Tag: Abolghasem Salavati

Appeals Court Upholds Mehdi Hemmati’s 5-Year Prison Sentence

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News, Prisoners
Abolghasem Salavati, irgc, Jina Amini, Mahsa Amini, Mehdi Hemmati, Tehran

HRANA News Agency – Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeals has upheld the five-year prison sentence of Mehdi Hemmati, a political prisoner currently held in Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj.

As per the verdict recently issued by Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeals and communicated to Hemmati, he has been sentenced to five years in prison on charges of “assembly and collusion to commit a crime against national security.” This sentence was initially handed down by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati.

Additionally, in another part of his case, Branch 1147 of the Tehran Criminal Court sentenced Hemmati to 10 months in prison for “disrupting public order,” five months in prison, and 30 lashes for “possession of explosive materials.” This ruling was later upheld by Branch 34 of the Court of Appeals.

Mehdi Hemmati was arrested during the 40-day memorial ceremony for Mahsa (Jina) Amini in Tehran. He spent time in detention at the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) detention facility in Tehran, where he was subjected to torture and denied access to legal representation. He was later transferred to Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

67-Year-Old Political Prisoner Asadollah Hadi Denied Medical Care in Evin Prison

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News, Prisoners
Abolghasem Salavati, Asadollah Hadi, Evin Prison, HRANA

HRANA News Agency – Despite severe health issues and a forensic medical report confirming his inability to endure imprisonment, 67-year-old political prisoner Asadollah Hadi remains incarcerated in Evin Prison. He has been denied specialized medical treatment, phone calls, and family visits.

According to HRANA, the news agency of the Human Rights Activists in Iran, Asadollah Hadi continues to serve his sentence in Evin Prison without access to proper medical care.

A source close to Hadi’s family told HRANA: “Mr. Hadi suffers from cardiovascular diseases, herniated cervical and lumbar discs (which required surgery and metal implants), knee problems, hearing loss, kidney stones, and a brain condition that causes headaches and fainting. Nine years ago, the Social Security Organization confirmed that he is 63% disabled. Despite medical professionals acknowledging the severity of his condition, the forensic medical examiner ruled him unfit to endure imprisonment. However, higher authorities ordered the closure of his medical case, preventing his family from pursuing further action. He remains in urgent need of specialized treatment.”

The source added that since his arrest, Hadi has only been transferred to the hospital twice. In recent months, he has been denied family visits and phone calls. Last week, his family was once again barred from seeing him.

Hadi has previously undergone three angiographies and one open-heart surgery. In 2015, while serving a prior prison sentence, he underwent spinal surgery due to herniated cervical and lumbar discs that had affected his spinal cord, resulting in the implantation of metal screws and plates.

Asadollah Hadi was arrested on September 29, 2022, during the nationwide protests. He was initially held in Ward 209 of Evin Prison for repeated interrogations before being transferred to the Greater Tehran Prison after 45 days. Six months later, he was moved back to Evin Prison.

Without access to legal representation, Hadi was sentenced by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, to a total of seven years and seven months in prison on charges of “acting against national security” and “propaganda against the regime.” His sentence was later reduced to five years by the Tehran Court of Appeals.

Hadi, a former political prisoner from the 1980s, has a history of previous arrests and convictions.

Court of Appeals: 10 Political Defendants Sentenced to a Total of 81 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abolghasem Salavati, Araz Aman Zeynabad, Ayaz Seyfkhah, Baqer Haji Zadeh, Fatemeh Atash, Hassan Ebrahimi, Karam Mardaneh, Morteza Parvin, Saeed Minaei Gheshlagh, Salar Taher Afshar, Taher Naghavi

HRANA News Agency – Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeals upheld the sentences against nine Azerbaijani-Turk activists and attorney Taher Naghavi. Judge Abolghasem Salavati had originally sentenced these individuals in the preliminary trial to a total of 81 years in prison and additional penalties.

