Tag: Ghezel Hesar prison

Twenty-Two Prisoners Executed in Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj

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Executions, News
Abdollah Shahnawazi, Esmaiel Sharafi, Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, Karaj, Mohammad Gholami, Shahab Maleki

Today, August 7, 2024, the execution of twenty-two prisoners, previously sentenced to death for non-political crimes including murder, drug-related offenses, and rape, was carried out in Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj.

The identities of six of these prisoners, who were sentenced to death for drug-related offenses, have been confirmed by HRANA as Esmaiel Sharafi, Mohammad Gholami, Abdollah Shahnawazi, Shahab Maleki, Rasoul (last name unknown), and (first name unknown) Ghanbari.

Seven of these prisoners were previously sentenced to death for drug-related offenses, four prisoners for murder, three Afghan nationals for rape, seven Sunni prisoners and one other individual with unspecified charges.

In the past few days, these prisoners had been transferred to solitary confinement in Ghezel Hesar Prison in preparation for their execution. HRANA had reported the imminent danger of these 22 executions yesterday.

Further details on this matter are being investigated by HRANA.

As of the time of this report, the executions have not been officially announced by prison authorities or responsible organizations.
According to the Department of Statistics and Publication of Human Rights Activists in Iran, in 2023, at least 767 citizens, including 21 women and 2 juvenile offenders, were executed. Of these, the executions of 7 individuals were carried out in public. Additionally, during this period, 172 others were sentenced to death, with 5 of them sentenced to public execution. It is worth noting that during the same period, the initial death sentences of 49 other individuals were also upheld by the Supreme Court.

Five More Prisoners Transferred to Solitary Confinement for Execution in Ghezel Hesar Prison

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Executions, News
Ghezel Hesar prison, Karaj

On Tuesday, August 6, five death-row prisoners in Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj, convicted of drug offenses, were transferred to solitary confinement in preparation for their execution. Including sixteen other prisoners who were moved to solitary confinement in this prison on Sunday, a total of twenty-one prisoners are awaiting execution.

The transfer of these prisoners, who had previously been sentenced to death for drug-related charges, was carried out to execute their sentences. Further details, including the identities of these prisoners, are being investigated by HRANA.

It is worth noting that on Sunday, August 4, sixteen prisoners in Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj, four of whom had been sentenced to death on murder charges, were transferred to solitary confinement in preparation for their execution.

In 2023, the Department of Statistics and Publication of Human Rights Activists in Iran registered the execution of 767 individuals. Out of these, 7 were carried out in public. Among the executed individuals whose genders were identified, 21 were female. Additionally, 2 juvenile offenders, defined as individuals under the age of 18 at the time of their alleged crimes, were also executed.

Political Prisoner Reza Salmanzadeh Denied Medical Care in Ghezel Hesar Prison

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News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, Ghezel Hesar prison, Karaj, Payam Salmanzadeh, Reza Salmanzadeh, رضا سلمان زاده

Reza Salmanzadeh, a political prisoner in Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj, despite his poor physical condition, has been deprived of proper medical care.

Payam Salmanzadeh, Reza Salmanzadeh’s son, released a video stating: “My father suffers from heart disease, hernia, and kidney stones, and these physical problems have worsened since the Evin Prison fire incident and him being beaten. Nonetheless, my father still has not received medical care.”
Reza Salmanzadeh was arrested by security forces at his residence in April-May 2022 and transferred to Evin Prison. He was later sentenced by the Revolutionary Court to three years and eight months in prison. This case was closed in February of 2023 following a “pardon and commutation” directive.

On the evening of October 15, 2022, a fire was seen rising over Evin Prison following a tense situation, and the sounds of gunfire and explosions were heard. Contrary to officials’ claims of controlling the fire and confrontation, the gunfire continued for hours. Following this incident, a case was filed by the Prisons Organization against several prisoners, including Reza Salmanzadeh.

On June 18, 2024, the trial session for forty defendants accused in the so-called Evin Prison fire case was held in Branch 1148 of Criminal Court Two in Tehran.

Salmanzadeh was subsequently sentenced to five years in prison and 74 lashes for the charge of “property destruction,” one year in prison for “disrupting prison order,” and one year in prison for “defying and disobeying officials’ orders.”

Health Concerns for Political Prisoner Meysam Dehbanzadeh in Ghezel Hesar Prison

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News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, Ghezel Hesar prison, Karaj, Meysam Dehban-Zadeh, Meysam Dehbanzadeh, میثم دهبان زاده

Political prisoner Meysam Dehbanzadeh is serving his sentence in Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj. Last year, he was beaten by prison guards and tied to a pole with handcuffs for a day. According to doctors, his left eye nerves are now damaged and are no longer treatable.

