January 2026 Protests: Vahid Khan Sanami Sentenced to Death

HRANA – Vahid Khan Sanami, arrested during the nationwide protests of January 2026 and currently imprisoned in Greater Tehran Prison, has been sentenced to death by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court on the charge of moharebeh (enmity against God).

According to HRANA, Vahid Khan Sanami, who was arrested during the January 2026 nationwide protests, has been sentenced to death.

Based on information received by HRANA, Vahid Khan Sanami was sentenced to death by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, on the charge of moharebeh.

A source familiar with the case and close to Sanami’s family confirmed the news in an interview with HRANA, stating that his trial was held in May of this year.

Vahid Khan Sanami was arrested in March of last year in connection with the January 2026 nationwide protests and is currently being held in Greater Tehran Prison.

Woman and Several Others Arrested After Semi-Nude Appearance in Yazd

HRANA – The Public Relations Office of the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Yazd has announced the arrest of a woman who appeared semi-nude in the city, along with several individuals involved in recording and publishing a video of her, accusing them of what it described as “violating social norms.”

According to HRANA, citing IRIB News, several citizens, including a woman, have been arrested in Yazd.

The Public Relations Office of the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Yazd claimed that following the circulation of a video showing a semi-nude woman in Yazd’s Ghadir Park, where she allegedly engaged in “norm-breaking” behavior, the prosecutor’s office launched a special investigation into the case.

According to the authorities, following legal procedures and under a judicial order, the woman and several individuals who had recorded and shared the video were identified and arrested.

The report did not provide further details, including the identities of those arrested, the exact number of detainees, or where they are being held.

Lawyer Astareh Ansari Remains Detained Despite Urgent Medical Needs

HRANA – Astareh (Maryam) Ansari, a lawyer, has been held in a state of legal uncertainty for nearly two months in Adelabad Prison in Shiraz, without adherence to the principle of separation of prisoners based on the nature of their alleged offenses. She suffers from an autoimmune disease and requires regular treatment and urgent medical attention, raising growing concerns among her family and relatives about her physical condition.

According to information received by HRANA, Astareh Ansari, who suffers from an autoimmune disease, is currently being forced to sleep on the floor and is being held in Adelabad Prison in Shiraz without observance of the principle of separating prisoners according to the nature of their alleged offenses. She has also been denied access to adequate medical treatment and healthcare. Ms. Ansari’s detention order remains valid until July 5, and her family has expressed concern that it may be extended once again. Given her underlying medical condition and continued deprivation of specialized medical care, her ongoing detention has further intensified her family’s concerns about her health.

A source familiar with the matter confirmed the report to HRANA, stating: “This lawyer is facing the charge of ‘propaganda activity against the regime,’ based on Article 4 of the Law on Intensifying the Punishment for Espionage, and her case is currently under review by the judicial authorities in Fars Province.”

Ms. Ansari was arrested at her home in Shiraz by security forces on the evening of May 3, 2026.

Astareh (Maryam) Ansari, a lawyer, was previously arrested during the 2022 nationwide protests in Iran.

Monthly Report – June 2026: Human Rights Situation in Iran

This report provides a statistical overview of human rights violations documented by HRANA during the month of June. Regarding inhuman punishments as a form of human rights violation, HRANA’s reports for this month indicate that at least eight individuals were sentenced to a total of 140 lashes.

Executions
During this month, at least 113 executions were carried out in Iranian prisons—more than double the number recorded in the previous month. Among those executed were two women and four Afghan nationals. The gender of 13 executed prisoners remains unknown, reflecting the Iranian judiciary’s lack of transparency and failure to provide adequate information.

Of the 113 prisoners executed, 55 had been sentenced on murder charges, 41 on drug-related charges, two on rape charges, and four on non-political charges of moharebeh (enmity against God). In addition to these cases, four other individuals, Javad Zamani, Abolfazl Saeedi, Mehrdad Mohammadinia, and Ashkan Maleki, were executed in connection with the January 2026 protests on political charges and/or charges of moharebeh. The charges against the remaining eight executed prisoners remain unknown.

Freedom of Thought and Expression

During June, 778 individuals were arrested, primarily by security forces, for exercising their freedom of expression and belief. Reports indicate that at least seven arrests were carried out without a judicial warrant. In addition, seven individuals were summoned to security institutions and 13 others were summoned to court on similar grounds. Security forces also searched the homes of at least seven citizens and interrogated three others.

During the same month, six individuals stood trial on charges related to the exercise of freedom of expression and belief. The judiciary also issued rulings against 65 individuals in violation of their right to freedom of expression. In total, 2,685 months of imprisonment were handed down. Courts also imposed a combined 24 months of internal exile, 18 travel bans, 16 cases of deprivation of social rights, and 746 lashes.

