Tag: Ghezel Hesar prison

January 2026 Protests: Supreme Court Upholds Death Sentence of Arman Marefati

Posted on by . .
Executions, Freedom of Expression, News
Arman Marefati, Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, آرمان معرفتی

HRANA – The Supreme Court has upheld the death sentence of Arman Marefati, who was arrested during the January 2026 protests and is currently held at Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj. Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court had previously sentenced him to death.

According to HRANA, the death sentence of Arman Marefati, one of those arrested during the January 2026 protests, has been upheld.

According to information obtained by HRANA, the Supreme Court upheld the death sentence of Arman Marefati, who is currently held in Ward 3, Hall 37 of Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj. He had previously been sentenced to death by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, head of Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, on charges including participation in operational activities against national security, entering religious premises with the intent to cause destruction, and involvement in setting fire to a mosque and a religious seminary.

It is worth noting that the death sentences of two other prisoners, Mehrdad Mohammadinia and Ashkan Maleki, who were co-defendants in the same case as Arman Marefati, were carried out in June 2026. The two prisoners had been sentenced to death on charges of “collaboration with the Zionist regime and hostile governments,” “creating insecurity and public fear,” “destruction and arson of public property,” and “participation in operational activities against national security.”

In February 2026, the Judiciary’s Media Center reported that a court hearing had been held in the case involving the three defendants. During the hearing, the prosecutor’s representative stated that Mr. Marefati, the third defendant in the case, was charged with “assembly and collusion to commit crimes against the country’s internal security” through his participation in protests. However, later in the proceedings, the judge invoked Article 280 of the Criminal Procedure Code to change the charges against him to participation in operational activities against national security, entering religious premises with the intent to cause destruction, involvement in setting fire to a mosque and a religious seminary, and participation in causing approximately 50 billion tomans in damages.

Arman Marefati, approximately 38 years old, is originally from Saqqez County and resides in Tehran, where he worked at a fruit and vegetable market. He was arrested in Tehran during the nationwide protests. In June 2026, he was transferred from the Greater Tehran Penitentiary to Ghezel Hesar Prison.

Supreme Court Upholds Death Sentence Against Mohammad Naderi

Posted on by . .
Executions, Freedom of Expression, News
Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, Mohammad Naderi, محمد نادری

HRANA – The death sentence of Mohammad Naderi, a prisoner held in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj who was arrested amid war-related security developments, has been upheld by the Supreme Court. He had previously been sentenced to death by Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court on charges of espionage.

According to HRANA, the death sentence against Mohammad Naderi has been upheld. Based on information received by HRANA, the Supreme Court has upheld the death sentence of Mohammad Naderi, who is currently held in Ward 3, Hall 37 of Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj. He had previously been sentenced to death by Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court on charges of “espionage.”

An informed source close to Naderi’s family told HRANA: “Using Starlink satellite internet, photographing certain locations, and sending images to media outlets abroad were among the allegations brought against him and served as the basis for his death sentence.”

Naderi was arrested by security forces in Tehran on March 17, 2026, amid war-related security developments, and transferred to the Greater Tehran Prison. He was subsequently transferred to Ghezel Hesar Prison in October of this year.

Two Prisoners Executed in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj

Posted on by . .
Executions, News
Amrollah Seiri, Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, Karaj, Varamin

HRANA – At dawn today, Wednesday, October 28, 2026, two prisoners who had previously been sentenced to death on murder charges in separate cases were executed in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

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

HRANA has confirmed the identities of the prisoners as Amrollah Seiri, a resident of Varamin, and Shokri (first name unknown), a resident of Markazi Province. Both prisoners were hanged at dawn today, Wednesday, October 28, 2026.

According to information obtained by HRANA, the two prisoners had previously been arrested on murder charges in separate cases and were subsequently sentenced to death by criminal courts.

As of the time of this report, the executions have not been officially announced by prison authorities or other relevant institutions.

