Tag: HRANA

Ghezel Hesar Prisoners’ Hunger Strike Enters Tenth Day

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Executions, News, Prisoners
Ghezel Hesar Prisoners, HRANA, Hunger Strike, زندان قزل حصار

HRANA  – Yesterday, July 22, 2026, prisoners held in Ward 2 of Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj entered the tenth consecutive day of their protest against executions. The prisoners have continued both their sit-in and their refusal to accept prison food in response to the transfer of six inmates to solitary confinement for the implementation of their death sentences.

According to HRANA, the hunger strike by prisoners in Ward 2 of Ghezel Hesar Prison, which began on Monday, July 13, 2026, after six prisoners sentenced to death were transferred to solitary confinement, continued today.

Based on information received by HRANA, the prisoners gathered in the ward hall on Wednesday and once again refused to receive prison meals, marking the tenth day of their hunger strike. The protesting prisoners stated their opposition to the implementation of death sentences, particularly in cases involving drug-related offenses.

In recent days, videos recorded inside Ghezel Hesar Prison have also emerged, showing scenes from the prisoners’ hunger strike and sit-in.

The protests began on Monday, July 13, following the transfer of six prisoners sentenced to death in drug-related cases to solitary confinement. The move prompted a collective response from prisoners in Ward 2, who have continued their hunger strike and sit-in ever since.

It is worth noting that HRANA also reported last year on similar hunger strikes by a number of prisoners at Ghezel Hesar Prison protesting the implementation of death sentences.

A video showing yesterday’s sit-in and hunger strike by the prisoners of Ghezel Hesar Prison is provided below.

Political Prisoner Amirhassan Akbari Monfared Sentenced to Death

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Executions, News, Prisoners
Abolghasem Salavati, Amirhassan Akbari Monfared, Amirhossein Akbari Monfared, Evin Prison, HRANA, Mohammad Akbari Monfared, Zeinab Akbari Monfared, امیرحسن اکبری منفرد

HRANA – Amirhassan Akbari Monfared, a political prisoner held in Evin Prison, has been sentenced to death by Judge Abolghasem Salavati on the charge of baghi (armed rebellion).

According to HRANA, 27-year-old Amirhassan Akbari Monfared has been sentenced to death.

According to a verdict issued by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, and served on Mr. Akbari Monfared two days ago, he was sentenced to death on the charge of baghi (armed rebellion) through alleged membership in the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (MEK). He is currently imprisoned in Evin Prison and had previously stood trial before the same court.

Amirhossein Akbari Monfared was arrested alongside his father, Mohammad Akbari Monfared, and his brother and sister, Amir hossein and Zeinab Akbari Monfared, by Ministry of Intelligence agents in Karaj during the winter of 2025. The three other family members were later released on bail.

So far, no information has been made available regarding the details of the charges brought against the other members of the family. However, a source previously informed HRANA that they are facing security-related charges.

Mohammad Akbari Monfared, aged approximately 58, Amirhassan Akbari Monfared, 33, Zeinab Akbari Monfared, 30, and Amirhossein Akbari Monfared, 27, are residents of Karaj.

Baha’i Citizen Arman Misaghian Sentenced to Two Years in Prison

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News, Religious Minorities
Arman Misaghian, Baha'i citizen, HRANA, Seyed Ali Mazloum, آرمان میثاقیان

HRANA – Arman Misaghian, a Baha’i citizen, has been sentenced by the Tehran Revolutionary Court to two years of discretionary imprisonment, along with additional punitive measures.

According to HRANA, Arman Misaghian, a Baha’i citizen, has been sentenced to prison.

Based on information received by HRANA, Branch 29 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced Arman Misaghian to one year of discretionary imprisonment on the charge of “propaganda against the regime” and an additional one year on the charge of “insulting the Supreme Leader.” As supplementary punishment, the court also banned him for two years from driving, signing commercial documents, and membership in groups.

The case was presided over by Judge Seyed Ali Mazloum.

So far, no information has been made available regarding the specific conduct underlying the charges brought against this citizen.

Over the past decade, Iran’s Baha’i community has been subjected to more security-related and judicial persecution than any other religious minority in the country. According to HRA’s annual reports, an average of 62.41% of all reported violations of the rights of religious minorities during the past year involved violations of the rights of Baha’i citizens.

January 2026 Protests: Mahnam Navab Safavi Sentenced to Death

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Executions, News
HRANA, January 2026 Protests, Mahnam Navab Safavi, moharebeh, مهنام نواب صفوی

HRANA – Mehnam Navab Safavi, arrested during the nationwide protests of January 2026 who is currently imprisoned in Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan, was sentenced to death by Branch 5 of the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan on the charge of moharebeh (“enmity against God”).

According to HRANA, Mahnam Navab Safavi, one of the detainees from the nationwide protests of January 2026, has been sentenced to death.

