Tag: Evin Prison

Seyed Mohammad Taghavi Detained for Over Four Months Facing Political Charges

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News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, Iman Afshari, Maku Prison, Seyed Mohammad Taghavi, سید محمد تقوی

Seyed Mohammad Taghavi, who is accused of Baghi (armed rebellion), remains in legal limbo in Evin Prison more than four months after his arrest. Since Monday, July 1st, this political detainee has been moved to solitary confinement in the Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, known as Ward 209 of Evin Prison, as a punitive measure ordered by Judge Iman Afshari.

A source close to his family confirmed this news to HRANA, stating: “Mr. Taghavi had previously protested against the fabricated charges against him and did not attend the court session due to the lack of a lawyer. On Monday, July 1st, he was punitively transferred to one of the solitary cells in Ward 209 of Evin Prison by the order of Judge Iman Afshari, the head of Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran.”

On February 23, 2024, security forces arrested Taghavi in Chaldoran in West Azerbaijan Province and transferred him to Maku Prison. He was then moved to Evin Prison after seven days.

Finally, on May 14th of this year, Mr. Taghavi, along with five other political detainees, was charged in a joint case by Branch 5 of the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office of Tehran, presided over by Investigator Alizadeh, on suspicion of membership in one of the opposition groups and accused of Baghi.

On Monday, June 24th of this year, Taghavi and other defendants in this case were summoned to Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari. However, he was not sent to court by the order of the head of Evin Prison due to his refusal to wear prison clothes at the court.

Seyed Mohammad Taghavi, 57, is a former political prisoner from the 1980s, holding a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design from Tehran University, and has a history of previous convictions and imprisonment.

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.

Political Prisoner Jamal Ameli Denied Medical Care in Evin Prison

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Prisoners
Evin Prison, Iman Afshari, Jamal Ameli, Tehran

Jamal Ameli, a political prisoner, is serving his sentence in Ward 8 of Evin Prison. Despite his poor health, he has been denied proper medical care and transfer to medical facilities outside the prison.

A source close to the prisoner’s family confirmed the news to HRANA, stating: “Mr. Ameli suffers from an autoimmune disease, and the lack of access to necessary medications and regular visits to a doctor has led to spinal complications and other consequences of this illness. Despite his poor health, he has been denied proper medical care and transfer to medical facilities outside the prison.”

Based on HRANA’s reports, Mr. Ameli’s deprivation of new tests and timely and continuous treatment has led to more skin wounds and other severe problems, increasing the concerns of Mr. Ameli’s relatives and family regarding his physical health.

Jamal Ameli, a Tehran resident, was arrested on April 6 after appearing at the Evin Prosecutor’s Office and was transferred to Evin Prison to serve his one-year prison sentence. He had previously been summoned to this judicial branch to serve his sentence.

In February of last year, he was sentenced to one year in prison by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, on charges of “assembly and collusion to commit a crime against national security” and “propaganda against the regime.”

Mohammad Ali (Jamal) Ameli, a Tehran resident, has a history of arrests and judicial encounters due to his activities. On October 30, 2012, he was arrested and later summoned for further explanations.

Iranian-Swedish Dual National Ahmad-Reza Jalali on Fourth Day of Hunger Strike in Evin Prison

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News, Prisoners
Ahmad Reza Jalali, Evin Prison, Hamid Nouri, Johan Floderus, moharebeh, Tehran, Zabihollah Khodaeian

Ahmad-Reza Jalali, a dual-national death-row political prisoner currently held in Evin Prison, began a hunger strike on June 25th in protest of not being included in the recent prisoner exchange between Iran and Sweden.

Vida Mehrannia, Mr. Jalali’s wife, announced on her personal page: “My husband, who faces imminent execution by the Islamic Republic, started a hunger strike on Tuesday, June 25th, in protest of not being included in the recent prisoner exchange between Iran and Sweden.”

Mrs. Mehrannia added: “He has endured nearly 3,000 days in the notorious Evin Prison. The UN and many human rights organizations have declared my husband innocent, confirming that he was arbitrarily detained and used as a pawn in Iran’s cruel hostage diplomacy. They have called for his unconditional release.”

Recently, the Swedish Prime Minister announced the exchange of Hamid Nouri with Saeed Azizi and Johan Floderus, a Swedish diplomat.