Between October 10, 2025, and October 8, 2026, HRANA documented at least 2,003 executions across Iran, based on 1,857 reports, representing an increase of approximately 29% compared to the previous reporting period. During the same period, HRANA also documented 230 death sentences. For more detailed statistics and analysis of executions in Iran, read HRANA’s latest comprehensive report.

Soheil Arabi’s Five-Year Prison Sentence Upheld on Appeal

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News
Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, Iman Afshari, Soheil Arabi, سهیل عربی

HRANA – The Tehran Province Court of Appeals has upheld the sentence of five years in prison and a two-year ban on employment in professions related to social media activities imposed on Soheil Arabi. The sentence was previously issued by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

According to HRANA, Soheil Arabi’s conviction has been upheld in full on appeal. Based on information received by HRANA, the Tehran Province Court of Appeals, in a ruling dated October 19, 2026, rejected Arabi’s appeal and upheld the verdict issued by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court without modification.

Under the ruling, Arabi was sentenced to five years in prison on the charge of “assembly and collusion to commit crimes against national security,” with the court applying legal provisions concerning repeat offenses. Time already served in detention will be credited toward his sentence. Additionally, as a supplementary punishment, he has been prohibited from engaging in any occupation or profession related to social media activities for two years.

The sentence was initially issued on August 16, 2026, by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari.

The hearing on Arabi’s charges was held on August 10, 2026, before the same court. During the proceedings, reports submitted by a security agency, content Arabi had published on social media, and his assistance to several individuals arrested during the January protests were cited among the matters raised in the case.

In his defense, Arabi stated that his support activities were not limited to prisoners or protesters. He explained that, of the more than 200 families receiving assistance through the support network, over 100 had no history of arrest or political activity.

In February–March of last year, Arabi was arrested by security forces and transferred to Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj. He was released from the prison in the spring of 2026.

Soheil Arabi has previously faced arrests and judicial proceedings in connection with his activities.

It is worth noting that Soheil Arabi, a blogger and citizen journalist, received the Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Prize in 2017. He has a history of multiple convictions and judicial proceedings. In 2014, Branch 76 of the Tehran Province Criminal Court sentenced him to death on the charge of “insulting the Prophet of Islam” through posts on Facebook. The death sentence was subsequently overturned and replaced with other penalties.

More recently, Arabi wrote a letter detailing the conditions of confinement in Suite 35 of Unit 3 at Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

Two Prisoners Executed in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj

Posted on by . .
Executions, News
Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, زندان قزل حصار

HRANA – Yesterday, October 21, two prisoners who had previously been sentenced to death in separate cases on murder charges were executed in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

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

HRANA has confirmed the identity of one of the prisoners executed at dawn today, Wednesday, October 21, as Ahmad (last name unknown). The identity of the second prisoner remains under investigation.

According to information obtained by HRANA, the two prisoners had previously been arrested on murder charges in separate cases and subsequently sentenced to death by criminal courts.

At the time of this report, the executions of these two prisoners had not been officially announced by prison authorities or other relevant institutions.

Between October 10, 2025, and October 8, 2026, HRANA documented at least 2,003 executions across Iran, based on 1,857 reports, representing an increase of approximately 29% compared to the previous reporting period. During the same period, HRANA also documented 230 death sentences. For more detailed statistics and analysis of executions in Iran, read HRANA’s latest comprehensive report.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Now is definitely not the time to stop reading!

Hamzeh Savari Launches Hunger Strike at Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj

Posted on by . .
News, Prisoners
Ghezel Hesar prison, Hamzeh Savari, Hamzeh Savari Lafteh, Karaj, moharebeh, Mokhtar Al-Bushokeh, حمزه سواری

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

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News
Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, January 2026 Protests, Karaj, Khosrow Mohammadiniya, Masoud Tushmalani, Sirvan Shabani

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

Posted on by . .
Executions, News
Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, January 2026 Protests, Mehdi Nami, Tehran Revolutionary Court, مهدی نامی

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

Posted on by . .
Executions, News
Dastgerd Prison, Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, Karaj, Sepidar Prison

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

Posted on by . .
Executions, News
Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, Kuhdasht, Milad Zeinali

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.