Tag: HRANA

Families of Six Executed Prisoners in Ahvaz Threatened Against Holding Mourning Ceremonies

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News, Other
Adnan Ghobeishavi, ahvaz, Ali Mojaddam, Habib Deris, HRANA, Khuzestan, Moein Khanfari, Mohammadreza Moghaddam, Salem Mousavi, Sepidar Prison

HRANA – Security forces in Khuzestan Province have severely threatened the families of six executed Arab prisoners, warning them not to hold mourning ceremonies or communicate with media outlets and human rights organizations.

The six men – Ali Mojaddam, Mohammadreza Moghaddam, Moein Khanfari, Habib Deris, Adnan Ghobeishavi, and Salem Mousavi – were executed at dawn on Saturday, October 4, 2025, in Sepidar Prison, Ahvaz, without prior notice to their families or lawyers.

According to HRANA, agents of the Ministry of Intelligence contacted the families by phone on the day of the execution to inform them of the death of their loved ones. Prior to these calls, the families had received no information regarding the scheduled execution or the prisoners’ transfer to solitary confinement.

Sources close to the families told HRANA that, following the executions, security authorities summoned several relatives and tribal elders to intelligence offices, including the local headquarters of the Ministry of Intelligence, and explicitly forbade them from holding mourning ceremonies in mosques or public halls. The authorities also prohibited the recitation of the Quran, poetry, or other religious rituals over loudspeakers – traditional mourning practices among the Arab community in Khuzestan.

According to information obtained by HRANA, family members and tribal elders were compelled to sign written pledges promising not to organize any public gatherings. They were further warned that any communication with media or international human rights organizations would result in punitive measures.

The six Arab prisoners were arrested by security forces in February 2019 and later sentenced to death by a branch of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court in March 2023. The judiciary of the Islamic Republic accused them of “membership in the armed wing of Harakat al-Nidal al-Arabi li-Tahrir al-Ahwaz and armed action against the foundations of the Islamic Republic.”

As of two days after the executions, the families remain unaware of the burial locations or the circumstances under which the sentences were carried out.

Forced Confessions of Three Rappers Published by Tehran Security Police

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News, Other
Arash Sayyadi, Ashkan Shekarian Moghaddam, HRANA, Rasam Sohrabi

HRANA – Three rap artists, Arash Sayyadi, Ashkan Shekarian Moghaddam, and Rasam Sohrabi, were arrested by the Tehran Security and Intelligence Police. Videos of their forced confessions have been circulated on social media while their cases are still pending judicial review.

In the published videos, the three men appear half-naked, apparently to display their tattoos, suggesting the security forces intended to showcase them.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, these rappers, often labeled “underground” musicians for lacking official production licenses, were detained by Tehran’s Security Police. Following their arrests, videos were posted on social media accounts attributed to Arash Sayyadi, Rasam Sohrabi, and Ashkan Shekarian Moghaddam, in which they appear half-naked and confess to “taunting” and “disrupting public order” online.

At the end of the videos, the three express “gratitude and apologies” to “law enforcement, judicial authorities, the Second Base of the Intelligence Organization, and the Prosecutor’s Office of District 5 of Tehran.”

It is worth noting that, beyond violating human dignity, the recording and broadcasting of forced confessions constitute a breach of legal principles: under the law, individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court, and any punitive action before a final conviction is a violation of their civil and human rights.

These three citizens are active in rap music. Arash Sayyadi, known by his stage name “Isin,” and composer Rasam Sohrabi had previously faced security-related confrontations and arrests. Ashkan Shekaryan Moghaddam performs under the stage name “Ashkan Leo.

Elham Salehi Sentenced to Prison and Additional Punishments

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Freedom of Expression, News
Elham Salehi, HRANA, Qarchak Prison, Tehran Revolutionary Court, Varamin

HRANA – Elham Salehi, a civil activist currently held in Qarchak Prison in Varamin, has been sentenced by Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court to one year in prison and a two-year ban on social media activity.

