Tag: Evin Prison

Political Prisoners Kamyar Fakoor and Jafar Ebrahimi Face New Legal Case

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News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, Jafar Ebrahimi, Kamiar Fakoor, Kamyar Fakoor, Qezel Hesar Prison

In response to a complaint filed by the Prisons and Security and Corrective Measures Organization of Tehran Province, Kamyar Fakoor and Jafar Ebrahimi, political prisoners held in Qezel Hesar Prison, find themselves entangled in a new legal case.

Their legal representative, Erfan Karam Veisi, has officially conveyed that his clients are now facing charges of “disturbing public order and safety” and “insulting prison officials.”

Notably, Fakoor and Ebrahimi were recently transferred from Evin Prison to Qezel Hesar Prison, Karaj.

A while ago, Fakoor and Ebrahimi were transferred from Evin Prison to Qezel Hesar Prison, Karaj.

Fakoor’s arrest occurred on November 6, 2022, during nationwide protests. Subsequently, the Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced him to eight months in prison, in addition to reactivating his prior eight-month suspended jail term.

Ebrahimi, a dedicated teacher union activist, was taken into custody on April 30, 2022, and incarcerated in Ward 209 of Evin Prison. In late October 2022, the Tehran Revolutionary Court issued a four-year sentence on charges of “assembly and collusion against national security” and an additional one-year term for “propaganda against the regime.” Moreover, Ebrahimi received a two-year ban on leaving the country and from participating in political and civil organizations. His sentence, which included four years of enforceable imprisonment, was upheld upon appeal.

 

 

Civil Rights Activist Sepideh Gholian Receives One Year and Three Months Sentence

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ameneh-Sadat Zabihpour, Dezful, Evin Prison, HRANA, Sepideh Gholian, Sepideh Qolian, Shamseddin Jalili Piran

The Tehran Criminal Court has handed down a one-year-and-three-month sentence to civil rights activist Sepideh Gholian (Qolian).

Presiding over the court, Judge Shamseddin Jalili Piran sentenced Gholian for her alleged involvement in “removing hijab, facilitating indecency, and persisting in committing criminal acts.” The detention period served prior to the trial will be deducted from her prison term.

The court session took place behind closed doors on August 22, 2023. The case was initiated following a complaint filed by Ameneh-Sadat Zabihpour, an Iran-state TV reporter with connections to security agencies as an interrogator.

It is worth noting that Gholian has a history of previous arrests and convictions related to her activism. In her most recent legal case in May 2023, the Tehran Revolutionary Court convicted Gholian of “insulting the Supreme Leader of Iran,” resulting in a two-year sentence that included a period of custody. Alongside her imprisonment, she faced restrictions that included a ban on joining political or social groups, limitations on cell phone usage, and a two-year prohibition from entering Tehran and its neighboring provinces.

Following her release from Evin Prison, Gholian was re-arrested on March 15, 2023, while traveling from Tehran to Dezful. Initially detained in Ward 209 of Evin Prison, she was subsequently transferred to the Women’s Ward within the facility four days later.

Afshin Naziri Arrested in Tehran

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Freedom of Expression, News
Afshin Naziri, Evin Prison, Tehran

In a recent development, Afshin Naziri was apprehended by security forces in Tehran on August 29 and subsequently confined to Evin Prison.

According to accounts, Naziri’s arrest transpired at his Tehran residence, where six plainclothes agents conducted the apprehension. His family was informed by the security forces that he would be prohibited from communicating with the outside world, including phone calls and visitations, for ten days.
The motives behind this arrest and the charges brought against him remain unknown at this time.

Journalist Nazila Maroufian Re-Arrested in Tehran

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Freedom of Expression, News
Evin Prison, HRANA, Nazila Maroufian, Qarchak Prison, Tehran

Journalist Nazila Maroufian was re-arrested on August 30, 2023, at her residence in Tehran by security forces. The subsequent transfer of Maroufian to the Ershad Courthouse unfolded amidst distressing circumstances, as she reportedly endured physical mistreatment during the apprehension.

