Tag: Iman Afshari

Baha’i Citizen Ataollah Zafar Returns to Evin Prison After Six-Month Suspension

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News, Religious Minorities
Ataollah Zafar, HRANA, Iman Afshari

Ataollah Zafar, an 80-year-old Baha’i citizen, returned to Evin Prison yesterday to serve the remainder of his two-year sentence, following a six-month suspension of his prison term.

According to HRANA, Mr. Zafar was taken back to Evin Prison on Wednesday, October 2, to complete his sentence after the temporary halt.

Zafar was first arrested by security forces on May 1, 2022. Shortly after his arrest, he was transferred from The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility (Ward 209 of Evin Prison) to the prison’s general ward.

In July 2023, Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, under Judge Iman Afshari, sentenced Zafar to five years in prison for “membership in illegal groups aimed at disrupting national security.” The sentence was later reduced to two years by Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeals.

Zafar has a history of previous arrests and convictions. He was released on bail from Evin Prison on October 29, 2022, after his sentence was suspended. In March 2023, his case was closed as part of a pardon.

The Baha’i faith is not recognized as a legitimate religion by Iranian authorities, leading to systematic and longstanding violations of the rights of Baha’is in the country. This includes the denial of their fundamental right to practice their religion, which constitutes a clear breach of both Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The United Nations covenant holds that every person has the right to freedom of religion, freedom of converting religion, as well as freedom of expression, individually or collectively; openly or secretly.

Political Prisoners Behrooz Ehsani and Mehdi Hasani Sentenced to Death

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Executions, News
Behrooz Ehsani, Behrouz Ehsani. Mehdi Hasani, Evin Prison, Iman Afshari, Mehdi Hassani

Political prisoners Behrooz Ehsani and Mehdi Hasani have been sentenced to death. These verdicts were issued by Judge Iman Afshari, the head of Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

Based on the ruling issued by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari and communicated to their lawyer, they have been sentenced to death. The charges against them include “armed rebellion (Baghi), enmity against God (Moharebeh), spreading corruption on earth (Efsad-e Fel-Arz), membership in the Mojahedin, gathering classified information, and assembly and collusion against national security.”

On Monday, November 28, 2022, Mr. Ehsani was arrested at his home in Tehran and transferred to Ward 209 of Evin Prison. Mr. Hasani was also arrested on September 9, 2022, while attempting to leave the country in Zanjan and was transferred to Evin Prison. Both individuals spent months in a state of uncertainty and incommunicado detention.

Behrooz Ehsani is 64 years old. Mehdi Hasani, aged around 48, is married and the father of two children. Before his arrest, he was active in the real estate sector.

Revolutionary Court Sentences 8 Political Defendants to Over 42 Years in Prison, Flogging, and Exile

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ali Herati Mokhtari, Amin Sokhanvar, Amir Shah Velayati, Ehsan Ravazjiyan, Hamidreza Sahlabadi, Hossein Mohammad Hosseini, Iman Afshari, Nasim Gholami Simiyari, Shahin Zahmatkesh

Nasim Gholami Simiyari, Hamidreza Sahlabadi, Ehsan Ravazjiyan, Amin Sokhanvar, Amir Shah Velayati, Ali Herati Mokhtari, Shahin Zahmatkesh, and Hossein Mohammad Hosseini were sentenced to a total of 42 years and 3 months in prison, 25 years of exile, and 74 lashes by Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court presided over by Judge Iman Afshari. The prison sentences of Amir Shah Velayati and Hossein Mohammad Hosseini, each initially sentenced to two years, were converted to fines.

Detailed Sentences:

