Tag: Ghezel Hesar prison

January 2026 Protests: Amir-Mohammad Mojallal Chubari Sentenced to Death

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Executions, Freedom of Expression, News
Amir-Mohammad Mojallal Chubari, Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, January 2026 Protests, مجلل چوبری

HRANA – Amir Mohammad Mojallal Chubari, arrested during the nationwide protests of 2026 and currently held in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj, has been sentenced to death by the judiciary.

According to HRANA, Amir Mohammad Mojallal Chubari is currently being held in Ghezel Hesar Prison.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mr. Mojallal Chubari has been sentenced to death by the judiciary. He had previously been charged at Branch 33 of the Tehran Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office, known as the Shahid Moghaddas Prosecutor’s Office (Tehran Security Prosecutor’s Office), with “assembly and collusion with the intent to commit a crime against national security,” “disrupting public order and tranquility through participation in riots,” “attempted intentional murder by attempting to run over security officers,” and “resisting officers.”

Mr. Mojallal Chubari was arrested in Tehran on January 2, 2026, during the nationwide protests and subsequently transferred to Ghezel Hesar Prison.

Amir Mohammad Mojallal Chubari, 22, had no prior history of arrest or criminal conviction.

Soheil Arabi Sentenced to Five Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ghezel Hesar prison, Karaj, Soheil Arabi, سهیل عربی

HRANA – Soheil Arabi has been sentenced by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court to five years in prison and a two-year ban on employment involving social media activities.

According to HRANA, Soheil Arabi has been sentenced to imprisonment.

Based on a ruling issued on August 16 by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, Arabi was sentenced to five years of discretionary imprisonment, with time previously served in detention credited toward his sentence, on the charge of “assembly and collusion with the intent to commit a crime against national security,” with the court taking into account provisions concerning repeat offenses. As a supplementary punishment, the court also barred him for two years from “engaging in a specific occupation, profession, or work related to the committed offense (social media activity).”

In part of the ruling, the court cited Arabi’s communications with individuals outside Iran, the contents of the case file, images documenting his social media activities, and reports by judicial officers among the evidence supporting the verdict.

A hearing on the charges against Arabi was held before the same branch on August 10. During the hearing, reports from a security agency, content he had published on social media, and his assistance to several people detained during the January protests were among the matters raised in the case. In his defense, Arabi stated that his support activities were not limited to prisoners or protesters, noting that of more than 200 families covered by the support network, over 100 had no history of arrest or political activity.

In March, Arabi was arrested by security forces and transferred to Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj. He was released from the prison this spring.

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

Arabi is a blogger and citizen journalist who received the Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Prize in 2017. He has previously faced multiple prosecutions and convictions. In 2014, Branch 76 of the Tehran Province Criminal Court sentenced him to death on the charge of “insulting the Prophet of Islam” on Facebook. The death sentence was later overturned and replaced with other punishments.

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

January 2026 Protests: Supreme Court Overturns Death Sentences of Three Detainees

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Executions, News, Prisoners
Abolfazl Salehi Siavashani, Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, Shahab Zahdi, Yaser Rajaeifar

HRANA – The death sentences of Shahab Zahdi, Abolfazl Salehi Siavashani, and Yaser Rajaeifar, detainees from the January 2026 protests who are currently held in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj, have been overturned by Branch 9 of the Supreme Court.

According to HRANA, the Supreme Court has overturned the death sentences of three detainees from the January 2026 protests.

According to information received by HRANA, Branch 9 of the Supreme Court overturned the death sentences of Shahab Zahdi, Abolfazl Salehi Siavashani, and Yaser Rajaeifar and referred their cases to a branch of the Tehran Revolutionary Court for retrial. In February 2026, the prisoners had been sentenced to death by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, in connection with a case involving the burning of a Basij base in eastern Tehran.

During the nationwide protests of 2026, these individuals, along with four other prisoners, Mohammad-Amin Biglari, Shahin Vahedparast Kalur, Amirhossein Hatami, and Ali Fahim, were prosecuted and arrested in a joint case related to the burning of the “185 Martyr Mahmoud Kaveh” Basij base in eastern Tehran on the evening of January 8, 2026. The trial was subsequently held on February 7, 2026, before Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati. Their death sentences were issued the following day, February 8.

In April 2026, the death sentences of Mohammad-Amin Biglari, Shahin Vahedparast Kalur, Amirhossein Hatami, and Ali Fahim were carried out.

