Tag: ahvaz

More than Two Decades Behind Bars, Prisoner Profiles – No. 5: Saeed Masouri

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News, Prisoners
ahvaz, Evin, Ghezel Hesar, HRANA, Rajai-Shahr, Saeed Masouri, TwoDecadesBehindBars, سعید ماسوری

HRANA – Many political and religious prisoners in Iran have endured over twenty years behind bars. To prevent their cases from fading from public memory in the flow of daily news, HRANA has launched a series of reports highlighting their situations. Each installment outlines the prisoner’s legal case, detention conditions, access to rights, and immediate needs.

In this installment, HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, reviews the current situation of Saeed Masouri after more than two decades in prison.

Profile

• Name: Saeed Masouri

• Year of Arrest: 2000 (1379 in the Iranian calendar)

• Declared Charge: Moharebeh (enmity against God) through membership in the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI)

• Initial Sentence: Death

• Current Sentence: Life imprisonment (commuted by one degree)

• Detention Locations:

◦ 14 months in solitary confinement at the Ahvaz Ministry of Intelligence detention facility

◦ Ward 209 of Evin Prison

◦ Several years in Rajai Shahr Prison (Karaj), including transfers between wards

◦ June 2015: moved to the IRGC-controlled ward of Rajai Shahr

◦ August 2017: forcibly transferred from Ward 12 to Ward 10 of Rajai Shahr

◦ August 2023: after Rajai Shahr’s closure, moved to Ward 8, Hall 10 of Evin Prison, then a month later to Ghezel Hesar Prison

◦ September 2023: transferred from the secure unit (Ward 3) of Ghezel Hesar to Dar al-Quran Hall (Ward 4), designated for drug-related prisoners

◦ August 2025: exiled from Ghezel Hesar to Zahedan Prison; after rejection there, secretly transferred and ultimately returned on August 5, 2025, to solitary confinement in Ghezel Hesar

• Furlough/Access: No furlough reported in recent years; limited access to family and lawyer

• Current Status: Serving life imprisonment despite legal changes that could allow review or sentence reduction

Case History

Dr. Saeed Masouri, born in 1965, lived in Norway for his studies. Upon returning to Iran, he was arrested in Dezful on January 8, 2001, on charges of membership in the PMOI. His family was informed in May 2001.

In 2002, the Revolutionary Court in Tehran sentenced him to death on charges of moharebeh. His sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment. While this prevented execution, it effectively placed him among those serving indefinite sentences, limiting opportunities for judicial review or relief.

Key points in the case:

• Severe security charges: Moharebeh is among the most serious charges in Iran’s political-security cases, carrying broad judicial and punitive consequences.

• Sentence commutation: The initial death sentence and its later reduction to life imprisonment demonstrate both the severity of the charge and the judiciary’s capacity for intervention, but do not necessarily address concerns over fairness of proceedings.

• Continued imprisonment despite legal reforms: Although recent legal changes allow retrial, sentence reductions, or conditional release, Masouri remains imprisoned.

Detention and Transfers

Throughout his imprisonment, Masouri has been repeatedly moved: from solitary confinement in Ahvaz, to Ward 209 of Evin, to Rajai Shahr, and later to Ghezel Hesar and Zahedan. These transfers have often involved violence, including beatings during moves in 2017, 2023, and 2025.

He has staged hunger strikes in protest, including after being beaten and transferred without warning in 2017. Following Zahedan Prison’s refusal to accept him in August 2025, he was held in an unknown location for several days before being returned to Ghezel Hesar.

Observations on Conditions

• Repeated transfers: Frequent relocations disrupt access to family, lawyer, and healthcare.

• Solitary confinement as punishment: He spent 14 months in solitary in Ahvaz, and has repeatedly been returned to solitary in later years, including in 2013, 2017, 2023, and 2025.

• Exposure to violence: Reports document physical and verbal abuse in Ahvaz, Rajai Shahr, Evin, Ghezel Hesar, and during forced transfers.

