January 2026 Protests: Mahboubeh Shabani Sentenced to Death

HRANA – Mahboubeh Shabani, one of those arrested during the January 2026 protests who is currently held in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, has been sentenced to death by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad.

According to HRANA, Mahboubeh Shabani has been sentenced to death.

According to information received by HRANA, Branch 1 of the Mashhad Revolutionary Court sentenced Mahboubeh Shabani to death on the charge of “taking operational action to strengthen Israel, the United States, and individuals affiliated with opposition groups.”

The sentence was communicated on Saturday to the attorney representing Shabani, who remains incarcerated in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

The court hearing addressing the charges against Ms. Shabani was held on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, before the aforementioned judicial branch.

Mahboubeh Shabani was arrested by security forces in Mashhad on February 2, 2026, in connection with the nationwide protests and was subsequently transferred to Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

Background on January 2026 Protests:

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.

Zartosht Ahmadi Ragheb Sentenced to Prison in a New Case Filed Against Him While Incarcerated

HRANA – Zartosht Ahmadi Ragheb, a political prisoner held at Karaj Central Penitentiary, has been sentenced by the Karaj Revolutionary Court to one year in prison, as well as a two-year ban on leaving the country and a two-year suspension from government and public services, in connection with a new case opened against him during his imprisonment.

According to HRANA, Zartosht Ahmadi Ragheb has been sentenced to imprisonment and additional punishments.

According to information received by HRANA, in a new case opened against Mr. Ahmadi Ragheb during his imprisonment, a branch of the Karaj Revolutionary Court sentenced him to one year in prison. As additional punishments, he was also sentenced to a two-year travel ban and a two-year suspension from government and public services.

Information received by HRANA indicates that Zartosht Ahmadi Ragheb continues to be held alongside Masoud Farhikhteh in a separate room adjacent to Ward 16 that lacks basic facilities.

On August 19, 2026, a court hearing addressing the charges against Zartosht Ahmadi Ragheb was held via videoconference before a branch of the Karaj Revolutionary Court. During the hearing, Mr. Ahmadi Ragheb defended himself against charges including insulting the Supreme Leader, disrupting public order, and propaganda against the regime through the dissemination of false information.

On November 15, 2025, Mr. Ahmadi Ragheb was transferred from Ghezel Hesar Prison to Karaj Central Penitentiary.

In July 2024, the political prisoner was sentenced to one year in prison and two years of exile in a case opened against him during his imprisonment following a complaint filed by officials at Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

Zartosht Ahmadi Ragheb was arrested in March 2023 and, several months later, was sentenced by the Tehran Revolutionary Court to five years and eight months in prison and additional punishments. He had previously faced judicial proceedings and imprisonment in connection with his activities.

Sheida Saberi Arrested in Shiraz

HRANA – Sheida Saberi, a resident of Shiraz, was arrested by Security Police officers on Sunday, September 20, and transferred to Adelabad Prison in the city.

According to HRANA, Sheida Saberi has been arrested in Shiraz.

According to information received by HRANA, Ms. Saberi was arrested by Security Police officers in Shiraz on Sunday, September 20, 2026, and subsequently transferred to Adelabad Prison in the city.

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the reasons for her arrest or the charges brought against her.

Saberi has previously been arrested and faced judicial proceedings in connection with her activities. On October 8, 2022, during the nationwide protests, she was arrested by security forces in Yasuj and was released from the city’s prison on October 11 of the same year.

Mohammad Ahmadi Sentenced to 16 Years in Prison

HRANA – Mohammad Ahmadi, a political prisoner held in Greater Tehran Prison who was arrested amid war-related security developments, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison by Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

According to HRANA, Mohammad Ahmadi, a prisoner held in Greater Tehran Prison, has been sentenced to imprisonment.

Based on information received by HRANA, Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced Mr. Ahmadi to 16 years in prison on charges of “espionage.” The verdict was communicated to him in prison.

Ahmadi was arrested by security forces amid war-related security developments and subsequently transferred to Greater Tehran Prison.

HRANA is continuing its investigation into the details of his case, including the evidence cited by the court and whether he has had access to a lawyer of his choosing.

Mohammad Naderi Sentenced to Death

HRANA – Mohammad Naderi, a prisoner held in Greater Tehran Prison who was arrested amid war-related security developments, has been sentenced to death by Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court on charges of “espionage.”

According to HRANA, Mohammad Naderi, a prisoner held in Greater Tehran Prison, has been sentenced to death.

Based on information received by HRANA, Naderi was sentenced to death by Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court on charges of “espionage.”

He was arrested by security forces amid war-related security developments and transferred to Greater Tehran Prison.

HRANA’s investigation into the details of his case, including the evidence cited by the court and whether he has had access to a lawyer of his choosing, is ongoing.

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Nine Attorneys in Gilan Sentenced to Prison

HRANA – Nine attorneys in Gilan Province have been sentenced by Branch 2 of the Rasht Revolutionary Court to a combined 14 years, seven months, and 15 days in prison.

According to HRANA, nine attorneys in Gilan Province have been sentenced to prison in connection with a joint case.

