As November marks Magnitsky Month, advocates worldwide are intensifying efforts to leverage targeted sanctions against individuals involved in serious human rights abuses. For Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA), this month serves as a crucial reminder of the impact that coordinated, targeted sanctions can have on the accountability gap. HRA’s work—across multiple projects dedicated to documenting abuses in Iran—has played a significant role in securing over 70 designations of Iranian individuals and entities involved in these violations across five jurisdictions.

Through its news arm, the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), HRA sheds light on abuses otherwise hidden from the global view. Spreading Justice provides a comprehensive–open source– database of individuals complicit in human rights violations, making it a vital resource for policymakers and advocates seeking to connect systemic abuses to those directly responsible. Furthermore, HRA’s newest endeavor, the Pasdaran Documentation Project (PDP), has documented the extensive structure of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). To date, this project has confidentially mapped over 84,000 IRGC units and identified 3,400 personnel, strengthening calls for accountability within one of Iran’s most corrupt and violent organizations.

In a timely visit to London, HRA’s Deputy Director held discussions with key figures to advocate for expanding the impact of Magnitsky-style sanctions on Iranian officials. Among these figures was Sir William Browder, the driving force behind the Global Magnitsky Justice Campaign, whose work underscores the power of sanctions in deterring human rights abuses globally. Browder’s commitment to securing justice for victims of human rights abuses led to the passage of the original Magnitsky Act, named after Russian whistleblower Sergei Magnitsky, who was killed after exposing government corruption. Today, Browder’s influential advocacy continues to inspire nations to adopt Magnitsky-style laws targeting human rights violators, providing a blueprint for holding powerful individuals accountable, when domestic accountability is absent.

International momentum for these sanctions is growing. In a recent debate, UK lawmakers from all major parties expressed strong support for Magnitsky-style sanctions to address Iran’s ongoing human rights abuses. UK Sanctions Minister Stephen Doughty reiterated the government’s commitment to responding decisively to Iran’s violations of international law through targeted sanctions.

While in London, HRA engaged with members of the UK Foreign Affairs Select Committee, focusing on the need to prioritize accountability for human rights abuses and violations of international law in Iran.

Additionally, HRA, in collaboration with REDRESS, briefed the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Magnitsky Sanctions and Reparations, chaired by Rt Hon Sir Iain Duncan Smith. The briefing explored strategic and coordinated approaches to implementing Magnitsky-style sanctions targeting human rights violations in Iran.

The international focus on targeted sanctions, particularly during Magnitsky Month, signals a critical moment for accountability in Iran. HRA’s efforts underscore the urgency of coordinated international action and provide essential support for those seeking to hold Iranian officials accountable for their ongoing abuses.

For more, read “Magnitsky Sanctions are the Precision Tool for Iran’s Crisis of Impunity” published in Just Security and authored by HRA Deputy Director, Skylar Thompson and Natalia Kubesch, Legal Officer at REDRESS.

In a statement released today ahead of the World Day Against the Death Penalty, Human Rights Activists (HRA) and The Abdorrahman Boroumand Center for Human Rights in Iran (ABC) condemn the alarming surge in executions in Iran, which have reached their highest level in the last decade—at least 811 reported executions in the past year alone as reported by the organizations.

Iran has long maintained one of the highest execution rates in the world, and in recent years, the use of the death penalty has alarmingly intensified. In 2023, Iran accounted for 75% of all recorded executions globally.

From October 2023 to October 2024, at least 811 executions have been carried out, marking a sharp increase from the previous year and reaching levels not seen in nearly a decade. In August alone, at least 97 executions were reported, 45 of which were for drug-related offenses—charges that do not meet the threshold of “most serious crimes” under international law. This year also marks the highest number of women executed in the past decade, with 23 women being put to death.

Research consistently demonstrates that the death penalty lacks any measurable deterrent effect on crime rates. The widespread use of the death penalty in Iran is not only a grave violation of the right to life, enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), but is also emblematic of the systemic failures and corruption within the judiciary. The death penalty in Iran is routinely imposed following trials that are marred by serious due process violations, including the use of coerced forced confessions extracted under torture as a primary source of conviction in the majority of cases alongside the regular denial of access to legal representation. The Iranian judiciary, far from being an independent arbiter of justice, has instead become an instrument of state repression, using the death penalty to silence dissent and instill fear among the population.

We call on the Iranian authorities to immediately establish a moratorium on the use of the death penalty, in line with repeated calls from the United Nations and civil society organizations, and to address the structural flaws within the judiciary that enable these grave violations.

The international community must hold Iran accountable, call for a moratorium, and support efforts to ensure that justice is not used as a tool of oppression, but as a means to protect and uphold the fundamental rights of all individuals.

WASHINGTON D.C. – Human Rights Activists (HRA) welcomes the coordinated actions taken by the United States and its allies to impose targeted sanctions on Iranian officials implicated in human rights violations. These sanctions also specifically target officials in Iranian prison systems who are responsible for human right abuses in prison, including the use of torture and sexual assaults against prisoners, the denial of medical care to political prisoners, the violent suppression of protesters protesting their conditions, and the kidnapping of regime critics abroad.

This decisive measure underscores a collective commitment to hold accountable those responsible for violations against the Iranian people.

