Tag: Arak prison

Report on 27 Executions Across Multiple Prisons in Iran

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Executions, News
Aligudarz, Arak prison, ardabil prison, Bandar Abbas prison, Borujerd Prison, Hamedan, Kermanshah, Khorramabad Prison, Nahavand, Qazvin prison, Qom, Sanandaj Prison, Semnan, Tabriz, Yasuj Prison

HRANA – In recent days, the unprecedented wave of executions in various prisons across Iran has continued. A recent report provides details of these executions:

Thursday, December 26:
Morad Karimi Goleh and Norouz (Norouzi) Khalafi were executed on charges of murder in Shushtar Prison.

Saturday, December 27:
HRANA reported the executions of the following individuals:

• Ahmad Reza Esfahani, on charges of murder, in Yasuj Prison;
• Vihan Shah Mohamm, on charges of murder, in Sanandaj Prison;
• Mostafa Mehrjou, on charges of murder, in Ardabil Prison;
• Milad Nejati, on charges of murder, in the Central Prison of Karaj;
• Khalil Nouri, on charges of murder, in Khorramabad Prison;
• Rahim Khodaparast, on charges of murder, in Nahavand Prison;
• Ahmad Ali Saffari, on charges of murder, in Aligudarz Prison;
• Nariman Souri, on drug-related charges, in Kermanshah Prison;
• Abolfazl Enhesari, on drug-related charges, in Hamedan Prison.

Additionally, Iran Human Rights Organization reported the execution of two prisoners, Hesam Norouzi, 28 years old, from Khalkhal, and Mohammad Hassan Sharafi, from Ardabil, on charges of murder in Ardabil Prison.

Sunday, December 28:

• Jafar Najafi, on drug-related charges, in Arak Prison;
• Mousa Rahimi Rad, on drug-related charges, in Semnan Prison;
• Jamshid Akbari, on charges of murder, in Qom Prison;
• Bismillah Tajik, an Afghan national, on charges of murder, in Bandar Abbas Prison;
• Ali Safar Sepahvand, on charges of murder, in Borujerd Prison;
• Aziz Ali Kolkhani, on drug-related charges, in Qazvin Prison;
• Two prisoners executed on charges of murder in Tabriz Prison, one of whom has been identified by HRANA as Moein Hassan-Zadeh.

Furthermore, according to Iran Human Rights Organization, on Monday, December 22, in addition to the execution of Nariman Mohammadi, who had previously been sentenced to death on charges of murder, the death sentences of two other prisoners were carried out in Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan. They were identified as Eskandar Bakhshoudeh, 32, from Tehran, and Taher Bastani. Both had been sentenced to death on charges of murder.

Also, on Wednesday, December 24, according to HRANA, three prisoners named Mehdi Rajabali-Zadeh, Mostafa Keyfari, and Sohrab Majidi were executed on charges of murder in Lakan Prison in Rasht.

Teachers’ Union Activist Faces New Legal Case While Imprisoned

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News, Prisoners
Abolfazl Khoran, Arak prison, HRANA, ابوالفضل خوران

HRANA – Abolfazl Khoran, a teachers’ union activist currently imprisoned in Arak Prison, has recently faced the opening of a new judicial case.

A source close to the prisoner’s family, confirming the matter, told HRANA: “Mr. Khoran has recently been confronted with the opening of a new judicial case against him. He has received a summons to appear before Branch 102 of Criminal Court Two of Arak County. In this summons, he has been asked to appear on December 16 to defend himself against the charge of spreading false information through cyberspace.”

The source added: “In April-May of this year, following a confrontation and beating by prison officials, Abolfazl Khoran sustained an injury to his right ear. He was transferred to a hospital with symptoms such as dizziness, infection, and severe ear pain, but due to the absence of the treating physician, he was returned to prison without undergoing the necessary examinations and tests. Despite the prison doctor’s confirmation that he suffers from hearing loss (cholesteatoma) and requires surgery, prison authorities have so far taken no action to transfer him to medical centers outside the prison. The prison medical staff, due to a lack of expertise in treating his condition, have merely prescribed unrelated medications and painkillers.”

In Shahrivar of this year, Branch 9 of the Central Province Court of Appeals converted Mr. Khoran’s sentence of imprisonment and flogging into a fine of 400 million rials. He had previously been sentenced in Mordad of this year by Criminal Court Two of Arak County to one year in prison and 74 lashes in connection with this case, which was opened against him during his imprisonment.

