Hamzeh Savari Launches Hunger Strike at Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj

HRANA – Today, Wednesday, October 14, 2026, Hamzeh Savari Laftah, a political prisoner held at Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj, began a hunger strike in support of Mokhtar Al-Bushokeh, a political prisoner held at Arak Prison. Al-Bushokeh began his hunger strike on Tuesday, October 6, and was subsequently transferred to solitary confinement.

According to HRANA, Hamzeh Savari Laftah has launched a hunger strike at Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

Based on information received by HRANA, the political prisoner began a week-long hunger strike today, Wednesday, October 14, in solidarity with . Al-Bushokeh has been on hunger strike since Tuesday, October 6, protesting prison authorities’ failure to fulfill their promise to transfer him from Arak Prison to Sheiban Prison in Ahvaz. He is currently being held in a solitary confinement cell at Arak Prison.

was arrested by security forces on September 2, 2005, when he was just 16 years old. He was sentenced to death by the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court on charges of “corruption on earth, moharebeh (enmity against God), and acting against national security.” His death sentence was eventually commuted to life imprisonment. He has now spent more than 21 years behind bars.

Throughout his imprisonment, Savari has been held in several prisons, including Karun Prison in Ahvaz, Rajai Shahr Prison in Karaj, Evin Prison, and Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj. During this period, he has repeatedly been placed in solitary confinement and, according to previous HRANA reports, has been subjected to beatings on several occasions. The political prisoner has also staged hunger strikes in previous years to protest his detention conditions and prison transfers.

Over the years, Savari has suffered from numerous health problems, including heart disease, inflammation of the lining of his lungs, knee injuries, chronic stomach pain, cervical osteoarthritis, and spinal problems. According to previous HRANA reports, despite requiring specialized medical attention, he has been denied access to adequate medical care at various times. Restrictions on family visits, access to legal counsel, and prison furlough have also been reported in recent years.

Three Detainees from January 2026 Protests Sentenced to Death

HRANA – Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court has sentenced Khosrow Mohammadiniya, Masoud Tushmalani, and Sirvan Shabani, three individuals arrested during the January 2026 protests, to death. The three citizens are currently being held in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, three citizens arrested during the January 2026 protests have been sentenced to death.

According to information received by HRANA, Khosrow Mohammadiniya, Masoud Tushmalani, and Sirvan Shabani were sentenced to death in a joint case by Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court. The charges brought against the three citizens in this case include “moharebeh (enmity against God), assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security, and operational activities in support of hostile governments.” The ruling was issued with the signatures of Judge Karimi and Judge Taghizadeh.

The three citizens, who are from Kermanshah, were arrested by security forces on a street in Eslamshahr during the nationwide protests in January 2026.

Following his initial arrest, Masoud Tushmalani was released on bail for a period of time, but was rearrested by security forces several days later.

According to information received by HRANA, a woman has also been prosecuted in connection with the same case and sentenced to five years in prison. HRANA is currently investigating the identity of this citizen and details of the charges brought against her.

Sirvan Shabani is approximately 22 years old, while the other two citizens are between 30 and 50 years old. They are currently being held in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

January 2026 Protests: Mehdi Nami Sentenced to Death

HRANA – Mehdi Nami, arrested during the January 2026 protests who is currently held at Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj, has been sentenced to death by Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

According to HRANA, Mehdi Nami has been sentenced to death.

According to information received by HRANA, Mr. Nami was recently sentenced to death by Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court on the charge of “taking operational action in favor of hostile states.”

Mehdi Nami was arrested by security forces at his home in Tehran in January 2026 in connection with the nationwide protests. He is currently being held at Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

HRANA is reviewing further information regarding the specific acts underlying the charge brought against Mr. Nami in this case.

Background on January 2026 Protests:

It should be noted that protests and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025, and within two days spread beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests became one of the largest protest movements of recent years. Following the crackdown by security and law enforcement forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security agencies. For more information, readers may refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “Crimson Winter,” documenting the first fifty days following the outbreak of Iran’s nationwide protests.

