Nationwide Protests: Nima Hassankhani Sentenced to Imprisonment and Other Penalties

HRANA – Nima Hassankhani, one of those arrested during recent nationwide protests, has been sentenced by Branch One of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court to two years of imprisonment, a two-year travel ban, and one year of mandatory attendance at the Headquarters for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.

Based on the ruling issued by Branch One of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court, Mr. Hassankhani was sentenced to two years in prison, a two-year ban on leaving the country, and one year of mandatory presence at the Headquarters for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice on charges of “propaganda against the regime” and “disrupting public order and peace through participation in protests.”

Hossein-Ali Hatami, an attorney-at-law, told HRANA that in Nima Hassankhani’s case, upon formally declaring his representation, he has not only objected to the detention order but has also filed an appeal request.

Nima Hassankhani, a bodybuilding athlete and a shopkeeper in the city of Izeh, was arrested on February 7, 2026, during protests in the city and was subsequently transferred to Sheiban Prison in Ahvaz.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began on Sunday, December 28, 2025, in Tehran. After two days, the protests expanded beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these demonstrations became one of the most widespread protests in 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 institutions. For more information about these protests, refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report.

Charge of “Enmity Against God” Brought Against 18-Year-Old Protester Danial Niazi in Shirvan

HRANA – The Criminal Court Two of Shirvan County has rejected the appeal filed by 18-year-old protester Danial Niazi against his temporary detention order and upheld his continued detention in a case that includes charges such as moharebeh (“enmity against God”), an accusation that, if proven, can carry severe punishments, including the death penalty.

The case was initially opened at Branch Two of the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Shirvan, North Khorasan province, where a temporary detention order was issued against him. According to available documents, the investigating judge has charged Mr. Niazi with offenses including “enmity against God” (moharebeh), “complicity in attempted intentional murder,” “complicity in intentional assault and battery,” “membership in a gathering of more than three persons against public order,” “disrupting public order,” and “propaganda against the regime.” These charges were brought based on a private complaint and a report by law enforcement authorities.

Following the defendant’s objection to his detention, the case was reviewed by Branch 103 of the Criminal Court Two of Shirvan. Citing Articles 241 and 242 of the Criminal Procedure Code, the court rejected the appeal and fully upheld the detention order.

In its ruling, the court referred to the “severity of the charges,” the “degree of punishment associated with the alleged crimes,” the “necessity of ensuring security and public order,” the “report of judicial officers,” the “severity of injuries inflicted on the complainants,” and the “risk of flight by the defendant,” and deemed the continued detention of the 18-year-old protester justified on these grounds.

However, at this stage, only serious charges have been brought against this protester, and the court has rejected his appeal against detention based on the gravity of these accusations and their potential penalties. A substantive hearing and final judgment on the charges have not yet taken place.

According to information received by HRANA, during his detention this citizen has been subjected to pressure in order to obtain forced confessions. HRANA’s findings indicate that these confessions were extracted under circumstances in which the young protester did not have free access to a lawyer of his choosing.

Danial Niazi, a resident of Shirvan, was arrested with the use of violence by security forces at his family home on January 12, 2026. As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding his current place of detention.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began on Sunday, December 28, 2025, in Tehran. After two days, the protests expanded beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these demonstrations became one of the most widespread protests in 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 institutions. For more information about these protests, refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report.

Nirvana Torbati Nejad and Her Mother Arrested in Gorgan

HRANA – Today, Sunday, Nirvana Torbati-Nejad and her mother, Roghayeh (Sayeh) Amirkhani, were arrested by officers of the Public Security and Intelligence Police in Gorgan. Their arrest took place during the fortieth-day memorial ceremony of one of those killed in the protests.

Based on information received by HRANA, the two citizens were arrested today, February 22, 2026, by officers of the Golestan Province Public Security and Intelligence Police during the fortieth-day memorial ceremony for Hossein Soleimani, one of those killed in recent protests, in the city of Gorgan.

A source close to the family confirmed the news to HRANA and stated: “Nirvana’s arrest is unrelated to her previous case.”

As of the time of this report, no information is available regarding the reasons for their arrest, their place of detention, or the charges brought against them.

It is worth noting that in December of this year, Nirvana Torbati-Nejad was sentenced by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of this city to six months of discretionary imprisonment. The appeal hearing in her case is scheduled to be held on February 24, 2026, at Branch 1 of the Golestan Province Court of Appeals.