• Medical neglect: Despite suffering from chronic back pain, eye and dental problems, a broken ankle, urinary bleeding, and needing ultrasound examinations, prison authorities have systematically obstructed his access to specialized care. Denial of medical treatment is considered inhuman treatment and a violation of the right to health and even life.

Access to Family, Lawyer, and Furlough

In recent years, Masouri has been denied furlough. His access to family and his lawyer remains limited, negatively affecting both his mental well-being and his ability to pursue legal remedies.

Potential Legal Avenues (General Recommendations)

1. Retrial (Eda‘e Dadrasi): Based on new evidence or substantive/procedural flaws.

2. Sentence reduction or commutation: If legal grounds exist.

3. Conditional release/suspension: If requirements such as served time, conduct, or health conditions are met.

4. Remedying rights violations in detention: Including access to medical care, freedom from ill-treatment, and regular visitation rights.

5. International documentation and advocacy: In case domestic legal remedies are blocked.

Timeline Summary

• 2000 (1379): Arrest on charges of moharebeh through PMOI membership

• 2002 (1381): Sentenced to death; commuted to life imprisonment

• 2000–2001: 14 months in solitary, Ahvaz Intelligence facility

• 2000s–2010s: Long-term detention in Rajai Shahr Prison

• 2013: Solitary confinement reported; beatings in Rajai Shahr

• 2015: Moved to IRGC ward in Rajai Shahr

• 2017: Beaten and transferred to Ward 10, Rajai Shahr

• 2023: Transferred from Rajai Shahr to Evin, then Ghezel Hesar; solitary confinement and beatings reported

• 2025: Violently exiled to Zahedan Prison; after refusal there, returned to Ghezel Hesar solitary

• Recent years: No furlough, inadequate medical care, restricted access to family/lawyer

• Present: Still serving life sentence

Conclusion

Despite legal reforms enabling retrial, sentence reduction, or release for those convicted of moharebeh, Saeed Masouri remains imprisoned. His case exemplifies the plight of long-term political-security prisoners in Iran. Reviewing such cases is a vital step toward securing their rights and release.

Urgent Needs

• Regular, unrestricted access to lawyer and family

• Independent medical evaluation, especially after reported abuse

• Judicial review of case in light of legal reforms

• Compliance with prison regulations on visits, furloughs, and communication

• Adequate medical treatment

About this Series

This report is part of the “Two Decades Behind Bars” series, which aims to document the cases of long-term prisoners and to highlight the collective responsibility to ensure their visibility and pursue their rights.

More than Two Decades Behind Bars, Prisoner Profiles – No. 4: Abdul-Zahra Halichi

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News, Prisoners
Abdul-Zahra Halichi, ahvaz, Iran, Karun Prison, moharebeh, Sheiban Prison, TwoDecadesBehindBars, عبدالزهرا هلیچی

HRANA – Many political and religious prisoners in Iran have endured over twenty years behind bars. To prevent their cases from fading from public memory in the flow of daily news, HRANA has launched a series of reports highlighting their situations. Each installment outlines the prisoner’s legal case, detention conditions, access to rights, and immediate needs.

In this installment, HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, examines the latest status of Abdul-Zahra Halichi (Haliji) after more than two decades of imprisonment.

Case Information

• Name: Abdul-Zahra Halichi (Haliji)

• Year of arrest: 2005

• Charges: “Acting against national security, moharebeh (enmity against God), and efsad-e fel-arz (corruption on earth)”

• Initial sentence: Life imprisonment

• Current sentence: Life imprisonment

• Places of detention: Served his sentence in Karun Prison, Ahvaz; currently held in Ward 5 of Sheiban Prison, Ahvaz.

• Leave / access: No prison leave reported in recent years; limited access to family and lawyer.

• Current status: Still serving a life sentence despite legal changes that could allow for review or commutation.

Case Background and Judicial Process

In 2005, Abdul-Zahra Halichi was arrested by security forces. Shortly thereafter, Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Ahvaz convicted him of “acting against national security, moharebeh, and corruption on earth,” sentencing him to life imprisonment. This verdict placed him among those serving indefinite terms, effectively extending incarceration for decades and severely limiting access to judicial review.