Summary of the Sentences:

According to the ruling, issued by Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeals on January 15, 2025, and recently communicated to the defendants:

  • Ayaz Seyfkhah: 14 years in prison (9 years for espionage and 5 years for conspiracy, with the 9-year sentence enforceable under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code).
  • Araz Aman Zeynabad and Baqer Haji Zadeh Mazraeh: Each sentenced to 13 years (8 years for espionage and 5 years for assembly and collusion against national security, with the 8-year sentence enforceable).
  • Karam Mardaneh Mostamali Beiglou: 11 years (6 years for espionage and 5 years for assembly and collusion against national security, with the 6-year sentence enforceable).
  • Taher Naghavi and Morteza Parvin Joda: Each sentenced to 6 years (5 years for assembly and collusion against national security and 1 year for propaganda against the regime, with the 5-year sentence enforceable). Additional penalties for Naghavi include a two-year travel ban and deprivation of social and political rights.
  • Salar Taher Afshar, Saeed Minaei Gheshlagh, and Fatemeh Atash Khiavi: Each sentenced to 5 years for “assembly and collusion against national security”. (Atash Khiavi’s and Minaei Gheshlagh’s sentences include partial suspensions).
  • Hassan Ebrahimi: 3 years for conspiracy, with a two-year suspension for part of the term.

Arrest and Detention Background:

These individuals were arrested on February 6-7, 2024, in various cities, including Tabriz, Karaj, Ardabil, and Urmia, by security forces.

  • Taher Naghavi was detained in Karaj on February 6, 2024.
  • Activists Araz Aman, Baqer Haji Zadeh, and Ayaz Seyfkhah were arrested in Tabriz and later transferred to Evin Prison.
  • Karam Mardaneh was detained in Ardabil on February 6, 2024.
  • Salar Taher Afshar was arrested in Urmia and transferred to Ward 209 of Evin Prison. He was released on bail on February 28, 2024.
  • Saeed Minaei was detained after appearing at the Ministry of Intelligence office in Bonab and later released on bail on March 13, 2024.

Legal Process:

The initial verdicts were issued by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Salavati, known for his harsh rulings against political and civil rights activists.

This case highlights ongoing pressures on political activists and their legal representatives in Iran.

Court of Appeals Upholds 6-Year Sentence and Additional Penalties for Taher Naghavi

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abolghasem Salavati, Evin Prison, Taher Naghavi, طاهر نقوی

HRANA News Agency – The Tehran Court of Appeals Branch 36 has upheld the 6-year prison sentence and supplementary penalties for Taher Naghavi, a lawyer currently held in Evin Prison. Previously, Judge Abolghasem Salavati sentenced him to imprisonment along with a 2-year ban on leaving the country, deprivation of social rights, and membership in political parties.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, the Appeals Court recently upheld Mr. Naghavi’s sentence, which was officially communicated to his defense lawyer yesterday. He was sentenced to 1 year in prison for “propaganda against the regime” and 5 years for “assembly and collusion against national security.” His additional penalties include a 2-year travel ban, deprivation of social rights, and prohibition from joining political parties.

A source close to Mr. Naghavi’s family confirmed the news to HRANA, stating: “One of the reasons cited by the Appeals Court for affirming the initial ruling was the support Mr. Naghavi received from foreign news networks and TV stations.”

In late October of this year, Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, convicted Naghavi of the charges.

Naghavi was arrested on February 6, 2023, by security forces and subsequently transferred to Evin Prison.

It is noteworthy that Naghavi, who suffers from prostate issues, spinal problems, and joint pain in his hands and knees, has been denied adequate medical care during his detention.

Additionally, in July 2024, prison officials filed a new case against him, accusing him of “disrupting public order” and “insulting prison officials.”

Appeals Court: Morteza Parvin Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abolghasem Salavati, Ardabil, Evin Prison, Morteza Parvin, مرتضی پروین

The sentence of Morteza Parvin, an Azerbaijani-Turk activist currently imprisoned in Evin Prison, was reduced to five years by Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeals. Previously, he had been sentenced to six years in prison by Judge Abolghasem Salavati.