Iranian state media had previously published videos showing forced confessions by these individuals. The circumstances under which the videos were recorded remain unclear.

An informed source, confirming the report, told HRANA about the judicial proceedings in Shahab Zahdi’s case: “Mr. Zahdi’s trial was held without his lawyer present.” The charges brought against him were “assembly and collusion against national security” and “moharebeh (enmity against God) and corruption on earth through setting fire to public property and facilities.” His interrogation session was held on January 10, 2026, at Branch 33 of the Tehran Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office (Shahid Moghaddas Security Prosecutor’s Office). Zahdi had been arrested by security forces on January 8 of that year.

Abolfazl Salehi Siavashani was arrested by security forces on January 9, 2026, while Yaser Rajaeifar was arrested on January 8, 2026.

The three are currently being held in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

Abolfazl Salehi Siavashani is 52 years old, married, and the father of an 18-year-old child. Before his arrest, he worked as a motorcycle courier. Yaser Rajaeifar is 31 years old, and Shahab Zahdi is the father of a 15-year-old daughter.

Background on the January 2026 Protests

The 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.

Ghezel Hesar Prisoners End Strike Following Officials’ Promise to Halt Executions

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Executions, News, Prisoners
Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, Karaj

HRANA – Yesterday, Tuesday, July 28, prisoners in Unit 2 of Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj ended their strike after prison officials and judicial authorities pledged to suspend the execution of death sentences for prisoners convicted in drug-related cases while their requests are under review. The strike had begun on July 13 in protest against the transfer of six death row prisoners in such cases to solitary confinement.

According to HRANA, prisoners held in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj have ended their strike.

Information received by HRANA indicates that prisoners in Unit 2 ended their strike today after meeting with prison officials and judicial authorities. During the meeting, officials promised that executions in drug-related cases at the prison would be suspended until the prisoners’ requests are reviewed. The protesting prisoners stated that their decision to maintain the suspension of the strike depends on whether the authorities fulfill these commitments and honor their promises.

The strike began on Monday, July 13, after six prisoners sentenced to death in drug-related cases were transferred to solitary confinement. Since then, the protesters had refused prison food rations and staged a sit-in, demanding an end to executions. Several prisoners also sewed their lips shut as an act of protest.

The strike continued as, on July 22, Hossein Zolfaghari met with the head of Iran’s judiciary to discuss amendments to the Anti-Narcotics Law and existing legal shortcomings. According to reports from the meeting, discussions focused on the government’s proposed bill to amend the law and the need to review regulations concerning drug-related offenses. A significant number of the protesting prisoners in Unit 2 are on death row in drug-related cases, and one of their principal demands has been to halt executions until the law is revised.

The prisoners had resumed their strike despite similar assurances made in October 2025. At that time, following a seven-day collective hunger strike by prisoners in Unit 2, representatives of the head of the judiciary, the head of the Prisons Organization, and the director of Ghezel Hesar Prison met with the prisoners and promised that executions would be suspended for at least six months, that their cases would be reviewed, and that efforts would be made to amend the Anti-Narcotics Law. Based on those assurances, the prisoners ended their strike but emphasized that the agreement depended on the authorities implementing their commitments. The protesting prisoners now say that the resumption of executions and the current situation amount to a breach of those earlier promises.

Ghezel Hesar Prisoners’ Strike Enters Its Fifteenth Day in Protest Against Death Sentences

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News, Prisoners
Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, Hunger Strike, Karaj, Qezel Hesar Prison

HRANA – Yesterday, July 27, 2026, prisoners held in Ward 2 of Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj continued their hunger strike and sit-in protest for the fifteenth consecutive day in opposition to the implementation of death sentences.

According to HRANA, prisoners in Ward 2 have continued refusing their prison food rations while maintaining their sit-in protest.

Based on information received by HRANA, the prisoners continued their strike for the fifteenth straight day on Monday, July 27, 2026. By gathering in the ward’s main hall, staging a sit-in, and refusing to accept prison food rations, the protesting prisoners reiterated their opposition to the implementation of death sentences, particularly in cases related to drug offenses.

