Tag: Iman Afshari

Gelareh Abbasi Arrested by the Ministry of Intelligence and Transferred to Evin Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Evin Prison, Gelareh Abbasi, HRANA, Iman Afshari, گلاره عباسی

HRANA News Agency – On Monday, February 19, Gelareh Abbasi, a political defendant, was arrested in Tehran by Ministry of Intelligence forces and transferred to Evin Prison.

A source close to Abbasi’s family confirmed the news to HRANA, stating: “On the morning of February 19, Ms. Abbasi was arrested at her private residence in western Tehran by Ministry of Intelligence agents. During the arrest, the agents searched her home and confiscated her electronic devices and mobile phone. Ms. Abbasi suffers from a heart condition.”

Abbasi had previously been sentenced to two years and six months in prison by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, on charges of “assembly and collusion against national security.”

After serving several months in prison, she was released from Evin Prison in February 2023.

Gelareh Abbasi, 48, is a former political prisoner, a mother to a young daughter, and the sole breadwinner of her household.

Uncertainty in Retrial Process: Latest Update on the Case of Behfar Lalehzari

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News, Prisoners
Behfar Lalehzari, Evin Prison, HRANA, Iman Afshari, ایمان افشاری, بهفر لاله زاری

HRANA News Agency – Behfar Lalehzari, a political prisoner held in Evin Prison, has been waiting for nearly nine months for a decision on his retrial request at Branch 39 of the Supreme Court.

A source close to Lalehzari’s family confirmed the news to HRANA, stating:
“Mr. Lalehzari submitted his retrial request nearly nine months ago, but Branch 39 of the Supreme Court has yet to review it. In protest against this negligence, he will begin a hunger strike.”

Lalehzari, who suffers from multiple health issues, has submitted nine requests for medical furlough, all of which have been denied by prison officials.

On September 18, 2023, security forces arrested Behfar Lalehzari at his home. After seven days in solitary confinement at the Security Police detention facility, he was transferred to Evin Prison.

Later, Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, sentenced him to four years in prison for “assembly and collusion against internal security” and one year for “propaganda against the regime,” totaling five years. The verdict was upheld by Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeals.

Female Prisoners in Evin: Latest Report on Names and Sentences

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News, Prisoners, Women
Bahareh Hedayat, Evin Prison, golrokh iraee, Iman Afshari, Kimia Bani Adam, Mahvash Sabet, Narges Mohammadi, Rezvaneh Ahmad-Khan Beigi, Samaneh Nowruz Moradi, Varisheh Moradi, Zohreh Sayadi

HRANA News Agency – This report provides an updated list and the latest status of 77 female political and security prisoners, 69 of whom are currently held in Evin Prison, while 8 others have been granted temporary leave. Judge Iman Afshari has played a significant role in issuing sentences, having ruled on at least 33 cases, while Judge Abolghasem Salavati has issued verdicts for at least 17 of these prisoners. These two judges were also responsible for the death sentences of Varisheh Moradi and Pakhshan Azizi.

As of the time of this report, 69 women remain incarcerated in Evin’s general and quarantine wards, while 8 prisoners—Narges Mohammadi, Samaneh Nowruz Moradi, Rezvaneh Ahmad-Khan Beigi, Bahareh Hedayat, Zohreh Sayadi, Mahvash Sabet (Shahriari), Kimia Bani Adam, and Shabnam Nematzadeh—are currently on temporary leave.

Among these detainees:

. 11 prisoners remain in legal limbo without finalized sentences.
. 2 prisoners have been sentenced to death.
. Judge Iman Afshari, head of Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court, has issued at least 33 sentences.
. Judge Abolghasem Salavati, head of Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court, has ruled on at least 17 cases.
. Some other prisoners were tried in courts in Mashhad, Shahriar, and other judicial jurisdictions.

One of the longest-held prisoners in this ward is Maryam Haji Hosseini, who has been detained since September 2019 on espionage charges. Additionally, some prisoners in this ward are over 60 years old and, despite serious health conditions, have been denied specialized medical care. The youngest prisoner, Kimia Bani Adam (20 years old), was recently granted temporary leave.