Among those sanctioned are individuals with documented records of severe abuses. HRA emphasizes that our initiative, Spreading Justice, is a vital resource in this effort. Through comprehensive documentation and profiling of violators, Spreading Justice provides critical information that supports coordinated actions by the international community.

HRA urges continued vigilance and coordinated pressure, alongside consultations with civil society, to uphold human rights and accountability.

A number of the targeted individuals have been extensively reviewed by HRA’s Spreading Justice. For more information on the sanctioned individuals, please visit the following profiles:

• • Ali Abdi: General Office of Prisons Organization in Khorasan Razavi Province
  • Ahmad Reza Azadeh: Head of Sepidar Prison
  • Mostafa Bazvand: Commander of the IRGC and Basij Resistance Force in Mazandaran province’s Babolsar county
  • Alireza Babaei Farsani: Director-General of Isfahan Province Prisons
  • Hamid Khorramdel: Commander of the IRGC’s Fatah Corps of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province
  • Gholamreza Roshan: Director General of Prisons in Khuzestan Province
  • Ali Jume Malek Shahkouie: Commander of the IRGC’s Golestan Corps of Golestan province

HRA continues to advocate for targeted human rights sanctions, including strategic coordinated efforts across jurisdictions, which are necessary to maximize the overall impact, reinforcing a united front against human rights violations.

This essential tool holds perpetrators accountable, deters potential violators, and upholds international human rights standards without harming innocent civilians.

Press Release: On 16 July 2024, Human Rights Activists (HRA) submitted a comprehensive report to the Universal Periodic Review on the Islamic Republic of Iran. The information contained within the report covers five key thematic areas. The submission contains information drawn from investigations, interviews,  and reports published by HRA. 

Human Rights Activists (HRA) Submit Comprehensive Report for Universal Periodic Review on the Islamic Republic of Iran

Human Rights Activists (HRA) have submitted a comprehensive report to the Universal Periodic Review on the Islamic Republic of Iran. The information contained within the report covers five key thematic areas.These reports are based on extensive investigations, interviews, and published materials by HRA. Each thematic area includes carefully prepared recommendations aimed at addressing the identified human rights issues. HRA urges the UPR Working Group to utilize the aforementioned submission in its Review Session with the Islamic Republic. In addition, HRA looks forward to engaging with the working group both in advance of and throughout the review period.

1. LGBTQ+ Rights Violations: This report details the human rights violations against the LGBTQ+ community in Iran, focusing on discriminatory laws, violations of privacy, and the rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and association. It also addresses issues of torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. HRA’s recommendations call for the repeal of discriminatory legislation and the protection of LGBTQ+ rights.

For More information Read Factsheet: Fact Sheet LGBTQ+ Rights Violations

2. Prohibition of Torture and Prison Conditions: Drawing from a prior HRA report, this document examines the dire conditions in Iranian prisons, highlighting medical neglect, torture, ill-treatment, overcrowding, and inhumane conditions. It includes statistics on medical neglect and deaths in custody, as well as several emblematic cases of prison abuse. 

For More information Read Factsheet: Fact Sheet Prohibition of Torture and Prison Conditions

3. Right to Life and the Death Penalty: Focused on Iran’s use of the death penalty, this report underscores the country’s status as one of the world’s leading executors. HRA provides statistics on total executions, including those of women and juveniles, and executions for political and drug-related offenses. The report emphasizes that many death sentences are the result of unfair trials, contravening international law.

For More information Read Factsheet: Fact Sheet Right to Life and the Death Penalty

4. Labor Rights Violations: This report documents numerous violations of labor rights in Iran, including wage theft, unsafe working conditions, suppression of labor unions, and arbitrary arrests of labor activists. It also highlights discrimination against women and minorities in the workplace.

For More information Read Factsheet: Fact Sheet Labor Rights Violations. 

5. The Right to Health with special attention to Sexual and Reproductive Rights of Women: This report documents the stringent laws and discriminatory practices that undermine women’s rights and health.  HRA provided statistics on clinic closure and an account of a medical professional who was indicted and lost their medical license. 

For More information Read Factsheet:Fact Sheet The Right to Health. 

Each report contains specific recommendations by HRA, aimed at addressing these critical human rights issues in the Islamic Republic of Iran. 

For more information please contact Skylar Thompson, ([email protected]) Deputy Director, HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVISTS (HRA)

Iran Prepares for a Presidential Election. Guardian Council Vets Six Candidates with Questionable Records

In the wake of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s death last month, Iran is gearing up for a presidential election. 

Historical Lack of Free and Fair Elections in Iran Dating Back Decades

Iranian elections have a dark past, consistently marked by a lack of free, fair, and transparent processes. In 2009, the highly disputed re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad led to widespread allegations of vote-rigging and fraud, sparking the largest protests since the 1979 revolution. The Green Movement, as it came to be known, saw millions of Iranians take to the streets demanding democracy and more. The government responded with a violent crackdown, resulting in numerous arrests, injuries, and deaths–some of those arrested remain detained today. 

The 2021 election saw the lowest voter turnout in history, highlighting growing public disillusionment. Despite this, the ruling elite persist in claiming legitimacy, even as each election sees diminishing public participation. This lack of engagement underscores the deepening disconnect between the ruling elite and the general populace. 