A source close to the prisoner’s family confirmed the news to HRANA, stating, “In May of last year, following a quarrel among prisoners, Mr. Dehbanzadeh was beaten on the head with batons by six prison guards in Ward 5 of Greater Tehran Prison, where prisoners convicted of violent crimes are held. He was tied to a pole with handcuffs for a day. Last week, he was transferred to Farabi Hospital due to decreased vision and recurring headaches. Specialist doctors, after examination and an MRI of his left eye, announced that his vision problem is untreatable.”

According to HRANA’s information, this political prisoner has encountered difficulties in his daily tasks due to reduced vision in his left eye, increasing the concerns of his family about his physical condition.

On June 19th of this year, in relation to the Evin Prison fire case, Dehbanzadeh was sentenced by the Tehran Criminal Court II, presided over by Jabar Javadi, to six years in prison and 74 lashes for the charge of “property destruction,” 16 months in prison and 74 lashes for the charge of “disrupting prison order,” and 16 months in prison for the charge of “disobeying and resisting officers’ orders.”

Previously, in August 2023, Dehbanzadeh was sentenced by the Tehran Revolutionary Court to six years in prison, a travel ban, and social deprivations.

Meysam Dehbanzadeh was released from Greater Tehran Prison on May 27, 2023, following the issuance of an “amnesty” directive related to his previous case.

Four Prisoners Executed in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj for Drug Offenses

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Executions, News
Davood Barahui, Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, Karaj, Mehdi-Ali Akbari, Saeed Mohammadpour

On Sunday, July 21, four inmates who had previously been arrested and sentenced to death on drug-related charges were executed in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

The identities of three of them, Davood Brahui (Barahooie), Saeed Mohammadpour, and Mehdi-Ali Akbari, have been veridfied by HRANA. The identity of the fourth executed prisoner, who was an Afghan national, is under investigation.
These prisoners had previously been arrested and sentenced to death on drug-related charges. They were transferred to solitary confinement on July 20th to await the execution of their sentences.

No official sources or domestic media outlets within the country have provided coverage of these executions at the time of writing.

According to data gathered by the Department of Statistics and Publication of Human Rights Activists, Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj witnessed the highest number of executions in 2023, with Zahedan Prison following closely behind. For a comprehensive examination of the details and statistics surrounding the executions in Iran, refer to HRANA’s report.

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Political Prisoner Zartosht Ahmadi Ragheb Sentenced to Imprisonment and Exile

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, Karaj Revolutionary Court, Zartosht Ahmadi Ragheb, زرتشت احمدی راغب

Zartosht Ahmadi Ragheb, a political prisoner held in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj, has been sentenced to one year in prison and two years in exile in connection with a new case opened against him during his imprisonment.

Based on a verdict issued in absentia by Branch 1 of the Karaj Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Seyed Musa Asef Al-Hosseini, and recently communicated to Mr. Ahmadi Ragheb in Ghezel Hesar Prison, he has been sentenced to one year in prison and two years of exile in Qeydar, located in Zanjan province, on charges of “propaganda against the regime.”
A source close to the family of this political prisoner confirmed to HRANA: “Mr. Ahmadi Ragheb was recently transferred to solitary confinement and, upon returning to the public ward last week, was notified of the new sentence. This case was initiated during his imprisonment following a complaint by Ghezel Hesar Prison officials against him.”

Ahmadi Ragheb’s arrest took place in March 2023, leading to his incarceration in Evin Prison. In May 2023, the Revolutionary Court of Tehran imposed a five-year and eight-month prison sentence along with additional penalties. Notably, five years of this term are currently enforceable.

In September of the same year, he, along with several other political prisoners, was transferred to Ghezel Hesar Prison. Ahmadi Ragheb has a history of previous convictions and imprisonments due to his commitment to peaceful activism.

Prisoners Deprived of Water Access in Ghezel Hesar Prison

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News, Prisoners
Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, Qezel Hesar

For the past twenty days, prisoners in Ghezel (Qezel) Hesar Prison in Karaj have faced significant issues with accessing clean water. During this period, the inmates have only had access to safe drinking water for seven hours a day, putting their health at serious risk. The prison officials’ failure to promptly address this health issue could lead to the outbreak and spread of various diseases.

For several days, prisoners in this prison have experienced frequent water outages. This situation has further endangered the health of the inmates. On Wednesday, July 10, the family of one prisoner confirmed this issue in a call with HRANA, stating: “For about twenty days, prisoners’ access to clean water has been limited. Every day from 5 to 8 AM, 1:30 to 3:30 PM, and 9 to 11 PM, tap water is available to the prisoners. However, even during these hours, the water pressure is very low.”

According to information received by HRANA, the frequent water outages in recent days have prevented prisoners from regularly using the showers. Additionally, the lack of water has made it difficult for prisoners to use the restrooms. Given the hot season and the absence of water, the prison’s sanitary facilities are kept in a very dirty condition, further endangering the prisoners’ health.

Family members of another prisoner told HRANA: “The frequent water outages on these warm days are causing the spread of diseases such as tuberculosis, skin diseases, and other illnesses in the prison. A water tank has been set up for use during water outages, but it is only suitable for washing hands and faces. Prisoners who can afford it are forced to buy water from the prison shop at high prices, but not all prisoners have the financial means to do so.”