Several prisoners, including Golrokh Iraee, Elaheh Fouladi, Pakhshan Azizi, Maryam Yahyavi, Motahareh Gunei, Vida Rabani, Varisheh Moradi, and Zahra Safaei, have been denied family visits for unclear reasons.

Case Profiles of Female Political Prisoners in Evin Prison:

1. Golrokh Iraee

Charges: Assembly and collusion, propaganda against the state, disturbing public order
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 5 years in prison + social restrictions
Arrest Date: September 26, 2022
Transferred to Evin: November 29, 2022

2. Varisheh Moradi (Mirzaei)

Charges: Membership in an opposition group, armed rebellion (Baghi), resisting and assaulting officers
Court: Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court & Criminal Court Branch 2, Qods Judicial Complex
Current status: Sentenced to 6 months in prison in one case and death penalty in another
Arrest Date: July 31, 2023
Transferred to Evin: December 26, 2023

3. Pakhshan Azizi

Charges: Armed rebellion (Baghi)
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Current status: Death sentence confirmed by the Supreme Court
Arrest Date: July 31, 2023
Transferred to Evin: December 9, 2023

4. Maryam Haji Hosseini

Charges: Corruption on earth (Efsad-fil-Arz) and espionage for Israel
Court: Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 10 years in prison + asset confiscation
Date of imprisonment: March 11, 2020
Arrest Date: August-September 2019
Transferred to Evin: March 11, 2020

5. Azam (Nasrin) Khezri Javadi

Charges: Assembly and collusion to act against national security
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 5 years in prison
Arrest Date: May 1, 2019
Transferred to Evin: July 2, 2022

6. Shakila Monfared

Charges: Membership in opposition groups, destruction of public property, disruption of public order, propaganda against the state, and blasphemy
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 15 years and 5 months in prison across four separate cases, plus 10 lashes, social restrictions, and exile
Arrest Date: January 20, 2021
Transferred to Evin: July 20, 2022

7. Masoumeh (Farah) Nassaji

Charges: Unspecified
Court: Branch 28 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 5 years and 4 months in prison
Arrest Date: Unknown
Transferred to Evin: September 4, 2022

8. Fariba Kamalabadi

Charges: Leading a group labeled a “deviant sect” with the alleged aim of disrupting national security
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 10 years in prison
Arrest Date: July 31, 2022
Transferred to Evin: December 7, 2022

9. Vida Rabbani

Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security, propaganda against the state, blasphemy, and disrupting public order
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 17 years and 7 months in prison, plus social restrictions
Arrest date: September 24, 2022
Transferred to Evin: December 11, 2022

10. Parvin Mirasan

Charges: Assembly and collusion, propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 4 years in prison
Arrest Date: November 4, 2022
Transferred to Evin: March 19, 2023

11. Sepideh Gholian

Charges: Insulting the Supreme Leader, removing hijab, promoting promiscuity and indecency, and repeatedly committing the same offense during court hearings
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court & Branch 1207 of Criminal Court 2, Shahid Kachouyi Judicial Complex
Sentence: 3 years and 3 months in prison across two separate cases, plus social restrictions
Arrest Date: March 15, 2023
Transferred to Evin: March 19, 2023

12. Farahnaz Nikkhoo

Charges: Acting against national security through espionage
Court: Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Arrest Date: December 3, 2022
Transferred to Evin: April 30, 2023

13. Zohreh Sarv

Charges: Assembly and collusion, propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 7 years in prison
Arrest Date: September-October 2021
Transferred to Evin: May 1, 2023

14. Saeideh Shafiei

Charges: Propaganda against the state, assembly and collusion
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 3 years and 6 months in prison, plus social restrictions
Arrest Date: January 22, 2023
Transferred to Evin: September 6, 2024

15. Sodabeh Fakharzadeh

Charges: Assembly and collusion to disrupt national security
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 5 years in prison
Arrest Date: February-March 2023
Transferred to Evin: May 9, 2023

16. Shiva Esmaeili

Charges: Repeat offense of assembly and collusion against national security
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 10 years in prison
Arrest Date: October-November 2020
Transferred to Evin: May 22, 2023

