Tag: HRANA

Monthly Report – December 2025: Human Rights Situation in Iran

This report provides a statistical summary of human rights violations in Iran. In December, Iran’s judiciary carried out 369 executions, breaking the execution record of recent years.
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News, Other
Aghil Keshavarz, Ata Karimi, Dariush Atashafrouz, Giliard, historic Jewish cemetery, HRANA, Mahabad, Mehrab Abdollahzadeh, Vakilabad

HRANA- This report provides a statistical summary of human rights violations in Iran. In December, Iran’s judiciary carried out 369 executions, breaking the execution record of recent years. The month also saw an increase in arrests related to the exercise of freedom of expression and belief, a rise in labor protests and strikes, and an increase in convictions against religious and ethnic minorities.

Executions

In December, Iran recorded the highest number of executions in 2025, with 369 people put to death. The number of executions began to rise steadily starting in July, reaching its peak in this month.

Among those executed, eight were women and eight were Afghan nationals. Many of these executions were never announced by prison authorities or reported by domestic media; as a result, the gender of 45 of those executed remains unknown. Two executions were carried out in public.

One of the most notable cases this month was the execution of Aghil Keshavarz, an architecture graduate, who was executed on espionage charges in Urmia Prison.

Of those executed, 229 individuals had been convicted of murder and 136 on charges related to drug offenses. Two people were executed on rape charges, one on espionage charges, and one for economic crimes.

During this month, courts issued 16 death sentences; among those sentenced, one was under the age of 18 and one was a woman. In addition, five death sentences were upheld by the Supreme Court. One of the most notable confirmations was the death sentence of Mehrab Abdollahzadeh, upheld by the Supreme Court. Abdollahzadeh had previously been tried by Branch Two of the Urmia Revolutionary Court on charges of “corruption on earth” through “complicity in the intentional killing” of a Basij member.

Freedom of Thought and Expression

During this month, the regime’s security agencies arrested at least 116 individuals for expressing their views and opinions. According to reports, at least six of these arrests were carried out without arrest warrants. In the same context, nine individuals were summoned by security agencies, and eight others were summoned to court.

In addition, the homes of two individuals were searched, and 11 trials were held.

Iranian courts also sentenced 25 citizens this month, in a clear violation of freedom of expression, to a total of 1,064 months in prison. Alongside prison sentences, HRANA recorded 24 months of internal exile, four travel bans, eight cases of social deprivation, and fines totaling 333 million tomans.

Prisoners’ Rights

Regarding violations of prisoners’ rights, HRANA published 22 reports documenting the denial of adequate medical treatment, which resulted in the deaths of two prisoners. In one case, the lack of medical care for a prisoner convicted of non-political offenses in Mahabad Prison led to cardiac arrest and his death.

HRANA also reported 164 cases of legal limbo affecting detainees and prisoners, and 61 cases in which families of detainees were not informed of their situation. Additionally, 11 cases of transfer to solitary confinement, 18 cases of denial of access to legal counsel, 10 cases of prisoners being held in harsh conditions, and eight cases of denial of access to fresh air were recorded.

Furthermore, three cases of forced confessions and three cases of physical torture of prisoners were reported.

As a result of harsh prison conditions and violations of prisoners’ rights, HRANA reports indicate that five prisoners resorted to hunger strikes. One prisoner also died by suicide in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad after consuming narcotics.

Kolbars and Fuel Carriers

Indiscriminate gunfire by military and law enforcement forces in December claimed the lives of seven civilians and left seven others injured. Among those killed were one kolbar and two fuel carriers. Additionally, two kolbars were wounded.

Kolbars are laborers who, particularly in Iran’s border regions, especially the west, carry goods on foot across the borders to earn a living. Fuel carriers, driven by poverty, transport limited amounts of fuel using personal vehicles for subsistence. Gunfire by military forces targeting kolbars or vehicles suspected of fuel smuggling, often without prior warning, kills or injures dozens of such individuals each year.

Workers’ Rights

In December, at least 97 labor protests and 33 labor strikes were recorded. During this month, five workers at the Middle East Sugar Factory in Shush were summoned and arrested by security agencies for participating in labor strikes and gatherings.

Workplace accidents during the month resulted in the deaths of 32 workers and injuries to 101 others.

HRANA’s reports for December also documented wage arrears affecting a total of 5,234 workers.

