Tag: Evin Prison

Mahmoud Ghanbari-Rad Sentenced to Two Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Evin Prison, HRANA, Mahmoud Ghanbari-Rad

HRANA – Mahmoud Ghanbari-Rad, a political prisoner held in Greater Tehran Prison, has been sentenced to two years in prison by Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

According to HRANA, Mahmoud Ghanbari-Rad has been sentenced to imprisonment.

Under a ruling issued by Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Mohammad-Mehdi Shahmirzadi, and subsequently communicated to Ghanbari-Rad, he was sentenced to two years in prison on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security.”

Ghanbari-Rad was arrested by security forces at his home in Tehran in May 2026 and transferred to Evin Prison. After being held there for approximately one month, he was transferred to Greater Tehran Prison.

During part of his detention, he was denied access to legal counsel. In a phone call from prison, he rejected the case brought against him and reported that he had been subjected to pressure to accept the charges.

Mahmoud Ghanbari-Rad, 40, is married and had been working as a network security specialist at a company in Tehran.

Mahshar Parandin Denied Cancer Treatment in Evin Prison

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News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, HRANA, Mahshar Parandin, Mohtaram Parandin

HRANA – Mahshar (Mohtaram) Parandin, a Christian convert imprisoned in Evin Prison, continues to be denied access to specialized treatment and medical furlough despite being diagnosed with lymphoma and her physician’s insistence that treatment must begin immediately.

According to HRANA, Mahshar (Mohtaram) Parandin, a Christian convert imprisoned in Evin Prison, continues to be deprived of medical care.

According to information received by HRANA, Ms. Parandin was taken to a hospital some time ago for medical tests. The test results confirmed that she has lymphoma, and given her physical condition, her treating physician emphasized the need to begin treatment immediately. However, following the tests, she has not been transferred to a medical facility to continue her treatment.

A source close to the prisoner’s family confirmed the matter to HRANA, stating: “Doctors have warned about delays in her treatment and have assessed her condition as high-risk. If she continues to be denied treatment, there is a risk of irreversible complications and even death. Ms. Parandin’s requests for medical furlough have also remained unanswered to date.”

HRANA had previously reported that, in addition to a heart condition, Ms. Parandin was suffering from masses beneath her throat and near the cerebellum. These conditions have caused problems with her balance, movement, and speech, with noticeable pauses when she speaks. Furthermore, due to the lack of medical care, swelling beneath her throat had become visibly apparent.

Mahshar (Mohtaram) Parandin, approximately 50 years old, is a contemporary artist and painter, the head of her household, and the mother of a school-aged child. She was previously sentenced by the Revolutionary Court to two years in prison and is currently serving her sentence in Evin Prison.

Shahriar Shams Arrested by Security Forces

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Freedom of Expression, News
Evin Prison, Shahriar Shams, شهریار شمس

HRANA – Shahriar Shams, a student expelled from Islamic Azad University, North Tehran Branch, was arrested by security forces at his family home yesterday and transferred to an undisclosed location.

According to HRANA, Shahriar Shams has been arrested.

Based on information received by HRANA, on the morning of Monday, August 10, 2026, security forces went to Mr. Shams’ family home and arrested him. The agents also confiscated several of his personal belongings, including his mobile phone and laptop.

His arrest was reportedly carried out by officers from the Security Police.

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the reasons for his arrest, the charges against him, or his place of detention.

In 2023, while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in management at Islamic Azad University, North Tehran Branch, Mr. Shams was expelled and barred from continuing his education following a decision by the university’s disciplinary committee.

During the nationwide protests of 2022, he was arrested by security forces on September 27 and released on bail on October 16. Mr. Shams was arrested again on November 5 of the same year and was released from Evin Prison after 10 days.

Shahriar Shams, aged approximately 27, has previously faced arrest and judicial action in connection with his activities.

Three Political Prisoners Beaten and Transferred to Unknown Location from Evin

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News, Prisoners
Afshin Rangriz, Amirhossein Moradi, Ehsan Rostami, Evin Prison, HRANA

HRANA – On Saturday, prison guards at Evin Prison entered Ward 7, assaulted political prisoners Amirhossein Moradi, Ehsan Rostami, and Afshin Rangriz, and subsequently transferred them to an undisclosed location. The three prisoners were reportedly injured during the assault.

