January 2026 Protests: Arvin Kheirkhahan Executed in Shahrud Prison

HRANA – At dawn today, Saturday, August 1, the death sentence of Arvin Kheirkhahan, one of those arrested during the January 2026 protests, was carried out in Shahrud Prison. He had previously been sentenced to death by Branch One of the Shahrud Revolutionary Court on the charge of “moharebeh” (enmity against God).

According to HRANA, the death sentence of one of those arrested during the January 2026 protests has been carried out.

The death sentence of 19-year-old Arvin Kheirkhahan was carried out at around 4:00 a.m. today, Saturday, August 1, 2026, in Shahrud Prison.

A source close to the family of this citizen, while confirming the execution to HRANA, stated that prison officials have not yet handed over the prisoner’s body to his relatives. The family has been informed that they must go to collect the body at 3:00 a.m. tomorrow and hold the burial ceremony at 5:00 a.m.

Arvin Kheirkhahan was arrested during the January protests and was later sentenced to death by Branch 1 of the Shahrud Revolutionary Court on the charge of “moharebeh.” The issued verdict was upheld without change during the appeals process and by the Supreme Court.

There is no detailed information available regarding the time and manner of Arvin Kheirkhahan’s arrest, the alleged acts cited as the basis for the charges, the interrogation process, his access to a lawyer of his own choosing, or the evidence relied upon by the court in issuing the death sentence.

Arvin Kheirkhahan was 19 years and six months old at the time of his execution.

Background on the 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.

January 2026 Protests: Nine Detained Citizens from Esfarayen, Including a Teenager, Remain in Legal Limbo

HRANA – Nine citizens, including a 16-year-old teenager, who were arrested in connection with the January 2026 protests in Esfarayen, remain in judicial limbo.

According to HRANA, the nine individuals arrested in connection with the January 2026 protests in Esfarayen County continue to be held without a final judicial decision.

A source familiar with the case, who confirmed the information to HRANA, said that they were arrested in connection with the fire at the traffic police station in Esfarayen, an incident that resulted in the deaths of Esfarayen Prosecutor Ali Akbar Hosseinzadeh and four other people on January 8, 2026. The detainees are currently facing charges including enmity against God (moharebeh), corruption on earth, premeditated murder, complicity in premeditated murder, intentional destruction of property, arson, inciting and provoking people to engage in armed conflict, disrupting public order and peace, and endangering national security. Their case is currently under review by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court in Bojnurd.

According to information received by HRANA, Mohammad Azari, Reza Rezapour, Hossein Mehrangiz, Sajjad Shamsaei, Ali Babri, Amirhossein Nazarzadeh, Sajjad Sang-Sefidi, and Mostafa Rajab-Alizadeh are being held in Esfarayen Prison, while 16-year-old Amirhossein Sarban is detained at the Juvenile Correction and Rehabilitation Center in Bojnurd. All nine were arrested in connection with the January 2026 nationwide protests in Esfarayen and, more than six months later, remain in legal limbo.

They were arrested separately by security forces over the course of January 2026. Amirhossein Nazarzadeh was detained on January 20, Mohammad Azari on January 14, Hossein Mehrangiz on January 9, and Ali Bebri later that month.

Amirhossein Nazarzadeh, 27, is from the village of Fartan. Mohammad Azari, 35, Amirhossein Sarban, 16, and the remaining detainees, Reza Rezapour, Hossein Mehrangiz, Sajjad Shamsaei, Ali Bebri, Sajjad Sang-Sefidi, and Mostafa Rajab-Alizadeh, are residents of Esfarayen County.

At the time of publication, no confirmed information was available regarding the formal charges brought against these individuals, the judicial authority handling their case, or whether they have access to legal counsel.

Background on the 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.

Charges Filed Against Several Citizens for Opposing Executions

HRANA – The Tehran Prosecutor’s Office has announced that judicial cases have been opened against several citizens over their social media activities opposing the execution of death sentences issued against detainees connected to the January 2026 protests and the recent military clashes.

According to Mizan, criminal charges have been filed against a number of individuals for opposing the execution of death sentences imposed on protesters from the January 2026 protests and detainees linked to the recent military clashes.

The Tehran Prosecutor’s Office stated that the action followed reports received from security and intelligence agencies, as well as monitoring of social media activity.

The judicial authority accused those opposing the executions on social media of “echoing the positions of hostile groups and networks affiliated with intelligence services” and warned against expressing support for prisoners sentenced to death in connection with the January protests.

The report does not provide further details, including the identities or the number of citizens against whom charges have been filed.

Alireza Sepahi Returned to Prison After Suffering Stroke Ahead of Execution

HRANA – Alireza Sepahi, one of those arrested during the January 2026 nationwide protests and among the defendants in the case known as the “Alikhani Square of Isfahan” case, suffered a stroke before being transferred for the implementation of his death sentence. Sepahi, who was scheduled to be executed alongside Abolfazl Sepahi and Amirhossein Safari, was taken to a hospital and, after receiving medical treatment, was returned to Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan.

