Supreme Court Rejects Pakhshan Azizi’s Request for Retrial

HRANA News Agency – Attorney Amir Raisian announced that Branch 9 of Iran’s Supreme Court has rejected the request for a retrial in the case of Pakhshan Azizi, a political prisoner sentenced to death.

According to HRANA, quoting Shargh, Raisian provided details about Azizi’s latest legal status. In an interview, he stated that Branch 9 of the Supreme Court issued the rejection ruling on January 25, which was officially communicated to him yesterday.

Raisian  explained that the court justified its decision by arguing that the legal flaws in the case fall under substantive issues rather than procedural errors. However, he pointed out that in March 2024, a specialized criminal panel of the Supreme Court had stated that a retrial could be granted in cases where the convicted person’s actions do not constitute a crime or lack essential criminal elements.

Criticizing procedural flaws in the case, Raisian highlighted a key inconsistency in the ruling: “The rejection order states that Ms. Azizi is affiliated with both the Democratic Party and PKK (PJAK). It is unclear how she could simultaneously belong to both groups. More importantly, the ruling does not specify which organization she was allegedly a member of that warranted a death sentence. The document states that she was sentenced to death for ‘armed rebellion’ under Article 287 of the Islamic Penal Code, while also receiving a prison sentence for membership in ‘hostile and terrorist groups’—the Democratic Party and PKK (PJAK).”

Raisian further questioned the legal reasoning behind the verdict: “If she received a prison sentence under Article 499 of the Penal Code for alleged membership in either the Democratic Party or PJAK, then for which other group was she sentenced to death?”

He also noted that previous errors in defining the alleged “criminal group” in this case had set a precedent, and he expressed astonishment that such mistakes persisted at this stage of the legal proceedings.

In a separate development, Maziar Tataie, another defense attorney for Azizi, had stated earlier that when he followed up on her retrial request at the Supreme Court, the reviewing branch had agreed to suspend the execution of her sentence under the provisions of Note 478 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

Background on Azizi’s Case

On July 24, Azizi was sentenced to death and four years in prison by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, on charges of “armed rebellion (baghi)” through alleged membership in dissident groups.

On August 4, 2023, Azizi, along with her 67-year-old father Aziz Azizi (a lymphoma patient), her sister Parshang (49), and her sister’s husband Hossein Abbasi (49), was arrested in Tehran. The arrests were carried out by approximately 20 armed agents who stopped their moving vehicle, searched them, and transferred them to The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, known as Ward 209 of Evin Prison.

In protest against her family’s detention, Pakhshan began a hunger strike, which she ended after learning that her family members were released on bail after two weeks of solitary confinement. After being held in solitary confinement in Ward 209 for three months and three weeks, she was transferred to the women’s ward of Evin Prison on December 10, 2023.

Later, Aziz Azizi, Parshang Azizi, and Hossein Abbasi were sentenced to one year in prison each by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, also under Judge Iman Afshari, for “assisting a criminal in escaping prosecution and conviction.” Their sentences were upheld by the Tehran Court of Appeals on September 27, and their appeal was forwarded to the Supreme Court.

A source close to Azizi’s family told HRANA:
“Pakhshan has no affiliations with any groups. She worked as a social worker for 10 years in refugee camps in Rojava. The groups she worked with were fighting against ISIS—an enemy of both the Islamic Republic and the Quds Force. There was no direct conflict between Pakhshan’s associates and Iranian forces, a fact clearly evident in her case.”

In mid-October 2024, during a protest by female prisoners in Evin following the execution of Reza Rasaei and a clash with prison guards, Azizi was accused of “assaulting an officer and disobedience” and was sentenced to six months in prison by the Criminal Court.

Also, in August, 2024, Azizi faced new accusations of “inciting unrest in prison” during the second round of the 2024 presidential election, brought before Branch 3 of the Evin Prosecutor’s Office.

A native of Mahabad, Azizi has a history of arrests and judicial encounters. In 2009, she was detained on charges of political activity and was released after four months on bail.