Nirvana Torbati Nejad and her mother, Roghayeh (Sayeh) Amirkhani, are residents of Gorgan.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began on Sunday, December 28, 2025, in Tehran. After two days, the protests expanded beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these demonstrations became one of the most widespread protests in 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 institutions. For more information, you may refer to HRANA’s detailed report on the fiftieth day since the beginning of the protests.

Behnam Ohadi and Mohammad Shaeri Arrested

HRANA – Yesterday, Behnam Ohadi, a psychologist, and Mohammad Shaeri, residents of Tehran, were arrested by security forces and transferred to Greater Tehran Prison.

An informed source, confirming the news, told HRANA: “On Thursday, February 19, the two citizens were arrested by security forces after attending the fortieth-day memorial ceremony for some of those killed during the recent protests at Behesht Zahra Cemetery in Tehran. They were subsequently transferred to Greater Tehran Prison.”

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the charges brought against these two Tehran residents.

Behnam Ohadi, 52, a psychologist, has previously faced arrest and conviction due to his activities.

Nationwide Protests: Arrest of Seven Citizens in Taleqan

HRANA – Seven citizens were arrested by security forces in connection with the protests in Taleqan County, Alborz Province.

Based on information received by HRANA, Alborz Sadeghian, Ali Ghorbani, Ebrahim Gharghi, Ahmad Sadat-Rasoul, Ali Shahbazi, Mohammad Akbarian, and Mostafa Vatan-Khah were detained following the January 8 protests in Taleqan. Despite more than a month having passed since their arrest, their place of detention remains unknown.

No information has yet been obtained regarding the charges brought against these individuals.

It is worth noting that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began on Sunday, December 28, in Tehran. After two days, the scope of the protests extended beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, the protests became one of the most widespread demonstrations in recent years. Following the crackdown by law enforcement and security forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security institutions. For more information, readers may refer to HRANA’s detailed report published on the fiftieth day since the start of the protests.

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Execution of Nine Prisoners on Murder and Drug-Related Charges

HRANA – At dawn yesterday, Thursday, February 19, 2026, the death sentences of at least nine prisoners were carried out in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, as well as in the prisons of Esfarayen, Sari, Bukan, Behbahan, Taybad, Bojnord, Mahshahr, and Ferdows.

According to information received by HRANA, Rahman Omari was executed in Esfarayen Prison; Mehrshad Panji in Sari Prison; Farez Babaei in Bukan Prison; Ali Jafar Sadeghi in Behbahan Prison; Milad Ghaedi in Mahshahr Prison; Rahim Mashayekhi in Ferdows Prison; and Hassan Narouie in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. These prisoners had previously been arrested on charges of murder and were subsequently sentenced to death by criminal courts.

In addition, the executions of Mokhtar Azizian in Bojnurd Prison and an Afghan national in Taybad Prison were carried out on charges related to drug offenses. Further details, including the identity of the ninth prisoner executed at dawn today, are still under investigation by HRANA.

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

According to HRA’s annual report, in 2025, at least 2,063 individuals were executed in Iran during the one-year period from January 1, 2025, to January 1, 2026. This represents a 119% increase in executions compared to 2024. In many of these cases, due to secrecy, prisoners were even deprived of the right to a final visit with their families.

Mehdi Sabeti Arrested and Transferred to Karaj Central Penitentiary

HRANA – Mehdi Sabeti, a political defendant, was arrested last week by security forces in Karaj and transferred to the city’s Central Penitentiary.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mr. Sabeti was arrested in Karaj last week and transferred to Ward 16, the security ward of the city’s Central Penitentiary. He has been formally charged with “insulting the Supreme Leader” and “propaganda against the regime.”

Mr. Sabeti had previously been released from Karaj Central Penitentiary in late April of this year on “leave connected to the end of his sentence.”

In June 2024, Branch 4 of the Revolutionary Court of Karaj sentenced him to two years in prison on the charge of “insulting the Supreme Leader” and one year in prison on the charge of “propaganda against the regime.”

The court hearing to address the charges against this political defendant was held on June 18, 2024, in the aforementioned branch, in the presence of his court-appointed lawyer.