In addition, 115 guild/union gatherings and 14 strikes (prior to the outbreak of the nationwide bazaar strike) were held. HRANA also reported 25 cases of commercial premises being sealed. Two labor activists were arrested, five were summoned to court, and three were summoned by security agencies. Five labor activists were tried, and Mohammad Hassan Davoudi, a teachers’ union activist, was sentenced to 40 months in prison by the court of appeal on political charges. Courts also issued five rulings depriving individuals of social rights.

Women’s Rights

During this month, twelve women were killed, including one case reported by HRANA in which a woman was murdered by her son in Tehran for so-called “honor” reasons. Additionally, 36 cases of rape were reported.

HRANA also documented the sealing of 12 commercial establishments due to failure to comply with compulsory hijab regulations.

Children’s Rights

In December, HRANA recorded one case of child suicide and one case of sexual abuse. Two cases of violence and physical punishment against children were also documented, including the severe injury of a student as a result of punishment by a teacher in Baharestan County.

Additionally, one child death and 41 cases of child injury resulting from the negligence of responsible authorities were reported.

During this month, the death sentence of Dariush Atashafrouz, who had committed murder at the age of 17, was also upheld by the Supreme Court. The arrest of one minor was also reported.

Report on the Fourth Day of Protests: Expansion of Gatherings and Intensification of the Security Atmosphere

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Freedom of Expression, Labor and Guilds, News
Aligudarz, Baghmalek, Bazaar, Dorud, Fasa, Genaveh, Hamedan, HRANA, Isfahan, Kermanshah, Kuhdasht

HRANA – Economic protests and strikes in Iran continued for a fourth consecutive day, marked by a heavy security presence in Tehran and protest gatherings by citizens in other cities, including Isfahan, Fasa, Kuhdasht, Hamedan, Aligudarz, Genaveh, Dorud, Baghmalek, and Kermanshah. Reports indicate the continued widespread deployment of law enforcement and security forces in urban areas, ongoing arrests of citizens, an intensified security atmosphere, gunfire, and violent confrontation in some locations.

Protests that began on the first day with gatherings and strikes by bazaar merchants in Tehran were reported yesterday, December 31, on their fourth day, accompanied by a security clampdown in some Tehran neighborhoods and protest gatherings in several provinces.

Background of the Protests

The ongoing protests have taken shape amid a deepening and multifaceted economic crisis in Iran, marked by an unprecedented surge in foreign exchange rates, the sharp devaluation of the national currency, persistent inflation, prolonged market stagnation, declining purchasing power, the growing inability of tradespeople to sustain economic activity, and widespread uncertainty over future livelihoods.

According to official data, the U.S. dollar has surpassed 140,000 tomans in recent days, alongside reports of massive capital flight from the stock market. A sharp decline in market indices and the movement of capital toward parallel markets such as currency and gold are cited as signs of growing distrust in economic stability. This situation has led to widespread shop closures, market strikes, and the formation of protest gatherings across the country.

Geography of the Protests

Based on collected information, videos published on the fourth day show the deployment of riot control forces and equipment and crowd-control measures on Valiasr Street, the intersection of Imam Khomeini Street in Tehran, and streets in the city of Qods.

In the provinces, protests continued to spread. Reports indicate gatherings in front of the Fasa County Governor’s Office on Jomhouri Street, at Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan, as well as in Kuhdasht, Nobahar Street in Kermanshah, Aligudarz, Dorud, Genaveh, Baghmalek, and Hamedan. A video published from Kuhdasht shows confrontations between protesters and law enforcement and security forces. Additionally, shopkeepers in Ahmadabad Square and Yakhchal Street in Isfahan refused to carry out their activities and went on strike.

Universities Join In and Student Protests

On the fourth day of protests, published videos showed the continuation of student protests at Isfahan University of Technology for a second consecutive day. The footage shows a group of students marching and chanting slogans on the university campus.

Methods of Protest and Slogans

The fourth day of protests featured a combination of labor strikes, gatherings, and street marches. Bazaar merchants played a central role in sustaining the protests by closing their shops and calling on other tradespeople to strike. According to verified videos, slogans such as “Death to the dictator,” “Honorable bazaar merchants, support, support,” “Woman, Life, Freedom,” and “Man, Homeland, Prosperity” were heard in various locations.

Actions by Law Enforcement and Details of Violence

Reports indicate that in several areas, law enforcement and security forces used tear gas to disperse protesters. In Fasa County, citizens’ protests escalated into violence following the intervention of law enforcement and security forces. Published images show officers firing toward protesters. The head of the Fasa judiciary stated that three law enforcement officers were injured.