According to HRANA, three political prisoners have been transferred from Evin Prison to an unknown location.

Based on information received by HRANA, at approximately 11:30 a.m. Saturday, August 1, 2026, prison guards entered Ward 7, where political prisoners are held. The officers beat Amirhossein Moradi, Ehsan Rostami, and Afshin Rangriz before removing them from the ward and transferring them to an undisclosed location.

A source familiar with the matter confirmed to HRANA that the severity of the assault left all three prisoners injured and their clothing torn. The source also stated that Yousefi, Deputy Director of Health at Evin Prison, Fathollahi, Head of the Prison Guard, Rostami, Deputy Head of the Guard, and Mahmoudi, Head of Ward 7, were present during the incident.

Prison authorities have not announced the reason for transferring the prisoners. The lack of information regarding their whereabouts and physical condition has heightened concerns among their fellow inmates and family members.

As of the time of publication, no information has been obtained regarding the prisoners’ location or physical condition, including the extent of their injuries or whether they were taken to the prison infirmary to receive medical treatment.

Amirhossein Moradi, a physics student at Sharif University of Technology, was arrested by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence on April 10, 2020, and transferred to Evin Prison. In a joint case with Ali Younesi, he was initially sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, the maximum applicable sentence, which was upheld on appeal. Following the acceptance of his request for judicial review, his enforceable sentence was reduced to six years and eight months. In a separate case, he was also sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment on the charge of “propaganda against the state.”

Ehsan Rostami, a cultural activist working in the publishing and book sector, was arrested by security forces in Tehran on August 19, 2025, and transferred to Ward 209 of Evin Prison. During his detention, he went on a hunger strike to protest his prolonged legal uncertainty and the pressure imposed on him. After being formally charged with “baghi” (armed rebellion), he was transferred to another section of Evin Prison.

Afshin Rangriz, an expelled university student, also remains in a state of judicial limbo, with his legal case still unresolved.

Afshin Heyratian Sentenced to 31 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Afshin Heyratian, Evin Prison, HRANA, افشین حیرتیان

HRANA – Afshin Heyratian, a children’s rights activist imprisoned in Evin Prison, has been sentenced by the Revolutionary Court of Tehran to a total of 31 years in prison and financial penalties. Under Iran’s sentencing rules for multiple offenses, 12 years of his prison sentence, as the most severe punishment, will be enforceable.

According to HRANA, children’s rights activist Afshin Heyratian has been sentenced to prison.

According to the verdict issued by Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, Mr. Heyratian was sentenced to:

• 12 years in prison for forming an illegal group;

• 11 years in prison for propaganda activities contrary to the sacred law of Islam;

• 6 years in prison and a fine of 330 million tomans for assembly and collusion against national security.

Under the legal provisions governing multiple convictions, if the verdict is upheld on appeal, only the most severe sentence, 12 years in prison, will be enforceable.

He was also sentenced to 2 years in prison and a fine equal to twice the amount received (US$2,000) on the charge of obtaining illicit property, in connection with receiving US$1,000.

Mr. Heyratian’s trial was held on July 18, 2026, before Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari. At the time of the hearing, he had spent more than 250 days in detention without a final legal determination of his case.

Afshin Heyratian was arrested by security forces at his mother’s home in Tehran on November 11, 2025. During the arrest, agents searched the residence and confiscated a number of his personal belongings as well as items belonging to his family members. He was subsequently transferred to Evin Prison.

Afshin Heyratian, an approximately 46-year-old single Baha’i resident of Tehran, is a member of the Society for Protecting the Rights of Child Laborers and Street Children. He has previously faced arrest and judicial prosecution because of his activities and religious beliefs.

According to HRA’s annual reports, over the past three years, an average of 72% of all reported violations of the rights of religious minorities in Iran have involved Baha’i citizens.

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January 2026 Protests: Khashayar Rezvani’s Conviction Upheld on Appeal

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Freedom of Expression, News
Evin Prison, Gachsaran, HRANA, Khashayar Rezvani

HRANA – The prison sentence of Khashayar Rezvani, arrested during Iran’s nationwide January 2026 protests, has been upheld in full by the Tehran Province Court of Appeals. He had previously been sentenced in the lower court to four years and three months in prison, along with additional penalties.

According to HRANA, Mr. Rezvani’s conviction was affirmed without modification by the Court of Appeals.