Abolfazl Khoran was transferred to Arak Prison on January 21, 2025, to serve his sentence.

This teachers’ union activist had earlier been sentenced in August-September 2023 by Branch 105 of Criminal Court Two of Arak to six years in prison and 74 lashes, to be carried out in public, on charges of “insulting religious sanctities” and “disrupting public order and peace.”

Mr. Khoran, along with several other citizens, was arrested in August 2023 after attending a ceremony at the grave of Mehrshad Shahidi, one of those killed during the nationwide protests of 2022, in Arak. After some time, each of them was released on bail of 7 billion rials.

Previously, the newspaper Shargh, in a report on the judicial convictions of several teachers due to their union activities, quoted a person close to Abolfazl Khoran as saying: “After 18 years of service as a school deputy, he is now spending his days in Arak Prison. Abolfazl’s father’s grave was located near the grave of one of those killed in the 2022 protests. Abolfazl went to recite a prayer at that young man’s grave. At the same time, others were also present there to pay their respects, but they chose a different approach. In any case, the existing footage from that moment shows that Abolfazl had no association with that group and merely recited a prayer. However, after the videos were published, he was arrested and a case was opened against him. At present, of the nine individuals who were all charged with insulting religious sanctities, only Abolfazl remains imprisoned on this charge, while the others have been released. Abolfazl is currently suffering from an ear condition that requires surgery. Even the hospital doctor stated that he must be transferred outside the prison to undergo treatment, but once again, he was denied leave.”

Human Rights Day: Introducing Imprisoned Civil Activists in Iran and Honoring Their Stand Against Human Rights Violations

Human Rights Day is also an opportunity to reexamine the values that form the foundation of human dignity, values such as justice, freedom, and equality, rooted in international documents and human experience
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News, Other, Publications
Abbas Lesani, Abbas Vahedian Shahroudi, Abdolaziz Azimi Ghadim, Abolfazl Khoran, Ahmadreza Haeri, Ali Kheirjou, Amirsalar Davoudi, Anisha Asadollahi, Arak prison, Arman Shadivand, Arsham Rezaei, Darreh Shahr Prison, Davoud Rezavi, Ehsan Rostami, Evin Prison, Farhad Fahandezh, Fariba Kamalabadi, Fatemeh Sepahri, Fatemeh Tedrisi, golrokh iraee, Hashem Khastar, Hassan Tozandejani, Human Rights day, Jahangir Rostami, Javad Lal Mohammadi, Karaj Central Penitentiary, Lakan Rasht Prison, Mahbubeh Rezaei, Maryam Akbari-Monfared, Maryam Jalal Hosseini, Masoud Farhikhta, Matin Yazdani, Mehran Raoof, Mohammad Abolhasani, Mohammad Davari, Mohammad Najafi, Mohammad Nourizad, Morteza Parvin, Morteza Seyyedi, Narges Mansouri, Narges Mohammadi, Nasrollah Amirlu, Negin Rezaei, Nima Mahdizadegan, Payam Vali, Peyman Farhangian, Qarchak Varamin Prison, Ramin Rostami, Reza Aghdasi, Reza Mohammadhosseini, Saeed Madani, Salar Taher Afshar, Sara Jahani, Shakila Monfared, Sharifeh Mohammadi, Shiva Shah Siah, Tahir Naqavi, Vadoud Asadi, Vakilabad Prison (Mashhad), Yasaman Hashdari, Yousef Kari, Zahra Dadras, Zartosht Ahmadi Ragheb, Zohreh Dadras

HRANA News Agency –Human Rights Day is an opportunity to reflect on the condition of imprisoned civil activists in Iran, individuals who are behind bars solely for defending fundamental human rights. HRANA, by publishing a list of these brave activists, calls on the international community to amplify their voices and demand the immediate release of advocates for freedom and justice.

This day serves as a moment to reconsider the role of human rights defenders and civil activists in societies where fundamental rights are still subject to structural violations. Marked annually on the global calendar, it commemorates the principles laid out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted on December 10, 1948, principles that recognize freedom of expression, the prohibition of torture, the right to a fair trial, and human dignity as inalienable rights of all individuals. Nevertheless, the current reality in Iran highlights a stark gap between these international standards and the domestic situation.