Female Prisoners in Evin: Latest Report on Names and Sentences

HRANA News Agency – This report provides an updated list and the latest status of 77 female political and security prisoners, 69 of whom are currently held in Evin Prison, while 8 others have been granted temporary leave. Judge Iman Afshari has played a significant role in issuing sentences, having ruled on at least 33 cases, while Judge Abolghasem Salavati has issued verdicts for at least 17 of these prisoners. These two judges were also responsible for the death sentences of Varisheh Moradi and Pakhshan Azizi.

As of the time of this report, 69 women remain incarcerated in Evin’s general and quarantine wards, while 8 prisoners—Narges Mohammadi, Samaneh Nowruz Moradi, Rezvaneh Ahmad-Khan Beigi, Bahareh Hedayat, Zohreh Sayadi, Mahvash Sabet (Shahriari), Kimia Bani Adam, and Shabnam Nematzadeh—are currently on temporary leave.

Among these detainees:

. 11 prisoners remain in legal limbo without finalized sentences.
. 2 prisoners have been sentenced to death.
. Judge Iman Afshari, head of Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court, has issued at least 33 sentences.
. Judge Abolghasem Salavati, head of Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court, has ruled on at least 17 cases.
. Some other prisoners were tried in courts in Mashhad, Shahriar, and other judicial jurisdictions.

One of the longest-held prisoners in this ward is Maryam Haji Hosseini, who has been detained since September 2019 on espionage charges. Additionally, some prisoners in this ward are over 60 years old and, despite serious health conditions, have been denied specialized medical care. The youngest prisoner, Kimia Bani Adam (20 years old), was recently granted temporary leave.

Several prisoners, including Golrokh Iraee, Elaheh Fouladi, Pakhshan Azizi, Maryam Yahyavi, Motahareh Gunei, Vida Rabani, Varisheh Moradi, and Zahra Safaei, have been denied family visits for unclear reasons.

Case Profiles of Female Political Prisoners in Evin Prison:

1. Golrokh Iraee

Charges: Assembly and collusion, propaganda against the state, disturbing public order
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 5 years in prison + social restrictions
Arrest Date: September 26, 2022
Transferred to Evin: November 29, 2022

2. Varisheh Moradi (Mirzaei)

Charges: Membership in an opposition group, armed rebellion (Baghi), resisting and assaulting officers
Court: Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court & Criminal Court Branch 2, Qods Judicial Complex
Current status: Sentenced to 6 months in prison in one case and death penalty in another
Arrest Date: July 31, 2023
Transferred to Evin: December 26, 2023

3. Pakhshan Azizi

Charges: Armed rebellion (Baghi)
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Current status: Death sentence confirmed by the Supreme Court
Arrest Date: July 31, 2023
Transferred to Evin: December 9, 2023

4. Maryam Haji Hosseini

Charges: Corruption on earth (Efsad-fil-Arz) and espionage for Israel
Court: Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 10 years in prison + asset confiscation
Date of imprisonment: March 11, 2020
Arrest Date: August-September 2019
Transferred to Evin: March 11, 2020

5. Azam (Nasrin) Khezri Javadi

Charges: Assembly and collusion to act against national security
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 5 years in prison
Arrest Date: May 1, 2019
Transferred to Evin: July 2, 2022

6. Shakila Monfared

Charges: Membership in opposition groups, destruction of public property, disruption of public order, propaganda against the state, and blasphemy
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 15 years and 5 months in prison across four separate cases, plus 10 lashes, social restrictions, and exile
Arrest Date: January 20, 2021
Transferred to Evin: July 20, 2022

7. Masoumeh (Farah) Nassaji

Charges: Unspecified
Court: Branch 28 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 5 years and 4 months in prison
Arrest Date: Unknown
Transferred to Evin: September 4, 2022

8. Fariba Kamalabadi

Charges: Leading a group labeled a “deviant sect” with the alleged aim of disrupting national security
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 10 years in prison
Arrest Date: July 31, 2022
Transferred to Evin: December 7, 2022

9. Vida Rabbani

Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security, propaganda against the state, blasphemy, and disrupting public order
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 17 years and 7 months in prison, plus social restrictions
Arrest date: September 24, 2022
Transferred to Evin: December 11, 2022

