Tag: Evin Prison

Political Prisoner Majid Tavakoli Faces Upheld Six-Year Sentence Following Retrial

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News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, HRANA, Majid Tavakoli, Tehran, Tehran Revolutionary Court

Branch 54 of the Court of Appeal in Tehran has affirmed a six-year sentence for political prisoner Majid Tavakoli.

A source close to his family confirmed to HRANA that Tavakoli was sentenced to six years in prison, along with internet and social media usage restrictions for two years, a two-year ban from residing in Tehran, and a travel ban for two years.

Tavakoli received notification of this verdict on January 29.

Previously, the Supreme Court accepted Tavakoli’s request for a retrial, transferring the case to another court branch. Notably, Tavakoli, a student activist and former political detainee, was arrested by security forces in Tehran on September 23, 2022, during the Mahsa Amini Protests. He was released on bail on December 19, 2022.

Subsequently, Branch 28 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court imposed a six-year sentence, which was upheld on appeal. On October 7, 2023, Tavakoli commenced serving his sentence in Evin Prison.

Tavakoli’s history of arrests and convictions is rooted in his activism.

Four Political Prisoners on Death Row Executed

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Executions, News
Evin Prison, Faraja, Ghezel Hesar prison, Hazhir Faramarzi, Masoud Shams Nejad, Mohsen Mazloum, Pezhman Fatehi, Vafa Azarbar

On January 29, 2024, a somber day unfolded at Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj as four political prisoners on death row—Mohsen Mazloum, Pezhman Fatehi, Vafa Azarbar, and Hazhir Faramarzi—were executed. The previous day, they were transferred from Evin Prison to Ghezel Hesar in anticipation of their impending execution.

Despite international efforts urging Iran’s regime to halt the execution, these prisoners met their fate. Masoud Shams-Nejad, their legal representative, expressed his dismay, stating, “My clients were executed this morning, notwithstanding the fact that both preliminary and final indictments had established that the defendants were arrested before the alleged operation. It’s retribution before the crime, an irony which has now a reality.”

On July 23, 2022, Iran Police Intelligence (FARAJA) arrested them in the Sumay-ye Beradust District of Urmia County. Tasnim, a security-institution-affiliated news agency, reported their arrest as part of “a network of Israeli spies.” The agency claimed they possessed operational and communication equipment, along with explosive materials, and had entered the country from the Kurdistan region with plans to carry out unprecedented terrorist operations in sensitive, secure locations.

Approximately 80 days after their arrest, Iran’s state TV aired their coerced confessions, accusing them of spying for foreign intelligence and stating they had been apprehended in sensitive sites in Isfahan.

Their lawyer had earlier decried the due process and conviction as unjust and unfair, asserting that he and his clients were denied their rights throughout the proceedings.

Human rights organizations had questioned the details of these individuals’ legal cases, including the credibility of the charges, evidence, legal proceedings, and the performance of security institutions. In recent weeks, prominent groups and figures emphasized that the Iranian regime had scapegoated them through a setup case, mirroring a precedent set by the regime.

Concerns Rise as Khaled Pirzadeh Hospitalized in Evin Prison

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News, Prisoners
ahvaz, Evin Prison, Khaled Pirzadeh, Tehran, Ward 209 of Evin Prison

Political prisoner Khaled Pirzadeh has been hospitalized since January 19, 2024, due to a deteriorating health condition.

A reliable source close to Pirzadeh’s family confirmed the news, stating, “Last week, Pirzadeh was admitted to Loghman Hospital in Tehran due to heart arrhythmia. He is currently in the ICU with a bound chain on his ankle.”

Earlier this year, Pirzadeh was sentenced to five years and eight months in prison by Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court for “assembly and collusion against national security” and an additional eight months for “propaganda against the regime.”

In September 2023, security forces arrested Pirzadeh in Ahvaz, and he was subsequently transferred to Ward 209 of Evin Prison in Tehran. On October 15, he was moved to Ward 6 within the same prison.

It is noteworthy that Pirzadeh has a history of previous arrests and convictions related to his activism.