Six Candidates Cleared for Upcoming Iranian Presidential Election 

As the upcoming election approaches, six candidates have been approved. The approval process for presidential candidates in Iran is overseen by the Guardian Council, a powerful body comprising six Islamic jurists appointed by the Supreme Leader and six jurists approved by the Parliament. This council rigorously vets each applicant, assessing their qualifications, political and religious beliefs, and backgrounds—not on true merit. As a result, numerous candidates are often disqualified, leaving only a select few approved to run in the election.

Iran has had a significant history in manipulating the elections. The 2009 presidential election in Iran was marred by significant controversy and accusations of fraud. After Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was announced as the winner with nearly 63% of the vote, widespread protests erupted, driven by opposition candidates who claimed vote manipulation. These protests, part of the Iranian Green Movement, persisted into 2010. The government’s violent suppression of these protests, resulting in deaths and arrests, further fueled beliefs of a rigged election. Prominent opposition figures such as Mir Hossein Mousavi, his wife Zahra Rahnavard, and Mehdi Karroubi, leaders of the 2009 Green Movement, have been under house arrest since February 2011. Despite international outcry their situation remains unchanged, with severe restrictions on their communication and movement. Mehdi Karroubi, vocal in his criticism of the Iranian government’s actions, including its handling of incidents like the downing of a Ukrainian passenger plane, has faced worsening health conditions under house arrest. His attempts to hold the Iranian leadership accountable have led to increased restrictions on his freedoms. The continued detention of these opposition figures without trial has been condemned internationally, with entities such as the UN calling for their immediate release.

In the 2021 presidential election, controversy arose even before voting began, with the Guardian Council disqualifying many popular candidates, seen as a move to ensure the victory of hardliner Ebrahim Raisi. This election saw the lowest turnout in the history of the Islamic Republic, at around 49%, with a significant portion of protest votes. International observers and human rights organizations dismissed the election as neither free nor fair, labeling it a “show election.” Voter turnout in Iran’s presidential elections has been on a declining trend over the past two decades, reflecting growing public disillusionment with the electoral process. Notably, turnout was around 85% in 2009, despite controversies, likely due to a highly polarized environment. It saw a slight decline to around 72% in 2013, remained stable at about 73% in 2017, and drastically fell to a record low of approximately 49% in 2021. This decline has been attributed to widespread skepticism about electoral integrity and the pre-selection of candidates by the Guardian Council. Statistics on voter turnout are usually provided by the Iranian government, which is often accused of reporting higher participation figures than the reality.

This rigorous and  vetting process lacking any transparency narrows the pool of candidates presented to voters, limiting genuine political competition and reducing the electorate’s ability to choose from a diverse range of political views. The skewed candidate selection process undermines the claim of a democratic nature to the elections, reinforcing the status quo of the ruling elite and perpetuating the brutal suppression of human rights across the country.

The upcoming election is a stark example of this process. The Guardian Council has officially announced the list of approved candidates. The final slate of candidates includes:

Masoud Pezeshkian: b.1954 (70), Mahabad. Former Minister of Health. He had previously ran for the presidency in 2013 but withdrew and in 2021 was disqualified by the Guardian Council for the election. Pezeshkian has a demonstrated history of involvement in restricting access to the highest attainable standard of health while additionally being implicated in unethical practices involving condoning the violation of women’s rights. 

Mostafa Pourmohammadi: b.1959 (65), Qom. Former Minister of Interior and Justice, and Revolutionary Prosecutor notorious for his involvement in the mass executions of the 1980s. He was a member of the “Death Squad” in 1988, notorious for the mass executions of political prisoners that summer.  Since 2021, he has been the President of the Center for IslamicRevolution Documents. More details

Saeed Jalili: b. 1965(59), Mashhad. Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (2007-2013). Member of the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations, has a history of systematic repression of political activists and notable complicity in the brutal crackdowns on peaceful protests. Notably, Saeed Jalili was the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council when the house arrest decision of the aforementioned Green Movement leaders was carried out in 2010.  More details

Alireza Zakani: b. 1965 (59), Rey. The current mayor of Tehran and former head of the Basij Student Organization, he was involved in the events of July 9, 1999, and the attack on Tehran University dormitory. Alireza Zakani has a long history of persecuting minorities and political opponents. He was previously disqualified from the 2013 and 2017 presidential elections. During Zakani’s tenure, a group called the HijabBans was established to oversee women’s dress codes in Tehran’s metro. Zakani has been sanctioned by the UK for his involvement in serious human rights violations.. More details

Seyed Amir-Hossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi: b. 1971 (53), ​​Fariman, Khorasan Razavi Province. Former Deputy Speaker of Parliament (2020-2021) Current Vice President of Iran and head of the Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs and Member of the Islamic Revolution Stability Front since 2019. Hashemi has been a staunch supporter of the so-called Hijab bill as well as the ‘Protection of Users’ Rights and Basic Applications in Cyberspace’ which seeks to restrict free access to the internet among other things.  More details

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf: b. 1961 (63), Torghabeh, Khorasan Razavi Province.  Former Commander Of the IRGC Air Force (1997-2000). Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, has long maintained leading involvement in the illegal crackdown on peaceful protestors including their arbitrary detentions and torture. Ghalibaf himself has spoken publicly about his involvement in and support in such actions. In addition, Ghalibaf is a staunch supporter of the so-called Hijab bill. More details

The elections, rather than serving as a tool for the people to express their will, act as a mechanism for the ruling authorities to present outward legitimacy. This can be seen notably in the candidacy of individuals who played leading roles in the arrest of protestors in 2010 following disputed elections. 