In Iran, many human rights defenders, civil society activists, trade unionists, environmentalists, and advocates for fundamental freedoms face the threat of arrest, harsh sentences, and long-term deprivation, even for entirely peaceful activities conducted within the framework of domestic laws. These individuals, who constitute a significant part of the country’s civil society fabric, consistently encounter security pressures, broad restrictions, and systematic rights violations in their pursuit of transparency, justice, and equality. Most have been sentenced following closed-door trials, with limited access to legal counsel and based on vague or unsubstantiated charges, a process that not only contradicts Iran’s international obligations but also deeply impacts the civic space in the country.

In this report, HRANA publishes a list of over 61 imprisoned human rights defenders and civil activists in Iran, including 8 of whom currently being held in pretrial detention. This list is the result of ongoing collection, verification, and documentation efforts, aiming to provide a clear representation of the various dimensions of human rights violations against these defenders. The publication of this list is not merely the release of names; it tells a part of the story of Iranian civil society, in which the struggle to defend human rights can come at the cost of one’s freedom, health, and personal security.

Beyond commemorating foundational principles, Human Rights Day is also an occasion to consider the role of society and international institutions in supporting these defenders. Raising public awareness, demanding accountability from authorities, and supporting activists’ efforts are essential tools for advancing human rights in Iran. Through this report.

This report, in addition to documenting and reporting on these individuals’ conditions, is a step toward transparent and continuous documentation, aimed at preserving the truth, preventing collective amnesia, and laying the groundwork for accountability. Despite pressures and restrictions, human rights defenders in Iran remain a vital part of the collective effort to achieve a freer and more just society. Human Rights Day is a moment to once again bring their names and efforts to the forefront.

List of names:

Mohammad Najafi1. Mohammad Najafi, Civil Rights Activist

Charges: Sending a voice message from Arak Prison and expressing support for the 2022 nationwide protests; spreading falsehoods; propaganda against the regime; insulting the Supreme Leader.
Conviction: At least six separate cases totaling more than 24 years in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.
sharifeh mohammadi2. Sharifeh Mohammadi, labor activist

Charges: Propaganda against the regime; acting against national security; baghi (armed rebellion) through membership in one of the opposition groups.
Conviction: Following an order by the head of the judiciary, her sentence was reduced by one degree and changed to 30 years in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Lakan Prison in Rasht.

3. Fatemeh Sepehri, civil activist

Charges: Cooperation with hostile governments; assembly and collusion; insulting the Supreme Leader; propaganda against the regime; spreading falsehoods and disturbing public opinion.
Conviction: In five separate cases, a total of 41 years and 9 months in prison plus a monetary fine.
Place of imprisonment: Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

4. Golrokh Iraee, civil activist

Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security; propaganda against the regime; disrupting public order.
Conviction: Five years in prison and social deprivations.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.

5. Maryam Akbari Monfared, civil activist

Charges: Propaganda against the regime and assembly and collusion against national security.
Conviction: Two years in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Qarchak Prison in Varamin.

6. Zartosht Ahmadi Ragheb, civil activist

Charges: Propaganda against the regime; assembly and collusion to commit crimes against internal and external security.
Conviction: In two separate cases, a total of six years and eight months in prison, social deprivations, and exile.
Place of imprisonment: Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

7- Payam Vali, Baha’i civil activist

Charges: Cooperation with hostile governments; inciting or persuading people to war and killing each other; propaganda against the regime.
Conviction: In three separate cases, 11 years and 5 months in prison, social deprivations, and exile.
Place of imprisonment: Karaj Central Penitentiary.

8. Mohammad Davari, labor activist

Charges: Insulting the Supreme Leader and propaganda against the regime in favor of anti-regime groups on the Internet.
Conviction: Four years and six months in prison, social deprivations, and exile.
Place of imprisonment: Adelabad Prison in Shiraz.

9. Hashem Khastar, civil activist

Charges: Insulting the founder of the Islamic Republic; insulting sacred values; insulting the Supreme Leader; disturbing public opinion; cooperation with foreign media; participating in unlawful gatherings; and propaganda against the regime.
Conviction: In two separate cases, a total of 18 years and six months in prison, social deprivations, and exile.
Place of imprisonment: Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

10. Anisha Asadollahi, labor activist

Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security and propaganda against the regime.
Conviction: Five years and eight months in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.

