Tag: HRANA

Nasimeh Eslamzahi Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison

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News, Prisoners
Amanj Karvanchi, Arsalan Sheikhi, HRANA, Nasimeh Eslamzahi, نسیمه اسلام زهی

HRANA – Nasimeh Eslamzahi, a Sunni security-related prisoner held in Evin Prison, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

According to HRANA, Nasimeh Eslamzahi, a Sunni security-related defendant, has been sentenced to imprisonment.

According to a verdict issued by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, and communicated to Ms. Eslamzehi earlier this week, she was sentenced to 25 years in prison on the charge of “complicity in the crime of baghi (armed rebellion).” Her husband, Arsalan Sheikhi, and Amanj Karvanchi, another defendant in the case, had previously been sentenced to death on the charge of “baghi through membership in ISIS,” and their sentences were carried out.

A source familiar with the case confirmed the news to HRANA, stating: “During the proceedings in her case, Nasimeh appeared at three court sessions before the aforementioned branch, presided over by Judge Salavati. She denied all the charges brought against her and emphasized that she had never been a member of or cooperated with any group.”

The source also addressed Ms. Eslamzahi’s access to legal representation, stating that various attorneys had sought to represent her during this period, but Branch 15 of the Revolutionary Court refused to accept them, and proceedings in her case were conducted with a court-appointed attorney.

Previously, some state-affiliated media outlets had reported that Nasimeh Eslamzahi and two other defendants in the case had been sentenced to death, and this claim was also reflected in subsequent reports.

It should be noted that Ms. Eslamzahi had previously been sentenced to three years and six months in prison by a criminal court in another part of her case.

Nasimeh Eslamzahi was arrested along with her husband, Arsalan Sheikhi, in September 2023. During the prosecutorial stage, the couple were charged on suspicion of membership in the militant group ISIS. According to a source familiar with the case who spoke to HRANA, Ms. Eslamzehi was merely Arsalan Sheikhi’s wife and was present at their home when security forces arrived to arrest her husband; she was also arrested at the scene.

Nasimeh Eslamzahi is approximately 42 years old and is the mother of two daughters. Ayesha, the couple’s daughter, who was approximately two years old at the time of the arrests, was separated from her mother during the arrest, and the family was informed that the child had been transferred to the state welfare organization. After following up on the matter, Eslamzehi’s family succeeded in obtaining custody of Ayesha.

In late April 2024, Nasimeh Eslamzahi gave birth to her second child, Tasnim, in Evin Prison. The mother and newborn were held for 40 days in a solitary confinement cell under inadequate conditions, without proper ventilation or sufficient light, and were subsequently transferred to the quarantine ward.

Death-Row Political Prisoner Arghavan Fallahi’s Request for Retrial Rejected

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Executions, News, Prisoners
Arghavan Fallahi, Evin Prison, HRANA, ارغوان فلاحی

HRANA – The Supreme Court has rejected a request for retrial filed by Arghavan Fallahi, a political prisoner held in Evin Prison who had previously been sentenced to death.

According to HRANA, citing Emtedad, the Supreme Court rejected the request for retrial filed by Arghavan Fallahi, a political prisoner held in Evin Prison.

According to the report, Ms. Fallahi’s request for retrial, which had been filed with one of the branches of the Supreme Court, was rejected by the judicial authority this week.

In July of this year, the political prisoner was sentenced to death on the charge of “baghi” (armed rebellion) by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, head of Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court. In late August, her death sentence was upheld by Branch 41 of the Supreme Court.

Arghavan Fallahi, aged approximately 25, was arrested by security forces in late January 2025 and transferred to the Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, known as Ward 209 of Evin Prison.

Following the Israeli attack on Evin Prison in June 2025, she was first transferred to the Greater Tehran Prison and later to Qarchak Prison in Varamin. She was subsequently transferred back to Evin Prison.

Previously, a source familiar with the political defendant’s situation told HRANA: “Following her arrest, Ms. Fallahi spent some time detained in Wards 209 and 241 of Evin Prison under the supervision of the Judiciary’s Intelligence Protection Organization. During this period, she was subjected to severe psychological torture, and attempts were made to extract forced confessions from her in connection with the assassination of two judges, Mohammad Moghiseh and Ali Razini.”

