Tag: HRANA

Attorney Hassan Younesi Sentenced to Prison and Additional Punishments

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Freedom of Expression, News
Hassan Younesi, HRANA, حسن یونسی

HRANA – Hassan Younesi, an attorney, was sentenced by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court to three years in prison, a ban on online activity, confiscation of his mobile phone, and a fine.

According to HRANA, Hassan Younesi has been sentenced to prison and additional punishments.

According to the verdict issued by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, he was sentenced to one year in prison on the charge of “propaganda against the regime” and two years in prison on the charge of “spreading falsehoods.” He was also ordered to pay a fine of 50 million tomans and was sentenced to a ban on online activity and confiscation of his mobile phone.

Mr. Younesi also wrote that his statements regarding the events of January 7 and 8, in connection with the January 2026 protests, were among the grounds for the charges against him.

A hearing on Mr. Younesi’s charges was held before the aforementioned branch on August 10, 2026.

Previously, an interrogation session for the attorney had been held at the Culture and Media Prosecutor’s Office. According to Mr. Younesi, the case was opened following a complaint filed against him by a security agency.

Hassan Younesi, an attorney and one of those arrested during the nationwide protests of 2022, has previously been summoned and arrested in connection with his activities.

Baha’i Citizen Romina Goli Sentenced to Prison and Social Restrictions

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News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizen, HRANA, Romina Goli

HRANA – Romina Goli, a Baha’i citizen residing in Sari, was sentenced by Branch 2 of the Sari Revolutionary Court to five years, seven months, and 16 days in prison, as well as 10 years of deprivation of social rights.

According to HRANA, Romina Goli, a Baha’i citizen, has been sentenced to prison and deprivation of social rights.

According to a verdict issued by Branch 2 of the Sari Revolutionary Court and communicated to Ms. Goli, she was sentenced to five years in prison and 10 years of deprivation of social rights on the charge of “deviant educational or proselytizing activity contrary to or disruptive of the sacred law of Islam,” under Article 500 bis of the Islamic Penal Code. She was also sentenced to seven months and 16 days in prison on the charge of “propaganda against the regime,” under Article 500 of the Islamic Penal Code.

Romina Goli was arrested by security forces in Sari on May 9, 2026. At the time of her arrest, her home was searched, and officers confiscated several personal digital devices and religious books related to the Baha’i Faith.

On May 10, Ms. Goli’s interrogation session was held at the Sari Prosecutor’s Office. She was subsequently released from prison on bail.

Over the past decade, Iran’s Baha’i community has faced more security and judicial actions than any other religious minority in the country. A review of HRA’s annual reports shows that, over the past three years, an average of 72% of reports concerning religious minorities have involved violations of the civil rights of Baha’is.

Turkish Aid Worker Residing in Germany, Serkan Eren, Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison in Iran

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
HRANA, Serkan Eren, سرکان ارن

HRANA – Serkan Eren, a 42-year-old aid worker and Turkish citizen residing in Germany who has been detained in Iran for more than a year, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison by an Iranian court.

According to HRANA, citing Deutsche Welle Persian, Serkan Eren, an aid worker and Turkish citizen residing in Germany, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison by a court in Iran.

STELP, a Stuttgart-based aid organization, said the sentence was issued against Mr. Eren in connection with the charge of “having ties with a hostile country.”

According to the report, Serkan Eren traveled to Iran on June 24, 2025, as a humanitarian aid worker to distribute donated supplies from Germany. He intended to leave Iran that same day, but contact with his family was cut off, and he has remained in detention ever since.

STELP protested the sentence, describing the punishment as disproportionate to the circumstances of the case. The organization said that, in order to protect the safety of Serkan Eren and others involved, it would not release further details about the case at this time.

The organization also said that, given Mr. Eren’s Turkish citizenship, it is in contact with Turkish authorities to follow up on his situation and secure his return.

According to Deutsche Welle Persian, before traveling to Iran, Mr. Eren told Germany’s ARD television network that, in order to avoid any misunderstandings, he was not carrying any communications or protective equipment, including a satellite phone, bulletproof vest, or helmet, and had entered Iran carrying only a backpack.

Serkan Eren began his humanitarian aid work in 2015, during the refugee crisis in Europe. In 2023, he received the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany from the country’s president.

Deutsche Welle has described Eren as a “Turkish-German citizen.” However, members of the STELP aid organization told HRANA that he does not hold German citizenship and is only a resident of Germany.

Report on the Execution of Four Prisoners at Sepidar Prison in Ahvaz

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Executions, News
ahvaz, Hossein Ghazlavi, HRANA, Jalil Salamat, Karim Mojdam, Nemat Maghami, Sepidar Prison

HRANA – In recent days, the death sentences of four prisoners who had previously been sentenced to death on murder charges were carried out at Sepidar Prison in Ahvaz.

According to HRANA, at least four prisoners were executed at Sepidar Prison in Ahvaz.