11- Mehran Raoof, labor activist

Charges: Participation in running an unlawful group and propaganda against the regime.
Conviction: Seven years and six months in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.

12- Mohammad Nourizad, civil activist

Charges: Sending an audio file out of Evin Prison; disrupting public order; spreading falsehoods; insulting the founder of the Islamic Republic; insulting sacred values; insulting the Supreme Leader; disturbing public opinion; cooperation with foreign media; participating in unlawful gatherings; propaganda against the regime; and damaging the door and window of the ward chief’s office.
Conviction: In six separate cases, a total of 28 years and 9 months in prison, 148 lashes, and exile.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.

13- Saeed Madani, civil activist

Charges: Forming and administering anti-regime groups.
Conviction: Four years in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Damavand Prison.

14. Ahmadreza Haeri, civil activist

Charges: Assembly and collusion with the intent to commit a crime against national security; propaganda activities against the regime; and spreading falsehoods.
Conviction: In two separate cases, a total of six years and three months in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

15. Reza (Gholamreza) Aghdasi, labor activist

Charges: Propaganda against the regime and assembly and collusion with the intent to commit a crime against national security.
Conviction: Four years and three months in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison

16. Arman Shadivand, environmental activist

Charges: Propaganda against the regime and insulting the Supreme Leader.
Conviction: Two years in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Darreh Shahr Prison.

17. Narges Mansouri, civil activist

Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security, and propaganda against the regime.
Conviction: Nine years in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.

18. Abbas Vahedian Shahroudi, civil activist

Charges: Forming a group with the intent to act against national security, and cooperating with groups opposing the regime.
Conviction: A total of 24 years in prison and two years of exile in three separate cases.
Place of imprisonment: Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

19. Mohammad Abolhasani, civil activist

Charges: Disrupting public order; assembly and collusion against national security; and propaganda activities against the regime.
Conviction: In three separate cases, a total of five years and three months in prison, social deprivations, and 12 lashes. The flogging sentence has been carried out.
Place of imprisonment: Choubindar Prison in Qazvin.

20- Taher Naghavi, attorney and civil activist

Charges: Propaganda against the regime and assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security.
Conviction: Six years in prison and social deprivations.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.

21- Maryam Jalal Hosseini, civil activist

Charges: Inciting and persuading people to war and violence against one another with the intent to disrupt national security; propaganda against the regime; insulting the Supreme Leader; and forming a group aimed at undermining national security.
Conviction: Six years in prison and exile.
Place of imprisonment: Kachouei Prison in Karaj.

22- Shakila Monfared, civil activist

Charges: Membership in anti-regime groups; destruction of public property; disrupting public order and public peace; propaganda activities against the regime; and insulting Islamic sacred values.
Conviction: In four separate cases, a total of 15 years and five months in prison, ten lashes, social deprivations, and exile.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.

23- Morteza Seydi, labor activist

Charges: Forming a group under the name of a labor union with the intent to disrupt national security.
Conviction: Two years in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.

24. Nasrollah Amirloo, labor activist

Charges: Forming a group under the name of a labor union with the intent to disrupt national security.
Conviction: Two years in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.

25. Morteza Parvin, Azerbaijani-Turk activist

Charges: Propaganda against the regime and assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security.
Conviction: Six years in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.

 26. Foad Fathi, labor activist

Charges: Membership in anti-regime groups; acting against national security; and propaganda against the regime.
Conviction: Four years in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.

27. Abdolrasoul Mortazavi, civil activist

Charges: Insulting the founder of the Islamic Republic; insulting sacred values; insulting the Supreme Leader; disturbing public opinion; cooperating with foreign media; participating in unlawful gatherings; propaganda against the regime; and disrupting public order.
Conviction: In three separate cases, 30 years in prison, with the maximum cumulative sentence stated as 15 years in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan.

28. Fariba Kamalabadi, Baha’i civil activist

Charges: Administering an organization described by authorities as a “deviant and misguided sect” with the aim of disrupting national security.
Conviction: Ten years in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.

29. Javad La’al-Mohammadi, civil activist

Charges: Giving interviews to foreign media and membership in anti-regime groups.
Conviction: In three separate cases, a total of 23 years in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

30- Golareh Abbasi, civil activist

Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security, and propaganda against the regime.
Conviction: 33 months in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.

