Tag: HRANA

Mehdi Farid Executed on Espionage Charges

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News
Ghezel Hesar, HRANA, Mehdi Farid, مهدی فرید

HRANA – The Judiciary’s media center announced that Mehdi Farid, a prisoner accused of espionage, was executed early this morning. Mr. Farid, who had been an employee of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, had been sentenced to death on charges of “corruption on earth through collaboration with Israel.”

According to a report by Mizan, Mehdi Farid was executed at dawn on Wednesday, April 22, after his sentence was upheld by the Supreme Court. The Judiciary’s media center claims that Mr. Farid had been working in one of the institutions affiliated with passive defense and had established contact on Internet, with an individual mentioned as a “Mossad officer.” The report alleges that after initial contact through email, he gradually entered into intelligence cooperation and provided information regarding organizational structure, infrastructure, and personnel details.

The judiciary has stated that the case evidence included the “defendant’s confessions,” reports from security agencies, and analysis of electronic equipment. Based on these, the court deemed the actions attributed to Mehdi Farid as constituting “corruption on earth” and issued the death sentence.

The statement does not mention the location where the execution was carried out. However, on November 11 of 2025, HRANA had reported that this prisoner was transferred from Evin Prison to Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

Mehdi Farid, born in Arak, was approximately 55 years old. He was arrested in the winter of 2023. In the initial trial, he had been sentenced to 10 years in prison and restitution of property. However, following the prosecutor’s objection, the case entered a new phase, and the Tehran Province Court of Appeals sentenced him to death on charges of cooperation with Israel.

It is worth noting that following the outbreak of military conflict between the United States–Israel and Iran, which began on February 28, 2026, the execution of prisoners with political-security charges has accelerated.

Ardestan: Four Citizens Arrested in Connection with January Protests

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ardestan, HRANA, Isfahan

HRANA – The Law Enforcement Command of Isfahan Province has announced the arrest of four citizens in Ardestan County in connection with the December–January protests.

According to Mehr, four citizens have been arrested in Ardestan. The Law Enforcement Command of Isfahan Province stated that the arrests were carried out in connection with the January protests. No details were provided regarding the charges against the detainees.

The report does not mention the exact time of the arrests or the identities of the detained citizens.

t 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.

Sentences Issued for 22 Defendants to Long-Term Imprisonment in Two Provinces

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, January Protests

HRANA – The Judiciary’s Media Center has announced the issuance of long-term prison sentences for 22 defendants in two provinces of the country. According to the report, eight of them have been sentenced to more than 10 years in prison, while 14 others have received sentences of less than 10 years, along with additional penalties. However, no details have been published regarding the identities of the convicted individuals or the exact charges against them.

According to Mizan, 22 defendants in several cases across two provinces have been sentenced to long-term imprisonment. Based on the report, eight of the defendants received sentences exceeding 10 years in prison, while 14 others were sentenced to less than 10 years, accompanied by supplementary punishments.

The Judiciary’s Media Center stated that these individuals were prosecuted on charges of “cooperation with an enemy,” and the mentioned sentences were issued following proceedings in competent courts.

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: Amir-Ali Mirjafari Executed

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Executions, News
Amir-Ali Mirjafari, Amirali Mirjafari, HRANA

HRANA – The death sentence of Amir-Ali Mirjafari, arrested during the December–January 2026 protests, was carried out early this morning. He had faced charges during the judicial process including “espionage” and “acting against national security.”

According to Mizan, Amir-Ali Mirjafari was hanged at dawn today after his death sentence was upheld by the Supreme Court. Based on the report, this citizen was arrested during the Dey protests and, in the course of judicial proceedings, was sentenced to death on charges such as “operational actions for the Zionist regime and hostile governments” and cooperation with what were described as “networks affiliated with Mossad.”

In the report, he is described as a “leader of a network,” and accusations against him include directing protest actions and maintaining contact with foreign intelligence entities. The alleged charges cited include setting fire to the Qolhak Grand Mosque, destroying public property such as buses and motorcycles, blocking roads by burning trash bins, and attacking security forces with cold weapons.

The report claims that court sessions were held in the presence of the defendant and his lawyer, and that the issued verdict was approved by the Supreme Court after completing legal procedures.