Narges Mohammadi Faces Additional Penalties While Incarcerated

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Ebrahim Ketabdar, Evin Prison, Iman Afshari, Narges Mohammadi

Renowned human rights activist Narges Mohammadi has recently been handed down a sentence of imprisonment, exile, travel restrictions, and additional penalties by the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

Presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court imposed a 15-month prison term on Mohammadi for “propaganda against the regime.” Additionally, she received a two-year ban on residing in Tehran and neighboring provinces, a two-year travel restriction, a two-year prohibition from joining political/civil groups, and limitations on smartphone usage for the same duration.

The verdict was issued on December 19, 2023, during an in-absentia court session prompted by a complaint from the Ministry of Intelligence, according to Mrs. Mohammadi’s social media page.

Currently incarcerated in Evin Prison, Mohammadi continues to face additional penalties for her activism.

In October 2020, she was released from Zanjan Prison after enduring approximately five and a half years of imprisonment. However, her ordeal persisted as she faced another legal case, culminating in a sentence of 30 months of imprisonment, 80 lashes, and two fines.

On November 16, 2021, Mohammadi was arrested once again during a commemorative event honoring Ebrahim Ketabdar, who had lost his life during the November 2019 protests in Karaj. Subsequently, Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court handed down a staggering eight-year prison sentence, accompanied by seventy-four lashes, two years of exile, and various social restrictions.

Adding to her ordeal, Mohammadi received an additional one-year prison sentence in early August, stemming from a new case initiated during her incarceration.

Mir-Yousef Younesi Receives Five-Year Prison Term

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ali Younesi, Evin Prison, Mir-Yousef Younesi, MirYousef Younesi

The Tehran Revolutionary Court has sentenced Mir-Yousef Younesi to five years in prison. Notably, his son, Ali Younesi, is currently incarcerated in Evin Prison.

The verdict was issued by Iman Afshari, presiding over Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court. Reza Younesi, the other son of Mir-Yousef Younesi, revealed his father’s conviction to the public, expressing concern over the handling of the case. “My father was denied the opportunity to attend the court proceedings due to his refusal to wear the prison uniform. Additionally, the judge prohibited his attorney from presenting defense arguments,” he stated.

Mir-Yousef Younesi was arrested on December 28, 2022, at his residence in Shahrud by security forces.

Ali Younesi, a student at Sharif University of Technology, is serving his sentence in Evin Prison. He has earned notable achievements, including the silver medal in the National Astronomy Olympiad (2016), the gold medal in the 2017 Astronomy Olympiad, and a gold medal in the 12th World Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad held in China.

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.

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Iranian Singer Mehdi Yarrahi Receives Prison Sentence and Lashes

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Freedom of Expression, News
Evin Prison, Mehdi Yarrahi, Tehran, Zahra Minooie, مهدی یراحی

The Tehran Revolutionary Court has issued a verdict against singer and musician Mehdi Yarrahi, sentencing him to two years and eight months of imprisonment along with 74 lashes.

Confirming the sentence, Yarrahi’s lawyer, Zahra Minooie, stated, “If the decision is upheld on appeal, the most severe penalty of one year will become enforceable.”

During the court session held on October 16, 2023, Yarrahi faced charges of “propaganda against the regime, inciting people to depravity, producing music content against public modesty, and promoting offenses against chastity on the Internet.”

Yarrahi was initially arrested on August 28, 2023, by the order of the Tehran prosecutor, following the release of a song titled “Your Headscarf.” He secured his release on bail from Evin Prison in October.

Previously, Yarrahi had been prohibited from engaging in legal transactions by the prosecutor’s order due to his support for the 2022 nationwide protests.

Political Prisoner Khaled Pirzadeh Receives Five Years and Eight Months Sentence

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Freedom of Expression, News
ahvaz, Evin Prison, Iman Afshari, Khaled Pirzadeh, Tehran, خالد پیرزاده

Khaled Pirzadeh, a political prisoner currently held in Evin Prison, has been handed a five-year and eight-month sentence by Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court.

