January 2026 Protests: Ilya Ben-Rashid Sentenced to Death

HRANA – Ilya Ben-Rashid, who was arrested during the January 2026 protests and is currently held in Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan, has been sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan on the charge of moharebeh (waging war against God). He was also sentenced to four years, three months, and two days in prison, along with additional punishments.

According to HRANA, Ilya Ben-Rashid, one of those arrested during the January 2026 protests and currently held in Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan, has been sentenced to death, imprisonment, and additional punishments.

The verdict was issued by Branch 5 of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court and communicated to Ben-Rashid yesterday. Under the ruling, he was sentenced to death on the charge of moharebeh (waging war against God) through participation in the destruction of public property.

The same court also sentenced him to three years, six months, and one day of discretionary imprisonment on the charge of assembly and collusion to commit crimes against national security, and nine months and one day in prison on the charge of propaganda against the regime, with time already served in detention credited toward his sentence.

Additionally, as a supplementary punishment, he was sentenced to a two-year travel ban prohibiting him from leaving the country.

In April of this year, a hearing on the charges against Ben-Rashid was held before the same branch of the court.

In May of this year, Branch 102 of the Shahin Shahr Criminal Court II sentenced him to six months in prison and 20 lashes in a separate part of his case.

Mr. Ben-Rashid was arrested on January 22, 2026, in connection with the nationwide protests in Shahin Shahr, Isfahan Province, and was subsequently transferred to Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan.

Ilya Ben-Rashid is 22 years old and a resident of Shahin Shahr, Isfahan Province.

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.

2026 Protests; Ilya Ben-Rashid Sentenced to Imprisonment and Flogging

HRANA – Ilya Ben-Rashid, one of the detainees arrested during the January 2026 protests in Shahin Shahr, has been sentenced by a criminal court to six months in prison and 20 lashes. Another part of his case, involving the charge of “enmity against God” (moharebeh), is currently under review by the Revolutionary Court, and no verdict has yet been issued for that part of the case.

According to HRANA, Ilya Ben-Rashid, who is currently imprisoned in Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan, has been sentenced to imprisonment and flogging.

Based on the ruling issued by Branch 102 of the Shahin Shahr and Meymeh Criminal Court Two, Mr. Ben-Rashid was sentenced to six months of discretionary imprisonment and 20 lashes on the charge of “direct involvement in the theft of a computer case belonging to the Shahin Shahr Health and Treatment Network.” The court acquitted him of the charge of disrupting public order and peace through participation in protests.

According to information received by HRANA, another part of his case is still being reviewed by the Isfahan Revolutionary Court, and no ruling has yet been issued in that regard.

In April of this year, a hearing was held at Branch 5 of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court to address the charges against this citizen. In this part of the case, he faces charges including “enmity against God (moharebeh) through participation in the destruction of public property, assembly and collusion to commit crimes against national security, and anti-state propaganda activity.”

Mr. Ben-Rashid was arrested on January 22, 2026, in connection with the nationwide protests in Shahin Shahr, Isfahan, and was subsequently transferred to Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan.

He was later formally charged on February 20, 2026, at Branch 2 of the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Shahin Shahr regarding the aforementioned accusations.

Ilya Ben-Rashid is 22 years old and a resident of Shahin Shahr, Isfahan.

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: Report on the Latest Status of Ilya Ben-Rashid in Dastgerd Prison, Isfahan

HRANA – Ilya Ben-Rashid, one of those arrested during the January protests in Shahin Shahr, has been in detention for nearly 100 days and is currently being held in Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan. Recently, a court session was held to address the charges against him, including moharebeh (enmity against God), at the Isfahan Revolutionary Court.

An informed source confirmed to HRANA: “In early April, a court session reviewing Ilya’s charges was held via video conference at Branch 5 of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court. He faces charges including moharebeh through alleged involvement in the destruction of public property, assembly and collusion to commit crimes against national security, and propaganda against the regime. During the session, he defended himself against these accusations.”

The source added: “Ilya has lost both of his parents and, prior to his arrest, lived with his grandparents. Given their advanced age, pursuing his legal case has become difficult. Additionally, Ilya has been denied access to a lawyer of his choice.”

Mr. Ben-Rashid was arrested on January 22, 2026, in connection with the nationwide protests in Shahin Shahr, Isfahan. He was later formally charged on February 21, at Branch 2 of the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Shahin Shahr.

Ilya Ben-Rashid is 22 years old and a resident of Shahin Shahr, Isfahan.