HRANA – This monthly report by HRANA provides a statistical summary of human rights violations in Iran during April. The increase in executions of prisoners on political and security-related charges, along with the widespread arrests of citizens for exercising freedom of expression and opinion, were among the most alarming human rights concerns during this month.
Executions
In April, the executions of 22 individuals, including one woman, were reported. A notable point was the execution of 14 prisoners on political and security-related charges. Six of these prisoners had been sentenced to death on murder charges, and two on charges related to drug offenses. Twelve of the executed political-security prisoners had been charged with “spreading corruption on earth,” while two others were accused of espionage.
In a separate report, HRANA has listed the names of these executed political-security prisoners, as well as prisoners currently at imminent risk of execution.
The regime’s judiciary also issued 13 death sentences. Two of those sentenced to death were women. Additionally, two of the thirteen individuals were sentenced to public execution.
Freedom of Thought and Expression
The mass and widespread arrest of individuals for exercising freedom of expression and opinion also continued this month, with HRANA reporting the arrest of 3,701 people. According to reports, many of these individuals were arrested on charges such as sending information to foreign media outlets.
Additionally, 134 individuals were collectively sentenced to a total of 6,068 months in prison on charges considered violations of freedom of expression. The assets of 633 people were also confiscated based on similar charges. In this connection, sentences totaling 74 lashes were also issued.
Prisoners’ Rights
Regarding prisoners’ rights, HRANA recorded 42 cases of forced confessions from detainees during this month. In addition, three cases of physical torture of prisoners and one case of psychological torture were reported. The suspicious death of a detainee named Hossein Ghavi, a disabled citizen, in the IRGC Intelligence detention center in Ahvaz was also reported.
Other reported violations of prisoners’ rights during this month included: 43 cases of detention without legal clarification of status, 25 cases in which families were kept uninformed about detained or imprisoned relatives, 2 cases of prisoner transfers to solitary confinement, 7 cases of denial of access to legal counsel, 10 cases of bans on contact, and 9 cases of denial of fresh air or outdoor time. Additionally, two hunger strikes were reported.
Kolbars and Fuel Carriers
During this month, the country’s military forces killed 18 citizens through shootings. In one case, indiscriminate gunfire at a moving vehicle
in Dashtiari County resulted in the deaths of three passengers inside the car.
Workers’ Rights
In April, five labor protest gatherings were reported. Various reports also indicated widespread workforce reductions, including the dismissal of 2,092 workers.
During this month, workplace accidents also claimed the lives of 9 workers and injured 40 others.
Trade unions and guilds also held five protest gatherings. Three cases of business closures ordered by authorities and two arrests were also reported.
Children’s Rights
Regarding workers’ rights, the arrest of two 17-year-old teenagers in Chabahar by security forces was reported.
Religious Minorities
During this month, three Baha’i citizens in Kerman were sent to prison to serve their sentences. Additionally, five members of religious minorities, including Angha Siavashi, a Baha’i citizen, were arrested by security forces. Four house searches and two court summonses were also reported.
Ethnic Rights
Regarding violations of the rights of ethnic minorities, five arrests were reported, including two carried out without the presentation of judicial warrants, as well as one summons to security institutions.