  1. Nasim Gholami Simiyari: aged around 40, she was sentenced to 20 years of exile in Angouran, Zanjan Province, where she is to live under judicial supervision without social interactions, 1 year in prison, 74 lashes for disrupting public order, and 5 years in prison for assembly and collusion against national security.
  2. Hamidreza Sahlabadi: aged around 38, he was sentenced to 5 years of exile in Shazand, Arak Province, under similar conditions, and 3 years and 7 months in prison for assembly and collusion against national security.
  3. Amin Sokhanvar: aged around 26, he was sentenced to 4 years in prison for membership in opposition groups and 3 years and 7 months in prison for assembly and collusion against national security.
  4. Ehsan Ravazjiyan: aged around 33, he received 3 years in prison for membership in opposition groups and 3 years and 7 months in prison for assembly and collusion against national security.
  5. Ali Herati Mokhtari: aged around 25, he was sentenced to 1 year and 6 months in prison for illegal possession of tear gas and 2 years for possessing six illegal bullets.
  6. Amir Shah Velayati: aged around 26, he was sentenced to 2 years in prison for assembly and collusion, converted to an 80 million toman fine.
  7. Hossein Mohammad Hosseini: aged around 37, he was sentenced to 2 years in prison for assembly and collusion, converted to a fine of 165 million tomans.
  8. Hossein Ardestani: aged 37, he was acquitted of all charges.
  9. Shahin Zahmatkesh: aged around 41, he was sentenced to 1 year in prison for anti-state propaganda, 5 years for assembly and collusion, and 5 years for inciting unrest. He currently resides outside of Iran.
  10. Siamak Tadayyon and Farid Golsheni: Their cases remain open, as they were charged with involvement in the so-called “Iranian People’s Army terrorist group” but have evaded capture.

Background of the Arrests:

  • Nasim Gholami Simiyari was arrested by IRGC Intelligence agents in Tehran on May 18, 2023, and later transferred to the women’s ward of Evin Prison on September 26, 2023.
  • Hamidreza Sahlabadi was detained at his residence on July 3, 2023, and later sentenced to 2 years for property damage by a criminal court in Tehran.
  • Ehsan Ravazjiyan was arrested in Malayer on August 8, 2023, and subsequently moved to Evin Prison.
  • Amin Sokhanvar was arrested at his home in Tehran in April 2023 and is currently held in Evin Prison.
  • Hossein Ardestani was detained on January 22, 2023, and released on bail after a period of detention.
  • Ali Herati Mokhtari and Hossein Mohammad Hosseini were also previously arrested and released on bail.
  • Amir Shah Velayati was summoned to Evin Court on January 23, 2024, charged with anti-state propaganda and other offenses, and released on bail on March 11, 2024.

 

Revolutionary Court Sentences Esmaeil Gerami to One Year in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Esmail Gerami, Evin Prison, Iman Afshari

Esmail Gerami, a workers’ rights advocate imprisoned in Evin Prison, has been sentenced to one year in prison by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, according to Iranian Retirees Council.

The verdict, issued by Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran and delivered to Mr. Gerami in prison today, convicts him of “propaganda against the regime” for participating in retirees’ protests, sentencing him to one year of imprisonment. The court session for reviewing his charges took place on August 27 of this year.

On August 7, security forces searched Mr. Gerami’s residence, confiscating personal items including his laptop, mobile phone, and national ID card, and summoned him to Shahid Moghaddas Court in Evin.

Four day later, Esmail Gerami was arrested after appearing at Evin Court and transferred to Evin Prison’s quarantine ward. He was later moved to Ward 4 of Evin Prison.

Earlier this year, in July, Esmail Gerami was fined by Branch 1027 of the Tehran Criminal Court 2.

Esmail (Esmaeil) Gerami has a history of arrests and judicial encounters due to his activism.

Reports from the Department of Statistics and Publication of HRA in 2023 indicate a total of 193 cases in which Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, has been involved in issuing verdicts that infringe upon the human rights of defendants.

Judicial Interference Delays Medical Evaluation for Ailing Political Prisoner Mosayeb Raisi Yeganeh

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News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, HRANA, Iman Afshari, Mosayeb Raisi Yeganeh, Tehran

Political prisoner Mosayeb Raisi Yeganeh is suffering from poor health, yet his request for medical evaluation due to his inability to endure imprisonment has not been referred to forensic medicine due to the intervention of judicial authorities.

A source close to the family confirmed the news to HRANA, stating: “Mr. Raisi Yeganeh is suffering from multiple health issues, and despite his request for an assessment of his inability to endure imprisonment, the case has not been referred to forensic medicine due to interference by judicial authorities.”

The source mentioned that Raisi Yeganeh suffers from hand tremors, shortness of breath, and worsening psychological issues. The source added, “Mosayeb has also been deprived of proper medical care in prison.”

Yeganeh was arrested by security forces at his home in Tehran on April 17, 2023, and transferred to Evin Prison.