Mr. Sabeti was arrested on September 17, 2023, by agents of the IRGC Intelligence Organization in Meshkin Dasht, located in Fardis County. He was later transferred to Karaj Central Penitentiary.

A source close to the family of this political prisoner had previously told HRANA: “A few days after his arrest, Mehdi was additionally charged during interrogation in Fardis with insulting religious sanctities, spreading falsehoods, and assaulting an officer. His case in this regard is currently under review at Branch 1 of the Criminal Court of Karaj County.”

Mehdi Sabeti, aged approximately 36, is a resident of Fardis County, Karaj.

Nationwide Protests: Arrest of 13 Citizens, Including 8 Teenagers, in Various Cities

HRANA – As mass arrests by security forces continue, the identities of 13 detainees arrested in connection with the protests have been confirmed.

Based on information received by HRANA, Sanaz Shah-Hosseini was arrested at her residence in Ekbatan, Tehran, on January 10, 2026, and transferred to Evin Prison. Additionally, Amirsam Heydarian, Amirhossein Raznahan, Arsam Safaei, Ilya Nekoouifar, Amirali Delrooz, Amirhomayoun Romina, Abolfazl Kenari, and Ali-Abbas Shamsaei Moghaddam, eight students under the age of 17, were arrested on February 14, 2026, in Yasuj by agents of the IRGC Intelligence. Mehdi Savareh-Ulia was also arrested on January 8, 2026, in Karaj by IRGC Intelligence agents. He is currently being held in a state of legal limbo in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

It should be noted that Mehdi Savareh-Ulia sustained serious injuries to his head and spine due to beatings during his arrest and interrogation. Despite his poor physical condition, he has reportedly been denied medical treatment. He was initially transferred to Ward 16 (security ward) of the Central Prison of Karaj. His arrest was carried out by agents of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

An informed source close to the families of the eight detained students confirmed the matter to HRANA, stating: “These teenagers were interrogated after their arrest, and judicial cases have been opened against them. So far, no information has been obtained regarding their place of detention.” Meanwhile, the IRGC Fath Intelligence Organization claimed in a statement that the individuals, allegedly operating as an eight-member team, were identified and arrested before taking any destructive action, as they were reportedly attempting to prepare and distribute incendiary materials and Molotov cocktails. However, the statement did not mention the ages or identities of the accused.

The Telegram channel “United Students” also reported the arrest of Ali Parvin and Mohammadamin Soltanzadeh, students at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. According to the report, the two students were arrested on Monday, February 16, by security forces and transferred to an undisclosed location.

In another development, the Telegram channel of the Coordinating Council of Iranian Teachers’ Trade Associations announced the release of a teacher named Reza Shoja Mazraji. According to the report, he was released on February 7, 2026, after posting bail set at 2 billion tomans from one of The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facilities in Sarakhs. The charges brought against him include assembly and collusion and propaganda against the regime. He had been arrested at his private residence in Sarakhs on January 9, 2026, by security forces.

So far, no information has been obtained regarding the charges against 12 of these individuals.

Among these citizens, Ali Parvin and Mohammadamin Soltanzadeh have previously faced judicial action due to their activities. Sanaz Shah-Hosseini had also been arrested during the nationwide protests of 2022. She was released from Evin Prison after one month at that time.

It is worth noting that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and market merchants began on Sunday, December 28, in Tehran and, after two days, spread beyond bazaars and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests became one of the most widespread demonstrations in recent years. Following the crackdown by law enforcement and security forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security institutions. For further information, readers may refer to HRANA’s detailed report on the fiftieth day since the beginning of the protests, published last night.

Execution of 17 Prisoners on Charges of Murder or Drug-Related Offenses

HRANA – Over the past two days, HRANA reported the execution of 17 prisoners in various prisons across the country on charges related to drug offenses or murder.

On Saturday, February 14, four prisoners were hanged in Urmia Prison on murder charges. Further details regarding this case, including the identification of these four prisoners, are still under review by HRANA.

On Sunday, February 15, Mohammadshah Rashidi and Ali Davtalab were executed on murder charges in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

On the same day, Siros Alizadeh in Nowshahr Prison, Amir Khan Mohammadi in Bandar Abbas Prison, Sohrab Daei in Ardabil Prison, a woman identified as Esmat Najafi in Qom Prison, Sasan Pazouki in Semnan Prison, and Ali Ashraf Rahmati in Borujerd Prison were also executed. These prisoners had previously been arrested on murder charges and sentenced to death by criminal courts.