Report on the Execution of Seven Death Sentences

HRANA – The death sentence of a juvenile offender was carried out at Sepidar Prison in Ahvaz, along with those of five prisoners at Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj. In addition, with the execution of a female prisoner at Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan, the number of prisoners executed at that facility on September 28, rose to three.

According to HRANA, citing Javan Online, at dawn yesterday, Wednesday, September 30, five prisoners at Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj, who had been sentenced to death in separate cases on murder charges, were executed by hanging.

According to the report, one of the prisoners went to his wife’s workplace in August-September 2020 due to a dispute with her and physically assaulted her. Later, when his wife’s parents went to the couple’s home to follow up on their marital problems, he killed both of them.

Another prisoner killed a young woman in August-September 2019 and subsequently, with the assistance of another individual, transported her body to the deserts near Robat Karim and set it on fire.

The report states that two other prisoners entered the home of an elderly man in Khordad 2020 with the intention of committing robbery and killed him during the robbery.

Another prisoner had been sentenced to death for the fatal shooting of a young man on March 14, 2024. During the investigation, he claimed that the victim had been harassing his sister.

Number of Executions at Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan Rises to Three

According to Iran Human Rights, on Monday, September 28, the death sentence of a woman was carried out at Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan.

According to the report, in addition to the executions of Abdolghani Salarzehi and Reza Sheikhi on that day, a female prisoner was also executed at the prison.

The prisoner was identified as Mahrokh (Roghayeh) Mirzaei, 30, from Khomeyni Shahr and a resident of Isfahan.

The report states that Ms. Mirzaei was arrested approximately three years ago on charges of killing her husband, who was also her maternal cousin, and was subsequently sentenced to death by a criminal court.

Prisoner Executed at Sepidar Prison in Ahvaz

In another report, Iran Human Rights reported that on May 24, 2026, the death sentence of Omid Moradi, a 37-year-old man from Izeh, was carried out at Sepidar Prison in Ahvaz.

According to the report, Mr. Moradi was arrested in early 2005 on a charge of intentional murder when he was under the age of 17 and was subsequently sentenced to death by a criminal court.

The report states: “Mr. Moradi’s friend, who had committed the murder, asked him to take responsibility for the killing so that he would not be executed. Mr. Moradi, who was a child at the time, agreed to the request. After the actual perpetrator was released and fled the country, the court sentenced Mr. Moradi to death on the basis of his initial confession. Throughout the proceedings, however, he rejected that confession and maintained that he had accepted responsibility for another person’s crime. In 2021, Mr. Moradi was also temporarily released for treatment of a severe respiratory illness after the same friend posted substantial bail on his behalf, but he was returned to prison one year later.”

As of the time this report was prepared, the executions of these prisoners had not been announced by prison officials or the relevant authorities.

According to HRA’s Annual Report, in 2025 at least 2,063 citizens, including 61 women and 2 juvenile offenders, were executed. Of these, the sentences of 11 individuals were carried out in public. During the same period, 172 other individuals were sentenced to death.

Three Prisoners Executed in Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj

HRANA – On Sunday, September 27, the death sentences of three prisoners who had previously been sentenced to death in separate cases on drug-related charges were carried out in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

According to HRANA, three prisoners were executed in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

HRANA has identified the prisoners, who were hanged today, Sunday, September 27, 2026, as Hossein Jafari, Milad Zeinali, and Abbas Naghi. The latter two were residents of Kuhdasht.

According to information received by HRANA, Milad Zeinali was arrested eight years ago on drug-related charges and was subsequently sentenced to death by a Revolutionary Court. The other two prisoners were also arrested on similar charges and sentenced to death.

As of the time of this report, the executions of these prisoners have not been officially announced by prison officials or the relevant authorities.

According to HRA’s Annual Report, in 2025 at least 2,063 citizens, including 61 women and 2 juvenile offenders, were executed. Of these, the sentences of 11 individuals were carried out in public. During the same period, 172 other individuals were sentenced to death.

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Political Prisoner Ali Zarei, Sentenced to Death, Transferred to Solitary Confinement

HRANA – Ali Zarei Doozdarrehsi, a political prisoner sentenced to death, was transferred today, Monday, September 21, from Ward 37 of Unit 3 at Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj to solitary confinement. The reason for the transfer remains unknown.

