destruction of public property, assembly and collusion to commit crimes against national security, and propaganda against the regime. During the session, he defended himself against these accusations.”

The source added: “Ilya has lost both of his parents and, prior to his arrest, lived with his grandparents. Given their advanced age, pursuing his legal case has become difficult. Additionally, Ilya has been denied access to a lawyer of his choice.”

Mr. Ben-Rashid was arrested on January 22, 2026, in connection with the nationwide protests in Shahin Shahr, Isfahan. He was later formally charged on February 21, at Branch 2 of the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Shahin Shahr.

Ilya Ben-Rashid is 22 years old and a resident of Shahin Shahr, Isfahan.

Political Prisoner Vahid Chavaran at Risk of Vision Loss Amid Lack of Medical Treatment in Prison

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News, Prisoners
HRANA, Ilam, Vahid Chavaran, Zahedan Prison, وحید چاوران

HRANA – Vahid Chavaran, a political prisoner, has been serving his sentence in exile in Zahedan Prison since May of 2025. Despite suffering from physical health issues, he has been deprived of proper medical care and family visits.

An informed source close to Chavaran’s family confirmed the situation to HRANA, stating: “Vahid is suffering from an eye condition in Zahedan Prison and, due to the lack of specialized medical care, he faces a serious risk of losing his eyesight. Doctors have emphasized the need to transfer him to a hospital for specialized treatment, but prison authorities have so far prevented this.”

According to the same source, in addition to being denied medical services, Vahid Chavaran has also been deprived of the right to family visits.

In May of last year, Vahid Chavaran was transferred from Ilam Prison to Zahedan Prison to serve his 12-year sentence in exile.

He had previously been sentenced by Branch 1 of the Ilam Revolutionary Court to 12 years of imprisonment in exile on charges including participation in moharebeh (enmity against God) through the use of a light automatic firearm, disruption of public order, and insulting the Supreme Leader.

Vahid Chavaran was arrested on June 23, 2023, while attempting to leave the country. He was later transferred to The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility in Ilam, and after the interrogation process, he was eventually moved to Ilam Prison.

Death Sentence of Naser Bakrzadeh Upheld by the Supreme Court

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Executions, News, Prisoners
HRANA, irgc, IRGC Intelligence, Naser Bakrzadeh, Naser Bekrzadeh

HRANA – The Supreme Court has upheld the death sentence of Naser Bakrzadeh, a political prisoner held in Urmia Prison, for the third time. He had previously been sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court of Urmia on charges of espionage for Israel.

According to Kurdpa, following confirmation by Iran’s highest judicial authority, the ruling was officially communicated to Mr. Bakrzadeh on April 25 at the sentence enforcement office of Urmia Prison.

Naser Bakrzadeh was arrested in January 2024. He was initially held for some time in the IRGC Intelligence Detention Facility in Urmia before being transferred to Urmia Prison.

He was first sentenced to death in November 2024 by Branch 3 of the Revolutionary Court of Urmia on charges of “espionage for Israel and cooperation with the Mossad intelligence service.” This ruling was overturned by the Supreme Court in April 2025, and his case was referred to a parallel branch for reconsideration.

For the second time, he was sentenced to death in September 2025 by Branch 2 of the Revolutionary Court of Urmia on the charge of “espionage for Israel.” This sentence was also overturned by the Supreme Court in November 2025. He was again sentenced to death for the third time on February 3, 2026 by Branch 2 of the Revolutionary Court of Urmia, presided over by Judge Shahini.

According to an informed source close to his family, Naser Bakrzadeh, approximately 27 years old, was denied basic rights during his detention, including the ability to contact and meet with his family.

Sunni Prisoner Ali Soveidi Transferred to Hospital Following Deteriorating Health

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News, Prisoners
ahvaz, Ali Soveidi, HRANA, Sheiban Prison, sunni prisoner

HRANA- Ali Soveidi, a Sunni prisoner held in Ward 8 of Sheiban Prison in Ahvaz, was transferred from prison to a hospital due to his deteriorating physical condition.