Mr. Jalali was arrested by security forces in May 2016 and sentenced to death on charges of espionage. This sentence was ultimately upheld by the Supreme Court in December 2017.

On May 10, 2022, former Judiciary spokesperson Zabihollah Khodaeian stated in a press conference that Ahmadreza Jalali’s death sentence was final. He also claimed that there was no connection between the cases of Ahmadreza Jalali and Hamid Nouri, asserting, “The exchange of these two individuals is not under discussion.” However, Amnesty International issued a statement indicating that Iranian authorities aimed to exchange Jalali by threatening his execution.
Professor Jalali, invited to Iran by the University of Tehran in May 2016, was arrested on charges of “enmity against God (Moharebeh) through espionage for Israel.” The Tehran Prosecutor accused him of “transferring information about confidential projects in research, military, defense, and nuclear fields in exchange for citizenship for him and his family from Sweden.”

Report on the Latest Status of Yavar Fathollahi in Evin Prison

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News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, HRANA, Yavar Fathollahi

Yavar Fathollahi, a political prisoner and one of those arrested during the nationwide protests of 2022 (also known as the Mahsa Amini protests), is serving his sentence in Evin Prison. Mr. Fathollahi was initially sentenced to seventeen years in prison by Branch 28 of the Revolutionary Court, but his sentence was reduced to 80 months following an appeal.

Based on information received by HRANA, this political prisoner was sentenced on January 23, 2024, by Branch 28 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Mohammad-Reza Amuzad, to a total of seventeen years in prison. This included eight years for the charge of “destroying public property,” five years for “assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security,” one year for  “disobeying the orders of officers,” and three years for “acting against national security.” Finally, in March of last year, Mr. Fathollahi’s sentence was reduced to 80 months, equivalent to six years and eight months, following an appeal.

A source close to the family of this political prisoner confirmed this news to HRANA and said: “The court session to address Yavar’s charges was held in December of last year. Ultimately, in early April of this year, the mentioned sentence was communicated to the Evin Prosecutor’s Office’s enforcement unit.”

Fathollahi, born on March 25, 1994, and a resident of Tehran, was arrested by IRGC intelligence forces on September 21, 2022, during the nationwide protests. On September 25 of the same year, he was transferred from the IRGC Intelligence Detention Center (Ward 2-A) to the Greater Tehran Prison. Finally, in late March 2023, he was transferred to Evin Prison.

Mohammad Hassan Amidi Detained by Ministry of Intelligence

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News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, Mohammad Hassan Amidi, Shahr-e-Rey, محمد حسن عمیدی

Mohammad Hassan Amidi, a resident of Shahr-e Rey, continues to be held in uncertainty nine days after his arrest, currently detained in the Ministry of Intelligence detention center known as Ward 209 of Evin Prison.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mr. Amidi, aged around 63, was arrested by security forces in Shahr-e Rey on June 18, 2024, and transferred to the Ministry of Intelligence detention center known as Ward 209 of Evin Prison. As of the time of this report, the reasons for his arrest and the charges against this citizen are unknown.

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Mandana Karimi Bakhtiari Imprisoned in Evin Prison on Political Charges

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News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, HRANA, Mandana Karimi Bakhtiari, Tehran Revolutionary Court, ماندانا کریمی بختیاری

Mandana Karimi Bakhtiari, a political prisoner, is serving her sentence in Evin Prison. She was previously sentenced to five years in prison by the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

A source close to the family of this political prisoner confirmed this news to HRANA, stating: “Ms. Karimi, around 55 years old, who was previously sentenced to five years in prison by Branch 28 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, was arrested by security forces at her private residence on June 10th to serve her sentence and was transferred to the women’s ward of Evin Prison.”

According to information received by HRANA, charges against this political prisoner include “propaganda against the regime” and “membership in opposition groups to act against national security.”

Report on the Latest Situation of Three Female Prisoners in Evin Prison

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News, Prisoners
Erfan-e-Halgheh, Evin Prison, Fereshteh Hosseini, Narges Khorasani, Parisa Yousefi

Fereshteh Hosseini, Narges Khorasani, and Parisa Yousefi, followers of Erfan-e-Halgheh (Interuniversal Mysticism), are serving their sentences in Evin Prison. These individuals were sent to this prison on June 15th of this year to serve their sentences.