31. Arsham Rezaei, civil activist

Charges: Assembly and collusion with the intent to commit a crime against national security; propaganda activities against the regime; inciting people to clashes and bloodshed; acquiring illicit gains; and spreading falsehoods.
Conviction: In two separate cases, a total of 15 years in prison, a monetary fine, 50 lashes, and social deprivations.
Place of imprisonment: Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

32- Vadood Asadi, Azerbaijani-Turk activist

Charges: Propaganda against the regime; membership in opposition groups; insulting the Supreme Leader; and assembly and collusion against national security.
Conviction: In two separate cases, a total of six years and three months in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.

33- Salar Taher Afshar, Azerbaijani-Turk activist

Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security.
Conviction: Five years in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.

34. Abdolaziz Azimi-Ghadim, Azerbaijani-Turk activist

Charges: Propaganda against the regime and assembly, and collusion against national security.
Conviction: Six years in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.

35. Elham Salehi, civil activist

Charges: Propaganda activities against the regime; spreading falsehoods; and appearing in public without a hijab.
Conviction: One year in prison and complementary punishments.
Place of imprisonment: Qarchak Prison in Varamin.

36. Abolfazl Khoran, teachers’ union activist

Charges: Insulting sacred values and disrupting public order and public peace.
Conviction: A total of six years in prison, 74 lashes, and a 40 million toman fine in two separate cases.
Place of imprisonment: Arak Prison.

37- Masoud Farhikhteh, teachers’ union activist

Charges: Assembly and collusion with the intent to commit crimes against the country’s internal security, and propaganda activities against the regime.
Conviction: Four years, one month, and 17 days in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Karaj Central Penitentiary.

38- Reza Mohammad-Hosseini, civil activist

Charges: Membership in anti-regime groups with the aim of disrupting national security; assembly and collusion to commit a crime against national security; and propaganda activities against the regime.
Conviction: Initially 41 years and six months, later reduced to five years in prison at the appeals stage.
Place of imprisonment: Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

39- Mahboobeh Rezaei, civil activist

Charges: Membership in anti-regime groups with the aim of disrupting national security; assembly and collusion with the intent to commit a crime against national security; propaganda activities against the regime; insulting Islamic sacred values; unveiling (appearing without hijab); and displaying immoral behavior in cyberspace.
Conviction: Initially 19 years and 9 months, later reduced to five years in prison at the appeals stage.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.

40. Abbas Lessani, Azerbaijani-Turk activist

Charges: Forming an unlawful group; assembly and collusion against national security; and disrupting public order.
Conviction: He is being held in pretrial detention and has not yet been tried.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.

41. Farhad Fahandej, Baha’i civil activist

Charges: No information has yet been made available regarding the charges brought against Mr. Fahandej.
Conviction: He is being held in pretrial detention and has not been tried.
Place of imprisonment: A Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facilities in Gorgan.

42. Jahangir Rostami, teachers’ union activist

Charges: No information has yet been made available regarding the charges brought against Mr. Rostami.
Conviction: He is being held in pretrial detention and has not been tried.
Place of imprisonment: The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, known as Ward 209 of Evin Prison.

43. Ehsan Rostami, cultural activist

Charges: No information has yet been made available regarding the charges brought against Mr. Rostami.
Conviction: He is being held in pretrial detention and has not been tried.
Place of imprisonment: The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, known as Ward 209 of Evin Prison.

44. Hassan Tozandehjani, cultural activist

Charges: No information has yet been made available regarding the charges brought against Mr. Tozandehjani.
Conviction: He is being held in pretrial detention and has not been tried.
Place of imprisonment: The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, known as Ward 209 of Evin Prison.

45. Ramin Rostami, cultural activist

Charges: No information has yet been made available regarding the charges brought against Mr. Rostami.
Conviction: He is being held in pretrial detention and has not been tried.
Place of imprisonment: The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, known as Ward 209 of Evin Prison.

46. Nima Mahdizadegan, cultural activist

Charges: No information has yet been made available regarding the charges brought against Mr. Mahdizadegan.
Conviction: He is being held in pretrial detention and has not been tried.
Place of imprisonment: The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, known as Ward 209 of Evin Prison.

47. Mehdi Farrahi Shandiz, teachers’ union activist

Charges: No information has yet been made available regarding the charges brought against Mr. Farrahi Shandiz.
Conviction: He is being held in pretrial detention and has not been tried.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.