It is noteworthy that several other prominent figures applied but were not approved by the Guardian Council to run in the upcoming election. This list includes:

Eshaq Jahangiri: Former First Vice President
Mehrdad Bazrpash: Current Minister of Roads and Urban Development
Sowlat Mortazavi: Current Minister of Cooperatives, Labour and Social Welfare
Mahmoud Ahmadi Bighash: Former IRGC commander
Mostafa Kavakebian: Former representative of Tehran in the Parliament. More details
Sayyid Shamseddin Hosseini: Former Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance
Abdolnaser Hemmati: Former Governor of the Central Bank
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad: Former President
Mohammad Mehdi Esmaeili: Current Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance. More details
Vahid Haghanian: Former Executive Deputy of the Office of the Supreme Leader
Ali Larijani: Former Speaker of the Parliament. More details
Elias Naderan: Former MP
Hasan Sobhani: Former MP
Hasan Kamran: Former MP
Ahmad Akbari: Former MP
Ghasem Jasemi: Former MP
Hamideh Zarabadi: Former MP
Mohammad Nazemi Ardakani: Former Minister 

The current configuration severely limits any potential for significant political change from within the system, effectively making the elections a mere formality. The process ensures competing interests do not become a true threat to the ruling elite. Moreover, the Guardian Council’s role extends to overseeing the presidential elections themselves, further ensuring that the elected president will align with the broader interests of the ruling elite, thereby maintaining the status quo.

This system reveals a façade of democracy, where the true power dynamics operate on a level that is far removed from the democratic ideals professed to the public. The system not only undermines the democratic essence of elections but also perpetuates a cycle of power that is self-serving for those at the helm.

Incarcerated Individuals tell HRA: “Abuse of power is rampant. We are left at their mercy”

Iran’s prisons are harrowing places where abuse and neglect are rampant. The following report is based on testimonies from former and current incarcerated individuals in Iran. Conversations between individuals and HRA reveal severe and systemic issues that fly in the face of Iran’s international human rights obligations as well as universally agreed upon minimum standards for the treatment of prisoners. 

In Iran, the management, administration and regulations of the prisons falls under the jurisdiction of the Prisons Organisation which operates directly under the supervision of the Head of the Judiciary. The Head of the Judiciary appoints the head of the Prisons Organization who is responsible for the implementation of corrective measures, rehabilitation programs, and ensuring the rights and welfare of prisoners. This investigation was prompted by a notable void in reporting on prison conditions, which is likely attributed to the restricted nature of such reporting and the considerable challenge faced by third-party monitors in accessing penal facilities directly. The administration of prisons is tightly integrated with the judicial system’s broader goals and policies, and they have notably been known for their lack of transparency.

Conditions described by current and formerly incarcerated individuals in Iranian prisons such as Evin, Rajaei Shahr, Vakil Abad, Ghezel Hesar, Qarchak, and Adel Abad reveal significant breaches of international human rights law. In addition to clear violations of international human rights law, the testimonies detail blatant disregard for upholding the Mandela Rules.The Nelson Mandela Rules, while not legally binding, are considered “soft law” and represent essential principles

In 2015 The UN General Assembly adopted the Mandela Rules as the universally agreed minimum standards for the treatment of prisoners and several UN Member States have since incorporated the provisions of the rules into their domestic legal frameworks. Iran’s lack of overall adherence to these principles can be seen as a failure to uphold the universally agreed upon minimum standards. 

The Mandela Rules on the Standard Minimum Treatment of Prisoners 

Testimonies collected by HRA indicate grossly inadequate healthcare within prisons, with limited access to medical professionals and neglect of serious health conditions. This situation is a clear violation of the right to health as stipulated in the Mandela Rules.

Accommodation and Hygiene: 

“Adel Abad was a place of relentless suffering. The rooms were semi-dark and poorly ventilated, making it hard to breathe. Temperature extremes were common, with freezing winters and scorching summers.”

Mandela Rule 12 requires that prison accommodations provide adequate living space, ventilation, and lighting. 

Mandela Rule 13 stipulates the need for sanitary facilities that are hygienic and accessible. 

Mandela Rule 15 emphasizes the provision of adequate clothing and bedding.

The detailed testimonies collected by HRA highlight the violation of basic accommodation standards. Poor ventilation, inadequate lighting, and extreme temperatures directly contravene the Mandela Rules, creating inhumane living conditions that fail to respect the dignity of prisoners.

While engaging with HRA, Zahra, a political prisoner who spent 5 years in Evin Prison said “The cells were dimly lit and poorly ventilated, making the air thick and oppressive. Summers were unbearable, and winters were freezing.” Another individual detailed a similar situation describing “semi-dark and poorly ventilated [rooms], making it hard to breathe.” They continued, “Temperature extremes were common, with freezing winters and scorching summers.”