Key points in the process:

• Heavy security charges: The charge of moharebeh is among the most severe in Iran’s political-security cases and typically carries wide-ranging judicial and executive consequences.

• Continued imprisonment despite legal reforms: Although legislative changes allow for retrial, sentence reduction, or parole in some cases, Halichi remains incarcerated.

Conditions of Detention and Transfers

Throughout his imprisonment, Halichi has been held in Karun and Sheiban prisons in Ahvaz. He spent several years in Karun Prison following his sentencing.

• Feb 2019: Reports of beatings in Sheiban Prison.

• Apr 2020: Subjected to torture after being transferred to The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility in Ahvaz.

• Apr 2024: Reported beatings by prison guards and intelligence protection officers in Ward 5 of Sheiban Prison.

• Dec 2024: Threatened with solitary confinement or exile to remote areas after protesting authorities’ failure to enforce the principle of separation of crimes.
Since then, he has remained imprisoned in Sheiban.

Observations on Detention Standards

• Frequent transfers: Repeated relocations between wards and prisons disrupt access to family, lawyers, and medical care.

• Violence in custody: Multiple reports of beatings (2019, 2020, 2024) highlight the need for independent documentation and legal follow-up.

• Denial of medical care: Despite suffering from right leg infections, knee pain, and requiring urgent surgery to remove a metal rod from his leg, Halichi has been systematically denied hospital transfer and specialized treatment. Denying prisoners access to healthcare constitutes inhuman treatment and a violation of the right to health and even the right to life, often used as a tool of further pressure and repression.

Access to Family, Lawyer, and Leave

In recent years, Halichi has not been granted leave, and his access to family and legal counsel has been restricted. Such limitations not only have psychological and social consequences but also undermine his ability to mount an effective legal defense or pursue retrial procedures.

Potential Legal Avenues (General Recommendations)

1. Retrial: Assessing new evidence or procedural flaws.

2. Sentence reduction or commutation: If legal grounds are met.

3. Conditional release or suspension: Based on time served, good conduct, or health conditions.

4. Addressing rights violations in custody: Including access to treatment, protection from violence, regular visitation rights, and legal access.

International documentation and advocacy: Utilizing UN reporting mechanisms when domestic avenues are blocked.

Timeline (Summary)

• 2005: Arrested; charged with “acting against national security, moharebeh, and corruption on earth.”

• Initial verdict: Life imprisonment.

• Following years: Held in Karun Prison, Ahvaz.

• Feb 2019: Reported beating in Sheiban Prison.

• Apr 2020: Tortured in The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, Ahvaz.

• Apr 2024: Beaten by prison guards and intelligence officers in Sheiban Prison.

• Dec 2024: Threatened with solitary confinement or exile after protesting non-segregation of prisoners.

• Recent years: No leave granted; deprived of adequate medical care; limited access to family and lawyer.

• Current status: Continues to serve life imprisonment despite potential eligibility for legal review.

Conclusion and Need for Review

Despite legal reforms enabling retrial, sentence reduction, or release in moharebeh cases, Halichi remains behind bars. His case exemplifies long-term political-security imprisonment in Iran, underscoring the urgent need for review mechanisms.

Halichi’s situation highlights both the systematic denial of fundamental rights in detention (such as visitation, legal access, and healthcare) and the importance of using all available domestic and international legal avenues to reduce sentences and secure freedom.

Urgent Needs

• Regular, unrestricted access to lawyer and family.

• Independent medical evaluation following allegations of torture and long-term health issues.

• Review of eligibility for retrial or other mechanisms to reduce/terminate his sentence under current law.

• Enforcement of prison regulations regarding visitation, calls, and leave.

• Access to appropriate medical care and treatment.

About this Series

This report is part of the “Two Decades Behind Bars” series, which aims to document the cases of long-term prisoners and to highlight the collective responsibility to ensure their visibility and pursue their rights.