10. Parvin Mirasan

Charges: Assembly and collusion, propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 4 years in prison
Arrest Date: November 4, 2022
Transferred to Evin: March 19, 2023

11. Sepideh Gholian

Charges: Insulting the Supreme Leader, removing hijab, promoting promiscuity and indecency, and repeatedly committing the same offense during court hearings
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court & Branch 1207 of Criminal Court 2, Shahid Kachouyi Judicial Complex
Sentence: 3 years and 3 months in prison across two separate cases, plus social restrictions
Arrest Date: March 15, 2023
Transferred to Evin: March 19, 2023

12. Farahnaz Nikkhoo

Charges: Acting against national security through espionage
Court: Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Arrest Date: December 3, 2022
Transferred to Evin: April 30, 2023

13. Zohreh Sarv

Charges: Assembly and collusion, propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 7 years in prison
Arrest Date: September-October 2021
Transferred to Evin: May 1, 2023

14. Saeideh Shafiei

Charges: Propaganda against the state, assembly and collusion
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 3 years and 6 months in prison, plus social restrictions
Arrest Date: January 22, 2023
Transferred to Evin: September 6, 2024

15. Sodabeh Fakharzadeh

Charges: Assembly and collusion to disrupt national security
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 5 years in prison
Arrest Date: February-March 2023
Transferred to Evin: May 9, 2023

16. Shiva Esmaeili

Charges: Repeat offense of assembly and collusion against national security
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 10 years in prison
Arrest Date: October-November 2020
Transferred to Evin: May 22, 2023

17. Mahboobeh Rezaei

Charges: Membership in opposition groups, assembly and collusion against national security, propaganda against the state, blasphemy, removing hijab, and promoting corruption on social media
Court: Branch 28 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court & Criminal Court 2, Qods Judicial Complex
Sentence: 20 years and 3 months in prison across two separate cases, plus fines
Arrest Date: May 22, 2023
Transferred to Evin: June 6, 2023

18. Tahereh (Fereshteh) Noori

Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security, disrupting public order
Court: Tehran Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 5 years in prison
Arrest Date: May 22, 2023
Transferred to Evin: July 4, 2023

19. Maryam (Anisha) Asadollahi

Charges: Assembly and collusion, propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 5 years and 8 months in prison
Arrest Date: April 28, 2023
Transferred to Evin: July 26, 2023

20. Azar Korvandi (Korvandi) Musazadeh

Charges: Assembly and collusion to act against national security through cooperation with opposition groups
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 5 years in prison
Arrest Date: July 29, 2023
Transferred to Evin: Summer of 2019

21. Nasim Gholami Simiari

Charges: Destruction of public property to disrupt public order and security, opposing the Islamic government, assembly and collusion
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 6 years in prison, 74 lashes, and 20 years of exile under judicial supervision in Angooran, Zanjan Province
Arrest Date: May 18, 2023
Transferred to Evin: September 26, 2023

22. Zahra Safaei
Charges: Assembly and collusion to commit crimes against national security
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 5 years in prison
Arrest Date: September 12, 2023
Transferred to Evin: October 10, 2023
23. Marzieh Farsi

Charges: Membership in opposition groups
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 15 years in prison
Arrest Date: October 17, 2023
Transferred to Evin: August 21, 2023

24. Forough Taghizadeh

Charges: Membership in opposition groups
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 15 years in prison
Arrest Date: October 17, 2023
Transferred to Evin: August 21, 2023

25. Kobra Beiki
Charges: Assembly and collusion, propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 3 years in prison
Arrest Date: During the 2022 nationwide protests (Date unknown)
Transferred to Evin: October 21, 2023
26. Masoumeh Akbari

Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security, propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 28 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 2 years in prison
Arrest Date: October-November 2018
Transferred to Evin: October 28, 2023

27. Reyhaneh Ansari Nejad

Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security
Court: Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 4 years in prison, plus social restrictions
Arrest Date: April 28, 2023
Transferred to Evin: November 6, 2023

