Tag: HRANA

Appeals Court Upholds Prison Sentences of British Detainees Lindsay and Craig Foreman

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Craig Foreman, Evin Prison, HRANA, irgc, IRGC Intelligence, Kerman, Lindsay Foreman

HRANA – The prison sentences of Craig Foreman and Lindsay Foreman, two British citizens currently held in Evin Prison, have been upheld in full by the Court of Appeals. The couple had previously been sentenced to 10 years in prison each by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court on charges of “espionage.”

According to HRANA, citing BBC News, the Court of Appeals has upheld without modification the prison sentences imposed on Lindsay and Craig Foreman, a British couple imprisoned in Iran.

According to the report, the couple was not permitted to attend the appeals hearing. Following the confirmation of their sentences, their case has been referred to the Supreme Court.

In February 2026, Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, sentenced the couple to 10 years in prison each on charges of “espionage.”

According to the couple, “Despite appearing in court, no evidence was presented, and we were given no opportunity to defend ourselves.”

In May 2026, the couple launched a hunger strike to protest their detention conditions and the suspension of telephone contact with their family. As the strike has continued, Lindsay Foreman has reportedly experienced deteriorating health conditions, including weight loss, low blood sugar, and fluctuations in blood pressure.

Craig and Lindsay Foreman, who had entered Iran as part of a motorcycle journey around the world, were arrested by the IRGC Intelligence Organization in Kerman in December 2024. Judicial authorities had accused them of “espionage,” alleging that they collected information in several provinces under the guise of tourism and research activities.

The British ambassador to Iran at the time also met with the two defendants at the Kerman Prosecutor’s Office in February of that year.

In recent years, Iranian authorities have arrested several foreign nationals on charges such as espionage or cooperation with hostile governments. Some detainees have later been released following political negotiations. Human rights organizations and several Western governments have accused Iran of using such arrests as a means of political leverage, allegations that Iranian authorities have consistently denied.

January 2026 Protests: Maryam Babajani Sentenced to More Than 32 Years in Prison

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Izeh, Maryam Babajani

HRANA – Maryam Babajani, one of those arrested during the 2026 nationwide protests in Izeh, has been sentenced by Branch 1 of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court to 32 years, six months, and two days in prison.

Based on information obtained by HRANA, Ms. Babajani was recently sentenced by Branch 1 of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court to 20 years in prison on one security-related charge and 12 years, six months on another. The verdict includes charges brought against her under Iran’s law on intensifying punishments for espionage offenses.

A source familiar with the Babajani family told HRANA: “Following the issuance of the verdict, Ms. Babajani’s attorney, Hossein-Ali Hatami, filed an appeal against the ruling.”

Maryam Babajani was arrested in late January 2026 in connection with the nationwide protests in Izeh. She was later released from prison after posting bail set at 10 billion tomans.

Attorney Mehran Ansari Sentenced to Prison

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News
Attorney Mehran Ansari Sentenced to Prison, HRANA, Mehran Ansari

HRANA – Mehran Ansari, an attorney and member of the Fars Province Bar Association, has been sentenced to one year in prison by the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz.

Based on information received by HRANA, the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz sentenced the attorney to one year in prison on the charge of “propaganda against the regime.”

Mehran Ansari, a licensed attorney and member of the Fars Province Bar Association, was arrested by security forces in Shiraz during the nationwide protests of 2026. He was later released on bail set at 2 billion tomans.

It is noteworthy that Mehdi Ansari, also a member of the Fars Province Bar Association and a cousin of Mehran Ansari, was recently sentenced by the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz to five years in prison and a two-year ban on leaving the country.

Amirhossein Bagheri Alavijeh Arrested in Isfahan

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News
Amirhossein Bagheri Alavijeh, HRANA, Isfahan

HRANA – Amirhossein Bagheri Alavijeh, a student at Arak University and a resident of Alavijeh, Isfahan Province, was arrested by security forces in the city on Monday, June 1, 2026, and taken to an undisclosed location.

Based on information received by HRANA, plainclothes security agents raided Mr. Bagheri’s home in Alavijeh and arrested him using violence. During the operation, agents searched the residence and confiscated electronic devices belonging to him and his family members.