Based on information obtained by HRANA, Branch 5 of the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan, presided over by Judge Hemati-Nejad, sentenced Mr. Navab Safavi to death on charges including moharebeh through alleged involvement in “the destruction of public property,” “propaganda against the regime,” “assembly and collusion against national security,” and “encouraging people to commit murder.”

A source informed and close to the family of this citizen confirmed the news in a conversation with HRANA, stating that one of the alleged acts cited against Mr. Navab Safavi was writing slogans.

Mahnam Navab Safavi, 22, is a Persian-language rapper and a resident of Isfahan. He was arrested on January 10, 2026, during the nationwide protests in the Sheikh Sadough area of Isfahan and was later transferred to Dastgerd Prison in this city.

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.

Younes Nabizadeh Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Urmia, Younes Nabizadeh, یونس نبی زاده

HRANA – Younes Nabizadeh, a resident of Urmia, was sentenced to 10 years in prison by Branch One of the Revolutionary Court of this city.

According to a report by Kolber News, Younes Nabizadeh has been sentenced to imprisonment.

Based on this report, Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Urmia, presided over by Judge Najafzadeh, sentenced this citizen to 10 years and one day in prison on the charge of alleged membership in one of the opposition groups.

Previously, Mr. Nabizadeh’s court hearing was held via video conference in the same judicial branch.

In June 2024, Nabizadeh was arrested by security forces in Urmia and was later transferred to one of the Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facilities in this city.

The report did not provide further details regarding this citizen’s current place of detention.

Younes Nabizadeh, 37, is married and the father of two children. He is originally from Delo village in the Dizaj Dol region of Urmia County.

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January 2026 Protests: Mohammad Abed-Raftar Sentenced to 21 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, January 2026 Protests, Javad Kamali, Mohammad Abed-Raftar, Shahin-Shahr, محمد عابد رفتار

HRANA – Branch 47 of the Isfahan Province Court of Appeals has sentenced Mohammad Abed-Raftar, arrested during the January 2026 protests, to 21 years in prison and a two-year ban on residing in Isfahan Province. He had previously received the same prison sentence and a permanent ban on residing in Isfahan Province at the trial court level.

According to HRANA, Mohammad Abed-Raftar has been sentenced to 21 years in prison.

According to a ruling issued and served on July 2, 2026, by Branch 47 of the Isfahan Province Court of Appeals, Abed-Raftar was sentenced to one year in prison for “propaganda against the regime”; five years for “incitement and encouragement to wage war and commit killings”; five years in prison for “assembly and collusion to commit crimes against national security” and Ten years for “attempting to manufacture unconventional devices (Molotov cocktails) with the intent of cooperating with hostile states.”

As an additional punishment, he was also sentenced to a two-year ban on residing in Isfahan Province.

According to information received by HRANA, his case has now been referred to the sentence enforcement office.

On April 26, 2026, Abed-Raftar was tried before Branch 102 of the Shahin Shahr and Meymeh Criminal Court Two. On the same day, the court sentenced him to 21 years in prison and a permanent ban on residing in Isfahan Province. The ruling was issued by Javad Kamali, the judge responsible for handling cases within the jurisdiction of the Revolutionary Court in Shahin Shahr.

Although the charges fell within the jurisdiction of the Revolutionary Court, the case was heard by the Shahin Shahr Criminal Court because the city does not have an independent Revolutionary Court.

Abed-Raftar was arrested by security forces on January 8, 2026, and was ultimately released in March after posting 50 billion rials (5 billion tomans) in bail.

Mohammad Abed-Raftar, aged approximately 29, is a resident of Shahin Shahr, Isfahan Province.

January 2026 Protests: Mehdi Khanki Executed

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Executions, News
HRANA, January 2026 Protests, Mehdi Khanki, مهدی خانکی

HRANA – The Judiciary’s Media Center announced today that the death sentence of Mehdi Khanki, one of those arrested in connection with the Janauary 2026 nationwide protests, has been carried out. According to the state-run outlet, Khanki had previously been sentenced to death on charges of “carrying out operational activities on behalf of Israel, the United States, and hostile groups.”

Mizan, Iran’s Judiciary’s Media Center, announced today that Mehdi Khanki, one of those arrested in connection with the January 2026 protests, has been executed. According to Mizan, a branch of the Karaj Revolutionary Court had sentenced him to death and the confiscation of all his property under the Law on Intensifying Punishments for Espionage and Cooperation with the Zionist Regime and Hostile States Against National Security and Interests.
The charges against him included “carrying out operational activities on behalf of Israel, the United States, and hostile groups” and “manufacturing, obtaining, and possessing firearms and military ammunition, and using them.” The Judiciary stated that his sentence was carried out after being upheld by the Supreme Court.