28. Raheleh Rahemi Pour
Charges: Assembly and collusion, propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 6 years in prison
Arrest Date: November 12, 2019
Transferred to Evin: November 18, 2023
29. Mahnaz Tarah

Charges: Assembly and collusion, propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 4 years and 4 months in prison
Arrest Date: November 13, 2023
Transferred to Evin: November 23, 2023

30. Narges Mansouri

Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security, propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 9 years in prison across two separate cases
Arrest Date: August 12, 2019
Transferred to Evin: December 1, 2023

31. Elaheh Fouladi

Charges: Propaganda against the state, assembly and collusion
Court: Tehran Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 5 years in prison
Arrest Date: January -February 2020
Transferred to Evin: December 12, 2023

32. Shirin Saeedi
Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security
Court: Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 5 years in prison
Arrest Date: December 23, 2023
Transferred to Evin: December 23, 2023
33. Nasrin Roshan
Charges: Propaganda against the state, assembly and collusion
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 3 years in prison
Arrest Date: January 1, 2024
Transferred to Evin: November 16, 2023
34. Mina Khajavi, Christian Convert
Charges: Forming an illegal group to disrupt national security, acting against national security by promoting evangelical Christianity and establishing a house church
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 6 years in prison
Arrest Date: June-July 2020
Transferred to Evin: January 8, 2024
35. Laleh Saati, Christian Convert
Charges: Acting against national security
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 2 years in prison
Arrest Date: Unknown
Transferred to Evin: February 13, 2024
36. Neda Fotouhi
Charges: Propaganda against the state, membership in the Erfan-e Halgheh group, assembly and collusion against domestic and foreign security by participating in Mahsa Amini protests and commemorations
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 6 years and 8 months in prison
Arrest Date: September-October 2023
Transferred to Evin: February 17, 2024
37. Lian Darvish
Charges: Assembly and collusion, insulting the Supreme Leader, propaganda against the state
Court: Tehran Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 5 years in prison
Arrest Date: Unknown
Transferred to Evin: February 21, 2024
38. Nahid Khodajo

Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security, disrupting public order
Court: Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 6 years in prison and 74 lashes
Arrest Date: May 1, 2019
Transferred to Evin: February 21, 2024

39. Maryam Yahyavi

Charges: Assembly and collusion, propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 1 year in prison
Arrest Date: November 2, 2014
Transferred to Evin: March 3, 2024

40. Samaneh Asghari

Charges: Propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 29 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 1 year in prison
Arrest Date: September 16, 2023
Transferred to Evin: April 3, 2024

41. Sakineh Parvaneh

Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security (6 years), propaganda against the Islamic Republic (1 year and 6 months)
Court: Branch 1 of Mashhad’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 7 years and 6 months in prison
Arrest Date: March-April 2023
Transferred to Evin: April 3, 2024

42. Mandana Karimi Bakhtiari

Charges: Propaganda against the state, membership in opposition groups with intent to act against national security
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 5 years in prison
Arrest Date: June 10, 2024
Transferred to Evin: June 10, 2024

43. Hora Nikbakht

Charges: Propaganda against the state, insulting the Supreme Leader
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 1 year in prison
Arrest Date: June 12, 2024
Transferred to Evin: June 12, 2024

44. Narges Khorasani

Charges: Membership in the Erfan-e Halgheh spiritual group
Court: Tehran Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 3 years in prison
Arrest Date: July-August 2022
Transferred to Evin: June 15, 2024

45. Parisa Yousefi

Charges: Membership in the Erfan-e Halgheh spiritual group
Court: Tehran Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 3 years in prison
Arrest Date: July-August 2022
Transferred to Evin: June 15, 2024

46. Fereshteh Hosseini

Charges: Membership in the Erfan-e Halgheh spiritual group
Court: Tehran Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 5 years in prison
Arrest Date: July-August 2022
Transferred to Evin: June 15, 2024

47. Parivash Moslemi

Charges: Propaganda against the state, insulting the Supreme Leader, assembly and collusion
Court: Tehran Revolutionary Court & Criminal Court 2, Qods Judicial Complex
Sentence: 4 years and 2 months in prison across two separate cases
Arrest Date: August-September 2023
Transferred to Evin: July 7, 2024