In December last year, Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, sentenced him to a total of 23 years and 8 months in prison. According to HRANA’s information, 7 years of this sentence has been confirmed.

Having a history of mental health issues, Raisi Yeganeh attempted suicide on March 7, 2024, by ingesting pills and was transferred to Loghman Hospital. Despite not completing his treatment, he was returned to Evin Prison.

Raisi Yeganeh, aged around 41, has previously been arrested and imprisoned for his activism.

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Political Prisoner Zia Nabavi Faces News Charges for Reporting the Presence of Bedbugs in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Evin Prison, Iman Afshari, Zia Nabavi

Zia Nabavi, a political prisoner held in Evin Prison, has been faced with a new legal case initiated in connection with Nabavi’s reports about the presence of bedbugs in Ward 8 of Evin Prison, Shargh Newspaper reports.

Amir Raeisian, Mr. Nabavi’s lawyer, stated, “Following the publication of Zia Nabavi’s note about the presence of bedbugs in Evin Prison, he was summoned to Branch 7 of the Prosecutor’s Office and was charged with spreading false information.”

The lawyer added that Mr. Nabavi’s case was then referred to the 1207th Branch of the Criminal Court with an indictment. The court session for this case is scheduled to be held on August 28, 2024, in the mentioned branch.

In May of this year, Zia Nabavi wrote a letter addressing the rampant presence of bedbugs in Ward 8 of Evin Prison.

Later, on May 19, 2024, this political prisoner was punitively transferred to solitary confinement and was eventually returned to Ward 8 of Evin Prison a week later, on May 25, 2024.

In August 2023, Zia Nabavi was sentenced to one year in prison by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, on charges of “propaganda against the regime.” This sentence was later upheld in full by Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeals. The case was opened against Nabavi following his protest against the serial poisoning of school students.

Nabavi started serving his sentence in EvinPrison on April 6, 2024. He has a history of arrests and legal confrontations due to his activism.

Shakila Monfared Indicted for New Legal Case While Imprisoned

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Freedom of Expression, News
Evin Prison, Iman Afshari, IRGC Intelligence, Shakila Monfared, Tehran

An indictment has been issued for Shakila Monfared, a political prisoner, regarding a new case opened against her during her imprisonment.

Based on information received by HRANA, Monfared faces a new case in prison filed by Ms. Shaghaghi, the Deputy Prosecutor. On Wednesday, July 24, the indictment for this political prisoner was issued by Tehran’s District 8 Prosecutor’s Office with charges of “destruction of public property and disrupting order.”

On June 26 of this year, while on medical leave, Shakila Monfared was arrested and transferred to Evin Prison after appearing at Tehran’s District 8 Prosecutor’s Office to extend her leave, despite her treatment being incomplete and her being subjected to physical assault.

Ms. Monfared was initially arrested by security forces in Tehran on August 31, 2020, while leaving her home. After completing her interrogation at one of the IRGC’s detention centers, she was transferred to Evin Prison. Finally, on September 14, she was released on bail.

The court session for the joint case against Shakila Monfared and two others was held on January 20, 2021, in Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court. After the session, Monfared was re-arrested by IRGC intelligence agents and taken back to prison.

Ultimately, Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, sentenced her to six years of imprisonment and four months of compulsory labor in Ministry of Agriculture Jihad for charges of “propaganda against the regime” and blasphemy.” Branch 36 of the Tehran Appeals Court later reduced her sentence to four years and two months of definitive imprisonment.

In January 2022, Ms. Monfared was tried in Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court for another case opened during her imprisonment. In June 2023, Branch 36 of the Tehran Appeals Court sentenced her to two years and eight months of imprisonment for “membership in anti-regime groups” and a fine for “spreading falsehoods.”

It should be noted that on June 6, 2023, Monfared faced new charges for “assembly and collusion to commit crimes against national security,” but this case was ultimately dismissed.

Additionally, in April of this year, Shakila Monfared was sentenced to twelve months of imprisonment, two years of exile, and additional punishments by Branch 36 of the Tehran Appeals Court for another case opened during her imprisonment.

Shakila Monfared, aged around 31, is a resident of Tehran.

Pakhshan Azizi Sentenced to Death

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Executions, Freedom of Expression, News
Evin Prison, Iman Afshari, Mahabad, Pakhshan Azizi

Pakhshan Azizi, a political detainee held in Evin Prison, has been sentenced to death by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari.