A source close to the family confirmed the news to HRANA and stated: “Amirhossein Bagheri Alavijeh suffers from underlying medical conditions and requires continuous access to medication. His lack of access to necessary medication while in detention has heightened the concerns of his family and relatives.”

At the time of writing, no information is available regarding the reasons for his arrest, his whereabouts, or any charges brought against him.

Last year, Mr. Bagheri Alavijeh was sentenced by the Revolutionary Court of Najafabad to one year of suspended imprisonment. Under part of the sentence, he is required to report to the city’s sentence enforcement branch on the first Saturday of each month.

He was previously arrested by security forces at his home in Alavijeh on April 2, 2025, and was released on bail after 15 days.

Amirhossein Bagheri Alavijeh is a master’s student at Arak University and a resident of Alavijeh, Isfahan Province.

Amirhossein Saadat Arrested in Tabriz

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News
Amirhossein Saadat, HRANA, Tabriz, امیرحسین سعادت

HRANA – On Monday, June 1, 2026, Amirhossein Saadat, former secretary of the Student Council of Allameh Tabataba’i University, was arrested by the Ministry of Intelligence in Tabriz and transferred to an undisclosed location. Simultaneously, his home was searched, and several of his personal belongings were confiscated by the agents.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mr. Saadat was arrested this morning at his workplace by the Ministry of Intelligence agents without the presentation of a judicial warrant and was taken to an unknown location. His arrest was reportedly accompanied by violence and physical assault.

A source close to his family confirmed the news to HRANA, stating: “During a brief phone call, he informed his family of his arrest but did not disclose his place of detention. At the same time, Amirhossein’s home was searched by agents. During the search, several of his personal belongings, including his mobile phone, laptop, and passport, were confiscated.”

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the reasons for his arrest, his place of detention, or the charges brought against him.

Amirhossein Saadat, aged approximately 32, is originally from Abadeh, resides in Tabriz, and previously served as the secretary of the Student Council of Allameh Tabataba’i University.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Now is definitely not the time to stop reading!

Filmmaker Samira Norouz Naseri Arrested in Tehran

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Samira Norouz Naseri, سمیرا نوروز

HRANA – Yesterday, Samira Norouz Naseri, a filmmaker residing in Tehran, was arrested and transferred to an undisclosed location after security forces searched her home.

Based on information received by HRANA, Ms. Norouz Naseri was arrested on the morning of Monday, June 1, 2026, by security forces without the presentation of a judicial warrant. The agents also searched the filmmaker’s residence.

At the time of writing, no information is available regarding her place of detention, the reasons for her arrest, or any charges brought against her.

Samira Norouz Naseri is a filmmaker based in Tehran.

Mehdi Ansari, Attorney-at-Law, Sentenced to Five Years in Prison

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Mehdi Ansari, Shiraz

HRANA – Mehdi Ansari, a member of the Fars Bar Association and one of those arrested during the January 2026 protests, has been sentenced by the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz to five years in prison and a two-year travel ban.

Based on information received by HRANA, a branch of the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz sentenced Mr. Ansari to five years in prison and a two-year ban on leaving the country on the charge of “assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security.”

Mehdi Ansari, an attorney and member of the Fars Bar Association, had previously been arrested in Shiraz in connection with the January protests. He was eventually released from prison after posting bail set at 5 billion tomans.

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 Protests: Mehrdad Mohammadinia and Ashkan Maleki Executed

Posted on by . .
Executions, News
Ashkan Maleki, HRANA, Mehrdad Mohammadinia

HRANA – The Judiciary Media Center has announced that Mehrdad Mohammadinia and Ashkan Maleki, two individuals arrested during the January 2026 protests in Tehran, were executed at dawn today. The judiciary had sentenced them to death on charges including “participation in operational actions against national security” and “cooperation with hostile governments.”

According to HRANA, citing Mizan, two more detainees of the January 2026 protests have been executed.  According to the report, Mehrdad Mohammadinia and Ashkan Maleki had been sentenced to death on charges including “cooperation with the Zionist regime and hostile governments,” “creating insecurity and public fear,” “destruction and arson of public property,” and “participation in operational actions against national security.”