A source close to Mr. Soveidi’s family, confirming the news, told HRANA:
“This Sunni prisoner suffers from several illnesses, including kidney problems, diabetes, and high blood lipids. On Sunday, April 19, he lost consciousness in prison due to a drop in blood pressure and was subsequently transferred to a hospital. However, prison authorities have not allowed his family to visit him and have not even disclosed the name of the hospital to which he was transferred. Since then, his family has remained unaware of his condition. The lack of information about his health has increased the concern of his family and relatives.”

Mr. Soveidi was arrested on October 3, 2018, in the village of Hajiyeh, a district of Dasht-e Azadegan County. He is currently being held in Ward 8 of Sheiban Prison in Ahvaz.

Ali Soveidi had previously been arrested by the Intelligence Office last year and was released from prison in May 2018 on bail.

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Report on the Latest Status of Soheil Arabi in Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj

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News, Prisoners
Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, Karaj, Soheil Arabi, سهیل عربی

HRANA – Soheil Arabi, a political defendant imprisoned in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj, is still being held in a state of uncertainty in this prison. He was recently summoned to attend an interrogation session after receiving an official notice.

An informed source close to Arabi’s family confirmed the news to HRANA, stating: “Mr. Arabi has been held in solitary confinement in Ghezel Hesar Prison since his arrest, without a clear status. During interrogations, he was beaten by prison officers. He was eventually transferred to a hospital outside the prison and then returned to solitary confinement.”

According to this source, Arabi, who is facing charges of membership in anti-government groups, was recently summoned to attend an interrogation session after receiving a formal notice.

In March 2026, Soheil Arabi was arrested by security forces and transferred to Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

Soheil Arabi has previously been arrested and faced judicial action due to his activities.

It is worth noting that Soheil Arabi is a blogger and citizen journalist who received the “Press Freedom Award” from Reporters Without Borders in 2017. He has previously faced multiple convictions and legal actions. In 2014, he was sentenced to death by Branch 76 of the Tehran Criminal Court on charges of “insulting the Prophet of Islam” on Facebook. This sentence was later overturned and commuted to other punishments.

Fate Unknown: Continued Detention of Executed Prisoner’s Brother Raises Concern

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Babak Alipour, HRANA, Maryam Alipour, Omolbanin Dehghan, Roozbeh Alipour

HRANA – Roozbeh Alipour, the brother of Babak Alipour, an executed political prisoner, remains in a state of uncertainty 87 days after his arrest. The lack of information about his fate has heightened his family’s concerns.

An informed source close to Mr. Alipour’s family confirmed this in a conversation with HRANA, stating: “During this period, Roozbeh has only made two brief phone calls to his family, each lasting about one minute. Nearly two months have passed since his last call, and since then, he has had no contact with his family. His father’s follow-ups with judicial authorities have also gone unanswered, and the prosecutor’s office has so far provided no information regarding his situation.”

On January 26, 2026, Roozbeh Alipour was arrested along with his mother, Omolbanin Dehghan, and his sister, Maryam Alipour, while returning from a visit with Babak Alipour. Maryam Alipour and Ommolbanin Dehghan were transferred to Qarchak Varamin Prison, while Mr. Alipour was initially taken to The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, known as Ward 209 of Evin Prison. After some time, he was transferred from this security detention facility to an undisclosed location.

The lack of information about his condition continues while, on March 31, his brother’s execution was carried out without prior notice to the family. Following this event, the family, while enduring grief, has also expressed serious concern about Roozbeh Alipour’s fate.

As of the time of this report, no independent information is available regarding the charges against this individual or his health condition.

Roozbeh Alipour, a resident of Rasht, had previously been arrested in 2018 and was sentenced to two years in prison on charges of “insulting the Supreme Leader.” He was released in 2019 after serving his sentence.

Families in the Dark as Detention of Three Baha’i Residents Continues in Shiraz

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News, Prisoners, Religious Minorities
Baha'i, Behzad Basiri, Mahsa Sotoudeh, Mandana Sotoudeh, Shiraz

HRANA – Nearly three weeks after their arrests, Behzad Basiri and Mandana Sotoudeh, a Baha’i couple living in Shiraz, along with Mahsa Sotoudeh, another Baha’i resident of the city, remain in a state of uncertainty. The lack of information about their fate has caused growing concern among their families and relatives.

