Tag: Evin Prison

Report on the Latest Status of Amin Sokhanvar in Evin Prison

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News, Prisoners
Ali Harati Mokhtari, Amin Sokhanvar, Amir Shah Velayati, Ehsan Ravazjiyan, Evin Prison, Hamidreza Sahlabadi, Hossein Ardestani, Hossein Mohammad Hosseini, Nasim Gholami Simiyari, Tehran

Political detainee Amin Sokhanvar remains for over fifteen months in legal limbo in Evin Prison.

Although two court sessions have been held for Sokhanvar, Judge Iman Afshari has not yet issued a verdict. The charges against this citizen include “propaganda against the regime” and “assembly and collusion to commit crimes against national security.”

Sokhanvar is part of a joint case with seven other defendants: Hamidreza Sahlabadi, Ehsan Ravazjiyan, Nasim Gholami Simiyari, Ali Harati Mokhtari, Hossein Mohammad Hosseini, Amir Shah Velayati, and Hossein Ardestani.

Amin Sokhanvar, aged around 25, was arrested by security forces at his residence in Tehran, in April-May 2023.

A source close to the family of this political detainee confirmed this news to HRANA, stating: “Amin’s arrest was due to his membership in the People’s Army group and suspicion of armed action.”

Mohammad Nourizad Receives Five Years for New Case While Imprisoned

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Freedom of Expression, News
Evin Prison, Kamal Jafari Yazdi, Mashhad, Mohammad Nourizad, محمد نوریزاد

Mohammad Nourizad, a civil activist imprisoned in Evin Prison, has been sentenced to five years in prison due to a new case recently opened against him during his incarceration.

A page attributed to this civil activist reported that on Sunday, July 21, 2024, a hearing on Mr. Nourizad’s charges was held via video conference in his absence. Consequently, without having the opportunity to defend himself against the charges, he was sentenced to an additional five years in prison. The release of an audio file from prison has been cited as one of the charges against him.

In February of 2024, Nourizad was sentenced to an additional 61 months in prison due to another case opened against him during his imprisonment.

In July 2023, in yet another case, Nourizad was sentenced to two years in prison by Branch 28 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

On August 11, 2019, Mohammad Nourizad was arrested by security forces in connection with a letter signed by 14 civil activists calling for the resignation of Ayatollah Khamenei and for his presence in front of the building where Kamal Jafari Yazdi’s appeal hearing was held. He was eventually transferred from Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad to Evin Prison in 2020.

Nourizad’s legal ordeal began on August 11, 2019, when he was arrested by security forces for participating in the drafting of an open letter with 13 other civil rights activists, calling for the Supreme Leader of Iran to step down. In the initial case, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison, three years of exile in Izeh, and a two-year travel ban. Although the prison sentence was upheld on appeal, the duration of exile and travel ban were reduced to two years.

In late April 2020, Nourizad received an additional one-year imprisonment for expressing support for Baha’i citizens in Eyvanki, Semnan Province.

Concerning the second part of his legal case, the Mashhad Criminal Court sentenced Nourizad to 8 months in prison and 74 lashes, along with exile to Tabas, for “disturbance of public order.” He also received an additional 74 lashes for “spreading falsehood.” This verdict was upheld on appeal as well.

Nourizad was released from Evin Prison on November 17, 2021, based on an early release order. However, on January 23, 2022, he was summoned and re-incarcerated in Evin Prison to serve the remainder of his sentence.

Nourizad has a history of arrests and convictions linked to his peaceful activism. He is a prominent filmmaker, writer, director, and journalist from Iran. While previously known as an outspoken religious journalist, he has become an active critic of the Islamic Republic in recent years.

Shakila Monfared Indicted for New Legal Case While Imprisoned

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Freedom of Expression, News
Evin Prison, Iman Afshari, IRGC Intelligence, Shakila Monfared, Tehran

An indictment has been issued for Shakila Monfared, a political prisoner, regarding a new case opened against her during her imprisonment.

Based on information received by HRANA, Monfared faces a new case in prison filed by Ms. Shaghaghi, the Deputy Prosecutor. On Wednesday, July 24, the indictment for this political prisoner was issued by Tehran’s District 8 Prosecutor’s Office with charges of “destruction of public property and disrupting order.”

On June 26 of this year, while on medical leave, Shakila Monfared was arrested and transferred to Evin Prison after appearing at Tehran’s District 8 Prosecutor’s Office to extend her leave, despite her treatment being incomplete and her being subjected to physical assault.

Ms. Monfared was initially arrested by security forces in Tehran on August 31, 2020, while leaving her home. After completing her interrogation at one of the IRGC’s detention centers, she was transferred to Evin Prison. Finally, on September 14, she was released on bail.

The court session for the joint case against Shakila Monfared and two others was held on January 20, 2021, in Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court. After the session, Monfared was re-arrested by IRGC intelligence agents and taken back to prison.