Reports also documented the beating of two individuals by police and security forces. Additionally, the property of 415 citizens was confiscated because of the exercise of their freedom of expression and belief.

Prisoners’ Rights

HRANA’s reports documented numerous violations of prisoners’ rights during June, particularly affecting political and prisoners of conscience. These included 20 cases of denial of adequate medical care, three cases of denial of phone calls, two cases of denial of family visits, two cases of prisoners being held in poor conditions, and two cases of prisoners being beaten.

During the month, five prisoners launched hunger strikes in protest of their conditions. HRANA also reported one case of a death row prisoner attempting suicide at Qezel Hesar Prison.

Violations of the rights of detainees included 41 cases in which families were kept uninformed about the detainees’ situation, 32 cases of denial of access to legal counsel, four cases of forced confessions, and one case of physical torture.

Kolbars and Fuel Carriers

Each month, a number of citizens fall victim to the indiscriminate use of firearms by military and law enforcement forces. During the past month, these indiscriminate shootings resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to six others.

Three of the injured were kulbars, cross-border porters in Iran’s western regions who transport goods across the border to earn a living. These individuals are repeatedly subjected to shootings by military forces in the border areas.

Additionally, one individual suspected of fuel smuggling (transporting fuel to earn a livelihood) was killed, and another was injured.

Workers’ Rights

In June, HRANA documented 14 labor protests and 4 workers’ strikes. Workplace accidents also claimed the lives of 21 workers and injured 61 others. Among these incidents was the crash of a minibus transporting workers in Isfahan, which left 14 workers injured.

Trade associations and labor unions also organized 36 protest gatherings during June. In addition, one labor rights activist was arrested, while six other labor activists were collectively sentenced to 192 months of imprisonment.

Additionally, 17 business establishments were sealed by the authorities.

Women’s Rights

In June, the murders of 10 women were reported. Additionally, the honor killing of one man was recorded. HRANA also documented the self-immolation of a pregnant woman in Jask.

Furthermore, three business establishments were sealed by the authorities for failing to comply with the mandatory hijab regulations.

Children’s Rights

In June, two cases of child suicide and two cases of child murder were reported, including the killing of a young boy by his father. In two other reported incidents, children were subjected to violence. Additionally, three cases of children being arrested by security forces were documented.

Religious Minorities

In June, security forces arrested at least 15 members of religious minority communities. In addition, Baha’i citizen Barsa Maleki was sentenced to two years of imprisonment. There was also one reported case of physical assault, two house searches, and one court summons.

Ethnic Rights

During the past month, at least 19 civil rights activists and citizens belonging to Iran’s ethnic minority communities were arrested by security forces. In 13 cases, reports indicate that security forces failed to present arrest warrants. Two house searches and one case of physical assault were also reported. In addition, the sentence of Vadood Asadi, an Azerbaijani-Turk activist, was increased to eight years and one month following the consolidation of his sentences.

Inhuman Punishment

Regarding inhuman punishments as a form of human rights violation, HRANA’s reports for this month indicate that at least eight individuals were sentenced to a total of 140 lashes.

Leila Afarin Denied Specialized Medical Care Despite Brain Tumor Diagnosis

HRANA – Leila Afarin, a political prisoner held in Evin Prison, continues to be denied specialized medical care despite suffering from a brain tumor and joint disorders. Authorities have also rejected her requests for conditional release or furlough leading to release.

According to HRANA News Agency, Leila Afarin remains deprived of specialized medical treatment.

A source close to the political prisoner confirmed the information to HRANA, stating: “Ms. Afarin has a malignant brain tumor and suffers from joint disorders. Her physical condition has deteriorated significantly. She is currently experiencing symptoms including loss of balance, tremors in her hands and feet, and impaired vision. Despite her urgent need for specialized medical care, she continues to be denied access to adequate treatment.”

The source further noted that although Afarin has become eligible for conditional release and has only about nine months remaining on her sentence, authorities have yet to approve either her request for conditional release or furlough connected to her release.

It is worth noting that the political prisoner was transferred to a hospital for treatment some time ago but was returned to prison shortly afterward without receiving adequate medical care.

Leila Afarin, aged approximately 33, was arrested by security forces and transferred to the women’s ward of Evin Prison on December 10, 2025. She was subsequently sentenced by the Tehran Revolutionary Court to one year in prison.

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Prisoner Executed on Drug-Related Charges in Adelabad Prison, Shiraz

HRANA – The death sentence of a prisoner who had previously been convicted on drug-related charges was carried out at dawn today, Wednesday, July 1, in Adelabad Prison in Shiraz.