Food and Water

“Since the merger of the prisoner populations from Rajaei Shahr and Ghezel Hesar (Qezalhasar), the dynamics here have drastically changed. The overcrowding has worsened, and food shortages have become more severe.” 

Mandela Rule 22 ensures prisoners receive nutritious and sufficient food and drinking water.

Throughout HRA’s conversations, incarcerated individuals  consistently report inadequate and poor-quality food, with those unable to afford additional supplies from prison stores suffering from malnutrition. This testimony reveals stark violations of the Mandela Rules’ requirement for nutritious and sufficient food.

Ali, a 28 year old male incarcerated at Rajaei Shahr Prison four years told HRA, “The food was inedible, and many relied on the expensive prison store to supplement their diet.” Another individual currently incarcerated at Ghezel Hesar Prison said “The food is insufficient and often spoiled, forcing those with money to buy from the expensive prison store.”

The dire situation in these prisons, as described by the incarcerated individuals, underscores a critical failure to meet the basic nutritional needs mandated by Mandela Rule 22. The overcrowding exacerbated by the merger of incarcerated individuals populations from Rajaei Shahr and Ghezel Hesar has only intensified food shortages, leaving many inmates malnourished and dependent on expensive prison stores for survival. This blatant disregard for providing adequate and nutritious food highlights a profound violation of human rights within Iran’s prison system.

Healthcare

“The denial of these essential services is a clear reflection of the system’s failures.”

Mandela Rule 24 mandates that prisoners have access to the same standard of healthcare available in the community, without discrimination.

Testimonies indicate grossly inadequate healthcare, with limited access to medical professionals and neglect of serious health conditions. This situation is a clear violation of the right to health as stipulated in the Mandela Rules.

In Evin Prison one individual described that “Healthcare was minimal, with only an inexperienced nurse available and a doctor visiting infrequently.” Another serving time at Vakil Abad Prison from 2019-2023 disclosed to HRA  “Medical services were grossly inadequate, with many serious conditions ignored.” Another individual informed HRA that the existence of medical care “was a farce”. 

The denial of essential healthcare services within Iranian prisons is a damning indictment of the system’s failures to uphold basic human rights. Mandela Rule 24 unequivocally mandates that prisoners have access to healthcare equivalent to that

available in the wider community, without discrimination. These testimonies reveal a systemic failure to provide the necessary medical care, further underscoring the urgent need for reform within Iran’s prison system.

International Human Rights Law 

International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR): The Right to Humane Treatment

Article 10 of the ICCPR states that all persons deprived of their liberty shall be treated with humanity and with respect for the inherent dignity of the human person.

Indeed the degrading treatment described in great detail in conversation with almost all individuals including the pervasive violence reported violates Article 10 of the ICCPR, which emphasizes the humane treatment of all prisoners.

Nasrin, who is serving time since 2021 in Qarchak (Shahre-Rey) Prison, recounted to HRA “The humiliating behavior of some guards, who conduct nude body searches and degrade us in front of others, only adds to the misery.” Mehdi, a 40 year old male serving time at Ghezel Hesar Prison, in dialogue with HRA informed that : “The prison is a hotspot for violence, with easy access to weapons like large handmade knives that many of us carry for protection.”

Individuals described brutal violence. One stated that “Physical abuse by guards was common, and there were frequent hunger strikes in protest.” Another, age 60, incarcerated since 2006, stated “Some guards exploit these conditions, demanding bribes for basic necessities or the promise of safety.”

Physical abuse by guards and the exploitation of prisoners for bribes constitute inhuman and degrading treatment, falling under the purview of torture. The reports of frequent abuse and the calculated neglect by authorities indicate systemic issues within the prison system.

Conclusion

The systemic issues within Iranian prisons highlight a severe failure to adhere to international human rights obligations and principles. The harrowing testimonies from both current and former incarcerated individuals expose a grim reality of widespread abuse and severe neglect. Healthcare in these prisons is grossly inadequate, with limited access to medical professionals and widespread neglect of serious health conditions. Combined with appalling hygiene standards, subpar food and water provisions, and violence and degrading treatment by guards, it is evident that Iranian prisons fall alarmingly short of international standards and principles.

Iran must urgently address these violations to align itself with international standards and obligations, ensuring the humane treatment and dignity of all incarcerated individuals. 

HRA urges the international community, including international human rights organizations, governments, and the United Nations, to take immediate action regarding the stark realities revealed by these testimonies. It is imperative that in all dialogue concerted efforts be made to pressure Iran to adhere to international human rights standards, ensure the humane treatment of incarcerated individuals, and allow independent monitoring of prison conditions. 

*For a more in depth look at the unlawful conditions of Prisons mentioned in this article, please visit www.spreadingjustice.org and search the name of the Prison in the top right hand search bar.