17. Mahboobeh Rezaei

Charges: Membership in opposition groups, assembly and collusion against national security, propaganda against the state, blasphemy, removing hijab, and promoting corruption on social media
Court: Branch 28 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court & Criminal Court 2, Qods Judicial Complex
Sentence: 20 years and 3 months in prison across two separate cases, plus fines
Arrest Date: May 22, 2023
Transferred to Evin: June 6, 2023

18. Tahereh (Fereshteh) Noori

Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security, disrupting public order
Court: Tehran Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 5 years in prison
Arrest Date: May 22, 2023
Transferred to Evin: July 4, 2023

19. Maryam (Anisha) Asadollahi

Charges: Assembly and collusion, propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 5 years and 8 months in prison
Arrest Date: April 28, 2023
Transferred to Evin: July 26, 2023

20. Azar Korvandi (Korvandi) Musazadeh

Charges: Assembly and collusion to act against national security through cooperation with opposition groups
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 5 years in prison
Arrest Date: July 29, 2023
Transferred to Evin: Summer of 2019

21. Nasim Gholami Simiari

Charges: Destruction of public property to disrupt public order and security, opposing the Islamic government, assembly and collusion
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 6 years in prison, 74 lashes, and 20 years of exile under judicial supervision in Angooran, Zanjan Province
Arrest Date: May 18, 2023
Transferred to Evin: September 26, 2023

22. Zahra Safaei
Charges: Assembly and collusion to commit crimes against national security
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 5 years in prison
Arrest Date: September 12, 2023
Transferred to Evin: October 10, 2023
23. Marzieh Farsi

Charges: Membership in opposition groups
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 15 years in prison
Arrest Date: October 17, 2023
Transferred to Evin: August 21, 2023

24. Forough Taghizadeh

Charges: Membership in opposition groups
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 15 years in prison
Arrest Date: October 17, 2023
Transferred to Evin: August 21, 2023

25. Kobra Beiki
Charges: Assembly and collusion, propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 3 years in prison
Arrest Date: During the 2022 nationwide protests (Date unknown)
Transferred to Evin: October 21, 2023
26. Masoumeh Akbari

Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security, propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 28 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 2 years in prison
Arrest Date: October-November 2018
Transferred to Evin: October 28, 2023

27. Reyhaneh Ansari Nejad

Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security
Court: Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 4 years in prison, plus social restrictions
Arrest Date: April 28, 2023
Transferred to Evin: November 6, 2023

28. Raheleh Rahemi Pour
Charges: Assembly and collusion, propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 6 years in prison
Arrest Date: November 12, 2019
Transferred to Evin: November 18, 2023
29. Mahnaz Tarah

Charges: Assembly and collusion, propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 4 years and 4 months in prison
Arrest Date: November 13, 2023
Transferred to Evin: November 23, 2023

30. Narges Mansouri

Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security, propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 9 years in prison across two separate cases
Arrest Date: August 12, 2019
Transferred to Evin: December 1, 2023

31. Elaheh Fouladi

Charges: Propaganda against the state, assembly and collusion
Court: Tehran Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 5 years in prison
Arrest Date: January -February 2020
Transferred to Evin: December 12, 2023

32. Shirin Saeedi
Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security
Court: Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 5 years in prison
Arrest Date: December 23, 2023
Transferred to Evin: December 23, 2023
33. Nasrin Roshan
Charges: Propaganda against the state, assembly and collusion
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 3 years in prison
Arrest Date: January 1, 2024
Transferred to Evin: November 16, 2023
34. Mina Khajavi, Christian Convert
Charges: Forming an illegal group to disrupt national security, acting against national security by promoting evangelical Christianity and establishing a house church
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 6 years in prison
Arrest Date: June-July 2020
Transferred to Evin: January 8, 2024
35. Laleh Saati, Christian Convert
Charges: Acting against national security
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 2 years in prison
Arrest Date: Unknown
Transferred to Evin: February 13, 2024
36. Neda Fotouhi
Charges: Propaganda against the state, membership in the Erfan-e Halgheh group, assembly and collusion against domestic and foreign security by participating in Mahsa Amini protests and commemorations
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 6 years and 8 months in prison
Arrest Date: September-October 2023
Transferred to Evin: February 17, 2024
37. Lian Darvish
Charges: Assembly and collusion, insulting the Supreme Leader, propaganda against the state
Court: Tehran Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 5 years in prison
Arrest Date: Unknown
Transferred to Evin: February 21, 2024
38. Nahid Khodajo

Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security, disrupting public order
Court: Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 6 years in prison and 74 lashes
Arrest Date: May 1, 2019
Transferred to Evin: February 21, 2024

39. Maryam Yahyavi

Charges: Assembly and collusion, propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 1 year in prison
Arrest Date: November 2, 2014
Transferred to Evin: March 3, 2024

40. Samaneh Asghari

Charges: Propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 29 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 1 year in prison
Arrest Date: September 16, 2023
Transferred to Evin: April 3, 2024

41. Sakineh Parvaneh

Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security (6 years), propaganda against the Islamic Republic (1 year and 6 months)
Court: Branch 1 of Mashhad’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 7 years and 6 months in prison
Arrest Date: March-April 2023
Transferred to Evin: April 3, 2024

42. Mandana Karimi Bakhtiari

Charges: Propaganda against the state, membership in opposition groups with intent to act against national security
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 5 years in prison
Arrest Date: June 10, 2024
Transferred to Evin: June 10, 2024

43. Hora Nikbakht

Charges: Propaganda against the state, insulting the Supreme Leader
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 1 year in prison
Arrest Date: June 12, 2024
Transferred to Evin: June 12, 2024

44. Narges Khorasani

Charges: Membership in the Erfan-e Halgheh spiritual group
Court: Tehran Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 3 years in prison
Arrest Date: July-August 2022
Transferred to Evin: June 15, 2024

45. Parisa Yousefi

Charges: Membership in the Erfan-e Halgheh spiritual group
Court: Tehran Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 3 years in prison
Arrest Date: July-August 2022
Transferred to Evin: June 15, 2024

46. Fereshteh Hosseini

Charges: Membership in the Erfan-e Halgheh spiritual group
Court: Tehran Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 5 years in prison
Arrest Date: July-August 2022
Transferred to Evin: June 15, 2024

47. Parivash Moslemi

Charges: Propaganda against the state, insulting the Supreme Leader, assembly and collusion
Court: Tehran Revolutionary Court & Criminal Court 2, Qods Judicial Complex
Sentence: 4 years and 2 months in prison across two separate cases
Arrest Date: August-September 2023
Transferred to Evin: July 7, 2024

48. Zahra (Yas) Bonakdar Tehrani

Charges: Affiliation with the Erfan-e Halgheh spiritual group
Court: Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 2 years in prison
Arrest Date: Unknown
Transferred to Evin: July 23, 2024

49. Moloud Safaei

Charges: Propaganda against the state
Court: Tehran Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 3 years in prison
Arrest Date: June 16, 2021
Transferred to Evin: July 30, 2024

50. Hamraz Sadeghi

Charges: Propaganda against the state
Court: Tehran Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 1 year in prison
Arrest Date: February 24, 2018
Transferred to Evin: August 10, 2024

51. Arezoo Azarmsefat

Charges: Collaboration with an opposition group
Court: Tehran Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 3 years and 9 months in prison
Arrest Date: May 1, 2024
Transferred to Evin: August 26, 2024

52. Saeedeh (Bahareh) Ghorbanali

Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security, propaganda against the state, insulting the Supreme Leader and the founder of the Islamic Republic
Court: Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 3 years in prison
Arrest Date: Spring 2019
Transferred to Evin: September 7, 2024

53. Maryam Banoo Nasiri

Charges: Assembly and collusion
Court: Branch 1 of Shahriar’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 3 years and 7 months in prison
Arrest Date: July 17, 2020
Transferred to Evin: September 8, 2024

54. Shima Azam Farzan

Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security, propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 6 years in prison
Arrest Date: November 7, 2022
Transferred to Evin: September 23, 2024

55. Golnaz Salah Chin

Charges: Propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 1 year in prison
Arrest Date: February-March 2024
Transferred to Evin: October 3, 2024

56. Mahvash (Saye) Seidal Tadoei

Charges: Spreading false information
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 3 years in prison across two separate cases
Arrest Date: June 21, 2023
Transferred to Evin: October 6, 2024