Per the ruling issued by Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeals, Mr. Parvin received a five-year prison sentence for the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security” and was acquitted of the charge of “propaganda against the regime.”

In late October of this year, Morteza Parvin had been sentenced by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, to one year in prison for “propaganda against the regime” and five years for “assembly and collusion.”

A source close to the family of this Azerbaijani-Turk activist confirmed the news to HRANA, stating: “Mr. Parvin had also faced espionage charges in the past but was acquitted of those charges.”

Security forces detained Parvin in Ardabil on February 6, and after a few days, he informed his family of his transfer to Evin Prison. This incident is not the first time Parvin has faced arrest due to his involvement as an Azerbaijani-Turk activist.

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Mostafa Tajzadeh Sentenced to Six Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Abolghasem Salavati, Evin Prison, Mostafa Tajzadeh

Mostafa Tajzadeh, a political prisoner held in Evin Prison, has been sentenced to six years in prison by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court on charges stemming from a new case opened against him during his incarceration.

A recent verdict issued by Judge Abolghasem Salavati of Branch 15 sentenced Tajzadeh to one year in prison for “propaganda against the regime” and five years for “assembly and collusion against national security,” totaling six years. Under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the most severe sentence—five years—will be enforceable.

Fakhrosadat Mohtashami-Pour, Tajzadeh’s wife, revealed that the case was filed by the IRGC Intelligence Organization. She also noted that this is the third time since 2009 that Judge Salavati has issued a new sentence against her husband.

In March 2024, a new case was opened against Tajzadeh while he was already imprisoned, and he was summoned to Evin Prosecutor’s Office. At the time, Tajzadeh stated: “As before, I refused to accept the summons and declared that I would not appear in court or the prosecutor’s office. The judiciary is free to convict me in absentia.”

Previously, Tajzadeh had criticized the revival of the the “Guidance Patrol” program known as “Noor Plan” by the Iranian police (FARAJA). In a letter from Evin Prison, he attributed the reinstatement of this program to the orders or approval of Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader, writing: “No authority other than the Leader can mandate directives for the police.” Tajzadeh, who served as the Deputy Interior Minister for Political Affairs for several years, emphasized in his letter that only the Supreme Leader has such authority over the police.

The prominent political activist was apprehended by security forces on July 8, 2022, and subsequently transferred to Ward 2-A in Evin Prison under the control of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). After months of legal uncertainty, Tajzadeh was sentenced to eight years in prison by Branch 15 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran, presided over by Judge Salavati. The charges included “assembly and collusion against national security,” “disseminating false information,” and “propaganda against the regime,” with five years of the verdict deemed enforceable.

Tajzadeh, who previously served as the deputy interior minister under President Mohammad Khatami, has a history of judicial confrontations and periods of incarceration stemming from his activism.

Six Defendants in the “Ekbatan Town” Case Sentenced to Death

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Executions, Freedom of Expression, News
Abolghasem Salavati, Alireza Barmarz Pournak, Alireza Kafaei, Amir-Mohammad Khosh Eghbal, Babak Paknia, Ekbatan, Hossein Nemati, Milad Armoon, Navid Najaran

Milad Armoun (Armoon), Alireza Kafaei, Amir-Mohammad Khosh-Eghbal, Navid Najaran, Hossein Nemati, and Alireza Barmarz Pournak, defendants in the so-called “Ekbatan Town” case, have been sentenced to death by Branch 13 of Tehran Criminal Court.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, the defendants were convicted on charges of “participation in murder and intentional assault.” Babak Paknia, a defense attorney, confirmed the sentences, noting that while the court’s advisors upheld the death penalties, the presiding judge opposed the decision and issued a minority opinion. These verdicts are subject to appeal.

The final defense sessions were held on November 3, 2024. Following the hearings, four of the accused—Hossein Nemati, Alireza Barmarz Pournak, Alireza Kafaei, and Amir-Mohammad Khosh-Eghbal—were detained and transferred to Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

This case stems from protests in October 2022 at the Ekbatan Complex, during which a Basij member, Arman Ali Vardi, was killed. Security forces reportedly arrested over 50 residents from Ekbatan, with indictments later issued for 14 individuals.