According to HRANA News Agency, a prisoner was executed in Adel Abad Prison in Shiraz. HRANA has identified the prisoner, who was hanged at dawn today, Wednesday, July 1, as Rasoul Rasouli.

According to information received by HRANA, Mr. Rasouli had previously been arrested on drug-related charges and was subsequently sentenced to death by the judicial authorities.

At the time of writing, prison officials and the relevant authorities have not officially announced the 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.

Teachers’ Union Activist Jan-Mohammad Ahmadi Arrested

HRANA – Jan-Mohammad Ahmadi, a retired teacher and head of the Teachers’ Trade Association of Nurabad Mamasani, was arrested yesterday by security forces at the entrance to the city of Nurabad Mamasani.

According to a report by HRANA, citing the Coordinating Council of Iranian Teachers’ Trade Associations, Jan-Mohammad Ahmadi, a retired teacher and head of the Teachers’ Trade Association of Nurabad Mamasani, was arrested on Tuesday, June 30.

According to the report, Ahmadi was detained by security forces at the entrance to the city of Nurabad Mamasani.

At the time of writing, no information is available regarding the arresting authority, his place of detention, the reasons for his arrest, or the charges brought against this teachers’ union activist.

Ahmadi had previously been prosecuted in a case related to teachers’ union activities. He was convicted on the charge of “propaganda against the regime” and sentenced to pay a fine in lieu of imprisonment. The execution of that sentence was suspended for a period of three years.

Teacher Azadeh Saleki Sentenced to Five Years in Prison

HRANA – Azadeh Saleki, a teacher employed in Khaf and one of those arrested during January 2026 protests, has been sentenced to five years in prison by the Appeals Court of Razavi Khorasan Province. She had previously been sentenced to 10 years in prison at the trial court.

According to a report by HRANA, citing the Coordinating Council of Iranian Teachers’ Trade Associations, Azadeh Saleki has been sentenced to imprisonment.

Based on the report, the Appeals Court of Razavi Khorasan Province reduced her sentence to five years in prison. She had initially been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment at the trial stage.

Saleki was arrested during January 2026 protests and was released temporarily after approximately one month upon posting bail of 30 billion rials.

In 2022, she was also suspended from her job for one month due to her statements and activities. She was subsequently transferred from Torbat-e Heydarieh to Khaf.

Journalist Omid Faraghat Arrested

HRANA – Omid Faraghat, a journalist based in Karaj, was arrested yesterday after being summoned by security authorities. He was transferred to the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office and was ultimately sent to prison following the issuance of a temporary detention order.

According to HRANA, Omid Faraghat has been arrested. The journalist was summoned by security authorities earlier this morning and taken to the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office. Following the issuance of a temporary detention order, he was transferred to prison.

The charges brought against Omid Faraghat are “disturbing public opinion” and “acting against national security.”

Faraghat had announced the previous day that he had been summoned to the Security Police by phone.

In November 2025, Branch 36 of the Tehran Province Court of Appeals sentenced Faraghat to pay a fine of 20 million tomans in lieu of serving a three-month prison sentence. He had previously been sentenced to three months’ imprisonment by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court in the same case.

In August 2025, a hearing was held at the Karaj Revolutionary Court in another case against Faraghat on charges of “propaganda against the regime” and “disturbing public opinion.” He was acquitted of both charges in that case.

Omid Faraghat, a journalist and political media activist based in Karaj, has previously faced judicial prosecution due to his professional activities.

Saba Talebi Held in Limbo for Over a Month at Vakilabad Prison

HRANA – Saba Talebi, a blogger from Mashhad, was arrested by security forces on May 26, 2026, and remains in detention without clarification of her legal status at Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

According to HRANA News Agency, the news outlet of the Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA), Saba Talebi, a blogger from Mashhad, remains in custody.

A source close to Talebi’s family confirmed the information to HRANA, stating: “Ms. Talebi has been held for 34 days without clarification of her legal status in the Aramesh ward of Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. She is facing charges of insulting the Supreme Leader, insulting Islamic sanctities, and propaganda against the regime. Additionally, the investigating judge has so far refused to issue a bail order for her temporary release.”

Talebi was arrested by security forces at her home in Mashhad on May 26, 2026, and was later transferred to Vakilabad Prison in the city.

Saba Talebi, 23, is a blogger and resident of Mashhad.

It is worth noting that HRANA previously published a report examining the conditions of women held in the Aramesh ward and the quarantine section of Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. According to the report, at least 30 women arrested during the January protests, amid heightened security measures following the recent military conflict, are being held in these wards under difficult conditions, facing numerous challenges, including a lack of basic necessities and adequate facilities.