Yesterday, on the fourteenth day of the strike, approximately 140 prisoners serving sentences other than death were transferred from Ward 2 to Hall 3 of Ward 1 in Ghezel Hesar Prison. Prison authorities have reportedly decided that only death-row prisoners will remain in Ward 2. Over the past week, hundreds of prisoners have been transferred from Ward 2 to other sections of the prison. However, prison officials have yet to provide any explanation regarding the reason for or manner in which these transfers have been carried out.

In recent days, several reports and images from inside Ghezel Hesar Prison have also been published, documenting parts of the prisoners’ hunger strike and sit-in protest.

The strike began on Monday, July 13, 2026, after six prisoners sentenced to death in drug-related cases were transferred to solitary confinement. Since then, the protesting prisoners have refused to accept prison food rations and have continued their sit-in, demanding an end to executions. As part of the protest, some prisoners have also sewn their lips shut.

The renewed protests come despite commitments made last October, when, following a seven-day collective hunger strike by Ward 2 prisoners, representatives of the Head of the Judiciary, the Head of the Prisons Organization, and the director of Ghezel Hesar Prison met with the prisoners. During that meeting, they reportedly promised that executions would be suspended for at least six months and that there would be an opportunity to review the cases of those sentenced to death, while also pursuing amendments to the Anti-Narcotics Law. Following those assurances, the prisoners ended their strike but stressed that continuation of the agreement depended on the authorities fulfilling their commitments. The protesting prisoners now say that the resumption of executions and the current conditions amount to a disregard for those earlier promises and commitments.

The protests also continue as, on July 22, 2026, Hossein Zolfaghari, the President’s representative and Secretary-General of the Anti-Narcotics Headquarters, met with the Head of the Judiciary to discuss amendments to the Anti-Narcotics Law and existing legal shortcomings in this area. According to the published report of the meeting, the government’s proposed bill to amend the Anti-Narcotics Law and the need to review certain regulations concerning drug-related offenses were among the topics discussed. This is particularly significant given that a substantial number of the protesting prisoners in Ward 2 of Ghezel Hesar are on death row for drug-related offenses, and one of their principal demands is the suspension of executions until the law is revised.

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Abolfazl Rahbar and Omid Rahbar Sentenced to a Combined 46 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abolfazl Rahbar, Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, Karaj, Omid Rahbar

HRANA – Abolfazl Rahbar and his cousin, Omid Rahbar, political prisoners held in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj, have been sentenced by the Revolutionary Court to 20 and 26 years in prison, respectively.

According to HRANA, Abolfazl Rahbar and Omid Rahbar have been sentenced to a combined total of 46 years in prison.

The Revolutionary Court tried Abolfazl Rahbar and his cousin, Omid Rahbar, on charges of alleged membership in an opposition group. Under the court’s ruling, Abolfazl Rahbar was sentenced to 20 years in prison, while Omid Rahbar received a 26-year prison sentence. The verdict was communicated to them verbally.

The two political prisoners were transferred from Fashafouyeh Prison to Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj in late April 2026. They are currently being held in Suite 37 of Ghezel Hesar Prison.

Abolfazl Rahbar, 23, a building painter, and Omid Rahbar, 24, a laborer, were arrested by security forces in January 2026.

Political Prisoner Isa Chari Sentenced to Death

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Executions, News
Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, irgc, Isa Chari, عیسی چاری

HRANA – Isa Chari, a political prisoner currently held in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj, has been sentenced to death by Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

According to HRANA, Isa Chari has been sentenced to death.

Based on information received by HRANA, the political prisoner was sentenced to death by Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Mohammad-Mehdi Shahmirzadi, on charges of alleged membership in the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (MEK) and carrying out anti-security activities.

Isa Chari was arrested on December 7, 2025, by the IRGC intelligence forces. He is currently being held in Suite 35, Unit 3 of Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

Previously, the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor of Qarchak County claimed that Isa Chari was among the “destabilizing elements affiliated with groups and organizations based outside the country” and had carried out “anti-security activities” in the county.

Isa Chari, 37, is a native of Aqqala and the father of two young children. Before his arrest, he worked at a poultry farm in Varamin to support his family.

January 2026 Protests: Supreme Court Overturns Death Sentence of Ali Fattah

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Executions, News, Prisoners
Ali Fattah, Ali Kamali, Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, Iman Afshari, January 2026 Protests, علی فتاح, علی کمالی

HRANA – The death sentence issued against Ali Fattah (Kamali), arrested during the January 2026 protests, has been overturned by the Supreme Court. He had previously been sentenced to death by Judge Iman Afshari.