The charges include “moharebeh” (enmity against God), “participation in premeditated murder,” and “disturbing public order.” The case has been reviewed by Branch 13 of Tehran Criminal Court and Branch 15 of the Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati.

While four of these defendants were temporarily released on bail in early 2024, several remain in custody.

Mowloud Safaei Incarcerated in Evin Prison to Serve Sentence

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News, Prisoners
Abolghasem Salavati, Mowloud Safaei, Qarchak Prison, Zahra Safaie

On July, Mowloud Safaie was arrested and transferred to Evin Prison to serve her three-year sentence on political charges.

A source close to the political prisoner’s family confirmed the news to HRANA, stating: “Ms. Safaie was arrested at her residence in Tehran by security forces today, Tuesday, July 31st, and transferred to the women’s ward of Evin Prison to serve her three-year sentence.”

Mowloud Safaie was previously arrested by security forces in Tehran on June 16, 2021, and was released from Qarchak Prison on bail after a period of detention.
She was subsequently sentenced by the Revolutionary Court to four years in prison on charges including “propaganda activities against the regime.” With the application of Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the most severe punishment, which is three years in prison, is enforceable for her.

In 2012, Ms. Safaie was sentenced by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, to five years in prison and five years of compulsory residence in Semnan.

Safaie, 64, is the sister of Zahra Safaie, a political prisoner currently held in Evin Prison. Mowloud Safaie has a history of previous arrests and convictions due to her peaceful activities.

Ms. Safaie’s father, known as “Haji Safaei,” was a prominent merchant in Tehran who was executed in 1981 on charges of supporting the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran. Her husband, Ebrahim Saeidi, who was a telecommunications employee, was also executed in 1984.

Political Prisoner Ali Maghsadjoo Denied Medical Care in Evin Prison

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News, Prisoners
Abolghasem Salavati, Ali Maghsadjoo, Evin Prison, HRANA

Ali Maghsadjoo, a political prisoner, is currently serving an 18-month sentence in Evin Prison and has been denied necessary medical care despite suffering from significant health issues.

According to a source close to his family, speaking to HRANA, Maghsadjoo requires treatment for back and knee problems that necessitate attention from a hospital outside the prison environment. However, prison authorities have consistently refused to allow him hospital access.

Maghsadjoo was initially detained by security forces on July 6, 2022, and held in Ward 209 of Evin Prison, which is managed by the Ministry of Intelligence. He was formally charged after three months and temporarily released on bail. Judge Abolghasem Salavati of Branch 15 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran sentenced him to two years on charges including “propaganda against the regime,” “assembly and collusion against national security,” and “collecting and leaking classified data.” This sentence was later reduced to 18 months following a plea of no contest.

The 48-year-old father of two began his incarceration at Evin Prison on June 24, 2023.

Varisheh Moradi Faces Charges of Alleged Armed Rebellion

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abolghasem Salavati, armed rebellion, Baghi, Sanandaj, Varisheh Moradi

According to a report by Kurdpa, Varisheh Moradi, a resident of Sanandaj, has been indicted by Branch 5 of the Public and Revolutionary Court of Tehran on charges of armed rebellion (Baghi), potentially leading to severe punishment, including the death penalty.

The accusation is reportedly linked to her alleged membership in a political opposition party.

The indictment, initiated by Judge Abolghasem Salavati of Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

Regrettably, Moradi has been denied access to legal representation, and since her arrest, she has only had one family visitation.

Moradi was apprehended by security forces on August 1, 2023, in the suburbs of Sanandaj. Later in August, she was transferred from a detention facility in Sanandaj to Ward 209 of Evin Prison. Following the completion of the interrogation process on December 26, 2023, she was relocated to the Women’s Ward within the prison.

Despite the passage of time, the specific reasons for Moradi’s arrest and the charges against her remain undisclosed. It’s noteworthy that under Iran’s laws, the charge of Baghi may carry severe penalties, including execution and amputation of hands and feet.