Based on information received by HRANA, 18 days have passed since the arrests of Behzad Basiri and Mandana Sotoudeh, and 21 days since the arrest of Mahsa Sotoudeh. Despite this, their families and relatives remain completely unaware of their condition. Efforts to obtain information about their place of detention and their situation have so far been unsuccessful. Additionally, lawyers have not yet been able to formally register representation or follow up on their legal cases.

At the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the reasons for their arrests or the charges brought against them.

Mahsa Sotoudeh was arrested on Sunday, March 29, by IRGC intelligence forces at her home in Shiraz. Behzad Basiri and Mandana Sotoudeh were also arrested on Wednesday, April 1, by forces affiliated with the IRGC. Their arrests were accompanied by searches of their homes, during which agents confiscated their electronic devices.

Over the past decade, the Baha’i community in Iran has been subjected to security and judicial measures more than any other religious minority. A review of the annual reports published by the Statistics, Publications, and Works Center of the Human Rights Activists in Iran shows that over the past year, an average of 62% of reports concerning religious minorities were dedicated to violations of the civil rights of Baha’is.

Human Rights Activist Nasrin Sotoudeh Remains in Intelligence Detention

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News, Prisoners
HRANA, Mehraveh Khadem, Nasrin Sotoudeh, نسرین ستوده

HRANA – Nasrin Sotoudeh, a lawyer and human rights activist, has been in detention for 18 days after being arrested by agents of the Intelligence Department in Tehran, and is being held in a state of uncertainty in one of The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility.

Mehraveh Khadem, Ms. Sotoudeh’s child, stated in a post that her mother, during a phone call on Saturday, April 18, said she is being held in one of The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility. Khadem added: “Apparently, she was either not allowed to disclose her exact place of detention or did not know it herself. Therefore, we still do not know where she is being held, but the Ministry of Intelligence bears responsibility for any harm that may come to her.”

So far, no information has been obtained regarding the reasons for her arrest or the charges against Nasrin Sotoudeh.

Ms. Sotoudeh was arrested on the evening of Wednesday, April 1, at her home in Tehran. At the time of her arrest, electronic devices including her laptop and mobile phones, as well as those of her spouse, were confiscated by agents.

Nasrin Sotoudeh, a lawyer and human rights activist, has previously been arrested and convicted due to her activities.

Report on the Arrest of Four Female Protesters During the January Protests

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News, Prisoners
Adelabad Prison, Ghazal Ghodrat, HRANA, Kamelia Nazari, Negin Azad, Saghar Ghodrat, Shiraz

HRANA – Negin Azad, Kamelia Nazari, Saghar Ghodrat, and Ghazal Ghodrat, four citizens who were arrested during the January protests in Shiraz, were released from Adelabad Prison in March under electronic ankle monitor supervision after going through detention, trial, and sentencing.

A source close to Negin Azad’s family told HRANA that at the time of arrest, the women were shot with paintball pellets in front of their home, causing physical injuries. The source also stated that “although no reports of physical mistreatment inside the prison have been raised, there has been psychological pressure, and in some cases, such as injury to one detainee’s ear, adequate medical care was not provided.”

Their arrests took place during the nationwide January protests in Shiraz. Following their detention, a joint case was opened against them, and judicial proceedings on the charges began.

In the initial trial, the judicial authority sentenced each of the four women to five years in prison on the charge of “disrupting public order.” After they appealed, the Fars Province Court of Appeals reviewed the case and ultimately reduced the sentence, sentencing each of them to two years of imprisonment to be served outside prison under electronic monitoring.

According to information received by HRANA, the four women were released from Adelabad Prison in late March 2026 under the new ruling, with electronic monitoring in place. Their release does not nullify their convictions, and the sentences will continue to be enforced in an alternative form outside prison.

It should be noted that protests and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025, and within two days spread beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests became one of the largest protest movements of recent years. Following the crackdown by security and law enforcement forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security agencies. For more information, readers may refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “Crimson Winter,” documenting the first fifty days following the outbreak of Iran’s nationwide protests.