According to a source close to her family, on Wednesday morning, security forces forcibly entered Maroufian’s residence, breaking down the door. The incident escalated as Maroufian was subjected to physical aggression. The agents confiscated some of her personal belongings and transferred her to the Ershad Courthouse for further proceedings.

Maroufian’s family is now facing a demand of a two-billion-Toman bail (equivalent to approximately 40,000 dollars) for her potential release, as stated by the source.

The security-affiliated news agency, Tasnim, cited “promoting abominable acts” as the primary basis for Maroufian’s arrest. Specifically, the agency reported that her public appearance in attire deemed inappropriate and the subsequent sharing of a corresponding photograph on social media were cited as pivotal factors that prompted the issuance of her arrest warrant by the Ershad Courthouse.

Maroufian’s ordeal began on October 30, 2022, when she was initially arrested by security forces and incarcerated in Ward 209 of Evin Prison. Subsequently, she was transferred to Qarchak Prison before being granted temporary freedom upon payment of a 600-million-toman bail (approximately $12,000 USD).

In January 2023, the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, handed down a two-year suspended imprisonment sentence to Maroufian. This sentence was related to charges of “spreading propaganda against the regime and disseminating falsehoods to disrupt public opinion through an interview with Mahsa Amini’s father.” Alongside the suspended sentence, she also received a fine and a five-year ban on leaving the country.

On July 4, security forces conducted a raid and search on her residence, subsequently summoning her to Evin Courthouse. Four days later, she was re-arrested and confined once again to Evin Prison, following her appearance at Evin Courthouse. After a period of time, she was charged with “propaganda against the regime.”

On August 14, she was re-arrested and detained for two days in Qarchak Prison in Varamin.
Nazila Maroufian, a journalist and student at Allameh Tabatabai University, hails from Saqqez and currently resides in Tehran. With a notable career in media, she has contributed to outlets such as Didban Iran and Rouydad24.

 

Azerbaijani-Turk Activist Mahmood Ojaghlou Sentenced to 11 Years Following Appeal

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Ethnic Minorities, News, Prisoners
ethnic minorities in iran, Evin Prison, Mahmood Ojaghloo, Mahmood Ojaghlou, Mahmood Ojaghlu, Tehran

The Tehran Court of Appeals has handed down an eleven-year sentence to Azerbaijani (Turk) activist Mahmood Ojaghlou.

Originally facing multiple charges, Ojaghlou had initially received a five-year term for “assembly and collusion against national security,” an additional year for “propaganda against the regime,” five more years for “affiliation with anti-regime groups that threaten national security,” and another five years for “incitement of individuals to participate in warfare.” Notably, the Court of Appeals has cleared him of the last accusation, leading to a reduced cumulative sentence of 11 years.

Pursuant to Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, five years for one of the four charges above will be enforceable.
Further sanctions include a travel prohibition, a ban on involvement with political parties and groups, as well as restrictions on media and social media interactions for a two-year period. In addition, he is required to prepare concise summaries of select books.

Ojaghlou’s apprehension took place on December 11, 2022, leading to his incarceration in Ward 4 of Evin Prison.
It’s worth noting that he has a history of previous summons and detention related to his activism.

According to documented accounts by the Department of Statistics and Publication of Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA), a total of 12 individuals were sentenced to a combined 751 months of imprisonment in 2022, all linked to their involvement in advocating for the rights of ethnic minorities.

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Civil Rights Advocate Yashar Tabrizi Receives One-Year Sentence

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Freedom of Expression, News
aKBAR gHOLIZADEH, Evin Prison, Shahriar, Yashar Tabrizi

Yashar Tabrizi (Akbar Gholizadeh), a civil rights advocate and former political prisoner, has been handed a one-year prison sentence by the Shahriar Revolutionary Court.

The presiding judge, Barjesteh, relayed to Tabrizi’s legal counsel that his client had been sentenced to a year behind bars for charges related to “propaganda against the regime.” A reliable source indicates that Tabrizi is awaiting an additional verdict from the Shahriar Criminal Court on the allegation of “spreading falsehood.”