*For a brief overview see below related Individuals involved in rights violations associated with unlawful prison conditions subdivided by Prison and General Associations: 

Shiraz Central Prison (AKA Adel Abad Prison): 

1. ISHAGH EBRAHIMI: Director-General of Fars Province Prisons Since Sep 2019
2. RUHOLLAH REZAEI DANA: the director of Shiraz Central Prison Since June 2020
3. ALI MOZAFFARI: Chief Justice of Qom Province Since August 2019 

Evin Prison:

1. ALI ASHRAF RASHIDI-AGHDAM: Deputy of Health and Correction and Education of Tehran Prisons General Administration Since August 2015
2. GHOLAMREZA ZIAEI: Head of Evin Prison From July 2019 to June 2020
3.  ALI CHAHARMAHALI: Head of Evin Prison from August 2016 to July 2019
4. HAMID MOHAMMADI: Director of Evin prison from June 2020 to September 2021
5. HASSAN GHOBADI:  Head of Evin Prison Security At least from March 2012
6. SEYED-HOSSEIN MORTAZAVI-ZANJANI: Warden of Evin Prison From 1986 to 1988 
7. MOHAMMAD MOGHISEH: Judge of the Evin Prison from 1989 to 1991 

Ghezel Hesar Prison

1. ASHKAN KAMALI: Head of Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj Since August 2020
2. HAMID MOHAMMADI: Director of Ghezel Hesar Prison From  2019, to June 2020
3. MOHAMMAD MOGHISEH: Assistant judge of Ghezel Hesar Prison in 1985   1986 – 1988 Head and Judge of Rajaei-Shahr Prison in Karaj 

Rajaei-Shahr Prison (AKA Gohardasht Prison): 

1. ALLAH KARAM AZIZI: The head of Rajaei-Shahr Prison From July 2019 to  August  2023
2. GHOLAMREZA ZIAEI: Head of Rajai-Shahr Prison in Karaj From October 2017 to July 2019
3. HAMID MOHAMMADI: Prior to his appointment as the director of Ghezel Hesar Prison, he was the director of Rajai-Shahr Prison in Karaj
4.  ALI HAJI-KAZEM: The warden of Rajaei-Shahr Prison
5. HAMID NOURY: Prison guard and assistant prosecutor of Rajaei-Shahr Prison Until 1991
6. HASSAN GHOBADI:  Deputy health of Rajaei-Shahr Prison at least from January 2019
7. SEYED-HOSSEIN MORTAZAVI-ZANJANI: Warden of Rajae-Shahr Prison From 1983 to 1986
8. MOHAMMAD MOGHISEH: Head and Judge of Rajaei-Shahr Prison From 1986  to 1988

Tehran Province Women’s Penitentiary (AKA Qarchak Prison in Varamin) 

1. SOGHRA KHODADADI: Head of the Women’s Ward of Qarchak Prison Since December 2020

Mashhad Central Prison (AKA Vakil Abad Prison): 

1. ALI ABDI: Head of Vakil Abad Prison From September 2019 to December 2021. And since December 2021 he is the deputy of Judiciary and Execution of Judgments of the General Administration of Khorasan Razavi Prisons Organization
2. HADI ESMAIEL ZADEGAN: Acting and then Director of Vakil Abad Prison Since November 2021

General:
1. SEYED HESHMATOLLAH HAIATOLGHEIB:

• Dorud city prison chief
• Police Deputy of the General Directorate of Prisons in Lorestan Province
• Deputy General Directorate of Prisons in Markazi Province
• Deputy of the General Directorate of Prisons in Isfahan Province
• Head of the Isfahan Central Prison (while maintaining the organizational position of deputy director general of prisons in Isfahan province)
• Deputy of the General Directorate of Prisons in Isfahan Province
• Head of the General Directorate of Prisons in Isfahan Province
• 2011-2015: Director-General of Yazd Province Prisons
• 2015- 2019: Director-General of Fars Province Prisons
• July 2019 to August 2021 and again February 2022: Director-General of Tehran Province Prisons

2. ALI CHAHARMAHALI:

• Vice President of Health, Correctional and Education of Prisons in Tehran Province
• 11 August 2016- 28 July 2019: Head of Evin Prison
• 28 July 2019-16 February 2022: Head of Great Tehran Penitentiary
• 16 February 2022-now: Director-General of Alborz Province Prisons

3.  IRAJ FATTAHI: 

• 2016- January 2023: Head of Karaj Central Penitentiary
• January 2023: Vice President of Health, Correctional and Education Department of Prisons of Alborz Province

4. ALI HAJI-KAZEM: 

• Former head of Karaj Central Penitentiary
• June 2005: the warden of Rajaei-Shahr prison
• From February 2022: Special advisor to Alborz governor on prisons

5. MOHAMMAD MAHDI HAJ-MOHAMMADI

• 2019 – June 2020 Deputy Justice of Tehran Province
• June 2020 – November 2021 Head of the State Prison and Security and Corrective Measures Organization
• From July 2023: Head of the Judiciary Office of Special Inspection and Citizen Rights.

6. MOHAMMAD-JAVAD ARDESHIR LARIJANI

• June 2005 – January 2020 Secretary of the High Council for Human Rights of Judicial system of Islamic Republic

7. GHOLAM-ALI MOHAMMADI

• July 2005 – September 2020 Deputy Chief Justice of Tehran Province
• September 2020 – November 2021 Deputy Head of the Judiciary chief office
• Since November 2021: Head of the State Prison and Security and Corrective Measures Organization

HRANA News Agency – Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA), along with 15 other human rights organizations, have released a joint statement urging the international community and human rights activists to unite in condemning Iran’s restrictive policies on sexual and reproductive rights. They also call for using diplomatic channels to demand the abolition of discriminatory laws. These organizations request that the Islamic Republic revoke laws restricting abortion and reinstate comprehensive family planning programs. The signatories of this statement emphasize that the Iranian government must comply with international health standards and cooperate with the United Nations to ensure women have access to the highest level of reproductive health care.