More than Two Decades Behind Bars, Prisoner Profiles – No. 3: Abdolemam Zaeri

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News, Prisoners
20years, Abdolemam Zaeri, ahvaz, Karun Prison, moharebeh, Sheiban Prison, TwoDecadesBehindBars, عبدالامام زائری

HRANA – Many political and religious prisoners in Iran have endured over twenty years behind bars. To prevent their cases from fading from public memory in the flow of daily news, HRANA has launched a series of reports highlighting their situations. Each installment outlines the prisoner’s legal case, detention conditions, access to rights, and immediate needs.

In this installment, HRANA – the news arm of Human Rights Activists in Iran – reviews the current situation of Abdolemam Zaeri after two decades in prison.

Information Summary

• Name: Abdolemam Zaeri

• Year of Arrest: 2005

• Charges Announced: “Acting against national security, moharebeh (enmity against God), and corruption on earth”

• Initial Sentence: Life imprisonment

• Current Sentence: Life imprisonment

• Detention Facilities: Initially held in Karun Prison of Ahvaz; later transferred to Ward 5 of Sheiban Prison in Ahvaz, where he remains.

• Furlough/Access: No furlough reported in recent years; access to family and lawyer reported as limited.

• Current Status: Still serving a life sentence despite legal changes that could allow for review or reduction.

Case History and Judicial Process

Zaeri was arrested by security forces in 2005. Shortly after, Branch 1 of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court sentenced him to life imprisonment on charges of “acting against national security, moharebeh, and corruption on earth.”

This life sentence placed him among prisoners with indefinite incarceration—effectively subjecting him to decades of confinement while restricting his access to review mechanisms.

Key Points:

• Severe security charges: The label moharebeh is one of the most severe charges in political-security cases in Iran and carries broad judicial and executive consequences.

• Continued imprisonment despite legal reforms: Although legal changes allow for retrials, sentence reductions, or parole in some cases, Zaeri has remained in prison.

Detention Conditions and Transfers

Over the course of his imprisonment, Zaeri has been held in Karun and Sheiban prisons in Ahvaz. He spent several years in Karun Prison before being transferred.

Reports from February 2019 and April 2024 indicate that he was beaten by prison guards and the intelligence protection unit of Sheiban Prison. He remains incarcerated in Sheiban.

Observations on Detention Standards

• Frequent transfers: Moving between wards and prisons can disrupt access to family, lawyers, and medical care.

• Exposure to violence: Documented beatings in 2019 and April 2024 highlight the need for independent monitoring and legal follow-up.

• Denial of medical care: Despite suffering from stomach bleeding, prostate inflammation, infection and bleeding in the left ear, and stomach ulcers, Zaeri has repeatedly been denied transfer to a hospital or access to specialized treatment. Prison authorities have obstructed care on various pretexts.
Denial of medical treatment is a violation of the fundamental right to health and can amount to inhumane treatment, even endangering life. It is often used as a tool of additional pressure and repression against prisoners.

Access to Family, Lawyer, and Furlough

Zaeri has not been granted furlough in recent years. His access to family visits and legal counsel has been restricted. These limitations, beyond their psychological and social toll, also undermine his ability to mount an effective defense or pursue retrial mechanisms.

Potential Legal Avenues (General Recommendations)

1. Retrial: Reviewing new evidence or substantive/procedural flaws in the ruling.

2. Sentence reduction or conversion: If legal conditions apply.

3. Parole or suspension: Based on time served, good conduct, health status, etc.

4. Pursuing violations of rights during detention: Including denial of medical care, exposure to violence, right to visits, and lawyer access.

5. International documentation and advocacy: Using reporting and human rights mechanisms if domestic avenues remain blocked.

Timeline Summary

• 2005: Arrest; charged with “acting against national security, moharebeh, and corruption on earth.”

• Initial ruling: Life imprisonment.

• Following years: Held in Karun Prison, Ahvaz.

• Feb 2019: Reported beating in Sheiban Prison, Ahvaz.

• Apr 2024: Reported beating in Ward 5, Sheiban Prison.

• Recent years: No furlough, denied medical care, restricted family and lawyer access.

• Present status: Still serving life imprisonment despite legal reforms that could allow review.

Summary and Importance of Review

Despite legal changes enabling retrial, sentence reduction, or release for those convicted of moharebeh, Zaeri remains imprisoned.