Following his arrest in Tehran on June 10, 2023, Tabrizi was transported to Ward 209 of Evin Prison. He secured his release from Evin Prison on bail after a 14-day period, pending the conclusion of legal procedures.

This civil rights advocate has faced previous detentions and convictions due to his activism.

 

Former Political Prisoners Forough Taghipour & Marzieh Farsi Detained in Tehran

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Freedom of Expression, News
Evin Prison, Forough Taghipour, Marzieh Farsi, Tehran

Forough Taghipour and Marzieh Farsi, former political prisoners, were arrested by security forces in Tehran on August 21.

A source, closely tied to the families, confirmed their arrest to HRANA. As of this moment, the detainees have not been able to reach out to their families, although indications suggest that they might have been transferred to Evin Prison.

Of particular concern is the health of Mrs. Farsi, who is battling cancer and requires immediate access to her medication, a pressing issue that has raised alarm within her family.

It’s worth noting that they have a history of previous convictions and incarceration related to their activism.

 

Film Director Navid Mihandoost Begins Three-Year Term at Evin Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Evin Prison, Navid Mihandoost, Reza Mihandoost

Writer and film director Navid (Reza) Mihandoost has commenced a three-year prison sentence in Evin Prison.

The Tehran Revolutionary Court previously handed down this three-year imprisonment due to charges of “actions against national security through involvement and collaboration with anti-regime groups aiming to overthrow the government.” Additionally, he was sentenced to an extra six months for “disseminating propaganda against the regime by inscribing protest slogans on city walls.”

On August 18, 2020, the appeal process affirmed this verdict. As per Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the three-year prison term is now in effect.

In December 2019, Mihandoost was apprehended by the Ministry of Intelligence agents and confined to Ward 209 of Evin Prison. He was subsequently released on bail after two months, pending the conclusion of legal proceedings.

Aged around 51, Mihandoost hails from Nowshahr and boasts an accomplished career as a director for several TV series and cinema productions.

Blogger Elaheh Askari Detained in Evin Prison Following Arrest

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Freedom of Expression, News
Elaheh Askari, Evin Prison

Elaheh Askari, a blogger, was taken into custody by agents from the Ministry of Intelligence on August 16, 2023. She has subsequently been placed in detention at Evin Prison.

Reports indicate that Askari’s arrest occurred outside the Immigration & Passport Police Office, where she had gone to retrieve her passport. Following her apprehension, law enforcement agents conducted a search of her residence.

At present, the precise grounds for Askari’s detention and the specific allegations against her remain undisclosed.

Shahab Dalili on Fourth Day of Hunger Strike

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News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, HRANA, Hunger Strike, Iran-US prisoner swap, Shahab Dalili

Shahab Dalili is now on the fourth day of a hunger strike within Evin Prison. He has been serving ten years sentence in prison since 2016 when he was arrested by security forces while leaving the country.

A family member of Dalili corroborating this information during a talk with HRANA, revealed, “Shahab Dalili initiated his hunger strike on Sunday night in response to his omission from the roster of prisoners set for release as stipulated by the recent Iran-US prisoner swap agreement.” His protest has brought about physiological effects such as reduced blood pressure, dizziness, and headaches.

Shahab Dalili and his family have made a specific appeal to the US government. They are urging the authorities to figure in the release of Dalili, who holds permanent residency in the United States, during the impending negotiations between the two nations.

Notably, in the wake of the recent prisoner swap accord, prisoners including Siamak Namazi, Emad Sharqi, Morad Tahbaz, and two unidentified US nationals, have been relocated to house arrest within a hotel.

Shahab Dalili’s ordeal began in 2016 when he traveled to Iran to attend his father’s funeral. It was during his departure back to the US that he was apprehended by security personnel. Subsequently, he was sentenced to a decade in prison on charges of “collaborating with an adversarial nation.” Nonetheless, his name remains absent from the roster of beneficiaries within the current agreement.