HRANA had previously reported on frequent water outages in The Central Prison of Karaj as well.

It is worth mentioning that imprisonment, defined as the restraint of a person’s liberty against their will, should not infringe on human dignity. Prisoners’ access to adequate food and water, healthcare, and legal advisers is affirmed in both domestic laws and international regulations, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, and the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. The conditions of the prisoners in Ghezel Hesar Prison, which endanger their health and fail to meet their basic needs, are repeated violations of domestic and international laws.

Baha’i Citizen Payam Vali Receives One Year in Prison and Other Punishments

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News, Religious Minorities
Alborz Revolutionary Court, Bahais, Ghezel Hesar prison, Payam Vali

Payam Vali, a Baha’i citizen, has been sentenced by the Karaj Revolutionary Court to one year in prison, a two-year travel ban, and a ban on social media use in relation to a case opened against him during his imprisonment. He is currently serving a previous sentence in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

Based on a verdict issued on Saturday, June 29, 2024, by Branch 3 of the Karaj Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Narimani, Vali was sentenced to one year in prison, a two-year travel ban, and a ban on social media use for the charge of “propaganda against the regime.”

The hearing for Vali’s charges was held on June 8 this year in the aforementioned branch.

A close associate of Vali told HRANA, “Publishing an open letter from prison was cited as evidence for the charges against him.” In this letter, Vali protested his illegal detention and the charges against him, and copies were sent to several political and judicial leaders of the Islamic Republic.

Vali’s arrest took place on September 24, 2022, when security forces apprehended him at his residence in Karaj and conducted a search of his house. Subsequently, he was detained in Rajai Shahr Prison before being relocated to Ghezel Hesar Prison.

In early February of the same year, Vali was sentenced by Branch 1 of the Alborz Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Seyed Mousa Asef Hosseini, to ten years in prison for “collaborating with hostile governments,” five years for “inciting people to war and killing each other,” one year for “propaganda against the regime,” with credit for time served, and additional punishments including a two-year travel ban post-imprisonment and two years of compulsory residence in Yasuj with weekly reporting to the Revolutionary Court.

Finally, on May 10, 2023, his sentence was reduced by the Alborz Court of Appeals to nine years and nine months in prison. Under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the most severe punishment, six years in prison, will be enforced. Vali’s request for a retrial was denied by the Supreme Court in early January 2024.

The Baha’i faith is not recognized as a legitimate religion by Iranian authorities, leading to systematic and longstanding violations of the rights of Baha’is in the country. This includes the denial of their fundamental right to practice their religion, which constitutes a clear breach of both Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The United Nations covenant holds that every person has the right to freedom of religion, freedom of converting religion, as well as freedom of expression, individually or collectively; openly or secretly.

Overview of Political Prisoner Reza Mohammad-Hosseini’s Legal Situation in Ghezel Hesar Prison

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News, Prisoners
Ghezel Hesar prison, Reza Mohammad Hosseini, رضا محمد حسینی

Political prisoner Reza Mohammad-Hosseini is currently incarcerated in Ghezel Hesar Prison and has been prohibited from making phone calls to his family since May 10.

The cause of this restriction remains unclear, though it may relate to his recently published audio message. In this recording, he disclosed that the IRGC forces barred him from authorizing his brother to manage exclusive inheritance affairs.

Mohammad-Hosseini was initially detained by security forces at his home on May 1, 2023, and held in Detention A-1, under IRGC Intelligence’s jurisdiction. After a period, he was relocated to the quarantine section of Evin Prison and subsequently moved to Ghezel Hesar Prison upon his indictment.

In January 2024, the Tehran Appellate Court convicted him on multiple charges, resulting in a total sentence of 14 years and six months. He received six years and three months for “membership in anti-regime groups to undermine national security,” the same term for “assembly and collusion against national security,” one year for “spreading propaganda against the regime,” property confiscation on charges of “illegal acquisition of property,” and an additional year for “defying government officers on duty.”

 

Reza Khazaie Attacked in Ghezel Hesar Prison After Exposing Conditions

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News, Prisoners
Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, Reza Khazaie, رضا خزایی

Reza Khazaie, an inmate at Ghezel Hesar Prison, was physically attacked by prison guards and placed in solitary confinement as punitive action today, May 30.

This incident followed the recent dissemination of a video by a group of inmates, including Khazaie, detailing the prison’s harsh conditions. HRANA received and published this video yesterday, in which inmates highlighted severe issues such as frequent executions and widespread violence and abuse against prisoners at Ghezel Hesar.

Khazaie is currently serving a 30-year sentence for drug-related offenses.

According to data gathered by the Department of Statistics and Publication of Human Rights Activists, Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj witnessed the highest number of executions in 2023, with Zahedan Prison following closely behind. For a comprehensive examination of the details and statistics surrounding the executions in Iran, refer to HRANA’s report.