Meanwhile, the executions of Ali Nouri in Naein Prison, Foroud Khalili and another prisoner in Arak Prison, Hassan Doosti in Tabriz Prison, and Mostafa Cheshmi in Qazvin Prison were carried out on charges related to drug offenses.

At the time of this report, prison authorities and relevant institutions have not officially announced the executions of these prisoners.

According to HRA’s annual report, in 2025, at least 2,063 people were executed in Iran. Based on this report, the implementation of death sentences increased by 119% compared to the year 2024. In many of these executions, due to secrecy and lack of transparency, prisoners were even deprived of the right to a final visit with their families.

Day 50 of the Protests: Intensification of Security Prosecutions and Uncertainty Regarding the Status of Detainees

HRANA – According to HRANA’s latest aggregated data as of the end of the fiftieth day since the beginning of the protests, the total number of confirmed fatalities has reached 7,015. Of these, 6,508 individuals have been registered under the category of “protesters.” A total of 226 of those killed were under the age of 18. Additionally, 214 members of military/government forces and 67 “non-military, non-protester” individuals have been reported dead. Another 11,744 cases remain under review.

During the same period, 25,845 civilian injuries have been recorded. The total number of arrests stands at 53,552, including 144 student arrests. Authorities have documented 355 cases of forced confessions and 11,053 summonses. A total of 676 protest-related incidents have been registered across 210 cities in 31 provinces.

Today’s developments centered on four key issues: the controversy surrounding security institutions’ access to information on injured protesters; the Speaker of Parliament’s candid remarks on poverty amid growing public discontent; official statements addressing the arrests of school and university students; and the ongoing arrests and security crackdowns in various cities, according to HRANA’s reports.

The Ministry of Health Opposes the Tehran Security Council’s Request

Homayoun Sameh-Yah Najafabadi, a member of Parliament’s Health Commission, announced that the Ministry of Health, in a confidential correspondence, rejected a request by the Tehran County Security Council for access to the medical records of individuals injured during the protests. According to him, the ministry emphasized that no one is entitled to access patients’ names or medical files without following due legal procedures, and that individuals’ medical information is confidential.

These remarks come amid earlier reports of injured protesters expressing concerns about seeking hospital treatment, as well as claims that security institutions had exerted pressure to identify and pursue those wounded. At the same time, the MP referred to protesters as “rioters” and asserted that the Ministry of Health had instructed that all injured individuals be treated free of charge, regardless of their identity. However, no details were provided regarding the number of cases requested by the Security Council or the scope of the demand.

Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly: 34 Percent of Iran’s Population Lives in Poverty

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Parliament), stated during an open parliamentary session that, based on available data, 34 percent of Iran’s population lives in poverty or absolute poverty. Criticizing the current subsidy decile classification system, he said that this categorization “bears no relation to people’s purchasing power or their actual economic conditions” and called for its revision.

This statistic was raised amid the recent protests, which have emerged against a backdrop of economic grievances, inflation, and declining purchasing power. Referring to the “Iranian Welfare System” database, Ghalibaf noted that the largest share of the population falls within a cluster consisting of individuals who are poor or at risk of absolute poverty. Although he did not explicitly attribute the protests to this rise in poverty, the timing of his remarks points to the significant role of economic factors in the emergence of the recent unrest.

Government Spokesperson: Arrests of School Students Have Occurred

Fatemeh Mohajerani, the government spokesperson, in response to a question regarding the arrest of school students during the recent protests, confirmed that such arrests have taken place. She stated that the government emphasizes the observance of the rights of individuals under the age of 18 in accordance with the law, and announced the launch of “crisis management hotlines” as well as the deployment of psychological support teams to schools.

However, she declined to provide any specific figures regarding the number of students detained, and offered no details about their current status, place of detention, or the number of those released. She also did not give a clear explanation when asked about allegations that some students had been accused of acting as “leaders.”

According to HRANA’s aggregated data, as of the end of the fiftieth day, 226 children have been recorded among the fatalities, and the proportion of arrests involving school students and minors has increased in recent weeks.