According to the Judiciary’s claims, Mehdi Khanki was arrested at his residence in Karaj on February 10, 2026, by officers of the Alborz Province Police Intelligence Organization. Authorities alleged that firearms, ammunition, and explosive materials were discovered during a search of his home. The Judiciary further claimed that, during the judicial proceedings, he admitted to membership in a group opposed to the Islamic Republic, possession of firearms and military ammunition, manufacturing explosives, and distributing weapons during the protests.

The report did not provide further details, including the date or location of Khanki’s execution.

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.

Two Women Sentenced to Prison, Flogging, and Internal Exile in Qorveh

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Neda Dadehjani, Qorveh, Setayesh Sarabi, ستایش سرابی, قروه, ندا دده جانی

HRANA – Neda Dadehjani and Setayesh (Behnoosh) Sarabi, two residents of Qorveh who were arrested in connection with the January 2026 protests, have been sentenced by the Revolutionary and Criminal Courts of Qorveh to a combined total of six years in prison, 62 lashes, and four years of internal exile to Nik Shahr County.

According to HRANA, citing Kolbar News, two citizens in Qorveh have been sentenced to prison, flogging, and internal exile.

According to the report, Branch 102 of the Qorveh Criminal Court convicted Neda Dadehjani and Setayesh (Behnoosh) Sarabi on the charge of “disrupting public order and peace.” Each was sentenced to one year in prison, 31 lashes, and two years of internal exile to Nik Shahr County.

In a separate part of their case, Branch One of the Qorveh Revolutionary Court convicted both women of “assembly and collusion to commit crimes against national security,” sentencing each to an additional two years in prison.

Based on the final ruling, each woman received a sentence of three years’ imprisonment, 31 lashes, and two years of internal exile. Under the final judgment, two years of each prison sentence are enforceable.

The two women were arrested by security forces in connection with the nationwide protests held in January 2026.

Neda Dadehjani, who is active in theater, had previously won an award at a regional theater festival for persons with disabilities. Setayesh (Behnoosh) Sarabi is a resident of Qorveh.

January 2026 Protests: Supreme Court Overturns Death Sentence of Ali Fattah

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Executions, News, Prisoners
Ali Fattah, Ali Kamali, Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, Iman Afshari, January 2026 Protests, علی فتاح, علی کمالی

HRANA – The death sentence issued against Ali Fattah (Kamali), arrested during the January 2026 protests, has been overturned by the Supreme Court. He had previously been sentenced to death by Judge Iman Afshari.

According to HRANA, the Supreme Court has overturned the death sentence imposed on Ali Fattah (Kamali), one of the detainees arrested during the January 2026 protests.

Based on information received by HRANA, the Supreme Court overturned the political prisoner’s death sentence some time ago.

A source familiar with the case told HRANA: “Following the onset of serious mental health issues, Ali Fattah (Kamali) is currently hospitalized at Razi Psychiatric Teaching and Treatment Hospital (Aminabad). He had previously been transferred to the same facility once before to receive medical treatment.”

Ali Fattah (Kamali) was arrested in Tehran on January 12, 2026, during the nationwide protests. Holding a Malaysian student residence permit, he had returned to Iran only a few days before his arrest.

Following his arrest, he was held at Greater Tehran Penitentiary before being transferred to Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj in late June.

In May of this year, Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, sentenced him to death on the charge of “enmity against God” (moharebeh).

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.

Baha’i Citizen Shideh Tavakkoli Sentenced to Prison and Additional Punishments

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News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizen, HRANA, Shideh Tavakkoli

HRANA – Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court has sentenced Baha’i citizen Shideh Tavakkoli to 11 years in prison, permanent deprivation of employment in government and public service, and a monetary fine. The court also ordered the confiscation of part of her property.

According to HRANA, Shideh Tavakkoli has been sentenced to imprisonment and additional punishments.

According to the ruling issued by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, Ms. Tavakkoli was sentenced to 10 years in prison, permanent deprivation of employment in government and public service, and a fine of 3.3 billion rials (330 million tomans) on charges of membership in anti-state groups and propaganda activities contrary to Islamic law. She was also sentenced to one additional year in prison on the charge of propaganda against the state.

The court further ordered the confiscation of two properties belonging to her in Tehran, valued at 18.7 billion tomans, as well as part of her personal belongings, including electronic devices, books, and religious items.

The verdict was issued by the court on May 20, 2026, and served on Ms. Tavakkoli on May 26, 2026.

Shideh Tavakkoli was arrested by security forces at her home in Tehran on May 27, 2025. After the completion of interrogations, she was temporarily released from prison on bail.

Over the past decade, Iran’s Baha’i community has been subjected to more security-related and judicial persecution than any other religious minority in the country. According to annual reports published by HRA, 62.41% of all reported violations of the rights of religious minorities during the past calendar year involved Baha’is, on average.