HRANA – The death sentence against Rasoul Rezaei, a resident of Fariman and one of those arrested during the January 2026 protests, has been upheld by the Supreme Court. This political prisoner, currently held in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, had previously been sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court in Mashhad on the charge of “moharebeh” (enmity against God).
According to HRANA, the death sentence against Rasoul Rezaei, one of the detainees from the January 2026 protests, has been upheld.
According to information received by HRANA, the death sentence against Rasoul Rezaei, a political prisoner held in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, has been upheld by the Supreme Court. He had previously been sentenced to death by a branch of the Mashhad Revolutionary Court on the charge of “moharebeh” (enmity against God).
As of the time of this report, no information is available regarding the specific conduct underlying the charge of “moharebeh” on which Mr. Rezaei’s death sentence was based. HRANA’s inquiries to obtain further information in this regard are ongoing.
Marzieh Mohebi, a legal expert familiar with the case, confirmed the news to HRANA and said: “Mr. Rezaei was arrested by security forces in Fariman on January 9, 2026. Since his arrest, he has been denied access to a lawyer of his choosing, as well as phone calls and visits with his family.”
Rasoul Rezaei, 28, is a resident of Fariman and the father of two children, ages two and five. Prior to his arrest, he worked as a street vendor to support his family.
Background on the January 2026 Protests
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.