A source close to the family of one of these prisoners told HRANA, “These individuals were convicted in the same case and sent to Evin Prison on June 15 to serve their sentences. Previously, the Revolutionary Court had sentenced Fereshteh Hosseini to five years in prison, and Narges Khorasani and Parisa Yousefi to three years each.”

According to information received by HRANA, all three were arrested and sentenced due to their support of the Erfan-e-Halgheh.

These individuals were previously arrested by security forces in August 2022. Shortly afterward, they were released from Evin Prison on bail.

265 Years and Over 5000 Lashes for Defendants in Evin Prison Fire Case

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News, Prisoners
Ahmadreza Kunani, Alireza Aslami, Alireza Nazari, Alireza Vali, Amir-Hossein Yousefvand, Ayoub Emamizadeh, Erfan Zarif Ibn-Kazem, Evin Prison, eyed-Ali Mousavi, Gholam-Hassan Hashemi Siavashani, Hamidreza Nazer, Hossein Delkhasteh, Jalal Narollahi, Kamran Nadali, Luqman Aminpour, Majid Roshannejad, Masoud Hosseinzadeh, Masoud Parchami, Meysam Dehbanzadeh, Meysam Moradian, Mohammad Geravand, Mohammad-Ali Delkhasteh, Mohammad-Hossein Moradian, Mohammad-Khan Mirzaie, Mohammad-Sobhan Moazzenzadeh, Nima Mohammadi, Reza Haji, Reza Salmanzadeh, Saeed Khodapour, Sasan Zamani, Seyed-Milad Abolvafaye, Seyed-Mohammad Hossein Mousavi, Sina Mirzaie, Sobhan Hayatpour, Tehran

The Criminal Court 2 of Tehran has sentenced the defendants in the Evin Prison Fire case to a cumulative 265 years in prison, 5032 lashes, blood money (Diya) for one individual, and other penalties.

The defendants, convicted on charges including “property destruction,” “disturbing prison order,” “disobeying and resisting orders from officials,” and manslaughter, are as follows:

Majid Roshannejad, Luqman Aminpour, Meysam Dehbanzadeh, Sina Mirzaie, Mohammad-Sobhan Moazzenzadeh, Ayoub Emamizadeh, Ahmadreza Kunani, Sasan Zamani, Mohammad Geravand, Saeed Khodapour, and Alireza Vali each received six years in prison and seven lashes for “property destruction,” 16 months and 74 lashes for “disturbing prison order,” and 16 months for “disobeying and resisting orders from officials.”

Mohammad-Hossein Moradian, Masoud Hosseinzadeh, Reza Haji, Nima Mohammadi, Alireza Aslami, Amir-Hossein Yousefvand, Meysam Moradian, Sobhan Hayatpour, Reza Salmanzadeh, and Seyed-Mohammad Hossein Mousavi each were sentenced to five years in prison and 74 lashes for “property destruction,” one year and 74 lashes for “disturbing prison order,” and one year for “disobeying and resisting orders from officials.” Additionally, Alireza Aslami and Nima Mohammadi were sentenced to expulsion from Iran. Their second nationalities remain unknown.

Five defendants were also charged with manslaughter. Ghasem Mohammadi received six years in prison and 74 lashes for “property destruction,” 16 months and 74 lashes for “disturbing prison order,” 16 months for “disobeying and resisting orders from officials,” and must pay blood money (Diya) for one individual and serve an additional 40 months.

Erfan Zarif Ibn-Kazem, Jalal Narollahi, Gholam-Hassan Hashemi Siavashani, and Masoud Parchami received the same sentences as Ghasem Mohammadi except that they must pay 1/4 of the Diya.

Hamidreza Nazer and Hossein Delkhasteh were sentenced to 42 months in prison and 74 lashes for “property destruction,” one year and 74 lashes for “disturbing prison order,” and one year for “disobeying and resisting orders from officials.”

Mohammad-Ali Delkhasteh, Seyed-Milad Abolvafaye, Mohammad-Khan Mirzaie, Kamran Nadali, Alireza Nazari, and Seyed-Ali Mousavi received 16 months in prison and 74 lashes for “disturbing prison order,” and 16 months for “disobeying and resisting orders from officials.”

