HRANA – In connection with the recent nationwide protests, security forces have arrested 13 individuals. Some of those detained have since been released, while information regarding the charges against these individuals remains unclear.
Based on information received by HRANA, Mousa al-Reza Meshkani was arrested on January 10 in Meshkan, a district of Sabzevar, and is currently being held in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. Ali Sharifzadeh (Eizi), Saeed Gharagholi, and Mohammad Kalmishi were arrested in Sabzevar on January 8 (18 Dey), February 11, and January 9, respectively. Ali Sharifzadeh was transferred to Mashhad Prison, while Saeed Gharagholi and Mohammad Kalmishi are still being held in Sabzevar Prison. Reza Gerami was arrested on February 14 in Joghatai and is currently detained in the city’s prison.
Raham Rahimi, Elias Jahannoush, Ali Ansari, and Farshad and Farhad Salari, other residents of Sabzevar, were released on Tuesday, February 24, from Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad after posting bail.
Leila Bakhshandehfar, who had been arrested on January 3 by the Mashhad Intelligence Office, was also released yesterday from Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. She had previously been sentenced by a judicial authority to four years and six months of discretionary imprisonment. The sentence was initially converted to a fine of 140 million tomans in lieu of imprisonment. Ultimately, taking into account her detention period and submission to the verdict, the amount was reduced to 70 million tomans.
Additionally, the Kurdpa news outlet reported that in the early hours of Monday, February 23, Ahmad Tamouei, a former political prisoner from Salmas County, was arrested by security forces in Tehran and taken to an undisclosed location. Mr. Tamouei has previously served prison sentences due to his activities.
Hyrcani media also reported that Sohrab Kolthoumi, 32, a resident of Rasht, was arrested by security forces at his home in the city on January 25.
According to the report, following his arrest, he was held for 26 days at an IRGC Intelligence detention facility, where he was interrogated and beaten. He was then transferred for a short time to the triage ward of Lakan Prison in Rasht. He was subsequently removed from the prison and transferred back to the IRGC Intelligence detention facility. Concerns have increased regarding continued pressure to extract a forced confession and about his physical condition.
As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the charges brought against these individuals.
It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025. After two days, the protests expanded beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these demonstrations became one of the most widespread protests in recent years. Following the suppression of the protests by law enforcement and security forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security institutions. For further information, refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “The Crimson Winter: A 50 Day Record of Iran’s 2025–2026 Nationwide Protests.”