On September 16, Nemat Maghami, a resident of Maragheh, and Hossein Ghazlavi, a resident of Ahvaz, both of whom had been sentenced to death on murder charges, were executed at this prison.

According to information received by HRANA, Karim Mojdam was also executed at this prison on Monday, September 21, and Jalil Salamat, a resident of Ahvaz, was executed there on Tuesday, September 22.

Mr. Salamat was arrested six years ago in connection with a murder case at a marketplace in Ahvaz’s Hasirabad neighborhood and was ultimately sentenced to death. Mr. Mojdam was also arrested approximately four years ago on a murder charge and sentenced to death.

As of the time of this report, the executions of these prisoners have not been announced by prison officials or the relevant authorities.

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.

Armin Robber, Rapper and Organizer of Music Meetups, Arrested

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Freedom of Expression, News
Armin Robber, HRANA, Iranian Rapper, آرمین رابر

HRANA – Armin, known as “Armin Robber,” a rapper, was arrested by security forces and transferred to an undisclosed location. In recent years, he has been involved in organizing a number of gatherings related to rap music in various cities across the country.

According to HRANA, Armin, known as “Armin Robber,” a rapper, was arrested by security forces.

Following his arrest, the singer was transferred to an undisclosed location.

He also recently attended a rap-related gathering, known as a “rap meetup,” in one of the country’s cities. A review of his activities indicates that in recent years he has played a role in organizing and overseeing such gatherings in various cities, including Tehran, Karaj, Gilan, and Kermanshah.

Numerous videos of these gatherings and rap performances have been published on pages and channels associated with Armin Robber’s activities. Among them, videos from an “Armin Robber meetup” were published in April 2026. Images from similar events attended by him in Kermanshah and several other locations across the country had also previously been published.

As of the time of this report, no precise information has been obtained regarding the location or circumstances of his arrest or the charges brought against him.

Meanwhile, a media outlet covering music reported on the singer’s arrest and, citing people close to him, stated that Armin Robber had previously been subject to judicial restrictions and required to wear an electronic ankle monitor. Details regarding the previous case, the duration for which he wore the ankle monitor, the charge, or any sentence issued in connection with the matter have not yet been independently verified by HRANA and remain under review.

Armin Robber’s activities related to “rap meetups” date back at least to the early 2010s. Archived pages associated with him also contain videos of rap gatherings held in 2014–2015. At one gathering held in Tehran’s Niavaran neighborhood in previous years, organizers reported the presence of police and a change in the event’s location.

Armin, known as “Armin Robber,” aged approximately 33, is a rapper and an active figure in organizing gatherings and performances related to rap music.

Further information regarding the exact time of his arrest, his place of detention, the arresting authority, and his legal status remains under review.

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January 2026 Protests: Alireza Nami Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Alireza Nami, Greater Tehran Prison, HRANA, January 2026 Protests, علیرضا نامی

HRANA – Alireza Nami, arrested in connection with the January 2026 protests who is currently incarcerated in Greater Tehran Prison, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

Based on information received by HRANA, Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, sentenced Mr. Alireza Nami to 30 years in prison on the charge of carrying out operational activities for Israel. The sentence was recently communicated to him in prison.

An informed source close to the family of this political prisoner confirmed the matter to HRANA and said: “Following the notification of the sentence, Mr. Nami appealed the ruling.”

Alireza Nami was arrested by security forces in January 2026 and has been held in Greater Tehran Prison since his arrest.

Background on the 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.

Political Prisoner Ali Zarei, Sentenced to Death, Transferred to Solitary Confinement

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Executions, News
Ali Zarei Doozdarrehsi, Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, علی زارعی

HRANA – Ali Zarei Doozdarrehsi, a political prisoner sentenced to death, was transferred today, Monday, September 21, from Ward 37 of Unit 3 at Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj to solitary confinement. The reason for the transfer remains unknown.

According to HRANA, political prisoner Ali Zarei Douzdarresi has been transferred to solitary confinement.

The transfer of this political prisoner from Ward 37 of Unit 3 at Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj to solitary confinement took place today, Monday, September 21.

As of the time of this report, no further details have been obtained regarding the reason for Mr. Zarei Douzdarresi’s transfer to solitary confinement.

He recently announced in an audio message from Ghezel Hesar Prison, which was circulated on social media, that his death sentence had been upheld.

Earlier this month, Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced this political prisoner to death on the charge of “corruption on earth through extensive involvement in political activities, creating the appearance of fabricated damages, producing false reports, propaganda against the regime, disrupting security, and illegally entering and leaving the country.”

Mr. Zarei, who had previously been living in Germany, was arrested by Ministry of Intelligence agents on April 28, 2026, after entering Iran. He was subsequently transferred to Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj on June 30. He had been held in Ward 37 of Unit 3 at the prison.

Ali Zarei , approximately 27 years old and a resident of Tehran, sustained an injury to one of his eyes after being struck by pellet fire during the 2022 nationwide protests. He also has a prior history of arrest and judicial proceedings.

