Category: Prisoners

Nationwide Protests: Two Citizens Each Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison and Additional Penalties

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Amir Mehdi Raki Salimi, Armin Hassani Moghaddam, HRANA, Izeh, Sheyban Prison

HRANA – Armin Hassani Moghaddam and Amir Mehdi Raki Salimi, detainees of recent nationwide protests currently held in Sheyban Prison in Ahvaz, have each been sentenced by Branch One of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court to 10 years in prison, a two-year travel ban, and one year of mandatory attendance at the Headquarters for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.

Hossein Ali Hatami, the defense attorney of Mr. Hassani Moghaddam, told HRANA that previously the prosecutor’s office had issued an indictment against the two citizens on charges of “disrupting public order and peace through participation in protests.” However, Branch One of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court, without regard to the issued indictment and citing the Law on Intensifying the Punishment for Espionage and Cooperation with the State of Israel, sentenced each of them to 10 years in prison, a two-year ban on leaving the country, and one year of mandatory attendance at the Headquarters for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice in Izeh.

The verdict was issued on February 17. This attorney added that in the case of Armin Hosseini Moghaddam, upon formally declaring his representation, in addition to objecting to the detention order, he has also filed an appeal request.

Mr. Hassani Moghaddam and Mr. Raki Salimi were arrested on February 8 during the nationwide protests in the Koshtargah district of Izeh by security forces and were transferred to Sheyban Prison in Ahvaz.

Hassani Moghaddam, is the father of one child. Both were employed in the field of manufacturing and installing wooden products (MDF) prior to their arrest.

Report on the Arrest of Four Citizens in Various Cities

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Abolfazl Salehi, Ahmad Hezbavi, Behrouz Izanlou, Khan-Aziz Esmaili

HRANA – Abolfazl Salehi in Mashhad, Behrouz Izanlou in Bojnurd, Khan-Aziz Esmaili, a member of the Teachers’ Trade Association in Eslamabad-e Gharb, and Ahmad Hezbavi in Ahvaz have been arrested by security forces on different dates.

Based on information received by HRANA, Abolfazl Salehi, 20 years old, was arrested by security forces in January and transferred to an undisclosed location. At the same time, a video of his forced confessions was broadcast by official media outlets; however, it remains unclear under what circumstances the video was recorded. This has heightened concerns among his family and relatives.

Additionally, Ahmad Hezbavi was arrested on February 18 by security forces in Ahvaz while returning from a memorial ceremony marking the 40th day after the deaths of victims of the protests. No information is available regarding his place of detention.

Meanwhile, Kurdpa reported the continued detention of Behrouz Izanlou, a 39-year-old construction worker, father of two, and resident of Bojnord. According to the report, he was arrested on January 4 at his home without the presentation of a judicial warrant and was subjected to beating during the arrest. He was subsequently transferred to Bojnurd Prison and remains held there in a state of uncertainty. During his detention, Mr. Izanlou has been denied family visits and access to legal counsel.

Kurdpa also reported the arrest of Khan-Aziz Esmaili, a member of the Teachers’ trade Association of Eslamabad-e Gharb and a resident of the city. He was arrested on Sunday, February 22 at his home without a judicial warrant and transferred to an undisclosed location. During the arrest, security agents confiscated his mobile phone as well as the phones of all his family members.

Among these individuals, Khan-Aziz Esmaili has previously faced judicial action due to his activities.

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the charges brought against these four citizens.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began on Sunday, December 28, 2025, in Tehran. After two days, the protests expanded beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these demonstrations became one of the most widespread protests in 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 institutions. For more information, you may refer to HRANA’s detailed report on the fiftieth day since the beginning of the protests.

Nationwide Protests: Arrest of Seven Citizens in Taleqan

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Ahmad Sadat-Rasoul, Alborz, Alborz Sadeghian, Ali Ghorbani, Ali Shahbazi, Ebrahim Gharghi, HRANA, Mohammad Akbarian, Mostafa Vatan-Khah, Taleqan

HRANA – Seven citizens were arrested by security forces in connection with the protests in Taleqan County, Alborz Province.

Based on information received by HRANA, Alborz Sadeghian, Ali Ghorbani, Ebrahim Gharghi, Ahmad Sadat-Rasoul, Ali Shahbazi, Mohammad Akbarian, and Mostafa Vatan-Khah were detained following the January 8 protests in Taleqan. Despite more than a month having passed since their arrest, their place of detention remains unknown.

No information has yet been obtained regarding the charges brought against these individuals.