According to HRANA, Alireza Sepahi, a death row prisoner, was returned to Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan after suffering a stroke and being transferred to a hospital.

According to information received by HRANA, Mr. Sepahi’s execution was scheduled to be carried out in the early hours of Tuesday, July 28, alongside those of Abolfazl Sepahi and Amirhossein Safari at Alikhani Square in Isfahan. However, before being transferred to the execution site, he suffered a stroke and was taken to a hospital by prison officials.

A source close to the prisoner’s family told HRANA that after undergoing medical treatment and being resuscitated at the hospital, Alireza Sepahi was returned to Dastgerd Prison, where he is currently being held. His return to prison has intensified his family’s concerns about both his physical condition and his fate.

Alireza Sepahi, aged approximately 25, was arrested on January 10, 2026, in connection with the nationwide protests. He had previously been transferred from the general ward of Dastgerd Prison to solitary confinement at around 5:00 a.m. on July 18, along with his cousin, Abolfazl Sepahi.

Court hearings in Mr. Sepahi’s case were held inside the prison via video conference. The judicial proceedings were marked by a number of due process concerns, including his lawyer’s inability to effectively access the case file, the authorities’ refusal to provide a copy of the court’s verdict, the family’s lack of information about the details of the charges, and the court’s failure to properly examine evidence submitted in his defense.

According to a source close to the family, surveillance camera footage and other evidence indicate that Alireza Sepahi was not present at Alikhani Square at the time of the incident forming the basis of the case and was elsewhere. Nevertheless, Judge Morteza Barati, who presided over the case, sentenced him to death on four counts without effectively examining this evidence.

Several other defendants in the case have also stated that they were subjected to pressure and torture during interrogations to force them to confirm Alireza Sepahi’s presence at the scene of the incident. Despite these allegations, no independent or effective investigation has been conducted into the possibility that these statements were obtained under coercion.

Two other defendants in the case, Erfan Esfandiari and Gol-Mohammad Mohammadi, were executed on July 19. The death sentences of Abolfazl Sepahi and Amirhossein Safari were carried out publicly at Alikhani Square in Isfahan in the early hours of Tuesday, July 28.

In the initial trial, 15 defendants in this case were sentenced to death. According to information provided by their lawyer, the death sentence of one defendant was overturned by the higher judicial authority, while the death sentences of the remaining 14 defendants were upheld.

Five Prisoners Executed in Taybad Prison

HRANA – On Wednesday, July 29, the death sentences of five prisoners who had previously been convicted in separate cases on drug-related charges were carried out in Taybad Prison.

According to HRANA, citing Haal Vsh, five prisoners were executed in Taybad Prison.

One of the prisoners has been identified as Nader Abil, approximately 40 years old, father of four daughters, originally from Sistan and Baluchestan Province and residing in Mashhad.

According to the report, the five prisoners had been arrested in separate cases on charges related to drug offenses and were subsequently sentenced to death by the judiciary.

The report did not identify the other four prisoners but stated that they were Afghan nationals.

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

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.

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Behrouz Izanlou and 16-Year-Old Zeynab Izanlou Sentenced to Imprisonment, Flogging, and Fine

HRANA – Behrouz Izanlou, arrested during the nationwide protests in January 2026, has been sentenced by Branch 103 of the Criminal Court Two of Bojnurd to four years and nine months in prison, 80 lashes, and paying a fine. His 16-year-old daughter, Zeynab Izanlou, has also been sentenced to six months and 15 days in prison in connection with the same case.

According to HRANA, Behrouz Izanlou and his 16-year-old daughter, Zeynab Izanlou, have been sentenced to imprisonment, flogging, and a monetary fine.

A source close to the family, who confirmed the information to HRANA, said that Branch 103 of the Criminal Court Two of Bojnurd convicted Behrouz Izanlou on charges including disobeying law enforcement officers while they were performing their duties and disrupting public order and peace through participation in protests. He was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison, 80 lashes, and a fine of 800 million rials (80 million tomans). The source added that his 16-year-old daughter, Zeynab Izanlou, was also sentenced to six months and 15 days in prison in connection with the same case.

Behrouz Izanlou and Zeynab Izanlou were arrested at their home on January 4, 2026, by security forces without the presentation of a judicial warrant. Following his arrest, Mr. Izanlou was transferred to Bojnurd Prison and was later released on bail set at 40 billion rials (4 billion tomans). Zeynab Izanlou was also released on bail some time after her arrest.

During his detention, Mr. Izanlou was denied family visits and access to legal counsel.

Behrouz Izanlou is a 43-year-old construction worker, a father of two, and a resident of Bojnurd.

Background on the 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.