Arrests and Security Pressure

During last night’s protests and yesterday’s demonstrations, at least 16 citizens were arrested. HRANA reported the arrests of Sultan Emamkhah, Amir Mehdi Razm, Abolfazl Jafsh, and Abolfazl Ashnoud in Behbahan County for issuing a call for citizens to participate in protests. Among them, Sultan Emamkhah has been released. Tasnim News Agency also quoted an informed source at the Ministry of Intelligence as saying that seven citizens had been arrested, claiming that “these individuals were affiliated with opposition groups and intended to turn the protests violent.”

Additionally, the head of the Fasa judiciary stated that during clashes between law enforcement and security forces and protesters in front of the county governor’s office, four protesting citizens were arrested. Some channels close to security institutions reported that one of those arrested was a 27-year-old woman.

Separately, a video circulating on social media shows the person filming reporting the arrest of a citizen by plainclothes security forces in Tehran’s bazaar and calling on others to intervene to prevent the arrest. No information is available regarding when the video was recorded.

Reactions of Officials and State Media

In response to the protests, Mehr News Agency described the gathering of citizens in Fasa County as a “riot” and claimed in a report that no military weapons were used in suppressing the protesters, declaring the situation in Fasa to be calm. The official Sabrin News channel also claimed that officers used launcher weapons with plastic pellet ammunition to disperse individuals near the governor’s office.

Meanwhile, the Governor of Tehran Province claimed that the police’s policy had been one of restraint and that citizens had not been arrested for protesting. Mohammad Sadegh Motamedian asserted that police actions were taken only in limited cases following road blockages and minor clashes, and that no precise assessment of the number of detainees had yet been compiled.

In Conclusion

Protests that began in Tehran’s bazaar, on their fourth day, have been marked by geographic expansion, increased citizen participation, and an intensified presence of security forces. The combination of livelihood and political demands, rising arrests, and officials’ efforts to simultaneously manage the crisis through economic and security measures underscore the authorities’ heightened sensitivity to the continuation of these protests.

HRANA continues to collect, verify, and complete information related to these protests and will publish follow-up reports should the gatherings continue or expand.

At Least Nine Prisoners Executed in Iran on December 30

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Executions, News
ahvaz, Bam, Birjand, Borazjan, HRANA, Ilam, Jiroft, Khaf, Sheiban Prison, Yazd

HRANA – At dawn yesterday, December 30, at least nine prisoners were executed in the prisons of Jiroft, Yazd, Borazjan, Ilam, Khaf, Birjand, Bam, and Sheiban Prison in Ahvaz. These prisoners had previously been sentenced to death on charges related to drug offenses and murder.

HRANA has confirmed the identities of eight of those executed. Based on information received by HRANA, Sajad Vaisi was executed in Jiroft Prison and Mahmoud Zarei in Yazd Prison. The death sentences of Ali Akbar Barzegar in Borazjan Prison, Peyman Zamani in Ilam Prison, and Khodarahm Ahmadi in Khaf Prison were also carried out.

Ali Mohammad Dastar was executed in Birjand Prison, Yahya Panahi Rad in Bam Prison, and Amin Khosroabadi in Sheiban Prison in Ahvaz.

Vaisi, Barzegar, Zamani, Panahi Rad, and Khosroabadi had previously been arrested on murder charges and later sentenced to death by criminal courts. The death sentences of the other prisoners, who had been convicted on charges related to drug offenses, were issued by Revolutionary Courts.

Further details, including the identity of the ninth prisoner executed on a murder charge in Sheiban Prison in Ahvaz, remain under investigation by HRANA.

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

According to the annual report on the human rights situation in Iran, published by the Statistics, Publications, and Documentation Unit of the Human Rights Activists in Iran, at least 1,922 people were executed in Iran during the one-year period from early January to December 20, 2025. Based on this data, executions increased by 106.6 percent compared to 2024. In many of these cases, due to secrecy, prisoners were denied even the right to a final visit with their families.

Nader Soltani Arrested in Tabriz

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
HRANA, Nader Soltani, Tabriz

HRANA – Yesterday, Nader Soltani, a resident of Tabriz, was arrested by security forces and transferred to an unknown location.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mr. Soltani was arrested on Monday, December 29, by security forces.