57. Motahereh Gounei

Charges: Propaganda against the state in favor of opposition media
Court: Branch 29 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 1 year in prison, temporary ban on education, and forced transfer to Ardabil University of Medical Sciences
Arrest Date: May 1, 2024
Transferred to Evin: October 7, 2024

58. Maryam Vahidi Far

Charges: National security offenses (alleged support for Saeed Mohammadi Douraki)
Court: Shahriar Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 17 months in prison
Arrest Date: Early 2024
Transferred to Evin: October 31, 2024

59. Masoumeh Askari

Charges: Collaboration with opposition groups, membership in anti-state organizations
Court status: Under review in Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: Not yet issued
Arrest Date: July-August 2024
Transferred to Evin: October 8, 2024

60. Nayereh Behnoud

Charges: Propaganda against the state, assembly and collusion through membership in opposition groups
Court status: Under review in Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: Not yet issued
Arrest Date: September-October 2024
Transferred to Evin: October 21, 2024

61. Elnaz (Solmaz) Ahmadi

Charges: Propaganda against the state, assembly and collusion
Court status: Under investigation
Sentence: Pending
Arrest Date: December 27, 2024
Transferred to Evin: December 29, 2024

62. Zahra Sharif Kazemi

Charges: Unknown
Court status: Under investigation
Sentence: Pending
Arrest Date: December 24, 2024
Transferred to Evin: December 22, 2024

63. Nasim Eslam Zehi (Sunni Muslim)

Charges: Suspected affiliation with ISIS
Court status: Under review in Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: Not yet issued
Arrest Date: August-September 2023
Transferred to Evin: March 4, 2024

64. Bornagol Abdollah Vav (Tajikistani national)

Charges: Unknown
Court status: Under review in Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: Not yet issued
Arrest Date: Unknown
Transferred to Evin: September 25, 2024

65. Aisha Rezaei Vav (Tajikistani national)

Charges: Unknown
Court status: Under review in Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: Not yet issued
Arrest Date: Unknown
Transferred to Evin: September 25, 2024

66. Khadijeh Rezaei Vav (Tajikistani national)

Charges: Unknown
Court status: Under review in Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: Not yet issued
Arrest Date: Unknown
Transferred to Evin: September 25, 2024

68. Eslam Bani Hassani (Jordanian national)

Charges: Unknown
Court status: Under review in Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: Not yet issued
Date of imprisonment: September 25, 2024

69. Hajar Zaboli (Afghan national)

Charges: Unknown
Court status: Under review in Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: Not yet issued
Arrest Date: Unknown
Transferred to Evin: September 25, 2024

Female Prisoners Currently on Temporary Leave from Evin Prison:
In addition to those incarcerated, several prisoners are currently on temporary leave. Their names and case details are as follows:

1. Narges Mohammadi (Nobel Peace Prize Laureate & Human Rights Activist)

Charges: Propaganda against the Islamic Republic (issuing anti-execution statements), sit-in protest inside prison, disobedience against prison authorities, destruction of property, defamation, assault, resisting officers, and further propaganda activities
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court, Branch 1177 of Criminal Court 2 (Qods Judicial Complex), Branch 29 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 15 years and 6 months in prison across seven separate cases, plus 74 lashes, exile, and social restrictions
Arrest Date: November 16, 2021
Transferred to Evin: July 20, 2022– Granted leave on December 4, 2024

 

2. Samaneh Noruz (Nowruz) Moradi

Charges: Membership in opposition groups with intent to disrupt national security, assembly and collusion against national security, propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 28 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 13 years and 9 months in prison
Arrest Date: April 24, 2023
Transferred to Evin: Unknown – Granted leave on April 23, 2024

3. Rezvaneh Ahmad-Khan Beigi

Charges: Assembly and collusion against internal security, propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 28 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 20 months in prison
Arrest Date: September 18, 2023
Transferred to Evin: Unknown – Granted leave on September 18, 2024 (Shahrivar 28, 1403)

4. Bahareh Hedayat

Charges: Assembly and collusion, propaganda against the state
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 4 years and 8 months in prison, plus social restrictions
Arrest Date: October 3, 2022
Transferred to Evin: November 2022 – Granted leave on February 19, 2024

 