According to HRANA, the Supreme Court has overturned the death sentence imposed on Ali Fattah (Kamali), one of the detainees arrested during the January 2026 protests.

Based on information received by HRANA, the Supreme Court overturned the political prisoner’s death sentence some time ago.

A source familiar with the case told HRANA: “Following the onset of serious mental health issues, Ali Fattah (Kamali) is currently hospitalized at Razi Psychiatric Teaching and Treatment Hospital (Aminabad). He had previously been transferred to the same facility once before to receive medical treatment.”

Ali Fattah (Kamali) was arrested in Tehran on January 12, 2026, during the nationwide protests. Holding a Malaysian student residence permit, he had returned to Iran only a few days before his arrest.

Following his arrest, he was held at Greater Tehran Penitentiary before being transferred to Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj in late June.

In May of this year, Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, sentenced him to death on the charge of “enmity against God” (moharebeh).

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.

Ghezel Hesar Prisoners’ Protest Against Executions Enters Fourth Day

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News, Prisoners
Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA

HRANA – Yesterday, Thursday, July 16, prisoners in Unit 2 of Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj entered the fourth consecutive day of their protest against the implementation of death sentences and the transfer of six prisoners to solitary confinement for execution. The prisoners continued their sit-in and refused to receive their food rations.

According to HRANA, the hunger strike by prisoners in Unit 2 of Ghezel Hesar Prison, which began on Monday in response to the transfer of six death row prisoners to solitary confinement, entered its fourth consecutive day yesterday.

Based on information received by HRANA, the protesting prisoners gathered in the prison ward and refused to accept prison meals to express their opposition to executions, particularly in cases involving drug-related offenses. Some also held handwritten signs reading “No to Executions,” calling for an end to the implementation of death sentences.

Informed sources also reported that signal-jamming devices (jammers) remain active inside the prison. According to these sources, prison authorities activated the equipment after videos of the prisoners’ hunger strike and sit-in were published, in an effort to prevent images and videos from being sent outside the prison.

In recent days, videos recorded inside Ghezel Hesar Prison have circulated, showing parts of the prisoners’ hunger strike and sit-in.

The prisoners’ protest began on Monday, July 13, following the transfer of six prisoners sentenced to death in drug-related cases to solitary confinement in preparation for their executions. The move prompted a collective response from prisoners in Unit 2, who have continued their hunger strike and sit-in ever since.

Death Toll from Executions at Ghezel Hesar Prison Rises to Five

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Executions, News
Abbas Nesari, Aref Khoshkar, Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, Karaj

HRANA – Yesterday, alongside the execution of political prisoner Aref Khoshkar, who had been sentenced to death on charges including murder, four other prisoners who had also been sentenced to death in separate murder cases were executed at Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

According to HRANA, five prisoners were executed at Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj in the early hours of Wednesday, July 15.

In addition to the execution of Aref Khoshkar, which HRANA reported earlier, four other prisoners were hanged at the prison. HRANA has identified one of them as Abbas Nesari, who had previously been sentenced to death on murder charges.

The remaining details regarding the four prisoners’ cases were published by the Hamshahri newspaper and are summarized below:

The first prisoner had been arrested in May 2022 on charges of fatally shooting a teenage boy with a Kalashnikov rifle. He was subsequently sentenced to death by a criminal court. After the sentence was upheld by Branch 20 of the Supreme Court, it was carried out on Tuesday.

The second prisoner had been arrested in 2021 on charges of murdering his stepson. He was sentenced to death by a criminal court, and the ruling was later upheld by Branch 7 of the Supreme Court before being carried out.

The third prisoner had been arrested in March 2024 on charges of murdering both his former wife’s daughter and his former wife. He was later sentenced to death by a criminal court.

The fourth case stemmed from the reported disappearance of a middle-aged man in December 2020. The investigation ultimately led to a confession by the victim’s wife.

According to the case file, the woman, with the assistance of a man identified as Behzad, gave her husband sleeping pills to facilitate the murder. Behzad then entered the house, fatally shot the victim, and together they transported the body to the Saveh road, where they set it on fire.

After reviewing the evidence, the criminal court found Behzad to be the principal perpetrator of the murder and sentenced him to death. His execution was carried out on Tuesday morning. The victim’s wife was sentenced to prison for complicity in the murder.

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.