48. Zahra (Yas) Bonakdar Tehrani

Charges: Affiliation with the Erfan-e Halgheh spiritual group
Court: Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 2 years in prison
Arrest Date: Unknown
Transferred to Evin: July 23, 2024

49. Moloud Safaei

Charges: Propaganda against the state
Court: Tehran Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 3 years in prison
Arrest Date: June 16, 2021
Transferred to Evin:
July 30, 2024

50. Hamraz Sadeghi

Charges: Propaganda against the state
Court: Tehran Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 1 year in prison
Arrest Date: February 24, 2018
Transferred to Evin: August 10, 2024

51. Arezoo Azarmsefat

Charges: Collaboration with an opposition group
Court: Tehran Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 3 years and 9 months in prison
Arrest Date: May 1, 2024
Transferred to Evin: August 26, 2024

52. Saeedeh (Bahareh) Ghorbanali

Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security, propaganda against the state, insulting the Supreme Leader and the founder of the Islamic Republic
Court: Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 3 years in prison
Arrest Date: Spring 2019
Transferred to Evin: September 7, 2024

53. Maryam Banoo Nasiri

Charges: Assembly and collusion
Court: Branch 1 of Shahriar’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 3 years and 7 months in prison
Arrest Date: July 17, 2020
Transferred to Evin: September 8, 2024

54. Shima Azam Farzan

Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security, propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 6 years in prison
Arrest Date: November 7, 2022
Transferred to Evin: September 23, 2024

55. Golnaz Seleh Chin

Charges: Propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 1 year in prison
Arrest Date: February-March 2024
Transferred to Evin: October 3, 2024

56. Mahvash (Saye) Seidal Tadoei

Charges: Spreading false information
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 3 years in prison across two separate cases
Arrest Date: June 21, 2023
Transferred to Evin: October 6, 2024

57. Motahereh Gounei

Charges: Propaganda against the state in favor of opposition media
Court: Branch 29 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 1 year in prison, temporary ban on education, and forced transfer to Ardabil University of Medical Sciences
Arrest Date: May 1, 2024
Transferred to Evin: October 7, 2024

58. Maryam Vahidi Far

Charges: National security offenses (alleged support for Saeed Mohammadi Douraki)
Court: Shahriar Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 17 months in prison
Arrest Date: Early 2024
Transferred to Evin:
October 31, 2024

59. Masoumeh Askari

Charges: Collaboration with opposition groups, membership in anti-state organizations
Court status: Under review in Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: Not yet issued
Arrest Date: July-August 2024
Transferred to Evin:
October 8, 2024

60. Nayereh Behnoud

Charges: Propaganda against the state, assembly and collusion through membership in opposition groups
Court status: Under review in Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: Not yet issued
Arrest Date: September-October 2024
Transferred to Evin:
October 21, 2024

61. Elnaz (Solmaz) Ahmadi

Charges: Propaganda against the state, assembly and collusion
Court status: Under investigation
Sentence: Pending
Arrest Date: December 27, 2024
Transferred to Evin:
December 29, 2024

62. Zahra Sharif Kazemi

Charges: Unknown
Court status: Under investigation
Sentence: Pending
Arrest Date: December 24, 2024
Transferred to Evin:
December 22, 2024

63. Nasim Eslam Zehi (Sunni Muslim)

Charges: Suspected affiliation with ISIS
Court status: Under review in Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: Not yet issued
Arrest Date: August-September 2023
Transferred to Evin:
March 4, 2024

64. Bornagol Abdollah Vav (Tajikistani national)

Charges: Unknown
Court status: Under review in Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: Not yet issued
Arrest Date: Unknown
Transferred to Evin:
September 25, 2024

65. Aisha Rezaei Vav (Tajikistani national)

Charges: Unknown
Court status: Under review in Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: Not yet issued
Arrest Date: Unknown
Transferred to Evin:
September 25, 2024

66. Khadijeh Rezaei Vav (Tajikistani national)

Charges: Unknown
Court status: Under review in Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: Not yet issued
Arrest Date: Unknown
Transferred to Evin:
September 25, 2024