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

Arbitrary arrests, transferring detainees to undisclosed locations, and leaving families in the dark about the fate of their loved ones are routine practices of the Iranian regime’s security agencies, such as the Ministry of Intelligence and the IRGC Intelligence Unit. This pattern of behavior stands in clear violation of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, known as the Nelson Mandela Rules:
“Every prisoner shall have the right, and shall be given the ability and means, to inform immediately his or her family, or any other person designated as a contact person, about his or her imprisonment, about his or her transfer to another institution and about any serious illness or injury. The sharing of prisoners’ personal information shall be subject to domestic legislation.”

Yarsani Citizen Yaghoub Karimpour Faces Execution as Case Reaches Supreme Court

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Executions, News
HRANA, Maragheh, Yaghoub Karimpour, یعقوب کریم پور

HRANA – Yaghoub Karimpour, a citizen who follows the Yarsan faith and is currently imprisoned in Urmia Prison, has recently been sentenced to death on charges of espionage by Branch One of the Urmia Revolutionary Court. His case is now under review by the Supreme Court.

Mr. Karimpour, who is currently held in the intake ward of Urmia Prison, was sentenced to death by Branch One of the Urmia Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Sajjad Doosti, on the charge of “corruption on earth through espionage in favor of Israel.”

Following his objection to the verdict, his case has been referred to Branch 9 of the Supreme Court for review.
The hearing on the charges against this Yarsani citizen was held via videoconference, and the issued verdict was communicated to Mr. Karimpour at Urmia Central Prison.

Based on information received, this citizen was arrested by security forces in Miandoab in June 2025 and transferred for interrogation to The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility in Urmia. According to an informed source, Mr. Karimpour was subjected to security pressures for about two months in order to extract forced confessions regarding alleged cooperation with Israel.

From the time of his arrest until his case was referred to Branch One of the Urmia Revolutionary Court, Karimpour was denied access to legal counsel, and throughout his detention he was also denied family visitation.

Yaghoub Karimpour, aged approximately 41, is married and a graduate in law from Maragheh University.

Yarsanism, also known as Ahl-e Haqq, is a syncretic religion that originated in western Iran during the late 14th century under the leadership of Sultan Sahak. As a religious minority, Yarsan followers often face intimidation and persecution at the hands of the security and judicial systems of the regime.

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Mehdi Sadr Hafez Arrested in Mashhad

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Khosrow Alikordi, Mashhad, Seyed Mehdi Sadr Hafez

HRANA – Seyed Mehdi Sadr Hafez, a resident of Mashhad, was arrested by security forces on Tuesday, December 23, and transferred to Soroush Detention Center.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mr. Sadr Hafez was arrested yesterday by agents of the Mashhad Ministry of Intelligence and transferred to Soroush Detention Center. A source close to his family, confirming the arrest, told HRANA: “The arrest of this civil activist followed his participation in the seventh-day memorial ceremony for Khosrow Alikordi. His case is open at Branch 905 of the Mashhad Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office. Mr. Sadr Hafez is facing charges including propaganda against the regime and assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security.”

Seyed Mehdi Sadr Hafez is a resident of Mashhad and the father of two children. Prior to his arrest, he was working in the taxi transportation sector. He has previously been arrested and served prison time due to his activities.

It is worth noting that the seventh-day memorial ceremony for Khosrow Alikordi was held on December 12, at Ghadir Mosque in Mashhad with a large public turnout. Participants chanted protest slogans during the ceremony. Following the intervention of law enforcement forces, the gathering turned violent and multiple confrontations occurred with those present. On the same day, the Mashhad prosecutor stated that a total of 50 people were arrested in connection with the ceremony, adding that 19 of them have so far been released.

Yahya Landarani Arrested in Sabzevar

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Khosrow Alikordi, Sabzevar, Yahya Landarani

HRANA – Yesterday, Yahya Landarani, a resident of Sabzevar, was arrested by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence in the city and transferred to an unknown location.

A source close to this citizen’s family, confirming the news, told HRANA: “On Tuesday, December 23, Mr. Landarani was arrested at his workplace in Sabzevar by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence and taken to an unknown location.”

Based on information received by HRANA, the arrest followed his participation in the seventh-day memorial ceremony for Khosrow Alikordi.

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

Yahya Landarani is a resident of Sabzevar and the father of two children.

It is worth noting that on Friday, December 12, the seventh-day memorial ceremony for Khosrow Alikordi, a lawyer and human rights defender, was held at Ghadir Mosque in Mashhad with a large public turnout. The ceremony was accompanied by protest chants from participants and ultimately turned violent following the intervention of law enforcement forces. During the incident, dozens of participants were arrested by security forces.