The Judiciary Media Center claimed that the two men were involved in the burning of Jafari Mosque in Tehran’s Koye Nasr neighborhood, destruction of public property, blocking roads, and clashes with law enforcement forces. The report also cited the defendants’ “confessions,” crime-scene reconstructions, and CCTV footage as evidence in the case. However, no details were provided regarding the circumstances under which the confessions were obtained or the methods used during interrogations.

According to the judiciary, after the men were identified and arrested, their case was reviewed by a Revolutionary Court. Based on reports from security agencies, the indictment, and statements attributed to the defendants, death sentences were issued against them. The verdicts were later upheld by the Supreme Court following the appeals process.

The report does not provide details regarding the defendants’ access to independent legal counsel, the quality of the court proceedings, or whether they were afforded a fair trial.

According to data collected by HRANA, since the outbreak of military hostilities, the issuance and implementation of death sentences in political and security-related cases have intensified. Including Mehrdad Mohammadinia and Ashkan Maleki, a total of 39 prisoners connected to such cases have been executed during this period.

January Protests: Benjamin Naghdi Sentenced to Death

Posted on by . .
Executions, Freedom of Expression, News
Benjamin Naghdi, HRANA, moharebeh, Mostafa Nili, بنیامین نقدی

HRANA – Benjamin Naghdi, arrested during the nationwide protests of 2026, has been sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz on the charge of “spreading corruption on earth” (efsad-e fel-arz). His attorney, Mostafa Nili, has announced that he will appeal the verdict before the Supreme Court.

According to HRANA, citing Emtedad, Benjamin Naghdi, who was arrested during the nationwide protests in January 2026, has been sentenced to death.

According to Mr. Naghdi’s lawyer, Mostafa Nili, he was initially charged with “attempted murder,” but the charge was later changed to “enmity against God” (moharebeh). Following the completion of the preliminary investigation, an indictment was issued against him on charges including “enmity against God,” “membership in groups disrupting national security,” “assembly and collusion against national security,” and “propaganda against the regime.” At the same time, the charges of “causing bodily harm to law enforcement officers” and “carrying a cold weapon” were dismissed, and no prosecution was pursued on those counts.

Mr. Nili further stated that the court judges determined that all of the alleged offenses constituted “spreading corruption on earth” and, on that basis, issued a death sentence for his client.

The attorney also said that he and his colleagues will file an appeal within the legal deadline. He expressed hope that, given that no individuals were injured during the incident, the Supreme Court would overturn the sentence.

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

Before his arrest, Benjamin Naghdi was active in kickboxing and Muay Thai and had won championship titles in competitions in those disciplines.

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: Khashayar Rezvani Sentenced to Over 4 Years in Prison

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News
Evin Prison, Gachsaran, HRANA, Khashayar Rezvani, خشایار رضوانی

HRANA – Khashayar Rezvani, one of those arrested during the nationwide protests of 2026, has been sentenced by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court to four years and three months in prison, along with a two-year ban on leaving the country and engaging in online activities.

According to HRANA, Khashayar Rezvani has been sentenced to imprisonment and additional punitive measures.

The verdict was recently issued by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court. Judge Iman Afshari sentenced Mr. Rezvani to three years and seven months of discretionary imprisonment on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security,” and an additional eight months of discretionary imprisonment for “propaganda against the regime.” Under the ruling, he was also sentenced to a two-year ban on leaving Iran and participating in online activities as supplementary punishments.

According to the court ruling, a copy of which has been obtained by HRANA, allegations cited against him include “composing poems in support of those killed during the protests, communicating with foreign media outlets, and maintaining contacts with groups opposed to the government.”

Mr. Rezvani was arrested during the nationwide protests in January 2026. He spent a period of detention in Evin Prison and was later transferred to Greater Tehran Penitentiary. He was ultimately released on March 16, 2026, after posting bail set at 5 billion tomans.

Khashayar Rezvani, approximately 41 years old, is a married poet and writer originally from Gachsaran and currently residing in Tehran. Prior to his arrest, he worked in the real estate sector.