The following list includes activists who are currently outside prison due to a suspension of their sentences, furlough, or other similar circumstances:

 

1. Narges Mohammadi, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and human rights activist

Charges: Propaganda activities against the Islamic Republic of Iran through publishing a statement (the statement against executions); staging a sit-in inside the prison office; disobeying the prison warden and officials (for refusing to end the protest sit-in); breaking windows; defamation and causing bodily harm; confrontation with an officer and disobedience; and additional propaganda activities against the regime.
Conviction: In seven separate cases, a total of 15 years and six months in prison, 74 lashes, exile, and social deprivations.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison (currently on medical furlough with the execution of her sentence temporarily suspended).

2- Amirsalar Davoudi, attorney and human rights activist

Charges: Insulting the Supreme Leader; disturbing public opinion; and forming an anti-security group.
Conviction: 14 years in prison.
Case status: Following the Supreme Court’s Branch 39 decision to accept his request for retrial and refer the case to a parallel branch, the enforcement of his sentence has been halted.

3- Fatemeh (Mojgan) Tadrisi, civil activist

Charges: Inciting and persuading people to war and violence against one another with the intent to disrupt national security; propaganda against the regime; insulting the Supreme Leader; and forming a group aimed at undermining national security.
Conviction: Six years in prison and exile.
Place of imprisonment: Kachouei Prison in Karaj (currently on medical furlough).

4. Peyman Farhangian, labor activist

Charges: Propaganda against the regime and forming a group with the intent to disrupt public order.
Conviction: In two separate cases, a total of 11 years in prison and social deprivations.
Place of imprisonment: Azbaram Prison in Lahijan (currently on furlough).

5. Jelveh Javaheri, women’s rights activist

Charges: Propaganda against the regime.
Conviction: One year in prison.
Case status: Following the request for retrial at the Supreme Court, the execution of her sentence has been temporarily halted, and she has been released on bail pending review.

6. Yasamin Heshdari, women’s rights activist

Charges: Membership in a group and assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security.
Conviction: Six years, one month, and 17 days in prison.
Case status: Following the request for retrial at the Supreme Court, the execution of her sentence has been temporarily halted, and she has been released on bail.

7- Sara Jahani, women’s rights activist

Charges: Membership in a group and assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security.
Conviction: Six years, one month, and 17 days in prison.
Case status: Following the request for retrial at the Supreme Court, the execution of her sentence has been temporarily halted, and she has been released on bail.

8- Matin Yazdani, women’s rights activist

Charges: Membership in a group and assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security.
Conviction: Six years, one month, and 17 days in prison.
Case status: Following the request for retrial at the Supreme Court, the execution of her sentence has been temporarily halted, and she has been released on bail.

9- Negin Rezaei, women’s rights activist

Charges: Membership in a group and assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security.
Conviction: Six years, one month, and 17 days in prison.
Case status: Following the request for retrial at the Supreme Court, the execution of her sentence has been temporarily halted, and she has been released on bail.

10- Forough Sami-Nia, women’s rights activist

Charges: Membership in a group and assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security.
Conviction: Six years, one month, and 17 days in prison.
Case status: Following the request for retrial at the Supreme Court, the execution of her sentence has been temporarily halted, and she has been released on bail.

11- Shiva Shah-Siah, women’s rights activist

Charges: Membership in a group and assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security.
Conviction: Six years, one month, and 17 days in prison.
Case status: Following the request for retrial at the Supreme Court, the execution of her sentence has been temporarily halted, and she has been released on bail.

12- Azadeh Chavoshian, women’s rights activist

Charges: Membership in a group and assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security.
Conviction: Six years, one month, and 17 days in prison.
Case status: Following the request for retrial at the Supreme Court, the execution of her sentence has been temporarily halted, and she has been released on bail.

13- Zohreh (Fatemeh) Dadras, women’s rights activist

Charges: Forming a group with the aim of disrupting national security, and assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security.
Conviction: Nine years, six months, and two days in prison.
Case status: Following the request for retrial at the Supreme Court, the execution of her sentence has been temporarily halted, and she has been released on bail.

14. Zahra Dadras, women’s rights activist

Charges: Membership in a group and assembly, and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security.
Conviction: Six years, one month, and 17 days in prison.
Case status: Following the request for retrial at the Supreme Court, the execution of her sentence has been temporarily halted, and she has been released on bail.