Ultimately, Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, sentenced her to six years of imprisonment and four months of compulsory labor in Ministry of Agriculture Jihad for charges of “propaganda against the regime” and blasphemy.” Branch 36 of the Tehran Appeals Court later reduced her sentence to four years and two months of definitive imprisonment.

In January 2022, Ms. Monfared was tried in Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court for another case opened during her imprisonment. In June 2023, Branch 36 of the Tehran Appeals Court sentenced her to two years and eight months of imprisonment for “membership in anti-regime groups” and a fine for “spreading falsehoods.”

It should be noted that on June 6, 2023, Monfared faced new charges for “assembly and collusion to commit crimes against national security,” but this case was ultimately dismissed.

Additionally, in April of this year, Shakila Monfared was sentenced to twelve months of imprisonment, two years of exile, and additional punishments by Branch 36 of the Tehran Appeals Court for another case opened during her imprisonment.

Shakila Monfared, aged around 31, is a resident of Tehran.

Hora Nikbakht Sentenced to One Year in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Evin Prison, Hora Nikbakht, حورا نیکبخت

Hora Nikbakht, a political prisoner held in Evin Prison, has been sentenced to one year in prison by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari.

Based on the verdict recently issued by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court and delivered to Ms. Nikbakht in Evin Prison on Saturday, July 27th, she has been sentenced to one year in prison for charges of “propaganda against the regime” and “insulting the Supreme Leader.” The court session addressing these charges took place on July 10th in the mentioned branch.

Hora Nikbakht, a resident of Tehran, was arrested on June 12th after appearing at Branch 3 of the Evin Prosecutor’s Office and transferred to the women’s ward of Evin Prison.

Previously, this citizen had been summoned to the aforementioned judicial authority to defend against the assigned charges upon receiving a notice.

Reports from the Department of Statistics and Publication of HRA in 2023 indicate a total of 193 cases in which Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, has been involved in issuing verdicts that infringe upon the human rights of defendants.

Ali Rezaie Sentenced to Two Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ali Rezaie, Evin Prison, Reza Shafakhah, علی رضایی

Ali Rezaie, arrested during the 2022 nationwide protests, has been sentenced to two years in prison by the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

Reza Shafakhah, Mr. Rezaie’s defense attorney, announced this news and wrote: “My client Ali Rezaie, who was arrested during the 2022 protests while still a teenager, was sentenced to two years of imprisonment by Branch 28 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.”

Ali Rezaie, a resident of Tehran, was arrested by security forces at his residence on December 4, 2022, in connection with the nationwide protests. Following his arrest, he was initially taken to The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, known as Ward 209 of Evin Prison, and eventually transferred to Great Tehran Penitentiary. After one year, he was released from this prison on bail.

Last November, Reza Shafakhah provided an update on his client’s case: “My client was under 18 years old at the time of his arrest. After his case was referred to the Revolutionary Court, we challenged the jurisdiction of the court and requested that the case be referred to the juvenile court. Unfortunately, the Supreme Court made its decision and recognized Branch 28 of the Revolutionary Court as competent to handle the case.”

Previously, the indictment against Mr. Rezaie was issued on charges of “assaulting a police officer” and “assembly and collusion to commit a crime against national security.”

 

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Political Prisoner Reza Salmanzadeh Denied Medical Care in Ghezel Hesar Prison

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News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, Ghezel Hesar prison, Karaj, Payam Salmanzadeh, Reza Salmanzadeh, رضا سلمان زاده

Reza Salmanzadeh, a political prisoner in Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj, despite his poor physical condition, has been deprived of proper medical care.

Payam Salmanzadeh, Reza Salmanzadeh’s son, released a video stating: “My father suffers from heart disease, hernia, and kidney stones, and these physical problems have worsened since the Evin Prison fire incident and him being beaten. Nonetheless, my father still has not received medical care.”
Reza Salmanzadeh was arrested by security forces at his residence in April-May 2022 and transferred to Evin Prison. He was later sentenced by the Revolutionary Court to three years and eight months in prison. This case was closed in February of 2023 following a “pardon and commutation” directive.

On the evening of October 15, 2022, a fire was seen rising over Evin Prison following a tense situation, and the sounds of gunfire and explosions were heard. Contrary to officials’ claims of controlling the fire and confrontation, the gunfire continued for hours. Following this incident, a case was filed by the Prisons Organization against several prisoners, including Reza Salmanzadeh.

On June 18, 2024, the trial session for forty defendants accused in the so-called Evin Prison fire case was held in Branch 1148 of Criminal Court Two in Tehran.

Salmanzadeh was subsequently sentenced to five years in prison and 74 lashes for the charge of “property destruction,” one year in prison for “disrupting prison order,” and one year in prison for “defying and disobeying officials’ orders.”