Presiding Judge Iman Afshari ruled that Pirzadeh must serve five years for “assembly and collusion against national security” and an additional eight months for “propaganda against the regime.” If the verdict is upheld on appeal, under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, which dictates that in cases of multiple charges, the harshest punishment shall be enforced, Pirzadeh will spend five years in prison.

As per HRANA reports, Pirzadeh has been acquitted of charges related to “disseminating false information” and “illegal acquisition of property.”

Khaled Pirzadeh was apprehended by security forces in Ahvaz in September 2023 and subsequently transferred to Ward 209 of Evin Prison under the Ministry of Intelligence. Later, he was moved to Ward 6 within the same prison.

On November 14, 2023, Pirzadeh was hospitalized due to deteriorating health conditions.

It is noteworthy that Pirzadeh has faced previous arrests and convictions linked to his activism.

Judo Coach Kaveh Amiri Arrested in Shahriar

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Freedom of Expression, News
Evin Prison, judo coach, Kaveh Amiri, Shahriar

On January 2, 2024, Kaveh Amiri was apprehended by security forces after his appearance at the Revolutionary Court in Shahriar.

A source close to his family verified Amiri’s arrest following his court appearance. Post-arrest, agents reportedly conducted searches at both his residence and his mother’s house.

The precise location of his current detention remains undisclosed.

Amiri’s initial arrest occurred on September 10 of the same year, after a summons and interrogation by the Security Police of Shahriar County. Within 24 hours, he was transferred to Evin Prison and subsequently released on bail on September 13.

Following legal proceedings, Amiri was later sentenced to eight months for “spreading propaganda against the regime,” a verdict that withstood appeal.

At 39 years old, Amiri is a judo coach and resident of Shahriar. The circumstances surrounding his recent arrest and the charges brought against him remain a cause for concern.

Three Political Defendants Face Varied Penalties Following Convictions

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ehsan Ghadiri, Evin Prison, Hamed Mohagheghi, Sajjad Bakhsh-Ali, Sajjad Bakhshali

In the wake of political charges, Ehsan Ghadiri, Sajjad Bakhsh-Ali, and Hamed Mohagheghi have received a range of sentences, including imprisonment, exile, fines, and additional social restrictions.

As per the Tehran Revolutionary Court’s verdict, delivered under the authority of Judge Iman Afshari, the trio has been sentenced to a one-year prison term, mandatory two-year exile, and a prohibition from engaging in online activities and social media.

The charges against these political figures include assembly and collusion to commit crimes, as well as propagating against the regime.

Ghadiri, taken into custody by security forces at his residence on September 14, 2023, was subsequently transferred to Ward 209 of Evin Prison. The arrests of Bakhsh-Ali and Mohagheghi occurred during August and September 2023, marking a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings.

Activist Couple Laleh Zari and Ahmad-Khan Beigi Receive Combined 10-Year Prison Sentence

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Freedom of Expression, News
ehfar Laleh Zari, Evin Prison, ezvaneh Ahmad-Khan Beigi, Iman Afshari, Qarchak Prison, بهفر لاله زاری, رضوانه احمدخان بیگی

In a recent development, the Tehran Revolutionary Court has handed down a five-year sentence to each of Behfar Laleh Zari and Rezvaneh Ahmad-Khan Beigi, a couple currently held in Evin Prison.

Presiding over the court, Judge Iman Afshari issued this ruling, sentencing each member of the couple to four years for “assembly and collusion against national security” and an additional year for “propaganda against the regime.” If the verdict is upheld on appeal, Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code mandates that the four-year sentence for the first charge will be enforceable.

The arrest of Laleh Zari and Ahmad-Khan Beigi took place at their residence on September 18, 2023. Following seven days of solitary confinement in the detention facility of the Public Security Police, Laleh Zari, a former political prisoner, was transferred to Evin Prison. Meanwhile, Mrs. Ahmad-Khan Beigi was initially detained in Qarchak Prison and later moved to Evin Prison after a few days.

This couple has a history of activism, having faced prior arrests and incarceration. This latest sentencing adds to their ongoing legal challenges in their pursuit of social and political advocacy.