January 2026 Protests: Supreme Court Upholds Death Sentence of Benjamin Naghdi

HRANA – The death sentence of Benjamin Naghdi (Naqdi), who was arrested during the 2026 nationwide protests, has been upheld by Branch 41 of Iran’s Supreme Court. He had previously been sentenced to death by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz on the charge of “spreading corruption on earth” (efsad-e fel-arz).

According to HRANA, citing Emtedad, the Supreme Court has upheld the death sentence issued against Benjamin Naghdi, one of those arrested during the 2026 nationwide protests.

Mustafa Nili, Mr. Naghdi’s attorney, announced that “Branch 41 of the Supreme Court rejected the appeal and upheld the death sentence issued by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz on the charge of ‘spreading corruption on earth.'”

According to the attorney, “The ruling was formally served on the defense lawyers yesterday, and we will soon file a request for a retrial.”

Mr. Nili further stated that the trial judges considered all of the charges brought against his client to constitute “spreading corruption on earth,” and on that basis imposed the death penalty.

In June 2026, Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz had sentenced Benjamin Naghdi to death on the charge of “spreading corruption on earth.”

According to his defense lawyer, Mr. Naghdi was arrested in Shiraz on January 3, 2026, for allegedly igniting a fire extinguisher and directing it toward law enforcement officers during the protests.

Before his arrest, Benjamin Naghdi was active in kickboxing and Muay Thai, and had won championship titles in both sports.

Background on the 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.

January 2026 Protests: 17-Year-Old Yasin Sarfaraz Sentenced to Prison

HRANA – Yasin Sarfaraz, a 17-year-old resident of Bojnurd who was arrested during the January 2026 protests, has been sentenced by a judicial authority to three years and three months in prison.

According to HRANA, citing Kolbar News, Yasin Sarfaraz has been sentenced to imprisonment.

According to the report, Mr. Sarfaraz was sentenced to three years and three months in prison on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security.” The verdict was formally served on him in July 2026.

The report further states that throughout his detention and the judicial proceedings, Yasin Sarfaraz was denied access to a lawyer of his choice. His trial was also held without the presence of defense counsel.

Yasin Sarfaraz, 17, is a resident of Bojnurd, North Khorasan province. He was arrested by security forces on January 11, 2026 in connection with the nationwide protests.

Afshin Heyratian Sentenced to 31 Years in Prison

HRANA – Afshin Heyratian, a children’s rights activist imprisoned in Evin Prison, has been sentenced by the Revolutionary Court of Tehran to a total of 31 years in prison and financial penalties. Under Iran’s sentencing rules for multiple offenses, 12 years of his prison sentence, as the most severe punishment, will be enforceable.

According to HRANA, children’s rights activist Afshin Heyratian has been sentenced to prison.

According to the verdict issued by Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, Mr. Heyratian was sentenced to:

• 12 years in prison for forming an illegal group;

• 11 years in prison for propaganda activities contrary to the sacred law of Islam;

• 6 years in prison and a fine of 330 million tomans for assembly and collusion against national security.

Under the legal provisions governing multiple convictions, if the verdict is upheld on appeal, only the most severe sentence, 12 years in prison, will be enforceable.

He was also sentenced to 2 years in prison and a fine equal to twice the amount received (US$2,000) on the charge of obtaining illicit property, in connection with receiving US$1,000.

Mr. Heyratian’s trial was held on July 18, 2026, before Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari. At the time of the hearing, he had spent more than 250 days in detention without a final legal determination of his case.

Afshin Heyratian was arrested by security forces at his mother’s home in Tehran on November 11, 2025. During the arrest, agents searched the residence and confiscated a number of his personal belongings as well as items belonging to his family members. He was subsequently transferred to Evin Prison.

Afshin Heyratian, an approximately 46-year-old single Baha’i resident of Tehran, is a member of the Society for Protecting the Rights of Child Laborers and Street Children. He has previously faced arrest and judicial prosecution because of his activities and religious beliefs.

According to HRA’s annual reports, over the past three years, an average of 72% of all reported violations of the rights of religious minorities in Iran have involved Baha’i citizens.

January 2026 Protests: Saeed Mohammadyari Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison and Exile

HRANA – Saeed Mohammadyari, a resident of Kuhdasht and one of those arrested during the nationwide protests in January 2026, has been sentenced by the Revolutionary Court of Khorramabad to eight years in prison and two years of internal exile.

According to HRANA, Saeed Mohammadyari has been sentenced to imprisonment and internal exile.

According to the ruling issued by the Revolutionary Court of Khorramabad, he was sentenced to a total of eight years in prison and two years of internal exile to the city of Khoy on charges of “assembly and collusion to commit crimes against national security,” “propaganda against the regime,” and “insulting the Supreme Leader.”

A source familiar with the case confirmed the news to HRANA, stating: “The verdict was formally served on Mr. Mohammadyari today.”

Saeed Mohammadyari, 36, was arrested during the 2026 nationwide protests and was later released on bail. He works as a farmer in Kuhdasht.

Background on the 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.