It is worth noting that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began on Sunday, December 28, in Tehran. After two days, the scope of the protests extended beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, the protests became one of the most widespread demonstrations in recent years. Following the crackdown by law enforcement and security forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security institutions. For more information, readers may refer to HRANA’s detailed report published on the fiftieth day since the start of the protests.

Mehdi Sabeti Arrested and Transferred to Karaj Central Penitentiary

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News, Prisoners
HRANA, IRGC Intelligence, Karaj, Mehdi Sabeti, Meshkin Dasht, مهدی ثابتی

HRANA – Mehdi Sabeti, a political defendant, was arrested last week by security forces in Karaj and transferred to the city’s Central Penitentiary.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mr. Sabeti was arrested in Karaj last week and transferred to Ward 16, the security ward of the city’s Central Penitentiary. He has been formally charged with “insulting the Supreme Leader” and “propaganda against the regime.”

Mr. Sabeti had previously been released from Karaj Central Penitentiary in late April of this year on “leave connected to the end of his sentence.”

In June 2024, Branch 4 of the Revolutionary Court of Karaj sentenced him to two years in prison on the charge of “insulting the Supreme Leader” and one year in prison on the charge of “propaganda against the regime.”

The court hearing to address the charges against this political defendant was held on June 18, 2024, in the aforementioned branch, in the presence of his court-appointed lawyer.

Mr. Sabeti was arrested on September 17, 2023, by agents of the IRGC Intelligence Organization in Meshkin Dasht, located in Fardis County. He was later transferred to Karaj Central Penitentiary.

A source close to the family of this political prisoner had previously told HRANA: “A few days after his arrest, Mehdi was additionally charged during interrogation in Fardis with insulting religious sanctities, spreading falsehoods, and assaulting an officer. His case in this regard is currently under review at Branch 1 of the Criminal Court of Karaj County.”

Mehdi Sabeti, aged approximately 36, is a resident of Fardis County, Karaj.

Narges Mohammadi Sentenced to Prison and Additional Punishments

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Abolfazl Ameri Shahrabi, Khaf County, Khosrow Alikordi, Mostafa Nili, Narges Mohammadi

HRANA – Narges Mohammadi, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and human rights activist, has been sentenced by the Mashhad Revolutionary Court to seven years and six months in prison, two years of internal exile to Khaf County, and a two-year travel ban.

Her lawyer, Mostafa Nili, announced in a public statement that Branch One of the Mashhad Revolutionary Court sentenced his client to six years in prison on the charge of assembly and collusion, one and a half years in prison for propaganda activities, and, as supplementary punishment, two years of travel ban and two years of exile to Khaf County.
Mr. Nili added that the court session was held on Saturday and that the verdict was issued and formally communicated to him afterward. According to him, following the issuance of the ruling, Ms. Mohammadi’s continued detention in a security detention facility is unlawful, and she should be transferred to prison. Given her medical conditions, it is expected that she be temporarily released on bail to allow access to medical treatment.

Ms. Mohammadi was arrested on December 12 of this year during a memorial ceremony marking the seventh day after the death of Khosrow Alikordi at Ghadir Mosque in Mashhad, along with several other activists and citizens.

She was previously released from Evin Prison in late last year in connection with an earlier conviction.

In June 2021, after being released from Zanjan Prison under the law reducing prison sentences, Ms. Mohammadi was sentenced in a case opened against her during that period by Branch 1177 of Criminal Court II at the Qods Judicial Complex in Tehran to 30 months of discretionary imprisonment, 80 lashes, and the payment of two fines.

In November 2021, she was arrested by security forces in Karaj during a memorial ceremony marking the second anniversary of the death of Ebrahim Ketabdar, one of those killed during the November 2019 protests. She was later sentenced by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court to eight years of discretionary imprisonment, 74 lashes, two years of exile, and additional social deprivations.

In October 2022, in another case opened against her during imprisonment, Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced her to one year and three months of discretionary imprisonment, along with other supplementary punishments. In August 2023, she was again sentenced by the Tehran Revolutionary Court to one year of discretionary imprisonment.

In January 2024, in another part of her case, Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, sentenced her on the charge of propaganda against the state to 15 months in prison, two years of exile outside Tehran and neighboring provinces, a two-year travel ban, two years’ prohibition from membership in social and political groups, and a two-year ban on the use of smartphones.

In late June 2024, in yet another case formed while she was in prison, Branch 29 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced her to one year in prison on the charge of propaganda against the state.