According to HRANA, political prisoner Ali Zarei Douzdarresi has been transferred to solitary confinement.

The transfer of this political prisoner from Ward 37 of Unit 3 at Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj to solitary confinement took place today, Monday, September 21.

As of the time of this report, no further details have been obtained regarding the reason for Mr. Zarei Douzdarresi’s transfer to solitary confinement.

He recently announced in an audio message from Ghezel Hesar Prison, which was circulated on social media, that his death sentence had been upheld.

Earlier this month, Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced this political prisoner to death on the charge of “corruption on earth through extensive involvement in political activities, creating the appearance of fabricated damages, producing false reports, propaganda against the regime, disrupting security, and illegally entering and leaving the country.”

Mr. Zarei, who had previously been living in Germany, was arrested by Ministry of Intelligence agents on April 28, 2026, after entering Iran. He was subsequently transferred to Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj on June 30. He had been held in Ward 37 of Unit 3 at the prison.

Ali Zarei , approximately 27 years old and a resident of Tehran, sustained an injury to one of his eyes after being struck by pellet fire during the 2022 nationwide protests. He also has a prior history of arrest and judicial proceedings.

Ali-Asghar Peyghambari, Prisoner Sentenced to Death, Held in Ghezel Hesar Prison

HRANA – Ali-Asghar Peyghambari, one of those arrested during the nationwide protests of January 2026 and sentenced to death, is currently being held in Unit 3 of Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj. His death sentence was recently upheld by Branch 9 of the Supreme Court.

According to HRANA, Ali-Asghar Peyghambari, 26, who was arrested during the nationwide protests of January 2026, is currently imprisoned in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

According to information received by HRANA, Peyghambari is currently being held in Ward 37 of Unit 3 at the prison. He was previously sentenced to death by Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court on charges of “operational and security-related actions against the regime” and “encouraging individuals to participate in protests,” under the Law on Intensifying Punishment for Espionage and Cooperation with Israel. His sentence was recently upheld by Branch 9 of the Supreme Court.

Payam Derafshan, one of Peyghambari’s attorneys, previously stated that his client had no organizational or other ties to “hostile groups” and that, according to the defense presented in court, the only action attributed to him was attending one of the protests. He also announced that a request for a retrial and a stay of execution had been prepared.

Ali-Asghar (Alireza) Peyghambari was arrested by security forces on January 9, 2026, amid the nationwide protests. He was released on bail in March of the same year.

The first court session addressing the charges against Peyghambari was held in April-May 2026 before Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court. His second hearing was held before the same branch in late May. Following the hearing, Peyghambari was arrested and transferred to the Greater Tehran Prison.

An informed source previously told HRANA that Peyghambari had not participated in the demonstrations and, after leaving his workplace, inadvertently found himself amid a crowd during unrest related to the protests. This account differs from his attorney’s statement that his client was accused of attending one of the protests.

After being held for some time in the Greater Tehran Prison, Peyghambari was transferred to Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

Five Baha’i Citizens Arrested to Serve Prison Sentences

HRANA – On Monday, August 31, five Baha’i citizens residing in Karaj, were arrested after reporting to the Shahriar Revolutionary Court to begin serving their one-year prison sentences.

According to HRANA, on the morning of Monday, August 31, 2026, Babak Zeinali, Sahba Taef, Fouad Taefi, Shervin Shabrokh, and Ali Bagherkashi, Baha’i citizens residing in Karaj, reported to the Shahriar Revolutionary Court following a prior summons to begin serving their prison sentences and were subsequently arrested.

According to information received by HRANA, the families of these citizens were initially informed that they would be transferred to the Greater Tehran Prison. However, the five were held at a detention facility in Shahriar, and it was later announced that they were to be transferred to Ghezel Hesar Prison. As of the time of this report, no precise information regarding their transfer is available, and their final place of detention remains unknown.

These individuals had previously been arrested on November 7, 2023, at Babak Zeinali’s home in Mehrshahr, Karaj. Following interrogation and judicial proceedings, they were eventually released on bail.

