Tag: Evin Prison

Report on Eleven Political Prisoners and Detainees Held in Evin Prison’s Quarantine Section

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News
Alireza Hajian, Arash Keykhosravi, Behesht-e-Zahra, Behfar Laleh Zari, Evin Prison, Hamed Mohagheghi, HRANA, Mohsen Haj Mohammadi, Payam Bastani Parizi, Pouria Shokoohi Rad, Reza Mohammad Hosseini, Rezavaneh Ahmadkah Beigi, Sajjad Bakhshali, Saman Rezaie, Zaman Esmaeili

Eleven political prisoners and detainees find themselves in the quarantine section of Evin Prison.

Nine among them were apprehended between September 11 and September 18, in a state of legal uncertainty. This group includes Mohsen Haj Mohammadi, Sajjad Bakhshali, Pouria Shokoohi Rad, Hamed Mohagheghi, Behfar Laleh Zari, Payam Bastani Parizi, Saman Rezaie, Alireza Hajian, and Zaman (Arash) Esmaeili. Additionally, Reza Mohammad Hosseini, a former political prisoner, faced punitive relocation to this section following his arrest on May 1, 2023. Lawyer Arash Keykhosravi, most recently arrested at his residence by security forces, completes the group.

According to information gathered by HRANA, in addition to these eleven prisoners, there are several other individuals currently detained in the same section. These individuals were recently arrested for participating in the anniversary ceremony commemorating the protestors who lost their lives during the 2022 nationwide protests at Behesht-e Zahra cemetery. HRANA is actively engaged in efforts to identify these detainees.

Here is an overview of the eleven prisoners:

1. Sajjad Bakhshali: Arrested on September 18, 2023. He spent seven days in solitary confinement at a public security police station, charged with “assembly and collusion against national security.” Bakhshali has previously faced multiple arrests and incarcerations for his activism.

2. Behfar Laleh Zari: Arrested alongside his wife, Rezavaneh Ahmadkah Beigi, on September 18, 2023. He spent seven days in solitary confinement at a public security police station, charged with “assembly and collusion against national security.” A former political prisoner, Laleh Zari was released from Evin prison in February 2019. His wife is currently detained in Qarchak Prison, Varamin.

3. Payam Bastani Parizi: Arrested on September 11, 2023, he has been charged with “assembly and collusion against national security.” After 12 days in IRGC’s detention facility 1-A, he was transferred to Evin Prison.

4. Reza Mohammad Hosseini: Arrested on May 1, 2023, Hosseini faces charges of “spreading propaganda against the regime, assembly and collusion against national security, and association with anti-regime news channels.” Hosseini is being held punitively in the quarantine section and has a history of prior arrests and convictions related to his activism.

5. Arash Keykhosravi: An attorney at law, arrested on September 25, 2023. Keykhosravi is among the nine Iranian lawyers and human rights defenders apprehended on August 14, 2021, during a meeting to discuss a lawsuit against Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the government regarding the ban on foreign vaccines. He was sentenced to two years in prison, a one-year ban from practicing law, and a ban on media activities, with the sentence upheld on appeal. Keykhosravi was also previously detained in Evin Prison from November 19, 2022, to March 6, 2023.

6. Mohsen Haj Mohammadi: Arrested on September 18, 2023, he is charged with “assembly and collusion against national security.” He spent seven days in solitary confinement at a Public Security Police station.

7. Pouria Shokoohi Rad: Arrested on September 18, 2023, charged with “assembly and collusion against national security.” He also spent seven days in solitary confinement at a Public Security Police station.

8. Hamed Mohagheghi: Arrested on September 18, 2023, charged with “assembly and collusion against national security.” He spent seven days in solitary confinement at a Public Security Police station.

9. Saman Rezaie: Arrested on September 12, 2023, he faces the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security.” Rezaie spent 11 days in IRGC’s detention facility 1-A.

10. Alireza Hajian: Arrested on September 15, 2023, charged with “assembly and collusion against national security.” He also spent 12 days in IRGC’s detention facility 1-A.

11. Zaman (Arash) Esmaeili: Arrested on September 15, 2023, facing the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security.” He also spent 12 days in IRGC’s detention facility 1-A.

Notably, as per Article 217 of Iran’s Criminal Procedure Law, the case investigator is obliged to grant the defendant bail after indictment. However, these detainees have been denied this right by prison and judicial authorities.

 

Jewish Iranian-American Prisoner Dies in Evin Prison Due to Lack of Timely Medical Care

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News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, Execution of Imam Khomeini's Order, Faramarz Javidzad, HRANA, Los Angeles

Faramarz Javidzad, a Jewish Iranian-American who was incarcerated in Evin Prison, has tragically passed away due to insufficient medical attention and a delay in his transfer to a hospital.