Ms. Fallahi had previously been arrested along with her father by security forces in November 2022 and was later transferred to Evin Prison. She was subsequently sentenced to two years in prison by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, on charges of “assembly and collusion” and “propaganda against the regime.” She was released from Evin Prison after completing her sentence.

Saba Sefidi, Baha’i Citizen, Arrested to Begin Prison Sentence

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News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizen, HRANA, Saba Sefidi, Tehran, صبا سفیدی

HRANA – Saba Sefidi, a Baha’i citizen residing in Tehran, was arrested on Thursday, September 10, to begin serving her three-year-and-five-month prison sentence and was transferred to Qarchak Prison in Varamin.

According to HRANA,on Thursday, September 10, 2026, Saba Sefidi, a Baha’i citizen, was arrested by security forces outside her home in Tehran.

According to information obtained by HRANA, following her arrest, Ms. Sefidi was initially taken to the Jannat Abad Prosecutor’s Office and was subsequently transferred to Qarchak Prison in Varamin to serve her sentence.

A source familiar with the Baha’i citizen’s situation told HRANA that Ms. Sefidi was arrested despite having previously been granted a two-month period to report to authorities to begin serving her prison sentence.

In December 2023, Branch 36 of the Tehran Province Court of Appeals sentenced Ms. Sefidi to three years and five months in prison on the charge of “membership in groups opposed to the regime.” On appeal, she was acquitted of the charge of “propaganda against the regime.”

At the initial trial stage, in November 2023, Ms. Sefidi had been sentenced to imprisonment by Branch 29 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Seyed Ali Mazloum.

On January 11, 2022, Ms. Sefidi was arrested after appearing before Branch 2 of the Evin Prosecutor’s Office. She was released from Evin Prison on February 23, 2022, after posting bail of 1.5 billion tomans.

Over the past decade, Iran’s Baha’i community has faced more security and judicial actions than any other religious minority in the country. A review of HRA’s annual reports shows that, over the past year, an average of 62.41% of reports concerning religious minorities involved violations of the rights of Baha’i citizens.

Hossein Afrasiab Sentenced to More Than Three Years and Nine Months in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Dastgerd Prison, Hossein Afrasiab, HRANA, Isfahan, حسین افراسیاب

HRANA – The judiciary sentenced Hossein Afrasiab, a detained citizen currently held in Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan, to three years, nine months, and twenty days in prison.

According to HRANA, Hossein Afrasiab has been sentenced to imprisonment.

A social media page attributed to the prisoner wrote: “Hossein Afrasiab was initially sentenced by the judiciary to five years and one month in prison. In the final ruling, his sentence was reduced to three years, nine months, and twenty days.”

Without providing further details, including the charges against the prisoner or the judicial authority that issued the sentence, the page stated that possession of satellite internet equipment (Starlink) was among the alleged grounds for the charges brought against Mr. Afrasiab.

On March 14, 2026, Hossein Afrasiab was arrested by security forces in Shahin Shahr and subsequently transferred to Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan.

HRANA’s inquiries regarding the judicial authority that issued the sentence and the details of this prisoner’s case remain ongoing.

January 2026 Protests: Report on the Latest Status of Aref Assar in Torbat-e Heydarieh Prison

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News, Prisoners
HRANA, January 2026 Protests, Khaf, Torbat-e Heydarieh Prison, عارف حصار

HRANA – Aref Assar, a resident of Khaf and one of those arrested during the January 2026 protests, is currently serving his sentence in Torbat-e Heydarieh Prison. He had previously been sentenced at the initial stage to five years and one day in prison, which was reduced on appeal to two years and six months.

According to HRANA, Aref Assar is serving his sentence in Torbat-e Heydarieh Prison.

According to information received by HRANA, on August 8, 2026, Mr. Assar reported to Torbat-e Heydarieh Prison to begin serving his two-year-and-six-month prison sentence.