As proceedings in their case continued, the five citizens were tried under Article 500 bis of the Islamic Penal Code on charges including “propaganda against the regime” and “deviant educational and proselytizing activities contrary to or disruptive of the sacred law of Islam.” Each was ultimately sentenced to one year in prison.

Babak Zeinali has also previously been arrested and convicted in cases related to his religious beliefs.

Political Prisoner Ali Zarei Sentenced to Death

HRANA – Ali Zarei Doozdarrehsi, a political prisoner and one of those injured during the 2022 nationwide protests who is currently held in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj, has been sentenced to death by Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court on the charge of “corruption on earth.”

According to HRANA, Ali Zarei Doozdarrehsi, who is being held in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj, has been sentenced to death.

According to information obtained by HRANA, Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced Zarei Doozdarrehsi to death on the charge of “corruption on earth through extensive engagement in political activities, creating the appearance of fabricated damages, producing false reports, propaganda against the regime, disrupting security, and illegally entering and exiting the country.” The sentence was communicated to him on August 23, 2026.

Zarei Doozdarrehsi, who had previously been residing in Germany, was arrested by Ministry of Intelligence agents on April 28, 2026, after entering Iran.

During the preliminary investigation stage, his case was reviewed by Branch 3 of the Prosecutor’s Office of District 33 in Tehran, also known as the Security Prosecutor’s Office.

He was ultimately transferred to Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj on June 30, 2026. He is currently being held in Unit 3, Ward 37 of the prison.

Ali Zarei Doozdarrehsi, approximately 27 years old and a resident of Tehran, suffered an injury to one of his eyes after being struck by pellet gunfire during the 2022 nationwide protests. He has previously faced arrest and judicial proceedings.

January 2026 Protests: Supreme Court Upholds Death Sentence of Ali-Asghar Peyghambari

HRANA – The Supreme Court has upheld the death sentence of Ali-Asghar (Alireza) Peyghambari, one of those arrested during the nationwide protests of January 2026. According to HRANA’s investigation, the prisoner was recently transferred from Greater Tehran Prison to Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

According to HRANA, the Supreme Court has upheld the death sentence of Ali-Asghar (Alireza) Peyghambari, 26, who was arrested during the January 2026 protest.

According to HRANA’s investigation, Peyghambari was also recently transferred from Greater Tehran Prison to Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj. Given that his death sentence has been upheld, his transfer to Ghezel Hesar Prison, where executions are carried out, has raised concerns among his family.

In this regard, Payam Derafshan, one of Peyghambari’s attorneys, confirmed in an interview with Emtedad that his client’s death sentence had become final. He stated that the ruling was issued under the Law on Intensifying Punishment for Espionage and Cooperation with Israel and was subsequently upheld by the Supreme Court. According to Derafshan, his client had no organizational or other ties to “hostile groups,” and based on the defense presented in court, the only action attributed to him was his presence at one of the protests. The attorney also stated that a request for a retrial and a stay of execution is being prepared.

HRANA previously reported that Peyghambari had been sentenced to death by Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court and that his case had been referred to Branch 9 of the Supreme Court for review.

Ali-Asghar (Alireza) Peyghambari was arrested by security forces on January 9, 2026, amid the nationwide protests. He was released on bail in March 2026.

The first hearing on the charges against Peyghambari was held in April-May 2026 before Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court. His second hearing was held before the same branch in late May 2026. Following the hearing, Peyghambari was arrested and transferred to Greater Tehran Prison.

Previously, an informed source told HRANA that Peyghambari had not participated in the demonstrations and had inadvertently found himself amid the crowd and unrest associated with the protests after leaving his workplace. This account differs from his attorney’s recent statement that his client was accused of being present at one of the protests.

Background on the January 2026 Protests

It should be noted that protests and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025, and within two days spread beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests became one of the largest protest movements of recent years. Following the crackdown by security and law enforcement forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security agencies. For more information, readers may refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “Crimson Winter,” documenting the first fifty days following the outbreak of Iran’s nationwide protests.