It is also claimed that the defendant’s active presence in the protests was established through “technical examinations” and “visual documentation,” which were used as evidence in the case. However, no independent details are available regarding how this evidence was examined or whether it could be verified through a transparent judicial process.

It is worth noting that following the outbreak of military conflict between the United States–Israel and Iran, which began on February 28, 2026, the execution of prisoners with political-security charges has accelerated.

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.

Report on the Arrest of a Citizen in Malard County

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Malard

HRANA – A citizen in Malard County has been arrested on charges of “propaganda against the regime on social media and cooperation with anti-government groups.”

According to Mehr News Agency, a citizen has been arrested in Malard, Tehran Province. Judicial authorities in the county announced that a man, approximately 33 years old, was arrested on charges of “propaganda against the system on social media and cooperation with anti-government groups.”

Based on the report, the social media accounts belonging to this citizen have also been deleted, and he has been handed over to judicial authorities.

The report does not mention the identity of the arrested individual or his place of detention.

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Human Rights Activist Nasrin Sotoudeh Remains in Intelligence Detention

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News, Prisoners
HRANA, Mehraveh Khadem, Nasrin Sotoudeh, نسرین ستوده

HRANA – Nasrin Sotoudeh, a lawyer and human rights activist, has been in detention for 18 days after being arrested by agents of the Intelligence Department in Tehran, and is being held in a state of uncertainty in one of The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility.

Mehraveh Khadem, Ms. Sotoudeh’s child, stated in a post that her mother, during a phone call on Saturday, April 18, said she is being held in one of The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility. Khadem added: “Apparently, she was either not allowed to disclose her exact place of detention or did not know it herself. Therefore, we still do not know where she is being held, but the Ministry of Intelligence bears responsibility for any harm that may come to her.”

So far, no information has been obtained regarding the reasons for her arrest or the charges against Nasrin Sotoudeh.

Ms. Sotoudeh was arrested on the evening of Wednesday, April 1, at her home in Tehran. At the time of her arrest, electronic devices including her laptop and mobile phones, as well as those of her spouse, were confiscated by agents.

Nasrin Sotoudeh, a lawyer and human rights activist, has previously been arrested and convicted due to her activities.

Police Commander Announces Arrest of At Least 1,800 People

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
Ahmadreza Radan, HRANA

HRANA – The Commander-in-Chief of Iran’s Law Enforcement Force has announced the arrest of at least 1,800 individuals as part of a crackdown on what he described as “hostile elements, espionage, and disruptive actors.”

Ahmadreza Radan stated that these individuals were detained in connection with activities such as alleged “criminal” actions in cyberspace, publishing images of sensitive locations, communication with opposition groups, and participation in protests. According to Ahmadreza Radan, more than 900 others have also been “identified or dealt with.”

According to Fars News Agency, Radan discussed a series of security and policing measures in recent months during a televised interview last night. Based on  his statements, more than 700 individuals identified as “monarchist elements and affiliated online networks” have been arrested. Additionally, over 400 people were detained on charges of “collecting and publishing images and information from strike locations and transferring operational data.”

In another part of the report, Radan stated that more than 200 individuals were arrested for using “technical and network tools for destructive activities.” Furthermore, over 400 people were detained in connection with protests, and at least 100 others were arrested for alleged links to what he described as “terrorist groups and services.”

He also reported that more than 900 individuals in the field of cyberspace have been “identified or dealt with,” claiming that they were involved in “disturbing public opinion or supporting disruptive actions.” No precise details have been provided regarding the nature of these actions or how many of these individuals were actually arrested.

The Commander-in-Chief further claimed the discovery of more than 3,000 firearms and the seizure of over 6,000 pieces of what he described as “espionage equipment,” presenting these as outcomes of law enforcement and security operations.

As of the time of this report, no independent information has been released regarding the geographic distribution of these arrests, the identities of those detained, their places of detention, the legal process of their cases, or their access to legal counsel. Additional details about the alleged activities and supporting evidence have also not been made available.