At the initial stage, he was sentenced by the Khaf Revolutionary Court to five years and one day of imprisonment. After the case was referred to the Court of Appeals, the sentence was reduced to two years and six months of imprisonment. During the proceedings, he faced multiple charges, including “propaganda against the regime,” “cooperation with hostile countries,” “espionage,” “disrupting public security,” “insulting the Supreme Leader,” and “links with opposition groups.”

An informed source close to his family told HRANA that no specific evidence against Mr. Assar was presented in his case and that a significant portion of the allegations against him was based on statements made by individuals who had reported him. The source added: “Mr. Assar was subjected to mistreatment and torture while in detention, which resulted in a dislocated shoulder. The injury has so far required him to undergo several surgeries on his shoulder.”

Aref Assar, 22, is a resident of Khaf County. He was arrested on January 8, 2026, during nationwide protests and transferred to Torbat-e Heydarieh Prison. He was released approximately one week later after posting bail of 500 million tomans.

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Khabat Fadaei Arrested in Marivan

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News, Other
HRANA, Khabat Fadaei, Marivan, Varamin, خبات فدایی

HRANA – On Tuesday, September 8, Khabat Fadaei, a resident of Marivan, was arrested by security forces in the city and transferred to an undisclosed location.

According to HRANA, citing Kurdpa, Khabat Fadaei was arrested in Marivan.

According to the report, Mr. Fadaei was arrested on Tuesday, September 8, by security forces outside his home in Marivan without the presentation of a judicial warrant.

As of the time of this report, no information has been made available regarding the reasons for his arrest or the charges brought against him. Mr. Fadaei is from the village of Buridar, Sarvabad County.

Previously, on October 8, 2022, Khabat Fadaei was arrested by security forces in Tehran and was released from Evin Prison on bail on November 14 of the same year. He was subsequently sentenced by Branch 1 of the Varamin Revolutionary Court to five years in prison on the charge of “membership in groups opposed to the establishment” and one year in prison on the charge of “propaganda against the establishment.”

26-Year-Old Prisoner Executed in Behshahr Prison

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Executions, News
Behshahr Prison, Ezzat Asgari Galugahi, HRANA

HRANA – At dawn on Tuesday, September 8, the death sentence of a prisoner who had previously been sentenced to death on a murder charge was carried out in Behshahr Prison.

According to HRANA, citing Iran Human Rights Organization, a prisoner was executed in Behshahr Prison at dawn on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

He has been identified as Ezzat Asgari Galugahi, a 26-year-old unmarried athlete from Galugah.

According to the report, Mr. Asgari was arrested approximately one year ago on a murder charge following an altercation and was subsequently sentenced to death by a judicial authority.

As of the time of this report, the prisoner’s execution has not been announced by domestic media outlets or official 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.

January 2026 Protests: Report on the Latest Condition of Mojtaba Azhadi in Mashhad’s Vakilabad Prison

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News, Prisoners
HRANA, Joweyn, Mojtaba Azhadi, Vakilabad prison, مجتبی ازهدی

HRANA – Mojtaba Azhadi, a resident of Joweyn and one of those arrested in connection with the January 2026 protests, remains in legal limbo in Mashhad’s Vakilabad Prison nearly eight months after his arrest. Azhadi, who was struck by pellet gunfire in the face and neck during the protests, continues to be denied medical treatment to remove several pellets still lodged in his forehead and behind his eye.

According to HRANA, Mojtaba Azhadi remains incarcerated in Mashhad’s Vakilabad Prison.

According to information received by HRANA, Azhadi remains in legal limbo at Vakilabad Prison. Despite 238 days having passed since his arrest, no trial has yet been held, nor has he been granted the possibility of temporary release on bail.

An informed source close to his family confirmed the situation to HRANA, stating: “During the protests in January of last year, he was struck by pellet gunfire in the face and neck. Despite undergoing surgery, several pellets remain lodged in his forehead, with another pellet behind his eye. Azhadi requires medical treatment and surgery to remove the pellets from his face, but due to obstruction by the relevant authorities, he has been denied transfer to a hospital outside the prison.”