The ruling, handed down by Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, was delivered to Ms. Salehi today. Under the verdict, she has been sentenced to one year of discretionary imprisonment, and as a complementary punishment, she is prohibited from engaging in social media activity for two years.

A source close to her family confirmed the news to HRANA, stating: “The verdict was served to Ms. Salehi this morning after she appeared before the mentioned judicial branch.”

Her trial session was held on Sunday, September 28, 2025. The charges brought against her included “propaganda against the regime,” “spreading false information,” and “appearing in public without hijab.”

The civil activist was transferred to Qarchak Prison on August 26, 2025, after being arrested in early August at her home in Tehran by security forces.

Elham Salehi, a 37-year-old civil activist based in Tehran, has previously faced judicial proceedings over her activism.

Appeals Court Upholds 90-Year Combined Prison Sentence for 10 Baha’i Women in Isfahan

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News, Religious Minorities
Arezu Sabhanian, Bahareh Lotfi, HRANA, Mojgan Shahrezaei, Neda Badakhsh, Negin Khademi, Parastoo Hakim, Shana Shoughifar, Yeganeh Agahi, Yeganeh Roohbakhsh

HRANA – The convictions of Negin Khademi, Yeganeh Agahi, Yeganeh Roohbakhsh, Neda Badakhsh, Mojgan Shahrezaei, Shana Shoughifar, Arezoo Sobhanian, Parastoo Hakim, Bahareh Lotfi, and Neda Emadi, ten Baha’i women living in Isfahan, have been upheld in full by Branch 47 of the Isfahan Court of Appeals.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, the women were initially sentenced by the Isfahan Revolutionary Court to a combined 90 years in prison, along with fines and complementary punishments, which have now been confirmed on appeal.

The ruling, issued on September 28, 2025, was delivered to their defense attorney. According to the verdict, the women were convicted of “propaganda against the Islamic Republic” and “participation in deviant promotional and educational activities contrary to Islamic law.” These charges were based on activities such as organizing English, art, music, and yoga classes, and nature trips for children and teenagers, including both Iranian and Afghan participants.

Collectively, they were sentenced to 90 years in prison, 900 million tomans in fines, confiscation of property in favor of the state, and two-year bans on travel abroad and use of social media. Parts of the prison terms and fines were suspended.

A source close to the families told HRANA: “The appeals court session was held without prior notice and in the absence of the defendants. The verdict was issued in absentia and only communicated to their lawyer. The court labeled the case as ‘security-related and confidential.’”

In the initial trial held in October 2024, Yeganeh Agahi, Yeganeh Roohbakhsh, and Negin Khademi each received 10 years in prison and 100 million tomans in fines, with one-third of the sentences suspended. Neda Badakhsh, Mojgan Shahrezaei, Shana Shoughifar, Parastoo Hakim, and Arezoo Sobhanian received similar sentences, with half of the imprisonment and fines suspended.

Neda Emadi and Bahareh Lotfi were each sentenced to five years in prison and 50 million tomans in fines, with four years of the prison term and half of the fine suspended.

As complementary punishments, all ten women were sentenced to the confiscation of seized belongings—including phones, laptops, digital devices, foreign currency, gold, and jewelry – two-year travel bans, and two-year bans on using social media.

The ten Baha’i women were arrested on October 23, 2023, by security forces in Isfahan and released on bail within two months from Dolatabad Prison. During detention, they reportedly endured psychological torture and threats of physical torture.

Yeganeh Agahi had previously been arrested before this case. Yeganeh Roohbakhsh, who was 19 years old at the time of her arrest, is the daughter of Arezoo Sobhanian, another defendant in the case.

Death Sentence of Mohammad-Javad Vafaei Sani Upheld by Supreme Court

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Executions, Freedom of Expression, News
Babak Paknia, HRANA, Mohammad Javad Vafaei, Vakilabad prison, محمد جواد وفایی ثانی

HRANA – The death sentence of Seyed Mohammad-Javad Vafaei Sani, a political prisoner held in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, has been upheld by Branch 9 of the Supreme Court, after having been overturned twice previously.