Lastly, Hassan Malekshahi, Ashkan Kafi, Omid Astaneh, Rahman Alipour, and Ali Sadeghi Shirsavar were sentenced to one year in prison and 74 lashes for “disturbing prison order,” and one year for “disobeying and resisting orders from officials.”

These individuals are currently serving their sentences for previous convictions in Ghezel Hesar and Great Tehran Penitentiary.

Following the fire on the night of Saturday, October 15, 2022, at Evin Prison, a case was opened against these prisoners based on a complaint from the Prisons Organization.

On the night of October 15, 2022, after tensions rose in Evin Prison, fire was seen above the prison, and sounds of gunfire and explosions were heard. Despite officials claiming to have controlled the fire and clashes, gunfire continued for several hours. As a result, several prisoners were injured and killed, and some were transferred out of the prison.

Journalist Hadi Kasaie Zadeh Arrested

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Freedom of Expression, News
Evin Prison, Hadi Kasaie-Zadeh, Tehran, هادی کسایی زاده

Hadi Kasaie Zadeh, a journalist, has been arrested by security forces and transferred to an unknown location, as reported by Didban Iran.

The report does not specify the security institution responsible for Kasaie Zadeh’s arrest, the place of detention, or the charges against this journalist.

In May of this year, Kasaie Zadeh was charged with “publishing details about the death of Nika Shakarami.” at the Evin Prosecutor’s Office in Tehran.

Additionally, in another case, this journalist was sentenced to three months in prison by Branch 2 of the Tehran Criminal Court for the charge of “disseminating false information.” The sentence has been suspended for two years. According to information received by HRANA, this conviction was related to the publication of material concerning the judicial case of Reza Saghafi, the former head of the Gilan Department of Culture and Islamic Guidance.

Hadi Kasaie Zadeh Mahabadi has a history of judicial confrontations due to his activities as a journalist.

In 2023, the Department of Statistics and Publications of the Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA) documented 2,380 cases in which citizens, including journalists and civil rights activists, faced legal and security consequences for exercising their freedom of expression and thought. These incidents resulted in the arrest of 3,130 individuals.

Evin Prison Fire Case: Four Defendants Sentenced to Prison and Flogging

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News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, Luqman Aminpour, Majid Roshannejad, Meysam Dehbanzadeh, Reza Salmanzadeh

Luqman (Lughman) Aminpour, Meysam Dehbanzadeh, Majid Roshannejad, and Reza Salmanzadeh, four defendants in the so-called Evin Prison Fire case, were sentenced to a total of 33 years in prison and 518 lashes by Branch 1148 of the Tehran Criminal Court.

Based on the verdict issued by Judge Jabbar Javadi Rami of Branch 1148 of the Tehran Criminal Court, and communicated to these prisoners on Wednesday, June 19th, Aminpour, Dehbanzadeh, and Roshannejad were each sentenced to six years in prison and 74 lashes for the charge of “property destruction”, sixteen months in prison and 74 lashes for “disrupting prison order”, and sixteen months for “disobeying and resisting orders from officials.” Additionally, Reza Salmanzadeh was sentenced to five years in prison and 74 lashes for “property destruction”, one year for “disrupting prison order”, and one year in prison for “disobeying and resisting orders from officials”.

The court session that was held yesterday addressed the charges against 40 prisoners. Further details regarding the sentences of other defendants in this case are still under investigation by HRANA.

Following the fire on the night of Saturday, October 15, 2022, at Evin Prison, a case was opened against these prisoners based on a complaint from the Prisons Organization.

Previously, a source close to one of the prisoners’ families told HRANA, “During the court session, the judge prevented the defendants’ lawyers from being present. Ramin Safarnia, the defense lawyer for these four defendants was expelled from the court by the judge. Despite the defendant’s objection, the judge insisted on expelling the defendants’ lawyer from the court session and only accepted written defenses from the defendants.”

On the night of October 15, 2022, after tensions rose in Evin Prison, fire was seen above the prison, and sounds of gunfire and explosions were heard. Despite officials claiming to have controlled the fire and clashes, gunfire continued for several hours. As a result, several prisoners were injured and killed, and some were transferred out of the prison.