The informed source further stated: “A hearing on the charges against Azhadi is scheduled for September 28, 2026, before Branch 1 of the Sabzevar Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Mohammad Gholami. Following his arrest, Mojtaba Azhadi was initially taken to Joweyn Prison and, three days later, transferred to Sabzevar Prison. Five days after his transfer to Sabzevar Prison, he was taken to Mashhad for surgery and was held for a period at Vakilabad Prison. After undergoing surgery, he was returned to Joweyn Prison. While there, he went on a four-day hunger strike in protest against his situation and was held in solitary confinement. Azhadi was later transferred to Mashhad’s Vakilabad Prison.”

Mojtaba Azhadi was arrested by security forces in Joweyn on January 15, 2026, in connection with the nationwide protests.

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the charges brought against Azhadi. HRANA’s efforts to obtain further information in this regard are ongoing.

Mojtaba Azhadi, 45, is the father of one child, holds a master’s degree in accounting, and is from Joweyn County.

Baha’i Citizen Vafa Kashefi Sentenced to Six Years in Prison

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News, Prisoners, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizen, HRANA, Vafa Kashefi, Vakilabad prison, وفا کاشفی

HRANA – Vafa Kashefi, a Baha’i citizen currently held in Vakilabad Prison, was sentenced by the Mashhad Revolutionary Court to six years in prison, two years and six months of which have been suspended.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, Vafa Kashefi has been sentenced to prison.

According to a ruling issued by the Mashhad Revolutionary Court and communicated to Kashefi, he was sentenced to five years in prison on the charge of “assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt social security” and one year in prison on the charge of “propaganda against the regime.”

Two and a half years of the total sentence have been suspended. Under the ruling, if the verdict is upheld, the most severe applicable punishment, two and a half years in prison, will be enforced against this Baha’i citizen. He was also acquitted of the charges of insulting the Supreme Leader and inciting people to participate in unrest.

Kashefi’s court hearing was held on August 29, 2026, at the Mashhad Revolutionary Court. He remains incarcerated in Vakilabad Prison.

Vafa Kashefi was arrested on April 21, 2026, after reporting to the Mashhad Prosecutor’s Office and was transferred to Vakilabad Prison.

The approximately 32-year-old Baha’i citizen had previously been arrested at his home on January 11, 2026, and was released on bail after approximately one week.

Over the past decade, Iran’s Baha’i community has faced more security and judicial actions than any other religious minority in the country. A review of HRA’s annual reports, over the past year, an average of 62.41% of reports concerning religious minorities involved violations of the rights of Baha’i citizens.

Babak Moradifar Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Babak Moradifar, Evin Prison, HRANA, بابک مرادی فر

HRANA – Babak Moradifar, a political activist, was sentenced by Branch 28 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court to 30 months in prison.

According to HRANA, political activist Babak Moradifar announced that he had been sentenced to 30 months in prison.

In a video, Babak Moradifar stated that Branch 28 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Amouzad, sentenced him at the initial stage of proceedings to 30 months in prison.

According to the indictment issued by Branch 2 of the Evin Prosecutor’s Office, he was charged with “assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security through propaganda activities against the Islamic Republic.” His attendance at a ceremony marking the seventh day after Khosrow Alikordi’s death in Mashhad and his support for the January 2026 protests were cited among the grounds for the charge.

On the morning of January 9, 2026, Moradifar was arrested by Ministry of Intelligence agents at his home in Tehran. According to a previous HRANA report, following his arrest, his family had no information about his condition or whereabouts for ten days, until he informed them in a brief phone call that he was being held in Evin Prison.

After approximately 40 days of detention in Evin Prison, he was transferred to the Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office and subsequently to the Greater Tehran Prison. HRANA previously reported that during this period, Moradifar was denied access to an attorney and the opportunity to mount an effective defense. A source close to his family also told HRANA that during interrogations at Evin Prison, a tendon in his right foot was injured and that, despite doctors’ recommendations, he was not provided with necessary medical treatment, including a splint or cast.

After approximately two months of detention in Evin Prison and the Greater Tehran Prison, Moradifar was released on bail due to his need for medical treatment.

Babak Moradifar has previously faced arrest and conviction.