68. Eslam Bani Hassani (Jordanian national)

Charges: Unknown
Court status: Under review in Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: Not yet issued
Date of imprisonment: September 25, 2024

69. Hajar Zaboli (Afghan national)

Charges: Unknown
Court status: Under review in Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: Not yet issued
Arrest Date: Unknown
Transferred to Evin:
September 25, 2024

Female Prisoners Currently on Temporary Leave from Evin Prison:
In addition to those incarcerated, several prisoners are currently on temporary leave. Their names and case details are as follows:

1. Narges Mohammadi (Nobel Peace Prize Laureate & Human Rights Activist)

Charges: Propaganda against the Islamic Republic (issuing anti-execution statements), sit-in protest inside prison, disobedience against prison authorities, destruction of property, defamation, assault, resisting officers, and further propaganda activities
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court, Branch 1177 of Criminal Court 2 (Qods Judicial Complex), Branch 29 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 15 years and 6 months in prison across seven separate cases, plus 74 lashes, exile, and social restrictions
Arrest Date: November 16, 2021
Transferred to Evin: July 20, 2022Granted leave on December 4, 2024

 

2. Samaneh Noruz (Nowruz) Moradi

Charges: Membership in opposition groups with intent to disrupt national security, assembly and collusion against national security, propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 28 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 13 years and 9 months in prison
Arrest Date: April 24, 2023
Transferred to Evin: UnknownGranted leave on April 23, 2024

3. Rezvaneh Ahmad-Khan Beigi

Charges: Assembly and collusion against internal security, propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 28 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 20 months in prison
Arrest Date: September 18, 2023
Transferred to Evin: UnknownGranted leave on September 18, 2024 (Shahrivar 28, 1403)

4. Bahareh Hedayat

Charges: Assembly and collusion, propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 4 years and 8 months in prison, plus social restrictions
Arrest Date: October 3, 2022
Transferred to Evin: November 2022 – Granted leave on February 19, 2024

 

5. Zohreh Sayadi

Charges: Unknown
Court: Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 1 year in prison
Arrest Date: December 10, 2019
Transferred to Evin: May 30, 2023Granted leave on August 8, 2023

6. Mahvash Sabet (Shahriari) (Baha’i Citizen)

Charges: Leading a group labeled a “deviant sect” with the alleged aim of disrupting national security
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 10 years in prison
Arrest Date: July 31, 2022
Transferred to Evin: December 23, 2022 – Granted leave on December 4, 2024

7. Kimia Bani Adam

Charges: Unknown
Court: Tehran Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 2 years in prison
Arrest Date: Unknown
Transferred to Evin: December 5, 2024 – Granted leave on December 16, 2024

8. Shabnam Nematzadeh

Charges: Major disruption of Iran’s economic system by obstructing the distribution of essential goods (pharmaceuticals)
Court: Branch 3 of the Economic Corruption Court
Sentence: 20 years in prison, 74 lashes, and permanent disqualification from certain activities
Arrest Date: August-September 2019
Transferred to Evin: UnknownGranted leave on July 17, 2024

Nima Khandan Arrested After Visiting His Father in Prison

HRANA News Agency – Nima Khandan, the son of Nasrin Sotoudeh, a human rights activist, and Reza Khandan, a political prisoner held in Evin Prison, was arrested today while visiting his father. He was released after a few hours.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRAI), Nima Khandan, the son of Reza Khandan and Nasrin Sotoudeh, was detained.

His sister, Mehraveh Khandan, wrote on her personal page:

“My brother Nima was arrested this morning following a dispute in the visitation hall and was taken to the police station.”

The charges against Nima Khandan remain unknown.

In January of this year, Nasrin Sotoudeh revealed that prison officials had prevented her and her children from visiting Reza Khandan. In an Instagram post, she wrote:

“Denying visitation for not wearing a hijab is an abuse of state power and an illegal act.”

Reza Khandan has been serving a six-year prison sentence in Evin Prison since December 2023. His wife, Nasrin Sotoudeh, a prominent human rights lawyer, was released on bail from Evin Prison on November 15, 2023.