Report on Mohammad Rezvani Kashani’s Condition in Evin Prison

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News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, HRANA, Mohammad Rezvani Kashani, Political Prisoner

Mohammad Rezvani Kashani, a political prisoner, is serving his sentence in Evin Prison. Despite his poor physical condition, he has been deprived of proper medical care.

A source close to the family of this prisoner confirmed this news to HRANA and said: “Mr. Kashani suffers from multiple physical ailments such as a herniated disc, kidney infections, and urinary tract bleeding, and he needs treatment. However, he has been denied proper medical care and transfer to medical centers outside the prison.”

Mohammad Rezvani Kashani was arrested by The Ministry of Intelligence at his residence in July-August 2023 and was transferred to Wards 240 and 209 of Evin Prison. He was later moved to Ward 4 of this prison.

He was then sentenced to fifteen months of suspended imprisonment for the charge of blasphemy. In another part of his case, he was sentenced by Branch 29 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Seyed Ali Mazloumi, to one year in prison for the charge of propaganda against the regime. A quarter of this prison sentence was reduced by the Tehran Court of Appeals.

Mohammad Rezvani Kashani, aged around 49, is a researcher and philosophy lecturer.

Report on Political Prisoner Masoud Akbari’s Condition in Evin Prison

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News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, HRANA, Masoud Akbari, Parviz Akbari, مسعود اکبری

Masoud (Parviz) Akbari, a political prisoner, is currently serving his sentence in Evin Prison. He was previously sentenced to five years of enforceable imprisonment by the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

Based on reports received by HRANA, Mr. Akbari, who was arrested during the anniversary of the nationwide protests in 2022, was sentenced to nine years in prison by the Tehran Revolutionary Court. However, according to Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the maximum punishment of five years is enforceable in his case.

The charges against Akbari include “assembly and collusion to commit a crime against national security,” “membership in groups or organizations formed inside the country to undermine national security,” and “active and effective efforts to advance the goals of groups that have risen in armed rebellion against the regime.”

Akbari was arrested by security forces on September 16, 2023, on a street in Tehran and was transferred to Evin Prison after being held for two months in IRGC custody. It is worth mentioning that some of Mr. Akbari’s personal belongings were confiscated at the time of his arrest.

Masoud Akbari, aged around 37, is active in theater and is the father of one child.

Update on Political Prisoner Mehdi Saleh Yazdani’s Condition in Evin Prison

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News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, HRANA, Mehdi Saleh Yazdani, مهدی صالح یزدانی

Mehdi Saleh Yazdani, a political prisoner, is serving a ten-year prison sentence on charges of “moharebeh” (enmity against God) in Evin Prison.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mr. Yazdani was sentenced to ten years in prison at Kahnouj Prison by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Shahriar in February-March 2024 on charges of “moharebeh” through the arson of a mosque in the vicinity of Shahriar.

A source close to this political prisoner’s family confirmed this news to HRANA, stating, “Mr. Yazdani’s defense attorney has appealed the mentioned charge, and his client’s case is currently under review by the Supreme Court.”

Mehdi Saleh Yazdani was arrested on December 18, 2022, by IRGC intelligence officers at his home in Shahriar. After completing the interrogation process at one of the Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facilities, he was transferred to Great Tehran Penitentiary.

Subsequently, Mr. Yazdani was charged at the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Shahriar with “moharebeh” through the arson of a mosque and “assembly and collusion to act against national security.”

On April 10, 2023, he, along with several other political and ideological prisoners, was transferred from Greater Tehran Prison to Evin Prison. He is currently held in Ward 8 of Evin Prison.

Mehdi Saleh Yazdani, aged around 56, is the father of a daughter and a resident of Shahriar. Before his arrest, he was a taxi driver.

Report on Hossein Kooshki Nejad’s Condition in Evin Prison

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News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, Hossein Kooshki Nejad, HRANA, Khorramabad

Hossein Kooshki Nejad, a political prisoner, is serving his sentence in Evin Prison. He suffers from physical health issues which has been denied transfer to a hospital and appropriate medical care.

A source familiar with the condition of this political prisoner confirmed this news to HRANA, stating: “Kooshki Nejad has a meniscus tear in his knee and, according to doctors, requires surgery. He has made several written requests for hospital transfer, but has not received any response and has been deprived of specialized medical care.”

Kooshki Nejad was arrested on April 7th of this year to serve his sentence and was transferred to Ward 8 of Evin Prison.

Last year, he faced new legal charges in Khorramabad’s Prosecutor’s Office. The indictment for this case, accusing him of “propaganda activities against the regime,” was referred to the Tehran Revolutionary Court. Subsequently, a judge sentenced him to one year in prison.

Kooshki Nejad, born in 1988, is the brother of Reza Koushki Nejad, who was arrested during the nationwide protests in 2022.