Mohsen Parish Sentenced to Prison and Additional Punishments

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
HRANA, Karaj Central Penitentiary, Mohsen Parish, محسن پریش

HRANA – Mohsen Parish, a political prisoner held in Karaj Central Penitentiary, has been sentenced by Branch Two of the Karaj Revolutionary Court to three years in prison along with additional punishments.

Based on the ruling issued by Branch Two of the Karaj Revolutionary Court, Mohsen Parish has been sentenced to a total of three years’ imprisonment. In addition, as supplementary punishments, he has been sentenced to a two-year travel ban, a two-year ban on membership in social groups and associations, and a two-year deprivation and dismissal from all government and public employment and services. This verdict was issued in connection with the charges of propaganda against the regime and insulting the Supreme Leader.

A court session addressing another part of the charges against Mohsen Parish was held on 20 December via video conference at Branch 103 of Criminal Court Two of Fardis County. Mr. Parish defended himself against the charges of insulting officers and disobeying law enforcement agents, and his defense lawyer was present at the hearing.

Mohsen Parish was arrested on October 21, by security forces in front of his home and transferred to Karaj Central Penitentiary. Following his arrest, officers prevented his family from being present at the prosecutor’s office. At the time of his transfer to prison, signs of injury to his elbow and neck were visible, and his mobile phone was confiscated by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence.

Mohsen Parish has previously faced arrest and judicial action due to his activities. He is among those injured during the November 2019 protests and was arrested in 2020. In a two-part case, he had been sentenced to imprisonment and flogging on charges including “insulting the Prophet, insulting religious sanctities, insulting the Supreme Leader, propaganda against the regime, and acting against national security through calling for demonstrations against the regime.” He was ultimately granted amnesty and released from prison in late 2022.

Senior Military Official: 2,000 Arrested on Espionage Charges

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
HRANA, Iran-Israel war

HRANA – The Cultural Deputy of Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff announced that from several months before the start of the 12-day war with Israel until the end of the conflict, around 2,000 people in Iran were arrested on charges of espionage.

According to Daneshjoo News Agency, Abolfazl Shekarchi described the detainees as members of a “vast espionage network,” stating that from several months prior to the outbreak of the war between Israel and Iran until its conclusion, approximately 2,000 individuals linked to this network were apprehended.

He further claimed that “this extensive network was composed of spies and enemy agents, whose formation had taken years of effort. Significant resources were spent, and large sums of dollars were used to train and organize these individuals.”

The military official did not provide further details regarding the identities of those arrested, the time and place of the arrests, the detaining authority, or the judicial process related to the cases.

Meanwhile, following the end of the conflict, numerous reports have emerged indicating an increased use of the charge of “espionage” to arrest, convict, and even execute citizens in various parts of the country.

Although combating espionage is not in itself considered a human rights violation, given the Iranian government’s record of instrumentalizing this charge to target political opponents, such claims, especially in the absence of transparent details and due process—are consistently met with skepticism.

It is worth noting that in the early hours of June 13, 2025, a wave of Israeli airstrikes against Iranian territory began. According to previous field reports by HRANA, these attacks targeted not only military sites but also parts of civilian areas, resulting in the killing and injury of a significant number of civilians.

For more information, readers are encouraged to consult the comprehensive report on the 12-day war between Iran and Israel.

Jalil Abbasi Remains in Detention Five Days After Arrest in Zanjan

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News, Prisoners
HRANA, Jalil Abbasi, zanjan, جلیل عباسی

HRANA – Jalil Abbasi, a resident of Zanjan, has been detained for five days by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence and is being held in the city’s prison.

A source close to Mr. Abbasi’s family confirmed the arrest to HRANA, stating that he was detained on December 17 by Ministry of Intelligence agents in Zanjan and transferred to the city’s prison. He has been held in the quarantine ward of the prison since his arrest. As of the time of this report, no information has been made available regarding the reasons for his arrest or the charges against him.

Jalil Abbasi has previously faced arrest and judicial action due to his activities.

Arbitrary arrests, transferring detainees to undisclosed locations, and leaving families in the dark about the fate of their loved ones are routine practices of the Iranian regime’s security agencies, such as the Ministry of Intelligence and the IRGC Intelligence Unit. This pattern of behavior stands in clear violation of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, known as the Nelson Mandela Rules.