His case exemplifies the plight of political-security prisoners serving long sentences in Iran. Reviewing such cases is a critical step toward justice and securing their rights.

Zaeri’s file highlights both the deprivation of fundamental rights during incarceration (such as furlough, visitation, and legal access) and the urgent need to utilize all domestic and international mechanisms to seek case review and sentence reduction.

Urgent Needs

• Unrestricted and regular access to lawyer and family.

• Independent medical evaluation, especially regarding reported beatings and chronic conditions.

• Assessment of eligibility for retrial or sentence reduction under updated regulations.

• Enforcement of prison regulations on calls, visits, and furloughs.

• Access to adequate medical services and treatment.

About This Series

This report is part of the “Two Decades Behind Bars” series, which aims to document the cases of long-term prisoners and to highlight the collective responsibility to ensure their visibility and pursue their rights.

Execution of Two Prisoners in Sepidar Prison of Ahvaz

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Executions, News
Ahmad Bani-Asad, ahvaz, Sepidar Prison, Susangerd, Yousef Asadi Kahbad

HRANA – On Wednesday, September 10, Sepidar Prison of Ahvaz carried out the execution of two prisoners convicted of murder.

HRANA has confirmed the identity of one of them as Ahmad Bani Asad, 38 years old, from Susangerd. According to information received by HRANA, Mr. Bani Asad was previously arrested following a fight in which he committed murder. He was later sentenced to death by the criminal court.

The Iran Human Rights Organization confirmed the identity of the other prisoner as Yousef Asadi Kahbad, 31 years old, from the village of Kahbad in Izeh County. He had been arrested seven years ago on a murder charge and was sentenced to death by the criminal court.

At the time of this report, the execution of these prisoners has not been announced by prison authorities or the relevant institutions.

In 2024, according to 812 reports compiled by HRANA, the Iranian regime executed 930 individuals in its prisons—marking the highest number of executions in the past 12 years. Despite the scale of these executions, prison officials and other relevant authorities publicly acknowledged only 6% of them, highlighting the regime’s lack of transparency and accountability.

Abbas Zangeneh-Nezhadi Sentenced to Imprisonment

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abbas Zangeneh-Nezhadi, ahvaz, Hossein Ali Hatami, Ramhormoz

HRANA– Abbas Zangeneh-Nezhadi, a resident of Ramhormoz, has been sentenced to one year in prison by Branch 2 of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court. The sentence has been suspended for two years.

This ruling was issued by Branch 2 of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court and was recently communicated to Mr. Zangeneh-Nezhadi’s lawyer, Hossein Ali Hatami.

Based on the ruling, he was sentenced to one year in prison on the charge of propaganda against the regime. The sentence has been suspended for two years. Additionally, Mr. Zangeneh-Nezhadi was acquitted of the charges of membership in an insurgent group and collaboration with hostile states.

The court session to review this citizen’s charges was held in May of this year at Branch 2 of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court.

Abbas Zangeneh-Nezhadi, a resident of Ramhormoz County, was arrested in March 2024 and released after about 50 days on bail.

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Ali Sameri Soaiberi Arrested in Ahvaz

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News, Other
ahvaz, Ali Sameri, علی سامری

HRANA – On Sunday, August 3, 2025, Ali Sameri Soaiberi, a resident of Ahvaz, was arrested after being summoned by the Ministry of Intelligence in the city. He was subsequently taken to an undisclosed location.

According to available reports, Sameri Soaiberi was summoned by the Intelligence Office’s news division in Ahvaz and was detained upon appearing. Since his arrest, he has had no contact with his family, and security agencies have not responded to their inquiries.

Sameri Soaiberi suffers from a heart condition, and the lack of information about his health and whereabouts has intensified his family’s concerns.

As of the time of this report, the reasons for his arrest and the charges against him remain unknown.

Ali Sameri Soaiberi, approximately 47 years old, is married, the father of three children, and a resident of Ahvaz.

Andimeshk Resident Ruhollah Korki Arrested by Security Forces

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Freedom of Expression, News
ahvaz, Amin Korki, Andimeshk, HRANA, irgc, Ruhollah Korki

HRANA – On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, Ruhollah Korki, a resident of Andimeshk, was arrested by security forces and taken to an undisclosed location.