In late October 2024, following protests by women prisoners in Evin Prison after learning of the execution of Reza Rasaei and clashes with prison guards, a new case was opened against Ms. Mohammadi and several other inmates. She was sentenced by Criminal Court II of the Qods Judicial Complex in Tehran, presided over by Judge Abolfazl Ameri Shahrabi, to six months in prison on charges of assaulting an officer and disobedience.

Narges Mohammadi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate facing multiple convictions, has so far been sentenced to a total of 15 years and six months of discretionary imprisonment. These sentences include 30 months in June 2021, eight years in November 2021, one year and three months in October 2022, one year in August 2023, 15 months in January 2024, one year in June 2024, and six months in October 2024.
In addition to prison terms, she has been sentenced to 154 lashes, two years of exile, a two-year travel ban, and multiple forms of social deprivation.

In 2023, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Narges Mohammadi by the Norwegian Nobel Committee “for her courageous fight for freedom and human rights over three decades.”

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Report on the Arrest of Three Family Members of Death Row Political Prisoner Babak Alipour

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News, Prisoners
Babak Alipour, Maryam Alipour, Omolbanin Dehghan, Roozbeh Alipour

HRANA – Roozbeh Alipour, Maryam Alipour, and Omolbanin Dehghan, members of the family of Babak Alipour, a prisoner sentenced to death, have been detained for five days, and there is still no information about their place of detention.

Based on information received by HRANA, on January 26, Roozbeh and Maryam Alipour, the brother and sister of Babak Alipour, along with Omolbanin Dehghan, his mother, were arrested while returning from a visit with him at Evin Prison. Despite the passage of five days since their arrest, no information has been obtained regarding their place of detention or the detaining authority. Roozbeh Alipour had previously faced judicial convictions due to his activities.

Babak Alipour, along with five others, was again sentenced to death in December of last year by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari. The death sentences of these individuals had been overturned by the Supreme Court in July of 2025, and their cases were referred to a parallel court branch.

Nationwide Protests: At least 150 Women and Female Students Transferred to Shiraz Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners, Women
Adelabad Prison, Hakimeh Honarmandi, HRANA, Roya Sabet, Shiraz

HRANA – At least 150 women detained in connection with the nationwide protests, most of whom are female students, have been transferred to the political ward of Adelabad Prison in Shiraz, a ward that lacks the capacity and facilities to accommodate this number of prisoners.

Based on information received by HRANA, the majority of these 150 detained women are female students. They have been transferred to the political ward of Adelabad Prison in Shiraz, a room that does not even have sufficient space for 30 people. Additionally, a number of other detained women have been moved to wards designated for prisoners accused of murder, drug-related crimes, theft, as well as to the juvenile ward.

According to informed sources, over the past two weeks, the women’s ward in this prison has been without telephone access, and limited, booth-style visits were only allowed during the second week. Moreover, food shortages have resulted in a single standard meal, previously allocated to one prisoner, now being shared among four people. In addition, for the past two months, certain food items such as fresh produce have not been supplied to the prison; items available at the prison store are scarce and expensive, and even drinking water is not provided to prisoners. Female prisoners housed in the prayer hall must also queue after 11 a.m. and go to the quarantine ward in order to use restroom and bathing facilities.

At the same time, several female prisoners from wards for financial and political crimes, including Hakimeh Honarmandi, a political prisoner, and Roya Sabet, a Baha’i citizen, have been transferred to the prison’s prayer hall, a space that lacks even basic sanitary facilities.

The identities of those detained, as well as the number of individuals under the age of 18 among them, are still under investigation by HRANA.

It is worth noting that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, and after two days extended beyond bazaars and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests became one of the most widespread demonstrations in recent years. For more information, readers may refer to HRANA’s detailed report on the twenty-ninth day of the protests, which was published last night.

Continued Denial of Medical Care for Abbas Vahedian Shahroudi in Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad

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News, Prisoners
Abbas Vahedian Shahroudi, Vakilabad prison

HRANA – Abbas Vahedian Shahroudi, a writer and civil activist imprisoned in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, continues to be denied specialized medical care despite his poor physical condition, including the presence of a mass in his chest area.

A source close to the prisoner’s family, while confirming this information, told HRANA that Mr. Vahedian Shahroudi had previously been transferred to a hospital due to deteriorating physical condition and respiratory problems. Medical examinations revealed the presence of a mass in his chest. Despite the physician’s emphasis on the dangerous nature of this mass, no action has yet been taken to continue his treatment. Moreover, although nearly two weeks have passed, the final test results have still not been provided to the prisoner or his family, further intensifying their concerns about his health.