According to information received by HRANA, the Tehran Province Court of Appeals sentenced Mr. Rezvani to three years and seven months of discretionary imprisonment on the charge of “assembly and collusion against the country’s internal and external security,” and eight months of discretionary imprisonment on the charge of “propaganda against the regime.” As additional punishments, he was also sentenced to a two-year ban on leaving the country and a two-year ban on online activities.

Mr. Rezvani had previously received the same sentence from Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari. According to the court ruling, a copy of which was obtained by HRANA, the charges against him were based on allegations including writing poems in support of those killed during the protests, communicating with foreign media outlets, and maintaining contact with groups opposed to the government.

Mr. Rezvani was arrested during the nationwide protests in January 2026. He was held for a period in Evin Prison before being transferred to Greater Tehran Penitentiary. He was ultimately released on March 16, 2026, after posting 5 billion tomans in bail.

Khashayar Rezvani, approximately 41 years old, is a married poet and writer originally from Gachsaran who resides in Tehran. Prior to his arrest, he worked in the real estate sector.

Background: The January 2026 Protests

It should be noted that protests and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025, and within two days spread beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests became one of the largest protest movements of recent years. Following the crackdown by security and law enforcement forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security agencies. For more information, readers may refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “Crimson Winter,” documenting the first fifty days following the outbreak of Iran’s nationwide protests.

Political Prisoner Amirhassan Akbari Monfared Sentenced to Death

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Executions, News, Prisoners
Abolghasem Salavati, Amirhassan Akbari Monfared, Amirhossein Akbari Monfared, Evin Prison, HRANA, Mohammad Akbari Monfared, Zeinab Akbari Monfared, امیرحسن اکبری منفرد

HRANA – Amirhassan Akbari Monfared, a political prisoner held in Evin Prison, has been sentenced to death by Judge Abolghasem Salavati on the charge of baghi (armed rebellion).

According to HRANA, 27-year-old Amirhassan Akbari Monfared has been sentenced to death.

According to a verdict issued by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, and served on Mr. Akbari Monfared two days ago, he was sentenced to death on the charge of baghi (armed rebellion) through alleged membership in the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (MEK). He is currently imprisoned in Evin Prison and had previously stood trial before the same court.

Amirhossein Akbari Monfared was arrested alongside his father, Mohammad Akbari Monfared, and his brother and sister, Amir hossein and Zeinab Akbari Monfared, by Ministry of Intelligence agents in Karaj during the winter of 2025. The three other family members were later released on bail.

So far, no information has been made available regarding the details of the charges brought against the other members of the family. However, a source previously informed HRANA that they are facing security-related charges.

Mohammad Akbari Monfared, aged approximately 58, Amirhassan Akbari Monfared, 33, Zeinab Akbari Monfared, 30, and Amirhossein Akbari Monfared, 27, are residents of Karaj.

January 2026 Protests: Shadi Shadman Sentenced to Five Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, HRANA, Khadijeh Shadman, Shadi Shadman

HRANA – Shadi (Khadijeh) Shadman, arrested during the nationwide protests of 2026, who is currently imprisoned in Evin Prison, has been sentenced to five years in prison by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

Based on information received by HRANA, Shadi Shadman was sentenced to five years in prison by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari. The verdict was formally communicated to her last week while she was being held in Evin Prison.

An informed source told HRANA: “Shadi Shadman was sentenced to this prison term due to her participation in the January 2026 protests.”

A hearing on the charges against Ms. Shadman was held before the same branch of the Revolutionary Court some time ago.

Ms. Shadman was arrested by security forces during the nationwide protests in January 2026. After spending one month in detention at a security detention facility in eastern Tehran, she was transferred to the women’s ward of Evin Prison on January 29, 2026.

A source close to Ms. Shadman’s family told HRANA’s reporter that she is the mother of a nine-year-old daughter and the sole provider for her household. Before her arrest, she worked as a seamstress and baker. She had participated in the January 2026 protests to demonstrate against rising prices, inflation, and poor economic conditions. The source emphasized that she had no particular political affiliation.

The source further stated that Ms. Shadman was arrested in front of her daughter. Since then, responsibility for caring for the child has fallen to her extended family. Her family lives in Khorasan Province, and during the seven months she has remained in detention, the long distance and other existing difficulties have prevented her from seeing her daughter.