Alborz Court of Appeals Upholds Manouchehr Bakhtiari’s 18-Year Prison Sentence

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
HRANA, Manouchehr Bakhtiari, منوچهر بختیاری

HRANA – Branch 1 of the Alborz Province Court of Appeals, after reviewing Manouchehr Bakhtiari’s appeal in a case dating back to 2020 on Kish Island, upheld his sentence totaling 18 years in prison.

According to HRANA, the sentence totaling 18 years in prison for Manouchehr Bakhtiari, who is currently incarcerated in Bandar Abbas Prison, has been upheld.

In a ruling issued on September 16, 2026, by Branch 1 of the Alborz Province Court of Appeals, Mr. Bakhtiari’s appeal was rejected, and his sentence totaling 18 years in prison was upheld, with modifications to the charges and penalties. The sentence of 74 lashes previously imposed on him was removed from the ruling.

According to the ruling, Mr. Bakhtiari was sentenced to 10 years in prison on the charge of forming and managing an online group with the aim of disrupting national security; five years on the charge of assembly and collusion with the intent to commit crimes against national security through cooperation with an opposition group; two years on the charge of publishing falsehoods with the intent to disturb public opinion; and one year on the charge of propaganda against the regime.

The case dates back to events on Kish Island in 2020. A source close to Mr. Bakhtiari’s family told HRANA that the case was opened after he raised a flag on the island. According to the source, he was acquitted during proceedings in a Kish court, and the Supreme Court also reviewed the case twice, with outcomes in Mr. Bakhtiari’s favor.

In January 2024, Mr. Bakhtiari had previously been sentenced in the same case to a total of 18 years in prison and 74 lashes by Branch 1 of the Karaj Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Seyed Mousa Asef al-Hosseini. Following an appeal, Branch 1 of the Alborz Province Court of Appeals issued a ruling on April 20, 2024, overturning the judgment due to the trial court’s lack of jurisdiction and referring the case to the Kish Revolutionary Court for retrial.

On January 19, 2026, while serving his period of exile in Bandar Abbas, he was arrested and transferred to the city’s prison. He subsequently faced a new case. In late August 2026, Branch 1 of the Bandar Abbas Revolutionary Court sentenced him to an additional total of 10 years in prison.

Bakhtiari had previously been arrested by security forces at his home in Tehran on April 29, 2021, and was ultimately sentenced to three years and six months in prison, two years and six months of exile, and a two-year travel ban. After serving more than four years in prison, he was released from Choobindar Prison in Qazvin in October 2025 and transferred to Bandar Abbas to serve his exile sentence.

During his imprisonment, additional cases were also opened against Bakhtiari. In one case, he was sentenced to six months in prison. In another, he was sentenced to 18 years in prison and 74 lashes. The latter sentence was overturned on appeal, and the case was sent back to the Revolutionary Court for retrial.

Manouchehr Bakhtiari, the father of Pouya Bakhtiari, has stated that his 27-year-old son was shot and killed in Phase 4 of Mehrshahr, Karaj, during the November 2019 protests. According to Bakhtiari, Pouya, along with his mother and sister, joined protesters on the second day of demonstrations against the increase in gasoline prices. He was shot in the head and died before reaching the hospital.

Pouya Bakhtiari (born September 10, 1992; died November 16, 2019, in Mehrshahr, Karaj) was among those killed during Iran’s nationwide protests of 2019.

Teenager Arrested in Kamyaran by Ministry of Intelligence Agents

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Children, News, Other
Hawri Yousefi, HRANA, Kamyaran

HRANA – Hawri Yousefi, a 17-year-old teenager, was arrested by Ministry of Intelligence agents in Kamyaran yesterday and transferred to an undisclosed location.

According to HRANA, citing Kolbar News, on Sunday, September 20, 2026, a teenager was arrested in Kamyaran.

He has been identified as Hawri Yousefi, 17, a resident of Alak village, a district of Kamyaran.

According to the report, Ministry of Intelligence agents entered the teenager’s family home in Alak village and arrested him using violence, without presenting a warrant or any judicial order.

As of the time of this report, no information is available regarding the reasons for Hawri Yousefi’s arrest, the charges brought against him, or his whereabouts.

Ahmad Heydari Arrested in Ahvaz

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News, Other
Ahmad Heydari, ahvaz, HRANA, احمد حیدری

HRANA – On Saturday, September 19, Ahmad Heydari, a resident of Ahvaz, was arrested by Ministry of Intelligence agents in the city and transferred to an undisclosed location.

According to HRANA, Ahmad Heydari was arrested in Ahvaz.

According to information received by HRANA, Mr. Heydari was arrested on Saturday, September 19, by Ministry of Intelligence agents at his father’s home in Ahvaz.

An informed source told HRANA that Mr. Heydari had moved to Iraq for work about two years ago, where he married, found employment, and settled. He had returned to Ahvaz to visit his mother when he was arrested.

Ahmad Heydari, 37, is married and has one child.

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