Previously as well, Vahedian Shahroudi had been denied access to specialized medical care despite suffering from serious health conditions, including heart and lung diseases, psoriasis, and high blood pressure.

In September of 2025, following the writing of a letter from Vakilabad Prison, Mr. Vahedian Shahroudi faced the opening of a new case. This political prisoner was sentenced to one year in prison on charges of propaganda against the regime, one year of discretionary imprisonment on the charge of “explicit confession to overthrow,” and two years of exile to the city of Zabol. Additionally, following a complaint by the presiding judge, he was sentenced to another year in prison on the charge of insulting an officer while on duty.

Vahedian Shahroudi, who suffers from multiple medical conditions, has consistently been denied access to specialized medical care. In November 2024, despite confirmation by the Legal Medicine Organization, his request based on inability to endure imprisonment was rejected by judicial authorities.

Mr. Vahedian Shahroudi has previously been arrested and convicted multiple times due to his activities. In Bahman 1400, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison on charges of “forming a group with the intent to act against national security and cooperating with groups opposed to the regime.” He had also been arrested in 2019 and 2020 and was later released on bail. Among his published works is the book “The Return of Genghis Khan the Mongol.”

Mohsen Parish Sentenced to Prison and Additional Punishments

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
HRANA, Karaj Central Penitentiary, Mohsen Parish, محسن پریش

HRANA – Mohsen Parish, a political prisoner held in Karaj Central Penitentiary, has been sentenced by Branch Two of the Karaj Revolutionary Court to three years in prison along with additional punishments.

Based on the ruling issued by Branch Two of the Karaj Revolutionary Court, Mohsen Parish has been sentenced to a total of three years’ imprisonment. In addition, as supplementary punishments, he has been sentenced to a two-year travel ban, a two-year ban on membership in social groups and associations, and a two-year deprivation and dismissal from all government and public employment and services. This verdict was issued in connection with the charges of propaganda against the regime and insulting the Supreme Leader.

A court session addressing another part of the charges against Mohsen Parish was held on 20 December via video conference at Branch 103 of Criminal Court Two of Fardis County. Mr. Parish defended himself against the charges of insulting officers and disobeying law enforcement agents, and his defense lawyer was present at the hearing.

Mohsen Parish was arrested on October 21, by security forces in front of his home and transferred to Karaj Central Penitentiary. Following his arrest, officers prevented his family from being present at the prosecutor’s office. At the time of his transfer to prison, signs of injury to his elbow and neck were visible, and his mobile phone was confiscated by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence.

Mohsen Parish has previously faced arrest and judicial action due to his activities. He is among those injured during the November 2019 protests and was arrested in 2020. In a two-part case, he had been sentenced to imprisonment and flogging on charges including “insulting the Prophet, insulting religious sanctities, insulting the Supreme Leader, propaganda against the regime, and acting against national security through calling for demonstrations against the regime.” He was ultimately granted amnesty and released from prison in late 2022.

Execution Sentence of Seyed Mohammad Javad Vafaie Suspended

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News, Prisoners
Babak Paknia, Mashhad, Seyed Mohammad Javad Vafaie, Vakilabad prison

HRANA – Iran’s Supreme Court has agreed to halt the execution of Seyed Mohammad Javad Vafaie Sani, a political prisoner held at Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

Babak Paknia, the defense attorney for this political prisoner, stated earlier today that an order to stop the execution of Mohammad Javad Vafaie Sani had been issued by the Supreme Court. The death sentence had recently been reaffirmed by the Supreme Court following the rejection of a request for retrial.

The death sentence of Javad Vafaie Sani had previously been overturned twice by the Supreme Court. However, in recent months it was upheld by Branch Nine of the Supreme Court. Following this decision, his lawyer submitted another request for retrial, which was ultimately rejected. Mr. Vafaie Sani was most recently sentenced to death in September 2024 by Branch Three of the Mashhad Revolutionary Court on the charge of “corruption on earth.”

This 28-year-old political prisoner and boxing coach was arrested in Mashhad in March 2020 and transferred to Vakilabad Prison. In the initial stage of proceedings, he was also sentenced to death by the Mashhad Revolutionary Court on charges of “corruption on earth through deliberate destruction.” That verdict was overturned by the Supreme Court, and the case was referred to a parallel branch for reconsideration. In the second trial, a death sentence was again issued, which was likewise overturned by the Supreme Court in June 2024.