HRANA’s investigation into the charges brought against Ms. Shadman remains ongoing.

It should be noted that protests and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025, and within two days spread beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests became one of the largest protest movements of recent years. Following the crackdown by security and law enforcement forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security agencies. For more information, readers may refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “Crimson Winter,” documenting the first fifty days following the outbreak of Iran’s nationwide protests.

Homayra Sharifi Transferred to Hospital After Suicide Attempt in Evin Prison

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News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, Homayra Sharifi, HRANA, Qarchak Prison, Varamin, حمیرا شریفی

HRANA – Homayra Sharifi, one of the individuals arrested during the 2026 nationwide protests and currently imprisoned in Evin Prison, was transferred to a hospital on the evening of Friday, July 10, 2026, after attempting suicide. She remains under medical treatment. The Afghan national has previously attempted suicide multiple times in prison, yet no effective action has been taken to address her condition.

Based on information received by HRANA, Homayra Sharifi attempted suicide on the evening of Friday, July 10, 2026, by drinking a corrosive cleaning liquid. After her condition rapidly deteriorated, she was first transferred to Loghman Hospital and later to Taleghani Hospital, where she continues to receive treatment.

An informed source told HRANA: “Other prisoners found her in the ward corridor while she was vomiting blood and a black-colored liquid. She was extremely frightened. Since her arrest, she has attempted suicide more than five times in prison.”

The source added: “Before her arrest, Homayra Sharifi worked at a restaurant. She has no political affiliation and does not have a clear understanding of the current circumstances. She has effectively become a victim of having no support or anyone to advocate for her.”

In June of this year, Ms. Sharifi, an Afghan national, was formally notified of her five-year prison sentence while in Evin Prison. She suffers from a skin condition and severe psychological distress. Nevertheless, she has not received adequate medical or mental health care.

Homayra Sharifi, 19, was arrested during the 2026 nationwide protests and transferred to Qarchak Prison in Varamin. On February 16, 2026, she was transferred from Qarchak Prison to Evin Prison, where she has remained ever since.

HRANA’s investigation into the charges brought against this prisoner and the judicial authority that issued her sentence is ongoing.

Overcrowding Sparks Protests in Evin Prison’s Women’s Ward

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News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, HRANA, prison overcrowding, Qarchak Prison, Varamin

HRANA – The transfer of approximately 60 female prisoners from Qarchak Prison in Varamin to Evin Prison has sparked protests among inmates over the management of Evin Prison. The transfer took place despite the women’s ward already suffering from overcrowding and a lack of adequate space. The protests escalated into a tense situation after prison guards intervened and threatened the prisoners.

According to HRANA, Evin Prison’s women’s ward experienced unrest and protests following the arrival of new prisoners and the resulting overcrowding.

On Sunday, July 12, between 2:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., approximately 60 women convicted of financial offenses were transferred from Qarchak Prison in Varamin to Evin Prison. According to information received by HRANA, 49 of them had been admitted to the women’s ward by the time this report was prepared, while the remaining prisoners were being held in quarantine. The transfer occurred despite the women’s ward already facing severe shortages of space and overcrowding. In response to the worsening conditions, prisoners in the ward protested the increased congestion and deteriorating living conditions. Following the protest, prison guards entered the ward and threatened the women prisoners, including by warning that “prisoners sentenced to death would be separated from the other inmates.”

A knowledgeable source told HRANA that Mahsa (Masoumeh) Nouri, an inmate in the ward, was transferred to solitary confinement as a disciplinary measure after protesting the situation.

So far, promises made by prison officials to address the issue have yielded no results.

It should be noted that Evin Prison’s women’s ward currently holds approximately 60 political and security prisoners, along with two children, and had already been struggling with insufficient space before the recent transfers. The arrival of dozens of additional prisoners has heightened concerns over worsening overcrowding, reduced living space per inmate, and the further deterioration of prisoners’ living conditions.

Prison overcrowding has long been a chronic problem in Iran’s prisons. Holding inmates beyond a facility’s capacity not only reduces the standard living space available to prisoners but also restricts access to healthcare, sanitary services, welfare facilities, and adequate living conditions, while increasing the physical and psychological pressures associated with imprisonment. Ensuring prisons operate within their standard capacity and providing conditions consistent with human dignity are among the requirements emphasized by international human rights standards governing the treatment of individuals during detention and imprisonment.