Attorney Babak Paknia announced the development on social media, writing: “The death sentence of Mr. Mohammad-Javad Vafaei Sani on the charge of corruption on earth (efsad fel-arz) through arson and destruction of public property has been upheld by Branch 9 of the Supreme Court, despite numerous flaws. Regarding these flaws and the interference of third parties in the judicial process, correspondence has been made with the head of the judiciary. I hope that before it’s too late, his special inspectors will intervene in the case.”

Seyed Mohammad-Javad Vafaei Sani, a 28-year-old political prisoner and boxing coach, was arrested in March 2020 in Mashhad and transferred to Vakilabad Prison. He was initially sentenced to death by the Mashhad Revolutionary Court on the charge of “corruption on earth through intentional destruction.” The Supreme Court overturned the verdict, sending the case back to a parallel branch for retrial.

In the second trial, he was again sentenced to death, but in June 2024, the Supreme Court overturned the ruling once more and remanded the case for a third review.

In September 2024, Branch 3 of the Mashhad Revolutionary Court once again sentenced him to death on the charge of “corruption on earth.”

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Civil Rights Activist Sajjad Haeri Sentenced to Prison and Additional Punishments

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ahmadreza Haeri, Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, Karaj, Sajjad Haeri, سجاد حائری

HRANA – Civil activist Sajjad Haeri, the brother of political prisoner Ahmadreza Haeri, has been sentenced by the Damavand Revolutionary Court to two years and six months in prison, along with supplementary punishments.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, the court issued this ruling against Haeri on charges of “propaganda against the regime” and “spreading falsehoods with intent to disturb public opinion.”

A social media page attributed to Ahmadreza Haeri reported that, in addition to imprisonment, Sajjad Haeri was given a two-year ban on membership in political and social parties, groups, and associations. The ruling also includes the suspension of any media outlet or institution allegedly involved in the charges.

He was initially arrested on July 12 by security forces at his father’s residence in Damavand and was later released on bail pending trial.

Sajjad Haeri is the brother of political prisoner Ahmadreza Haeri, who is currently serving his sentence in Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj.

Court of Appeals: Five Christian Converts Sentenced to 41 Years and 10 Months in Prison

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News, Religious Minorities
Abolfazl Ahmadzadeh Khajani, Hesamoddin Mohammad Joneydi, HRANA, Morteza Faghanpour Sasi, Varamin

HRANA – The convictions of five Christian converts, including Hesamoddin (Yahya) Mohammad Joneydi, Morteza (Kalvin) Faghanpour Sasi, and Abolfazl (Benjamin) Ahmadzadeh Khajani, were upheld by Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeals. These converts had previously been sentenced by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Varamin to a total of 41 years and 10 months in prison.

Based on a ruling issued by Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeals on September 17 and recently delivered to the defendants, Hesamoddin (Yahya) Mohammad Jonidi, Abolfazl (Benjamin) Ahmadzadeh Khajani, and two other Christian converts who requested anonymity, were each sentenced to eight years and one month in prison. Morteza (Kalvin) Faghanpour Sassi received a sentence of eight years and eleven months in prison.

The breakdown of Morteza (Kalvin) Faghanpour Sasi’s sentence is as follows: seven years and six months in prison for “deviant educational and proselytizing activities contrary to and disruptive of Islamic Sharia law in connection with contacts abroad”, seven months for “propaganda against the regime”, and 17 months for “insulting the Supreme Leader.”

Meanwhile, Hesamoddin (Yahya) Mohammad Jonidi, Abolfazl (Benjamin) Ahmadzadeh Khajani, and the two unnamed Christian converts were each sentenced to seven years and six months in prison on the charge of “deviant educational and proselytizing activities contrary to and disruptive of Islamic Sharia law in connection with contacts abroad”, plus seven months in prison for “propaganda against the regime.”

The initial ruling against them had been issued on July 16 by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Varamin, presided over by Judge Ashkan Ramesh.

According to information obtained by HRANA, the charges were based on accusations such as the illegal distribution of Christian books, participation in several online universities abroad for studies and training in evangelism and Christian teachings, and the publication of a caricature of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic on social media.