IRGC Intelligence Organization: At least 127 People Arrested in Three Provinces

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other, Religious Minorities
East Azerbaijan, HRANA, IRGC Intelligence, Kerman, Mazandaran

HRANA – The IRGC Intelligence Organization has announced the identification and arrest of at least 127 individuals in the provinces of East Azerbaijan, Kerman, and Mazandaran. The organization claims that these individuals, including media activists, Baha’i citizens, people affiliated with opposition groups, and “spy teams”, were involved in activities linked to what it described as “networks affiliated with foreign governments.”

According to a report by Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), the IRGC Intelligence Organization announced in a statement the arrest of dozens of individuals. The organization stated that “cells affiliated with the United States, Israel, and the United Kingdom” had been identified and “dismantled” in the provinces of East Azerbaijan, Kerman, and Mazandaran. In the statement, those arrested were accused of actions such as “network-building, espionage, market disruption, and planning unrest.”

According to the claims made, seven individuals were arrested in East Azerbaijan province for alleged connections with “monarchist” groups. In Mazandaran province, authorities reported the arrest of 69 individuals who, according to the organization, face accusations including ties to anti-government movements and so-called “economic mercenary” activities.

The report further states that the IRGC Intelligence Organization in Kerman province announced the identification and action taken against 51 individuals. It claimed that among them were three “spy teams” linked to foreign intelligence services, two groups of Baha’i citizens, a four-member “armed operational cell affiliated with monarchist groups,” and six media operatives connected to the “Iran International” network. According to the organization, these individuals were attempting to disrupt the market and organize unrest through contacts outside the country.

The statement also claimed that quantities of weapons and communication equipment were discovered at locations where these individuals were held.

As of the time of this report, no independent information has been released regarding the identities of those arrested, their place of detention, or the legal process of their cases. Additionally, despite the scale of the reported figures and the accusations made, no specific details have been provided regarding the evidence for these charges, the manner of the arrests, or the exact nature of their alleged connections.

Report on the Arrest of Four Female Protesters During the January Protests

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News, Prisoners
Adelabad Prison, Ghazal Ghodrat, HRANA, Kamelia Nazari, Negin Azad, Saghar Ghodrat, Shiraz

HRANA – Negin Azad, Kamelia Nazari, Saghar Ghodrat, and Ghazal Ghodrat, four citizens who were arrested during the January protests in Shiraz, were released from Adelabad Prison in March under electronic ankle monitor supervision after going through detention, trial, and sentencing.

A source close to Negin Azad’s family told HRANA that at the time of arrest, the women were shot with paintball pellets in front of their home, causing physical injuries. The source also stated that “although no reports of physical mistreatment inside the prison have been raised, there has been psychological pressure, and in some cases, such as injury to one detainee’s ear, adequate medical care was not provided.”

Their arrests took place during the nationwide January protests in Shiraz. Following their detention, a joint case was opened against them, and judicial proceedings on the charges began.

In the initial trial, the judicial authority sentenced each of the four women to five years in prison on the charge of “disrupting public order.” After they appealed, the Fars Province Court of Appeals reviewed the case and ultimately reduced the sentence, sentencing each of them to two years of imprisonment to be served outside prison under electronic monitoring.

According to information received by HRANA, the four women were released from Adelabad Prison in late March 2026 under the new ruling, with electronic monitoring in place. Their release does not nullify their convictions, and the sentences will continue to be enforced in an alternative form outside prison.

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.

22 Citizens Arrested Over Alleged Connections with Foreign Media in Khuzestan

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Khuzestan

HRANA – The Khuzestan Police Information Center announced that 22 citizens have been arrested in the province for alleged connections with foreign media outlets.

According to ISNA, 22 citizens were arrested in Khuzestan Province. The Khuzestan Police Information Center described the detained individuals as “deceived elements and mercenaries affiliated with hostile media networks.”

According to the report, these citizens were arrested in various cities across the province with “judicial coordination.”

The report does not provide any information regarding the identities or place of detention of the arrested citizens.

It is worth noting that the U.S. and Israeli military attacks on Iran began on February 28, 2026, and on April 8, 2026, a two-week ceasefire between the parties was announced. Since the beginning of these attacks, HRANA has been documenting and recording related incidents across different parts of the country on a daily basis. For further information, readers may refer to HRANA’s detailed reports covering the forty days of the conflict.