According to a report obtained by HRANA, Javidzad suffered from cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and stomach bleeding. Given his medical history and deteriorating health, it is reasonable to conclude that the delay in getting Javidzad to a hospital contributed to his untimely death.

On Sunday, September 22, he was briefly taken to the prison infirmary but was subsequently returned to the public ward without receiving the proper medical treatment he urgently needed.

A source who spoke to HRANA revealed that, despite a judge’s approval for Javidzad’s transfer to an external hospital, prison officials obstructed his medical care and delayed his transfer.

Javidzad, a 63-year-old resident of Los Angeles, was involved in real estate in Iran. His arrest occurred in February/March 2022, following a complaint filed by the institution “Execution of Imam Khomeini’s Order.” After enduring three months of solitary confinement and interrogation in Ward 209 of Evin Prison, he was relocated to the public ward. Some of his fellow inmates had reported to HRANA about his worsening health condition during his detention.

As of now, neither prison officials nor any relevant institutions have issued a statement or announcement regarding Javidzad’s passing.

Arrest of Three Family Members in Tehran

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Freedom of Expression, News
Evin Prison, HRANA, Mohmoud-Masoud Moeini, Parastoo Moeini, Tehran, ward 209, Zahra Safaie

On September 12, 2023, Zahra Safaie, Parastoo Moeini, and Mohmoud-Masoud Moeini, three members of the same family, were apprehended at their Tehran residence and are currently being held in Ward 209 of Evin Prison.

HRANA received information about their arrests from a source close to the family.

The exact reasons for their detentions and the charges brought against them are presently undisclosed. It’s worth noting that these detainees have previously encountered legal issues related to political matters and have been incarcerated in the past.

Prominent Activist Narges Mohammadi Assaulted in Evin Prison

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News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, Narges Mohammadi, Tehran, zanjan

Narges Mohammadi, a prominent political prisoner currently housed at Evin Prison, has suffered physical abuse at the hands of a prison official in the infirmary due to her non-compliance with hijab regulations.

Mohammadi and another inmate were in the prison infirmary where she was subjected to verbal harassment and physical violence by a prison officer. Following the altercation, Mohammadi was transported from the infirmary via ambulance. Her current condition and well-being remain uncertain.

It is noteworthy that Mohammadi has a history of prior arrests and convictions linked to 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.

Lawyer Mohammad Najafi Sentenced to Four Months for Disseminating False Information

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News, Prisoners
Arak prison, Evin Prison, HRANA, Mohammad Najafi, Reza Moazen

Mohammad Najafi, a lawyer currently incarcerated in Evin Prison, has received a four-month prison sentence from the Criminal Court of Arak.

This verdict, issued in absentia, finds Najafi guilty of “spreading falsehood.” The legal case was initiated following a complaint lodged by the head of Arak prison, Reza Moazen. According to a source who informed HRANA, the charge was based on Najafi’s exposure of issues within the prison system, particularly the prison head’s failure to address these concerns and mistreatment against political prisoners.

In addition to the prison sentence, the court has also ruled to disbar Najafi, prohibiting him from practicing law.

Najafi has been embroiled in multiple legal cases in the past. In his most recent case, he was sentenced to two years in prison and a 15-million-toman fine by Branch 106 of the Arak Criminal Court for “spreading falsehood,” and to one year in prison by Branch 2 of the Revolutionary Court for “propaganda against the regime.”

In another legal matter, Najafi received a three-year prison sentence for insulting the Supreme Leader of Iran and an additional four months for spreading falsehood. In December 2018, he was sentenced to 13 years in prison for charges including “propaganda against the regime,” “insulting the Supreme Leader,” and “collaborating with hostile foreign countries by giving interviews with the Voice of America and Persian BBC” in relation to the first part of this case. He was later pardoned and released under a “pardon and commute” directive but was re-arrested four days later for the second part of the case.

Furthermore, Najafi received a two-year prison sentence and a fine for spreading falsehood to disturb public opinion after writing an open letter addressed to Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran. This sentence was upheld on appeal, and he had previously been sentenced to one year in prison for similar charges in December 2018.

In February 2020, Najafi was handed a six-month prison sentence for attending and delivering a speech at a ceremony commemorating Sattar Beheshti, a blogger who had been tortured and killed while in custody.

Ultimately, Najafi received a 10-year prison sentence for the most severe charge of “collaboration with hostile foreign countries by giving interviews with the Voice of America and Persian BBC.” This sentence was later reduced to four years and six months.

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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.