Tag: Abolghasem Salavati

January 2026 Protests: Vahid Khan Sanami Sentenced to Death

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Executions, News
Abolghasem Salavati, HRANA, moharebeh, Vahid Khan Sanami, وحید خان صنمی

HRANA – Vahid Khan Sanami, arrested during the nationwide protests of January 2026 and currently imprisoned in Greater Tehran Prison, has been sentenced to death by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court on the charge of moharebeh (enmity against God).

According to HRANA, Vahid Khan Sanami, who was arrested during the January 2026 nationwide protests, has been sentenced to death.

Based on information received by HRANA, Vahid Khan Sanami was sentenced to death by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, on the charge of moharebeh.

A source familiar with the case and close to Sanami’s family confirmed the news in an interview with HRANA, stating that his trial was held in May of this year.

Vahid Khan Sanami was arrested in March of last year in connection with the January 2026 nationwide protests and is currently being held in Greater Tehran Prison.

Political Prisoner Arghavan Fallahi Sentenced to Death

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Executions, News, Prisoners
Abolghasem Salavati, Arghavan Fallahi, Iman Afshari

HRANA – Arghavan Fallahi, a 24-year-old political prisoner held in Evin Prison, has been sentenced to death by Judge Abolghasem Salavati on the charge of baghi (armed rebellion).

According to information received by HRANA, the sentence was issued by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati. Ms. Fallahi was sentenced to death under Article 287 of the Islamic Penal Code on the charge of baghi (armed rebellion), based on allegations of membership in anti-government groups and involvement in armed action.

Following the Israeli strike on Evin Prison in June 2025, Ms. Fallahi was initially transferred to Greater Tehran Penitentiary and subsequently to Qarchak Prison in Varamin. She was later returned to Evin Prison.

Previously, an informed source told HRANA regarding her case: “Following her arrest, Ms. Fallahi was held for a period in Wards 209 and 241 of Evin Prison under the supervision of the Judiciary’s Intelligence Protection Organization. During this time, she was subjected to severe psychological torture, and efforts were made to extract forced confessions from her in connection with the killings of judges Mohammad Moghiseh and Ali Razini.”

Arghavan Fallahi was arrested by security forces in early January 2025 and transferred to Ward 209 of Evin Prison, The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility.

Ms. Fallahi had previously been arrested along with her father in November 2022 by security forces and was later transferred to Evin Prison. She was subsequently sentenced by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, to two years in prison on charges of assembly and collusion and propaganda against the regime. She was released from Evin Prison after completing her sentence.

Bijan Kazemi Sentenced to More Than 37 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abolghasem Salavati, Bijan Kazemi, HRANA

HRANA – Bijan Kazemi, a political prisoner currently held in Evin Prison, has been sentenced by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court to a total of 37 years and six months in prison.

Based on a ruling issued by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, and recently communicated to him, he was sentenced to a total of 37 years and six months in prison on the charges brought against him in his case.

Bijan Kazemi, who had remained in pretrial detention until now, was tried in February of 2026 before Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court on charges including “assembly and collusion to commit crimes against national security, and membership in groups opposing the state.”

An informed source told HRANA: “In this case, he also faced an accusation related to ‘procuring a weapon for the assailant of Judges Razini and Moghiseh,’ an allegation that had previously been rejected by security interrogators and about which judicial authorities in Kuhdasht had remained silent.”

In mid-August 2025, Bijan Kazemi’s interrogation session was held at Branch 5 of the Prosecutor’s Office of District 33 in Tehran without the presence of a lawyer. At the end of the session, bail was set at four billion tomans, but the case officer opposed his release. Mr. Kazemi was later transferred to The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility in Qom and returned to Evin Prison on September 25, 2025.

Bijan Kazemi has previously faced judicial harassment due to his activities.

Report on the Latest Status of Majid Jamshidzadeh in Evin Prison

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News, Prisoners
Abolghasem Salavati, Evin Prison, HRANA, Majid Jamshidzadeh, مجید جمشیدزاده

HRANA – Majid Jamshidzadeh, a student at Iran University of Science and Technology and one of those arrested during the January 2026 protests, is currently serving his prison sentence in Evin Prison. He had previously been sentenced to five years in prison by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

According to HRANA News Agency, quoting Amir Kabir Newsletter, Majid Jamshidzadeh is serving his sentence in Evin Prison. He was previously sentenced by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, to five years in prison on charges of “assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security” and “disrupting public order.”

The report states that the verdict was verbally communicated to Mr. Jamshidzadeh in Evin Prison. However, because the ruling has not been officially registered in the judicial notification system, he has so far been unable to file an appeal request.

Majid Jamshidzadeh, an undergraduate industrial design student at Iran University of Science and Technology, was arrested on January 2, 2026, during public protests in Tehran and was subsequently transferred to Evin 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.

British Nationals Craig and Lindsay Foreman Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abolghasem Salavati, Craig and Lindsay Foreman, Craig Foreman, IRGC Intelligence, Joe Bennett, Kerman, Lindsay Foreman

HRANA – Craig and Lindsay Foreman, two British nationals currently imprisoned in Iran, have been sentenced to 10 years in prison by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, on charges of “espionage.”

