Civil Rights Advocate Mohammad Abolhassani Faces Imprisonment and Flogging

Mohammad Abolhassani, a civil rights advocate currently incarcerated in Choobindar Prison, has been handed a sentence of three months and 12 lashes for additional charges incurred during his imprisonment. The prison term has been converted to a monetary fine.

The sentence was imposed on Abolhassani under the allegation of “disturbing public order.”

Presently serving his sentence at Choobindar Prison in Qazvin, Abolhassani is housed among inmates convicted of violent crimes, contrary to prison regulations. Moreover, he has been subjected to limitations when making phone calls, including the mandatory presence of prison guards during these conversations.

In January 2021, Abolhassani while serving his sentence for a previous legal case, was sentenced to 15 months in prison by the Tehran Revolutionary Court for “propaganda against the regime.” In addition to the prison term, he was assigned four hours of penal labor per day for four months. This ruling was subsequently upheld on appeal.

On January 1, 2022, Abolhassani was transferred to Evin Prison to commence his sentence.
In October 2022, he found himself facing further legal actions, resulting in an additional four-year imprisonment term.
On February 6, 2023, he was violently relocated from Evin Prison to Choobindar Prison in Qazvin.

 

Gonabadi Dervish Arash Moradi Faces Eight-Year Prison Term

Arash Moradi, a Gonabadi Dervish currently held in Evin Prison, has been handed an eight-year prison sentence by the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

Presiding over Branch 29 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, Judge Ali Mazloum detailed Moradi’s sentencing as follows: two years for “disturbing public opinions,” one year for “propaganda against the regime,” three years for “blasphemy,” and two years for “insulting the former and current Supreme Court of Iran.” The cumulative punishment amounts to eight years of imprisonment.

Citing Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, which stipulates that the most severe penalty should be applied in cases involving multiple charges, Moradi is slated to serve three years in prison.

A reliable source close to Moradi’s family informed HRANA of a notable development during the legal proceedings, where the charge of “disseminating false information” was altered to “disturbing public opinions.”

Furthermore, the court had previously dismissed charges of “assembly and collusion against national security” and “inciting people to violence.”

Moradi was apprehended on October 17 by security forces at his workplace in Kashan and subsequently confined to Ward 4 of Evin Prison.

This is not Moradi’s first encounter with the legal system, as he was previously detained during the 2018 Dervish protests, resulting in a one-year prison sentence. Following the completion of his sentence, Moradi was released from the Great Tehran Penitentiary.

Workers’ Rights Advocate Foad Fathi Receives Four-Year Prison Sentence

Foad Fathi, an advocate for workers’ rights, has been handed a four-year prison sentence by the Tehran Revolutionary Court, as reported by Kurdpa.

Notification from Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court outlined Fathi’s four-year imprisonment for charges including “membership in anti-regime groups, acting against national security, and propaganda against the regime.” Alongside the prison term, Fathi has been subjected to a two-year travel ban, prohibiting him from leaving the country. He is also restricted from participating in political or civil groups and residing in Tehran and its suburbs during this period.

Fathi was apprehended by security forces in Tehran and subsequently confined in Evin Prison on November 4, 2023. A resident of Tehran with roots in Sanandaj, Fathi has a history of previous arrests and legal confrontations due to his activism in championing workers’ rights.

Political Prisoner Zohreh Sarv Survives Suicide Attempt in Evin Prison

On December 12, Zohreh Sarv, a political prisoner confined in Evin Prison, made a suicide attempt using 30 Alprazolam pills. Following the incident, she received medical care at an external hospital before being returned to prison a few hours later.

Sources close to her family revealed that Sarv, already in poor health due to an ongoing hunger strike since November 23, was distressed by pressures and threats from prison officials. Despite her deteriorating health, she continues to be denied release on probation and medical furlough.

Currently serving a six-year sentence in Evin Prison, Sarv faces health issues, including knee injuries and potential breast cysts, requiring essential medical treatments such as sonography and MRI tests. Her requests for hospital transport have been denied by prison officials, despite approval from the prison infirmary’s head.

Sarv’s legal troubles began in September 2021 when she was arrested by security forces and initially held in IRGC ward A-1. Following a month of interrogation, she was transferred to Evin Prison. The Tehran Revolutionary Court later issued a seven-year sentence, citing charges of “assembly and collusion against national security” and “propaganda against the regime.” The sentence is enforceable for six years.

It is important to note that Sarve has a history of previous arrests and convictions related to her activism. Prior to her arrest, she was actively engaged on social media platforms.

Three Female Political Prisoners Facing Charges of Armed Rebellion (Baghi)

On December 9 at Evin Courthouse, political prisoners Forough Taghipour and Marzieh Farsi, along with Nasim Gholami Fard, were indicted on charges of “armed rebellion (Baghi),” potentially carrying severe consequences. Their alleged collaboration with a political opposition party has been presented as evidence for this charge.

Former political prisoners Taghipour and Farsi were arrested by security forces in Tehran on August 21, while Gholami was apprehended in Tehran on accusations of collaborating with a political opposition party and subsequently detained in Evin Prison. The extent to which their legal cases are interconnected remains unclear.

During her incarceration, Gholami initiated a hunger strike, which concluded after receiving promises from authorities. Notably, in Iran’s legal system, the charge of Baghi carries potential penalties such as the death penalty, amputation of the right hand and left leg, and exile.