Read the full statement below, and find the Persian version here.

Washington D.C. Friday, May 10, 2024 –In the past decade, Iran has intensified its efforts to limit women’s fundamental rights, notably in the sphere of reproductive autonomy. This trend underscores a broader pattern within the country, where women’s rights are facing persistent and escalating restrictions. Under the guise of addressing declining population growth, the government has introduced increasingly discriminatory legislation severely limiting access to vital sexual and reproductive healthcare and family planning services such as access to abortion, essential prenatal screening and contraception. These measures criminalize healthcare providers and strip women of bodily autonomy, perpetuating systemic discrimination, now widely acknowledged.

Considering the persistent discriminatory legislation against women’s sexual and reproductive healthcare and with insights from HRA‘s latest report, Sexual and Reproductive Rights in Iran: Battling Restrictive Laws and Discriminatory Practices, which includes grim conversations with women and providers directly affected, the undersigned organizations urge decisive international action to address systemic violations of women’s sexual and reproductive rights in Iran.

The undersigned organizations call upon the international community to:

🔳 Immediate Condemnation The international community and activists must unite in condemning Iran’s restrictive sexual and reproductive policies, urging the repeal of discriminatory laws including through diplomatic channels, where available.

🔳 Engagement with International/Intergovernmental Institutions Engage with international and intergovernmental institutions to raise awareness and advocate for action. Importantly, UNFPA, in its work toward the goal of universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, including family planning, it is imperative that in all engagements under the UNFPA Country Programme and the 2024-2025 joint work plans between UNFPA and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, there is a strong emphasis on the need to repeal restrictive legislation that criminalizes abortion and imposes punitive measures on individuals seeking or providing abortion services.

🔳 Educational Initiatives Introduce public awareness campaigns aimed at challenging norms perpetuating gender inequality. It is imperative to ensure that these campaigns reach minority areas and are linguistically inclusive, thereby facilitating broader dissemination and maximizing their transformative impact.

🔳 Monitoring and Accountability Maintain specialized monitoring to hold Iran accountable for violations of women’s rights, namely sexual and reproductive rights violations. Seek to hold individuals directly involved in violations responsible through targeted action across jurisdictions.

The undersigned organizations urge the Islamic Republic of Iran to:

🔳 Support Family Planning Reinstate comprehensive family planning programs providing contraception, prenatal and antenatal healthcare, and linguistically inclusive education to empower all women in making their own reproductive healthcare choices.

🔳 Repeal Restrictive Legislation Immediately revoke laws criminalizing abortion and ensure access to safe and legal abortion services and eliminate all punitive measures against healthcare providers and institutions.

🔳 Adhere to International Health Standards Commit to upholding international health standards and obligations, including the right to health as outlined in the ICESCR.

🔳 Combat Gender-Based Discrimination Take concrete steps to address systemic gender discrimination and promote gender equality across all societal domains.

🔳 Cooperate with the United Nations Engage with United Nations human rights mechanisms, granting unrestricted access to the country. This not only enables comprehensive monitoring and reporting on the prevailing situation but also serves to enhance accessibility to sexual and reproductive healthcare assistance while addressing ongoing challenges.

Iranian women are not alone in their struggle to attain access to safe sexual and reproductive healthcare. However, Iranian women face systemic discrimination alongside the barriers to sexual and reproductive healthcare, perpetuating their subordinate status in law and ultimately endangering their lives. Iran must implement recommendations, ensuring access to improved sexual and reproductive health for all citizens.

Signatories:

🔸Abdorrahman Boroumand Center for Human Rights in Iran   

🔸Association for the Human Rights of the Azerbaijani People in Iran   

🔸Baloch Activists Campaign  

🔸Centre Against Racism in Iran

🔸Haalvsh

🔸Human Rights Activists 

🔸Human Rights Watch 

🔸HYRCANI 

🔸Kurdistan Human Rights Association – Geneva 

🔸Kurdpa Human Rights Organization 

🔸Miaan 

🔸OutRight International 

🔸Rasanak 

🔸Siamak Pourzand Foundation 

🔸Tuhra 

🔸World Organisation Against Torture, OMCT

HRANA – In a groundbreaking session at the Human Rights Council’s 55th meeting, the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran revealed extensive human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and gender persecution. Despite presenting a detailed 470-page report documenting systemic violations and calling for accountability, Iranian officials dismissed the allegations as ‘riots,’ highlighting a deep-seated culture of impunity. The findings, emphasizing the urgent need for reform and international cooperation, prompt a strong recommendation for the renewal of the mission’s mandate to continue documenting abuses and advocating for justice for Iran’s citizens.