Minister of Science: Some Students Remain in Detention

Saeed Habiba, Deputy Minister of Science and Head of the Student Affairs Organization, stated that while a number of detained university students have been released, others remain in custody. He added that the Minister of Science is actively following up on the matter through the relevant authorities, though precise figures cannot be disclosed at this time.

At the same time, Hossein Simaei-Sarraf, Minister of Science, confirmed that the status of students who were absent from exams due to detention is under review, and that arrangements will be made for them to retake their examinations. He added that, except for those whose alleged offenses have been “proven,” other students will be released.

According to HRANA’s statistics, the number of detained students has reached 144 as of the end of the fiftieth day, an indication that universities continue to be among the primary sites of security crackdowns in the context of the protests.

Arrests and Security Measures

Reports released by HRANA on the fiftieth day point to the ongoing wave of arrests across multiple cities. In one report, the arrest of Hamid Norouzi, a lawyer, in Shiraz; Morteza Khazri in Bandar Ganaveh; Reza Khasi, a physician, in Malekshahi; and Ali Balaei in Eslamabad-e Gharb by security forces was confirmed. Additionally, Sohrab Pournazeri, a composer and singer, was detained for several hours upon returning to Iran; a judicial case was opened against him and his passport was confiscated. The same report noted that Reza Moslemi, a teachers’ union activist, was released from Hamedan Prison, and Mohsen Aminzadeh, a political activist, was released from Evin Prison on bail.

In another report, at least 10 citizens, including five women, were arrested in connection with the protests. Mousa al-Reza Alavi, an 18-year-old athlete; Mahdieh Yousefi; Samira Shokouhi-Nasab; Aida Ataei; Tina Fereshteh, 18; and Bahar Sajadi were arrested in Sabzevar. Amir Ali Amiri, 22, was arrested in Gorgan; Hadi Molayjerdi, 25, in Jowin; Hassan Ghasemabadi, known as Elias, a CrossFit coach, in Neyshabur; and Mohammadreza Marandi in Fariman were also detained by security forces.

Further reports indicated the arrest of seven other citizens. Khashayar Rezvani was arrested in Tehran; Peyman Rahmani in Kamyaran; and Saman Nourmohammadi, Milad Shahbazi, Mojtaba Yazdani, Majid Habibzadeh, and Behnam Zafari in Masal. It was announced that Rezvani’s detention order has been extended for one month, and that he faces charges including propaganda against the system and assembly and collusion against national security. He reportedly suffers from a lung condition and has been denied adequate access to medical care.

In Tabriz, Danial Mohammadi-Amani, a medical student, was summoned through an official notice to Branch Three of the Investigative Prosecutor’s Office at the Judge Tabatabaei Judicial Complex.

Taken together, these cases, along with the cumulative figures of 53,552 arrests, including 144 students, and 11,053 summonses, demonstrate that on the fiftieth day, security, judicial, and administrative actions against protesters and those associated with the protests remained ongoing, targeting a broad range of individuals, including lawyers, physicians, labor activists, students, and minors.

Updated (Cumulative) Statistics as of the End of the Fiftieth Day Since the Start of the Protests

• Total number of locations across cities: 676

• Number of cities (without duplication): 210

• Number of provinces (without duplication): 31

Fatalities

• Total protesters: 6,508

▪️ Including children: 226
▪️ Military/government forces: 214
▪️ Non-civilian, non-protester: 67

• Grand total: 7,015

• Under review: 11,744

Other Statistics

• Injured civilians: 25,845

• Total arrests: 53,552

• Student arrests: 144

• Forced confessions: 355

• Summonses: 11,053

It should be noted that the confirmed figures for those killed represent the minimum verifiable numbers, while estimates of the total number of fatalities indicate significantly higher rates.

Summary

A summary of developments on the fiftieth day is as follows: the continuation of dispersed yet widespread arrests across various provinces; official ambiguity regarding the number of detained school and university students; and the Speaker of Parliament raising the issue of structural poverty amid the protests.

At the institutional level, the Ministry of Health’s opposition to providing information about the injured to the Provincial Security Council has been assessed as a sign of tension between security considerations and the principles of medical confidentiality.

Overall, the cumulative data indicate that the scale of arrests, summonses, and casualties remains extensive. The broader picture of the protests on the fiftieth day reflects the persistence of security measures alongside mounting social and economic pressures.