According to HRANA News Agency, citing BBC Persian, Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, headed by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, sentenced the couple to 10 years in prison on charges of “espionage.”

The British couple stated that despite being present in court, no evidence was presented and they were given no opportunity to defend themselves.

Their son, Joe Bennett, has said that he is deeply concerned about their conditions of detention. The UK Foreign Secretary has also described the ruling as “appalling and unjustifiable.”

The report does not provide further details, including the date on which the verdict was issued.

The couple had previously gone on hunger strike in November of last year in protest against the lack of progress in their case.

Craig Foreman and Lindsay Foreman had entered Iran as part of a round-the-world motorcycle trip and were arrested in December 2024 by the IRGC Intelligence in Kerman. Judicial authorities had earlier accused them of “espionage,” alleging that they had gathered information in several provinces under the cover of tourism and research activities.

The then British ambassador to Iran also met with the two defendants at the Kerman Prosecutor’s Office in February of last year.

In recent years, Iranian authorities have detained several foreign nationals on charges such as espionage or cooperation with hostile states. Some of these detainees have later been released following political negotiations. Human rights organizations and some Western governments have accused Iran of using such arrests as a means of political leverage, allegations that Iranian authorities have consistently denied.

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New Prison Term for Jailed Political Prisoner Mostafa Tajzadeh

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abolghasem Salavati, Evin Prison, Houshang Pourbabai, IRGC Intelligence, Mostafa Tajzadeh

HRANA – Branch 22 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court has sentenced Mostafa Tajzadeh, a political prisoner held in Evin Prison, to 14 months in prison in connection with a case opened against him during his imprisonment.

Fakhrossadat Mohtashamipour, the wife of Mostafa Tajzadeh, announced in a statement that under a verdict issued today, Monday, February 16, by Branch 22 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court presided over by Judge Taghizadeh, this political prisoner was sentenced to 14 months of discretionary imprisonment on the charge of propaganda against the regime.

He had previously been summoned on December 30, 2025, following the opening of a new case, after receiving a notice to appear before Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court to defend himself against the charges brought against him.

In July of 2025, in another case formed against him during his imprisonment, Mostafa Tajzadeh was sentenced to a total of five years in prison. According to Houshang Pourbabai, Mr. Tajzadeh’s defense attorney, with the issuance of this new ruling, the total sentences against his client have increased to 17 years in prison.

In December 2024, in another case, Mr. Tajzadeh was sentenced by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, to one year in prison on the charge of propaganda against the regime and five years in prison on the charge of assembly and collusion against national security, totaling six years.

Regarding that case, Fakhrossadat Mohtashamipour had stated that it was initiated by the IRGC Intelligence Organization and that Abolghasem Salavati has, since 2009, issued a new sentence against Mostafa Tajzadeh for the third time.

Mostafa Tajzadeh was arrested by security forces on July 8, 2022, and transferred to The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, known as Ward 2-A of Evin Prison. He was later sentenced by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Salavati, to eight years in prison on charges of assembly and collusion against national security, spreading falsehoods, and propaganda against the regime, five years of which are enforceable.

Mr. Tajzadeh has previously faced judicial action and imprisonment due to his activities.

Forced Confession and Security Accusations Against Amirhossein Mousavi Broadcast on State TV

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News, Prisoners
Abolghasem Salavati, Amirhossein Mousavi, Evin Prison, Reza Shafakhah

HRANA – The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) has released a video featuring the forced confession of Amirhossein Mousavi, a political detainee held in Evin Prison.

According to HRANA, IRIB aired a video of Amirhossein Mousavi, in which efforts are made to portray him as involved in espionage and intelligence cooperation with Israel. Mousavi, appearing under apparent duress, describes his social media activities and voices remorse. The video claims he exchanged information with individuals linked to Israel during the 12-day war – despite the fact that his arrest took place roughly six months before that conflict began.

In September 2025, Mousavi’s case was referred to Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, following an indictment on charges of “assembly and collusion to act against national security” and “propaganda against the regime.” He also faces a separate charge of “insulting sacred beliefs,” which falls under the jurisdiction of the Tehran Province Criminal Court One. His lawyer previously announced that the first court hearing is scheduled for November 2, 2025.

A source close to Mousavi’s family told HRANA: “After ten months of investigation by Branch 5 of the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office of District 33 in Tehran, his case was referred to the mentioned court branch with bail increased to 10 billion tomans.”

Earlier, Mousavi’s defense attorney, Reza Shafakhah, had shared updates regarding his client’s continued legal uncertainty and prolonged detention.

Mousavi, a Tehran resident approximately 41 years old, was arrested on December 18, 2024, at Mehrabad Airport while preparing to travel to Kish Island. His lawyer has stated that Mousavi’s account on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) had been under surveillance for nearly six months and that his arrest stemmed from his activity there.

Before his arrest, Amirhossein Mousavi was active on X under the handle “James B Dean.”