The FFM Interactive Dialogue at HRC55

On March 18th 2024, the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran presented their findings to the Human Rights Council in their 55th Session. Despite facing challenges in establishing communication with Iranian authorities, the FFM meticulously documented various incidents and patterns of rights violations. From the tragic death of Mahsa Amini to the use of violence against peaceful protesters resulting in unlawful killings, the report paints a troubling picture of systemic abuses. Moreover, the documented violations, including extrajudicial killings, torture, rape, enforced disappearances, and gender persecution, underscore the urgent need for accountability and justice for the victims and survivors..

Response from Iran: 

In response to the  findings presented by the FFM, Iranian representatives, who were present at the session, exhibited a dismissive stance, refusing to acknowledge the gravity of the situation. Instead, they opted to label incidents as mere “riots,” deflecting accountability and downplaying the systemic issues at hand. The limited recognition of crimes against humanity, particularly gender persecution, further highlights the reluctance of Iranian authorities to address the root causes of rights violations. Additionally, during the speeches by civil society organizations, the Iranian representatives continued to interrupt the speakers.
This response not only undermines efforts towards accountability but also perpetuates a culture of impunity, leaving victims and survivors without recourse for justice.  

Conclusion

The presentation of the FFM’s findings underscores the urgent need for concerted action to address human rights abuses within the Islamic Republic of Iran. It serves as a clarion call for both domestic and international stakeholders to prioritize accountability, justice, and reform. On the 19th of March the , which contains a deep analysis and detailing findings made by the FFM as well as notes the opportunities for further analysis. 

Moving forward, it is imperative for Iranian authorities to engage constructively with the international community and take meaningful steps towards upholding fundamental rights and dignity for all individuals within the nation.  Additionally, HRA strongly recommends the renewal of the FFMI mandate, ensuring ample time and resources for documenting ongoing human rights violations and potential breaches of international law. Moreover, HRA advocates for the mandate to continue to acknowledge the Iranian people subjected to decades of systemic human rights abuses.

GENEVA- On March 18,2024, Skylar Thompson, Director of Global Advocacy and Accountability, contributed to a pivotal side event during the Human Rights Council 55th Session, focusing on the escalating persecution in Iran on the grounds of gender, ethnicity, and religion.

Thompson participated alongside distinguished chair of the FFMI Sara Hossain,who earlier in the day presented the findings to the Human Rights Council. During the side event, she highlighted the disproportionate discriminations towards minorities, particular in regard to the violence shown during the protest. Further, she also addressed the extreme violence towards women and girls that amounted to crimes against humanity of murder, torture, and persecution on the grounds of gender intersecting with the persecution of minorities.

Other panelists included Taimoor Alliassi, Monireh Shiran, Raphaël Chenuil-Hazan and, Nushin Sarkarati.

The session provided a platform to address the worsening human rights situation in the country, highlighting the plight of marginalized groups, particularly women, minorities, and LGBTI individuals. Further, the panel discussed the findings by the FFMI, the historically high number of executions, and pathways to accountability through international mechanisms.

Thompson spoke about acts committed notably against women and girls for non-compliance with mandatory hijab laws or for opposing established gender norms and discriminatory policies which are deeply embedded into the domestic judicial system. She emphasized the urgent need to continue to document extensively the ongoing crimes occurring in Iran, stressing that these events are not isolated incidents but rather systematic oppression targeting specific groups of individuals on the basis of their membership in those groups.. She highlighted the treatment during the protests, but also the long-standing persecution endured by women, minorities, and LGBTI individuals within Iran, stating, “All these acts surrounding the protests have been happening for decades. Iran has persecuted women, they have persecuted minorities, and they have persecuted LGBTI individuals.” Thompson’s call to action included renewing mandates for fact-finding missions and special rapporteurs, underscoring the imperative for international intervention to address the egregious human rights violations perpetrated in Iran.

UNSR Dr. Javaid Rehman presents final report as mandate holder to the U.N. Human Rights Council, 18 March 2024

Today, Dr. Javaid Rehman, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, presented his final report as mandate holder to the United Nations Human Rights Council .

HRA welcomes Dr. Rehman’s analysis, particularly his spotlight on the alarming prevalence of death penalty charges, including for drug related offenses and for juvenile offenders.  Despite the clear violation of Article 6 of the ICCPR, Iran persists in executing individuals on drug-related charges and other crimes that do not amount to “most serious” under international law. Furthermore, the report exposes the egregious mistreatment of women, girls, human rights defenders, lawyers, and minorities, illustrating instances of forced confessions, unfair trials, and discriminatory practices. The aforementioned– all themes HRA has worked diligently to document and work closely with the mandate to share insights throughout the reporting period.

HRA embraces the recommendations outlined in the report , advocating for a moratorium on executions, the abolition of the death penalty, and improved legislation concerning child offenders.. It also underscores the imperative to uphold the right to a fair trial in accordance with the ICCPR, prevent threats, harassment, and arbitrary arrests of human rights defenders, and release individuals detained for exercising their fundamental freedoms. See HRA’s latest report on the situation of female political prisoners for more on our work in this regard.

HRA is proud to be present at the United Nations Human Rights Council in its 55th Session, standing in solidarity with and bringing the voices of Iranians to the international stage. In light of the expansive issues touched on in the report, it is imperative that Member States of the Human Rights Council vote to renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Iran. This will ensure the continuation of vital work such as documentation, reporting, and archiving in the manner exemplified today.