Based on a verdict issued by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court and communicated to Ms. Azizi in Evin Prison on Tuesday, July 23rd, she was sentenced to death on  multiple charges including “membership in anti-regime groups.” The court session to address the charges against this political detainee was held on May 28th of this year in the mentioned branch.
Pakhshan Azizi, a resident of Mahabad, was arrested by security forces in Tehran on August 4, 2023, and transferred to Ward 209 of Evin Prison.

This political detainee was deprived of the right to access a private lawyer and meet with her family for a long time. Eventually, after four months of interrogation, she was transferred to the women’s ward of this prison.

Ms. Azizi was formally charged in February of 2023 at Evin Courthouse, and her indictment was referred to Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

Pakhshan Azizi had previously faced arrest and judicial confrontations. She was detained by security forces on November 16, 2009, and released on bail after four months.

Reports from the Department of Statistics and Publication of HRA in 2023 indicate a total of 193 cases in which Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, has been involved in issuing verdicts that infringe upon the human rights of defendants.

Report on the Latest Status of Neda Fotoohi in Evin Prison

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News, Prisoners
Iman Afshari, Neda Fotoohi, Neda Fotouhi, Tehran Revolutionary Court, ندا فتوحی

Neda Fotoohi, a prisoner of conscience, is serving her sentence in Evin Prison. She has been sentenced to a total of six years and eight months in prison by the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

Initially, Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, sentenced Ms. Fotouhi to three years in prison for “propaganda against the regime and membership in the Erfan-e Halgheh group (believing in interuniversal mysticism),” and to three years and eight months for “assembly and collusion against national security through her presence and encouragement of others in Mahsa Amini’s protests and its anniversary.”
Mohammad-Zaman Daryabari, the defense lawyer for this political prisoner, also published an update on the latest status of her case, stating: “Branch 39 of the Supreme Court issued a retrial request for my client, Fotouhi. However, Branch 54 of the same rank Revolutionary Court rejected Ms. Fotoohi’s retrial request, and she was sentenced to a total of six years and eight months in prison.”

Under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the most severe punishment, which is three years and eight months in prison, was enforceable for her.

Neda Fotoohi, a resident of Tehran, was arrested by security forces at her friend’s house in September-October 2023.

Reports from the Department of Statistics and Publication of HRA in 2023 indicate a total of 193 cases in which Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, has been involved in issuing verdicts that infringe upon the human rights of defendants.

Seyed Mohammad Taghavi Detained for Over Four Months Facing Political Charges

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News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, Iman Afshari, Maku Prison, Seyed Mohammad Taghavi, سید محمد تقوی

Seyed Mohammad Taghavi, who is accused of Baghi (armed rebellion), remains in legal limbo in Evin Prison more than four months after his arrest. Since Monday, July 1st, this political detainee has been moved to solitary confinement in the Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, known as Ward 209 of Evin Prison, as a punitive measure ordered by Judge Iman Afshari.

A source close to his family confirmed this news to HRANA, stating: “Mr. Taghavi had previously protested against the fabricated charges against him and did not attend the court session due to the lack of a lawyer. On Monday, July 1st, he was punitively transferred to one of the solitary cells in Ward 209 of Evin Prison by the order of Judge Iman Afshari, the head of Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran.”

On February 23, 2024, security forces arrested Taghavi in Chaldoran in West Azerbaijan Province and transferred him to Maku Prison. He was then moved to Evin Prison after seven days.

Finally, on May 14th of this year, Mr. Taghavi, along with five other political detainees, was charged in a joint case by Branch 5 of the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office of Tehran, presided over by Investigator Alizadeh, on suspicion of membership in one of the opposition groups and accused of Baghi.

On Monday, June 24th of this year, Taghavi and other defendants in this case were summoned to Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari. However, he was not sent to court by the order of the head of Evin Prison due to his refusal to wear prison clothes at the court.

Seyed Mohammad Taghavi, 57, is a former political prisoner from the 1980s, holding a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design from Tehran University, and has a history of previous convictions and imprisonment.

Reports from the Department of Statistics and Publication of HRA in 2023 indicate a total of 193 cases in which Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, has been involved in issuing verdicts that infringe upon the human rights of defendants.