Saman Mohammadi Khiyareh Executed

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Executions, News
Abolghasem Salavati, moharebeh, Saman Mohammadi, Saman Mohammadi Khiyareh, Sanandaj, سامان محمدی, سامان محمدی خیاره

HRANA – On Saturday morning, Mizan News Agency, announced the execution of Saman Mohammadi Khiyareh, a political prisoner from Sanandaj. Mr. Mohammadi Khiyareh had previously been sentenced to death by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

The Judiciary’s Media Center stated that the sentence was carried out this morning, Saturday, October 4, 2025, after being upheld by the Supreme Court. In its report, the Judiciary accused Saman Mohammadi of “enmity against God (moharebeh) through membership in terrorist and Takfiri groups, carrying out armed operations, and planning and directing the assassination of Mamousta Sheikh al-Islam.”

The Judiciary further accused him of “armed robbery of a jewelry shop in Hamedan, stealing a private vehicle and killing its driver, shooting at civilians, and attacking a police station at the Sheikhan intersection in Sanandaj, which resulted in the death of a soldier.”

Saman Mohammadi Khiyareh, approximately 34 years old and a native of Sanandaj, was arrested in February 2010 on charges of moharebeh (enmity against God). A few months later, he was sentenced to death by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati. However, due to insufficient evidence, the Supreme Court’s Branch 41 overturned the verdict and sent the case to another branch for retrial. The new court sentenced him instead to 15 years in prison on charges of membership in anti-regime groups.

Nevertheless, in an opaque process and under pressure from security agencies – the complainants in the case – this ruling was overturned, and he was once again sentenced to death on the same charges.

A source close to the prisoner’s family previously told HRANA: “During detention, Saman Mohammadi was subjected to physical and psychological torture and forced to confess to charges including the killing of a military officer and another individual during the 2009 protests. However, he denied these confessions at every stage of interrogation and trial.”

According to HRANA’s statistics, Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj carried out the highest number of executions among all Iranian prisons, with 150 inmates hanged. This figure has nearly doubled compared to the previous year – a deeply alarming increase that underscores the escalating use of capital punishment in Iran.

Mohammad Amin Mahdavi Shayesteh Executed

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Executions, News
Abolghasem Salavati, Mahdavi Shayesteh

HRANA News Agency – Today, Monday, June 23, Mizan, the Judiciary Media Center, announced the execution of Mohammad Amin Mahdavi Shayesteh, a prisoner convicted of espionage for Israel. In June of this year, his death sentence, issued while he was held in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj, had been upheld by Branch 39 of the Supreme Court.

The Judiciary Media Center stated that Mohammad Amin Mahdavi Shayesteh was hanged this morning on charges of “espionage and intelligence cooperation in favor of the Israeli regime.”

The report claimed that Mahdavi Shayesteh was “the head of a cyber team affiliated with Mossad” and knowingly collaborated with Israel’s intelligence service.

Mizan further alleged that his responsibilities included “transmitting orders from Mossad officers,” “conducting virtual operations,” and even “directing field operations.”

The report did not provide further details, including the exact location where the execution was carried out.

In June of this year, Mohammad Amin Mahdavi Shayesteh’s death sentence, issued by Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, was confirmed by the Supreme Court. Mahdavi Shayesteh, a political prisoner approximately 27 years old, had been arrested in the fall of 2023 and was charged primarily with “collaborating with a hostile government.”

Previously, a source close to Mahdavi Shayesteh’s family told HRANA: “The accusations against Mohammad Amin were presented without sufficient evidence, and he was forced, under severe pressure, to make confessions whose validity is highly questionable. Furthermore, his arrest and trial process were marred by clear injustices, and he was denied access to legal counsel of his choice.”

Appeals Court Upholds Over 5-Year Sentence for Azerbaijani-Turk Activist Vadood Asadi

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Ethnic Minorities, News, Prisoners
Abolghasem Salavati, Azerbaijani Turk activist, Evin Prison, Rasht, Vadood Asadi

HRANA News Agency –The Gilan Province Appeals Court has upheld the five-year-and-six-month prison sentence of Vadood Asadi, an Azerbaijani-Turk activist currently detained in Evin Prison. The verdict was confirmed without any changes.

A source close to Asadi’s family told HRANA that the sentence, originally issued by Branch 3 of the Rasht Revolutionary Court, was reaffirmed by Branch 11 of the Gilan Appeals Court. Asadi was convicted on charges of propaganda against the regime, membership in anti-regime groups, and insulting the Supreme Leader.

On March 3, 2025, Asadi was transferred to Evin Prison to begin serving his sentence following an official summons.

In a separate case, Asadi had earlier been sentenced to four years in prison by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, for “assembly and collusion to act against national security.” That sentence was later reduced to one year under a general pardon. After he accepted the verdict, a further reduction was applied, resulting in a final sentence of nine months.

Asadi was initially arrested by security forces in Rasht in February 2024. He was transferred to Evin Prison in March of that year and released on bail several days later.

The activist has a history of facing legal action related to his civil and political activities.

According to HRANA’s report, in 2024, 20 ethnic minority rights activists were sentenced to a total of 471 months (nearly 40 years) in prison. Over the past decade, the total length of such prison sentences has reached 913 years.