Masoumeh Pourshahrani, Tahereh Pour Esmaeili, Shadi Falahati, Gholamhossein Layeghi, Hesam Ahmadpour, Ladan Asefi-Rad, Mohammadreza Tak, Kian Taherajaroud, and Dalili (first name unknown) were each sentenced by Branch 2 of the Rasht Revolutionary Court to seven months and 15 days in prison on the charge of “propaganda against the regime” and 12 months in prison on the charge of “insulting the Supreme Leader and the founder of the Islamic Republic.”

Based on information received by HRANA, the sentences were issued against the attorneys recently. Another part of their case, concerning the charge of “insulting the sacred,” is also under review by Branch 2 of the Rasht Criminal Court.

Hesam Pourahmadi, Masoumeh Pourshahrani, and Tahereh Pour Esmaeili were arrested by security forces in Rasht during the second week of September 2025 and transferred to Lakan Prison in the city. The three attorneys were released on bail several days later.

Mohammadreza Tak was also arrested by security forces on August 30, 2025, and was released from Lakan Prison in Rasht in the second half of October that year.

Shadi Falahati was arrested by security forces on August 26, 2025, along with several other attorneys in Rasht, and was released sometime later.

HRANA recently published a detailed report titled “A Year of Pressure on Lawyers: At Least 135 Targeted by Judicial and Security Authorities” examining actions taken against attorneys between September 2025 and September 2026. According to data compiled in the report, at least 135 attorneys in Iran faced measures including arrests, summonses, prosecution, prison sentences, bans from practicing law, and travel bans.

Teachers’ Union Activist Hossein Salami Sentenced to One Year in Prison

HRANA – Hossein Salami, a teachers’ union activist in Mazandaran Province, has been sentenced to one year in prison by judicial authorities.

According to HRANA, citing the Coordinating Council of Iranian Teachers’ Trade Associations, Hossein Salami has been sentenced to prison.

According to the report, Salami was sentenced to one year in prison on charges of “propaganda against the regime” and “disturbing public opinion.”

The report states that the charges stem, in part, from Salami’s union and social activities, as well as certain statements he made regarding events related to the 2022 protests and the poisoning of school students.

Hossein Salami, a teachers’ union activist residing in Mazandaran Province, has previously faced security-related measures and arrest.

Attorney Hamid Rahmani Manshadi Remains in Detention After Two Weeks in Yazd

HRANA – Hamid Rahmani Manshadi, an attorney and law professor at Yazd University, was arrested by security forces in Yazd approximately two weeks ago after being summoned to and appearing in court.

According to HRANA, Hamid Rahmani Manshadi, an attorney and law professor at Yazd University, remains in detention.

Based on information received by HRANA, Rahmani was arrested by security forces in Yazd approximately two weeks ago, following a court summons and his subsequent appearance in court. His whereabouts remain unknown. Throughout his detention, he has been denied visits with his family and access to legal counsel.

At the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the reasons for his arrest or the charges brought against him.

Hamid Rahmani Manshadi, 45, is an attorney and law professor at Yazd University.

Arghavan Fallahi’s Death Sentence Overturned by Supreme Court

HRANA – The Supreme Court has overturned the death sentence of Arghavan Fallahi, a political prisoner held in Evin Prison. She had previously been sentenced to death by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court on charges of baghi (armed rebellion).

According to HRANA, citing Emtedad, the Supreme Court has overturned Arghavan Fallahi’s death sentence.

According to the report, her request for a retrial was under review by the Supreme Court, which accepted the objections and legal challenges raised in her case. Following the approval of her retrial request, the execution of her death sentence has been suspended, and her case will be referred to another branch of the court of equal standing for reconsideration.

Previously, the Supreme Court had rejected Arghavan Fallahi’s request for a retrial.

In July of this year, the political prisoner was sentenced to death on the charge of “baghi” (armed rebellion) by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, head of Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court. In late August, her death sentence was upheld by Branch 41 of the Supreme Court.

Arghavan Fallahi, aged approximately 25, was arrested by security forces in late January 2025 and transferred to the Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, known as Ward 209 of Evin Prison.

Following the Israeli attack on Evin Prison in June 2025, she was first transferred to the Greater Tehran Prison and later to Qarchak Prison in Varamin. She was subsequently transferred back to Evin Prison.

Previously, a source familiar with the political defendant’s situation told HRANA: “Following her arrest, Ms. Fallahi spent some time detained in Wards 209 and 241 of Evin Prison under the supervision of the Judiciary’s Intelligence Protection Organization. During this period, she was subjected to severe psychological torture, and attempts were made to extract forced confessions from her in connection with the assassination of two judges, Mohammad Moghiseh and Ali Razini.”

Ms. Fallahi had previously been arrested along with her father by security forces in November 2022 and was later transferred to Evin Prison. She was subsequently sentenced to two years in prison by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, on charges of “assembly and collusion” and “propaganda against the regime.” She was released from Evin Prison after completing her sentence.

 

Abbas Shaverdi, 17-Year-Old Teenager, Arrested in Shadegan

HRANA – Abbas Shaverdi, a 17-year-old resident of Shadegan, was arrested by security forces in the city on September 18, 2026, and transferred to an undisclosed location.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, Abbas Shaverdi, a 17-year-old teenager, has been arrested in Shadegan, Khuzestan province.

Based on information received by HRANA, the teenager was arrested by security forces at his home in Shadegan on Friday, September 18, 2026.

At the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the reasons for his arrest, his whereabouts, or the charges brought against him.