Human Rights Day is also an opportunity to re-examine the values that form the foundation of human dignity, values such as justice, freedom, and equality, rooted in international documents and human experience. The names recorded in this report reflect only a portion of a broader reality, one in which human rights defenders and civil activists in Iran, solely for their commitment to human principles and peaceful activities, face deprivation of liberty, security pressures, and fundamental rights violations.

These individuals, despite the limitations and high costs, embody values recognized by the international community. Silence or indifference toward their condition is not only a disregard for human suffering but also a dismissal of the principles on which the international system is built. In this context, on Human Rights Day, the following are demanded from Iranian authorities and the international community:

• Immediately and unconditionally release all individuals detained for the peaceful exercise of their rights, and review all related convictions to vacate unjust charges and ensure reparations for victims.

• End unlawful restrictions on the freedom of expression, association, assembly, and civic engagement, and halt the use of vague national security charges that criminalize peaceful dissent.

• Guarantee due process and fair trial rights, including access to independent legal counsel from the moment of arrest, transparent legal proceedings, and full access to families, medical care, and communication.

• Prohibit torture and all forms of ill-treatment, end the use of coerced forced confessions, and allow independent monitoring and inspections of all detention facilities.

• Allow independent monitoring and international engagement, including granting access to the UN Fact-Finding Mission, Special Rapporteurs (Thematic and Geographic Mandates), and credible civil society organizations to assess conditions and investigate violations.

• Establish effective accountability and oversight mechanisms to prevent recurrence of abuses, ensure judicial independence, reform vague criminal provisions enabling arbitrary detention, and hold perpetrators who enable the cycle of abuse against activists, responsible.

Finally, civil society as well as citizens across the globe are called upon to continue their support, advocacy, and awareness-raising efforts, ensuring that the situation of these prisoners is not sidelined. Amplifying their voices and demanding adherence to human rights obligations are essential steps toward achieving lasting change and alleviating the suffering of those who have sacrificed their freedom in defense of human rights.

Seventeen Prisoners Executed in Various Prisons

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Executions, News
Arak, Arak prison, Dorud, Gorgan Prison, Kermanshah, Kermanshah prison, Kiumars Gholami, Nahavand, Taybad

HRANA – In the continuing surge of executions across Iran, dozens of prisoners have been executed in various prisons in recent days.

According to HRANA, on Wednesday, November 5, a prisoner named Kiumars Gholami was executed in Gorgan Prison. Mr. Gholami had previously been arrested on murder charges and sentenced to death by a criminal court.

On Saturday, November 8, eight prisoners were executed in several prisons across the country:

• In Khorramabad Prison, Yazdan Chegini was executed on murder charges.

• Two prisoners were hanged in Kermanshah Prison on murder charges; HRANA has identified one of them as Yaroli Hajizadeh.

• In Yasuj Prison, Peyman Ghasemi was executed for murder.

• Tabriz Prison saw the execution of three prisoners, Omid Feyzi, Zahra Mirghafari (female), and Ehsan Amini, on drug-related charges.

• In Nahavand Prison, Vali Karam-Dastar was executed for murder.

On Sunday, November 9, the wave of executions continued with more prisoners executed in different prisons across Iran:

• Hamid Naderi in Andimeshk Prison for murder;

• Mehran Hosseinpanah and Ahmad Sajjadi in Arak Prison on drug-related charges;

• Abdollah Tajik and an Afghan national in Taybad Prison, both on drug-related charges;

• Habib Namazi in Karaj Central Penitentiary for murder;

• Two prisoners in Qom Prison on drug-related charges, one of whom HRANA identified only by the surname Beiranvand.

And lastly, today, November 10, Abbas Souri in Dorud Prison was executed on murder charges.

As of the time of this report, none of these executions have been announced by prison officials or relevant authorities.

From the beginning of this year until the end of October, the Iranian regime has executed 1,286 people, marking an unprecedented increase compared to previous years.

Drug-Related Crimes: Two Prisoners Executed in Arak Prison

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Executions, News
Arak prison, hsan Mehdipour

HRANA – At dawn on Sunday, November 2, 2025, the death sentences of two prisoners previously convicted on drug-related charges were carried out in Arak Prison.

One of them has been identified by HRANA as Ehsan Mehdipour.

Based on information received by HRANA, the individuals had been arrested on drug-related charges and later sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court.

Further details, including the identity of the second prisoner, are still under investigation by HRANA.