It should be noted that another part of the case, concerning the charge of “insulting the sacred,” has been referred to Branch 104 of the Criminal Court Two of Varamin, presided over by Judge Mohammad Hossein Esmail Morineh. A hearing on this charge is scheduled for October 7.

Faghanpour , a Christian convert from Varamin, was arrested by security forces on June 13 and transferred to Evin Prison. Following his arrest, agents searched his home and confiscated books, religious images, and his mobile phone. He was later released temporarily after posting two salary slips as bail.

Hesamoddin (Yahya) Mohammad Jonidi, 45 years old, was arrested by security forces in November 2024 and taken to Ward 209 of Evin Prison. He was eventually released after posting bail of 1.5 billion tomans.

Drug-Related Charges; A Prisoner Executed in Semnan Prison

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Executions, News
HRANA, Semnan prison, Yaser Bakhshi

HRANA – At dawn today, Monday, September 29, the death sentence of a prisoner who had previously been convicted on charges related to drug offenses was carried out in Semnan Prison.

HRANA has confirmed the identity of the prisoner hanged at dawn today, Monday, as Yaser Bakhshi. According to information received by HRANA, Mr. Bakhshi had earlier been arrested on drug-related charges and later sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court.

As of the time of this report, the execution of this prisoner has not been announced by prison officials or relevant authorities.

In 2024, Iranian prisons witnessed the execution of 930 inmates. According to HRANA’s data, the number of executions carried out by the Iranian regime’s judiciary has risen steadily over the past five years. The percentage of executions related to drug charges has also increased year after year.

Execution of Two Prisoners in Dastgerd Prison of Isfahan

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Executions, News
Behnam Mirahmadi, Dastgerd Prison, HRANA, Isfahan, Milad Kiani

HRANA – At dawn on Monday, September 29, two prisoners who had previously been sentenced to death on charges related to drug offenses and murder were executed in Dastgerd Prison of Isfahan.

HRANA has confirmed the identities of the prisoners who were hanged at dawn on Monday as Milad Kiani and Behnam Mirahmadi.

According to information received by HRANA, Mirahmadi, a resident of Fooladshahr, Isfahan, had earlier been arrested on charges related to drug offenses and sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court. Mr. Kiani had been arrested on a charge of murder and sentenced to death by the Criminal Court.

As of the time of this report, the execution of these prisoners has not been announced by prison officials or relevant authorities.

According to HRANA’s statistics, in 2024, 61 inmates were hanged in Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan – a 74% increase compared to the previous year. This sharp rise reflects a disturbing escalation in executions at this facility.

Paria Marandiz, Baha’i Citizen, Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison and Additional Punishment

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News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i, HRANA, Paria Marandiz, Tehran

HRANA – Paria Marandiz, a Baha’i citizen, has been sentenced by Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court to three years in prison along with a two-year ban on using social media. Part of her sentence has been suspended.

According to information obtained by HRANA, Ms. Marandiz was convicted on charges of “propaganda against the Islamic Republic of Iran during the 12-day war” and “propaganda in support of the Israeli regime.” In addition to the prison term, the court imposed a two-year prohibition on her online activity.

Based on Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the most severe charge—propaganda in support of the Israeli regime—will be enforced, meaning she must serve two years in prison. The remaining 18 months of her sentence have been suspended for five years.

Her trial was held on September 22 at Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court. Earlier, on August 16, she was interrogated at Branch 3 of the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office of District 33 in Tehran. She was subsequently released on bail set at 3.5 billion tomans.

Marandiz had previously been summoned by the Ministry of Intelligence on June 20, July 1, and July 13, during which she was interrogated for several hours on each occasion.

On June 17, security forces briefly detained her. At the time of her arrest, her home was searched, and agents confiscated personal belongings belonging to her and her family, including books, religious photographs, laptops, and mobile phones.

Over the past decade, the Iranian Bahá’í community has been disproportionately targeted by Iran’s security forces and judiciary—more than any other minority group. In the past three years, an average of 72 percent of the reports on religious rights violations collected by HRANA have documented the Iranian regime’s repression of the Bahá’í community.