Tehran Prosecutor Files Charges Against Sadegh Zibakalam

HRANA News Agency – The Tehran Prosecutor’s Office has filed charges against Sadegh Zibakalam for posts he made on social media. Zibakalam, a political analyst and prisoner, is currently on medical furlough from Evin Prison.

According to HRANA, quoting Mizan, the charges against Mr. Zibakalam were initiated without specifying the exact nature of the allegations, with the reasoning cited as his social media activity.

Previously, following the enforcement of his prison sentences, Mr. Zibakalam was transferred to Evin Prison on May 12, 2024. Shortly thereafter, his lawyer, Mohammad Izadi, revealed that he had been diagnosed with cancer while in custody. In September 2024, he was granted medical furlough.

In his first case, Mr. Zibakalam was sentenced to 18 months in prison and a two-year ban on participating in political parties, groups, and online activities for “propaganda against the regime.” In a second case, he received a one-year prison sentence for similar charges. In a third case, he was sentenced to six months in prison for “publishing false information.” These sentences were enforced following appeals to the Supreme Court.

In recent years, the Tehran Prosecutor’s Office has filed charges against Mr. Zibakalam for posts on topics such as the deadly Kerman explosions, reports of student poisonings, and “publishing false, undocumented, and inaccurate information” online.

Sadegh Zibakalam is a political science professor, author, and prominent Iranian analyst with reformist and liberal views. He has previously faced convictions for his activities.

Shahriar Bayat, 64-Year-Old Death-Row Political Prisoner, Denied Medical Care Amid Supreme Court Case Review

HRANA News Agency – Shahriar Bayat, a 64-year-old political prisoner on death row and held in Evin Prison, is suffering from numerous health problems, including prostate disease, gout, gastrointestinal issues, and colitis. Despite the severity of his condition, he has been denied access to specialized medical care and external treatment facilities. Meanwhile, his case remains under review by the Supreme Court.

According to information obtained by HRANA, Mr. Bayat’s health has significantly deteriorated. In addition to his existing ailments, he is experiencing gum sores caused by incomplete dental treatments. Despite his repeated requests, he has only been sent to the prison’s infirmary a handful of times, where officials have provided nothing more than non-specialized medications. Prison authorities continue to block his access to specialist consultations or transfers to outside medical centers. Moreover, medication provided by his family last week has yet to be delivered to him.

Elahe Bayat, Mr. Bayat’s daughter, confirmed this information to HRANA. She revealed that her father had been beaten on the head during interrogations, resulting in chronic headaches. She also expressed concern about his drastic weight loss, declining mental health, and the toll his medical conditions have taken on his well-being. Elahe further noted that while an appeal against her father’s death sentence has been submitted to the Supreme Court, no progress has been made. Authorities have claimed that cases are processed based on their registration numbers, leaving his case in limbo.

Background on Shahriar Bayat’s Arrest and Sentencing
Shahriar Bayat was arrested on September 25, 2022, during nationwide protests. Security forces detained him at his home in Shahriar and transferred him to the Greater Tehran Prison before moving him to Evin Prison.

On March 1, 2023, Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Shahriar sentenced Mr. Bayat in his first case. He received:

  • 1 year imprisonment for “propaganda against the regime,”
  • 2 years imprisonment for “insulting the founder of the Islamic Republic and the Supreme Leader,”
  • 5 years imprisonment for “assembly and collusion to commit crimes against national security,”
  • 10 years imprisonment for “forming and managing illegal (virtual) groups to disrupt national security.”
    This totaled 18 years of imprisonment, of which 10 years were enforceable. Following a request for sentence reduction, his prison term was reduced to 8 years and 6 months.

In late February 2023, in a separate case, the 13th Branch of the Criminal Court of Tehran Province, presided over by Saeed Sherafati and Ali Taghian, sentenced Mr. Bayat to death for blasphemy against the Prophet of Islam, insulting other Islamic figures, and desecrating Islamic sanctities through posts on social media. This verdict contradicted the earlier decision by a minority panel, which commuted Bayat’s sentence to six months in prison after he expressed remorse.