As of the time of this report, the executions have not been officially announced by prison authorities or judicial officials.

According to HRANA reports, in 2024, only 6% of executions were announced by official bodies or domestic media outlets. Over the past five years, 77% of executions have gone unreported, commonly referred to as secret executions. In some of these cases, the lack of transparency is so severe that the death-row prisoners are denied even the chance for a final visit with their families.

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Drug-Related Offenses; Execution of Two Prisoners in Arak Prison

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Executions, News
Abdolreza Karimi, Ahmad Rafiei, Arak prison, HRANA

HRANA – At dawn on Sunday, September 7, the death sentences of two prisoners who had previously been convicted on charges related to drug offenses were carried out in Arak Prison.

The identities of the prisoners, executed at dawn on Sunday have been confirmed by HRANA as Ahmad Rafiei and Abdolreza Karimi.

Based on information obtained by HRANA, the two prisoners had earlier been arrested on charges related to drug offenses and subsequently sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Courts.

As of the time of this report, the executions of these prisoners have not been announced by prison officials or the relevant authorities.

According to HRANA’s report, in 2024, over 52 percent of executed prisoners had been convicted on drug-related charges. Over the past ten years, individuals convicted of drug trafficking have accounted for 40 percent of all executions. Unfortunately, HRANA’s statistics show no progress in reducing executions for drug-related offenses.

Execution of a Prisoner in Arak Prison

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Executions, News
Arak prison, HRANA, Jasem Nowruzi, جاسم نوروزی

HRANA- On Sunday, August 31, a prisoner who had previously been sentenced to death on drug-related charges was executed in Arak Prison.

HRANA has identified the prisoner hanged at dawn today as Jasem Nowruzi. Based on information obtained by HRANA, Mr. Nowruzi had earlier been arrested on drug-related charges and later sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court.

As of the time of this report, prison officials and relevant institutions have not announced this execution.

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.

Abolfazl Khoran Sentenced to One Year in Prison and 74 Lashes

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Abolfazl Khoran, Arak prison, Keramat Parsafar, Mehrshad Shahidi, ابوالفضل خوران

HRANA – Abolfazl Khoran, a teachers’ union activist currently held in Arak Prison, has been sentenced by Branch 105 of the Criminal Court Two of Arak County to one year in prison and 74 lashes in connection with a new case opened against him during his incarceration.

According to HRANA, the verdict was issued on the charge of “disturbing the order and public peace of the prison.” Presiding Judge Keramat Parsafar cited slogans written inside the prison in protest against death penalty verdicts as the basis for the conviction.

The ruling may be appealed within 20 days of its notification.

Khoran was first arrested in August 2023, along with several other citizens, after attending a ceremony at the grave of Mehrshad Shahidi, one of the victims of the 2022 nationwide protests in Arak. All were later released on bail of 7 billion rials each.

In September 2023, the same court sentenced him to six years in prison and 74 lashes to be carried out in public, on charges of “insulting sacred beliefs” and “disturbing the order and public peace.” He began serving this sentence on January 21, 2025, when he was transferred to Arak Prison, where he remains in custody.

Prisoner Executed in Arak Prison

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Executions, News
Arak prison, HRANA, Rasoul Arabi

HRANA– At dawn on Sunday, August 3, the execution of a prisoner previously sentenced to death on murder charges was carried out in Arak Prison.

HRANA has identified the prisoner as Rasoul Arabi, who was hanged at dawn on Sunday, August 3, 2025.
According to information received by HRANA, Mr. Arabi had been arrested on murder charges and later sentenced to death by a criminal court.

As of the time of this report, the execution has not been officially announced by prison authorities or 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.

Prisoner Executed in Arak Prison in Drug-Related Offenses

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Executions, News
Arak prison, HRANA, Mohammad-Javad Zare

HRANA – On Monday, July 21, the death sentence of a prisoner previously convicted on drug-related charges was carried out in Arak Prison.

HRANA has identified the individual executed yesterday as Mohammad-Javad Zare.

According to information obtained by HRANA, Mr. Zare had been previously arrested on drug-related charges and was 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 execution.

According to HRANA’s report, in 2024, over 52 percent of executed prisoners had been convicted on drug-related charges. Over the past ten years, individuals convicted of drug trafficking have accounted for 40 percent of all executions. Unfortunately, HRANA’s statistics show no progress in reducing executions for drug-related offenses.