Both Taghipour and Farsi have a documented history of prior arrests and convictions related to their activism. The severity of the charges underscores the challenges faced by political prisoners in Iran’s judicial landscape.

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Kaveh Amiri’s Eight-Month Prison Sentence Upheld on Appeal

The Tehran Court of Appeal has affirmed an eight-month sentence for Kaveh Amiri, a resident of Shahriar.

Amiri was found guilty of “spreading propaganda against the regime,” and the time served during his detention will be deducted from this prison term.
His arrest took place on September 10 of this year, following summons and interrogation by the Security Police of Shahriar County. Within one day, he was transferred to Evin Prison and subsequently released on bail on September 13.

Aged 39, Amiri is a judo coach and resident of Shahriar. The upheld sentence raises questions about the nature of the charges and the implications for freedom of expression.

Five Citizens Receive a Combined 20 Years and Fine for Political Charges

The Tehran Revolutionary Court has recently sentenced Zahra Safaie, Parastoo Moeini, Mohammad-Masoud Moeini, and Kamran Rezaiefar to five years, totaling twenty years in prison for political charges. Meanwhile, co-defendant Teymour (Timur) Rezaeian has been ordered to pay a fine.

Presiding over the court, Judge Iman Afshari found these individuals guilty of “assembly and collusion against national security.”

The arrests occurred on September 12, 2023, with Rezaeian apprehended one day later. Initially held in Ward 209 of Evin Prison, Later, they were transferred to the IRGC’s detention center, known as A-1.

According to HRANA reports, Safaie is currently held in the Women’s Ward of Evin Prison, while her son, Mohammad-Masoud Moeini, and Rezaiefar are in Ward 4 of the same prison. Two other defendants have been released on bail.

Notably, Rezaiefar has a history of arrests and convictions. In November 2021, he received a death sentence for “spreading corruption on earth,” which was later overturned by the Supreme Court. The current status of his legal case remains uncertain.

 

Reza Aghdasi Sentenced to Four Years and Three Months on Political Charges

Reza (Gholamreza) Aghdasi has received a verdict of four years and three months for political charges from Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court. He is currently jailed in Evin Prison.

Presiding over the court, Iman Afshari delivered a three-year and seven-month sentence (including the detention period) to Aghdasi for “assembly and collusion against national security” and an additional eight months for “spreading propaganda against the regime.”

Following being fired from Iran Khodro, an Iranian automaker company, Aghdasi was arrested on October 24, 2023, and subsequently detained in Evin Prison after being summoned to Evin Courthouse.

According to a source close to his family, Aghdasi, aged 57 and a resident of Karaj, is grappling with hearing impairment and other health issues. His residence was searched during the 2022 nationwide protests, resulting in the confiscation of some of his belongings.

Mahvash Seydal Receives Suspended Sentence and Additional Penalties

The Tehran Court of Appeals has issued a verdict against Mahvash Seydal Tadooei, an active participant in social media communities on Clubhouse, sentencing her to one year of suspended imprisonment. In addition to the suspended sentence, Seydal faces a fine, a five-year ban on leaving the country, and five years of restrictions on using social media.

Seydal has been charged with “disseminating false information to disturb public opinions.” Initially, the Tehran Revolutionary Court, under the jurisdiction of Judge Iman Afshari, imposed the same punishment. During the trial, the act of publishing posts on social media was presented as evidence to support this charge.

On June 21, 2023, Seydal, along with several others, was apprehended by security forces in Tehran for their activities in Clubhouse. Subsequently, on July 23, she was granted release on bail from Ward 209 of Evin Prison.

Three Political Defendants Sentenced to Over 61 Years in Prison

The Tehran Revolutionary Court has issued a combined sentence of 61 years and 10 months to political defendants Reza Mohammad-Hosseini, Mahboobeh Rezaie, and Samaneh Nowruz Moradi.

Presided over by Judge Amoozad, the court communicated the following verdicts:

Reza Mohammad-Hosseini: Seven years and nine months for “membership in anti-regime groups to act against national security,” seven years and nine months for “assembly and collusion against national security,” one year and seven months for “spreading propaganda against the regime,” three years with property confiscation for “illegal acquisition of property,” and one year and seven months for “defying government officers on duty.”

Mahboobeh Rezaie: Seven years and nine months for “membership in anti-regime groups to act against national security,” seven years and nine months for “assembly and collusion against national security,” one year and seven months for “spreading propaganda against the regime,” seven years and nine months for blasphemy, and one year and seven months for “removing hijab and showing the act of depravity on the Internet.”

Samaneh Nowruz Moradi: Six years and three months for “membership in anti-regime groups to act against national security,” six years and three months for “assembly and collusion against national security,” and one year and three months for “propaganda against the regime.”

As additional penalties, they have been sentenced to two years of compulsory residence in Tehran and a two-year prohibition from participating in political/civil groups and engaging in activities on social media.

The court session addressing their charges took place on November 4, 2023.

Reza Mohammad-Hosseini was arrested at his residence on May 1, 2023, and initially detained at Detention Facility A-1 under the IRGC’s jurisdiction, later moved to Evin Prison, and ultimately relocated to Qezel Hesar Prison, Karaj.

Samaneh Nowruz Moradi was arrested at her Tehran residence on April 24, 2023, and incarcerated in Evin Prison.

Mahboobeh Rezaie was arrested by security forces on May 22, 2023, and detained in Evin Prison after a period.

These individuals, known for their activism, had previously faced arrests and imprisonment.