It is noteworthy that the Shahriar Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office had previously issued a non-prosecution order for Mr. Bayat on the same charge. However, following an appeal by the Shahriar Prosecutor’s Office, the case was reviewed by the Shahriar Revolutionary Court. Since the Revolutionary Court lacked jurisdiction over blasphemy charges, the case was referred to the Criminal Court of Tehran Province.

The issued rulings and the legal proceedings so far highlight significant ambiguities in Mr. Bayat’s case.

Shahriar Bayat is a retired employee, married, and a resident of Shahriar, Tehran province.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Now is definitely not the time to stop reading!

Maziar Seyednejad Sentenced to 39 Months in Prison Following Sentence Consolidation

HRANA News Agency – Following the acceptance of a request for sentence consolidation, labor activist Maziar Seyednejad’s sentence was reduced to three years, three months, and two days by the Khuzestan Province Court of Appeals. Previously, he had been sentenced to a total of six years in prison across two separate cases heard by Revolutionary Courts in Ahvaz and Tehran.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, this revised sentence was issued by Branch 16 of the Khuzestan Court of Appeals, presided over by Saeed Koosha, on December 20, 2023, and has since been communicated to Seyednejad. He was sentenced to two years, seven months, and sixteen days in prison for “membership in an anti-regime group” and to seven months and sixteen days for “propaganda against the regime.” Under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the severest sentence—two years, seven months, and sixteen days—will be enforceable.

Seyednejad, currently on furlough, had previously been sentenced by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court in January 2023 to three years in prison, a two-year ban on leaving the country, prohibition from joining political parties or groups, and a ban on social media activity for charges of “membership in an illegal Marxist-leftist group” and “propaganda against the regime.” In another case, Branch 4 of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court sentenced him to three years in prison for “membership in anti-regime groups (communist groups).”

Seyednejad was arrested by security forces on June 7, 2021, at his home in Tehran and was released from Evin Prison on August 16, 2021, after posting bail of 600 million tomans. He eventually reported to Evin Prison on May 21, 2022, to serve his sentence.

Maziar Seyednejad has a history of arrests and convictions related to his activism.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Appeals Court: Morteza Parvin Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison

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

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

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

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

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

Daily Interrogations: Elnaz Ahmadi’s Three-Month Detention in Evin Prison

HRANA News Agency – Elnaz (Solmaz) Ahmadi, a political detainee, has been held in the women’s ward of Evin Prison for nearly three months. She is transferred daily to Ward 209 for interrogation and then returned to her cell.

A source close to Ms. Ahmadi’s family confirmed to HRANA: “After two months in the Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, known as Ward 209 of Evin Prison, Ms. Ahmadi was transferred to the women’s ward on December 29, 2024. She faces charges of ‘assembly and collusion against national security’ and ‘propaganda against the regime.’ Despite this transfer, she continues to be interrogated daily in Ward 209 before being returned to the women’s ward.”

Elnaz Ahmadi, approximately 40 years old, holds a PhD in physics.

Khaled Pirzadeh Attempts Suicide in Evin Prison Over Denial of Medical Treatment

HRANA News Agency – Khaled Pirzadeh, a political prisoner held in Evin Prison, attempted suicide by cutting his neck in protest against being denied adequate medical treatment. Following the attempt, he was transferred to a hospital and returned to prison hours later.

Zeinab Zobeidi, Mr. Pirzadeh’s wife, announced on her personal social media page that he took this action in protest against being deprived of vital medications and proper medical care. She stated that he was taken to a hospital for stitches but was returned to prison shortly after.

This incident occurred just two days after Mr. Pirzadeh released an audio message from prison, revealing that he had been denied necessary medical care, hospital transfers, and access to life-saving medications.

Pirzadeh was arrested by security forces in Ahvaz in September 2023 and was transferred on October 15 from The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, known as Ward 209 of Evin Prison, to Ward 6 of the same prison.

In January 2024, he was sentenced by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, to a total of five years and eight months in prison.

Mr. Pirzadeh has previously been arrested and imprisoned due to his activities.