A source close to the family confirmed the arrest, telling HRANA: “Mr. Korki was detained by plainclothes agents while walking with his young daughter on a street in Andimeshk. His daughter returned home in tears. The arresting agents were reportedly affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).”

It remains unclear whether Korki is being held in Andimeshk or has been transferred to Ahvaz. While the family was informed that the arresting forces had come from Ahvaz, some evidence suggests he may still be held locally.

As of the time of this report, the reasons for Korki’s arrest and any charges brought against him have not been disclosed.

Ruhollah Korki is the brother of Amin Korki, who was arrested during the nationwide protests of December 2017. Amin Korki died under suspicious circumstances in April 2018 following a second arrest.

Ongoing Legal Uncertainty for Amin Ahmadi, 15 Days After Arrest by Intelligence Agents in Izeh

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News, Prisoners
ahvaz, Amin Ahmadi, Izeh, Sheiban Prison

HRANA – Amin Ahmadi, a resident of Izeh County, has been held in detention for 15 days following his arrest by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence. He remains in a state of legal uncertainty in Sheiban Prison in Ahvaz.

Based on information obtained by HRANA, Amin Ahmadi was arrested on July 15, 2025, by Ministry of Intelligence agents at his home in Izeh. In recent days, he was transferred to the quarantine ward of Sheiban Prison in Ahvaz and remains there in legal limbo.

A source close to Mr. Ahmadi’s family confirmed the news to HRANA, stating that agents confiscated several of his personal belongings during the home search following his arrest. The source added that Mr. Ahmadi’s family visited judicial and security offices yesterday to inquire about his situation but were met with silence and indifference from the authorities.

Amin Ahmadi is a resident of Izeh. His case is currently under investigation in Branch 2 of the Prosecutor’s Office of the Public and Revolutionary Court in the county.

As of the time of this report, no information is available regarding the charges against him or the reasons for his arrest.

Revolutionary Court Sentences Two Retired Workers in Ahvaz to Prison

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Freedom of Expression, Labor and Guilds, News
ahvaz, Ahvaz Revolutionary court, Farzaneh Zilabi, Mohammad-Zaman Kamrava, Morad Zohrabi

HRANA News Agency – Mohammad-Zaman Kamrava and Morad Zohrabi, two retired Social Security Organization workers from Ahvaz, have each been sentenced to two years in prison by Branch 2 of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court.

According to HRANA, citing The Independent Iranian Workers Union, the ruling was issued on June 7, 2025, and has been formally communicated to the defendants. Both Kamrava and Zohrabi were convicted of “assembly and collusion to act against national security” and “propaganda against the regime,” with each receiving a two-year prison sentence.

The charges stem from their participation in retiree protests held in front of the Ahvaz Social Security office during February 2022, part of the nationwide Sunday demonstrations by retirees.

It’s worth noting that in late-April 2024, Kamrava was arrested by security forces following another retiree protest in Ahvaz and was later released.

Both men are residents of Ahvaz and retired from the Social Security Organization. Their legal representation is currently being handled by attorney Farzaneh Zilabi.

Two Prisoners Executed in Sepidar Prison of Ahvaz

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Executions, News
ahvaz, HRANA, Mohammad-Nabi Zirkari, Sepidar Prison

HRANA News Agency – On Wednesday, April 30, two prisoners previously sentenced to death on drug-related charges were executed in Sepidar Prison in Ahvaz.

HRANA has confirmed the identity of one of the executed individuals as Mohammad-Nabi Zirkari. According to information received by HRANA, Mr. Zirkari and another prisoner—whose identity remains unverified—had been arrested in separate cases on charges related to drug offenses and later sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court.

As of the time of this report, prison authorities and relevant institutions have not officially announced the executions.

According to data compiled by HRANA, 52.69% of all executions in Iran in 2024 were related to drug-related charges. Notably, only 6% of the executions were officially announced, highlighting a significant lack of transparency. For a detailed analysis of these executions and the associated statistics, see HRANA’s full report.