5. Zohreh Sayadi

Charges: Unknown
Court: Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 1 year in prison
Arrest Date: December 10, 2019
Transferred to Evin: May 30, 2023– Granted leave on August 8, 2023

6. Mahvash Sabet (Shahriari) (Baha’i Citizen)

Charges: Leading a group labeled a “deviant sect” with the alleged aim of disrupting national security
Court: Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 10 years in prison
Arrest Date: July 31, 2022
Transferred to Evin: December 23, 2022 – Granted leave on December 4, 2024

7. Kimia Bani Adam

Charges: Unknown
Court: Tehran Revolutionary Court
Sentence: 2 years in prison
Arrest Date: Unknown
Transferred to Evin: December 5, 2024 – Granted leave on December 16, 2024

8. Shabnam Nematzadeh

Charges: Major disruption of Iran’s economic system by obstructing the distribution of essential goods (pharmaceuticals)
Court: Branch 3 of the Economic Corruption Court
Sentence: 20 years in prison, 74 lashes, and permanent disqualification from certain activities
Arrest Date: August-September 2019
Transferred to Evin: Unknown – Granted leave on July 17, 2024

Khaled Pirzadeh Attempts Suicide in Evin Prison Over Denial of Medical Treatment

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News, Prisoners
ahvaz, Evin Prison, Iman Afshari, Khaled Pirzadeh, Zeinab Zobeidi, خالد پیرزاده

HRANA News Agency – Khaled Pirzadeh, a political prisoner held in Evin Prison, attempted suicide by cutting his neck in protest against being denied adequate medical treatment. Following the attempt, he was transferred to a hospital and returned to prison hours later.

Zeinab Zobeidi, Mr. Pirzadeh’s wife, announced on her personal social media page that he took this action in protest against being deprived of vital medications and proper medical care. She stated that he was taken to a hospital for stitches but was returned to prison shortly after.

This incident occurred just two days after Mr. Pirzadeh released an audio message from prison, revealing that he had been denied necessary medical care, hospital transfers, and access to life-saving medications.

Pirzadeh was arrested by security forces in Ahvaz in September 2023 and was transferred on October 15 from The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, known as Ward 209 of Evin Prison, to Ward 6 of the same prison.

In January 2024, he was sentenced by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, to a total of five years and eight months in prison.

Mr. Pirzadeh has previously been arrested and imprisoned due to his activities.

Death Sentences for Behrooz Ehsani and Mehdi Hasani Upheld by Supreme Court

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Executions, Freedom of Expression, News
Baghi, Behrooz Ehsani, Evin Prison, Iman Afshari, Mehdi Hasani, Mehdi Hassani, moharebeh, zanjan

The Supreme Court of Iran has upheld the death sentences for Behrooz Ehsani Eslamlou and Mehdi Hasani, political prisoners held in Evin Prison.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, the lawyers of the two political prisoners were formally notified of the court’s decision.

The two were sentenced to death in late September 2024 by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, on charges of “armed rebellion (baghi),” “enmity against God (moharebeh),” “spreading corruption on earth,” collecting classified information, and collusion against national security. Their alleged membership in the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (MEK) was cited as evidence against them.

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.

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Christian Convert Ghazal Marzban Sentenced to Prison, Flogging, and Additional Restrictions

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Freedom of Expression, News, Religious Minorities
Evin Prison, Ghazal Marzban, HRANA, Iman Afshari

Ghazal Marzban, a Christian convert detained in Evin Prison, has been sentenced to six months in prison, 74 lashes, and supplementary penalties by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

According to HRANA, citing Hyrakani, Ms. Marzban was convicted of “propaganda against the regime” and “appearing in public without a hijab.” The ruling, issued by Judge Iman Afshari, stipulates that one-third of the six-month prison sentence is enforceable, with the remaining portion suspended. Additionally, she has been sentenced to 74 lashes and a five-year ban on mobile phone use as supplementary punishment.

In protest against her ongoing detention and judicial uncertainty, Ms. Marzban began a hunger strike on December 22, which she ended after six days.

A convert to Catholic Christianity, Ms. Marzban was arrested on November 5 near Tehran’s Vali-e-Asr Square for chanting protest slogans. After being held at the Vozara Detention Center, she was transferred to Evin Prison’s women’s ward on November 7.

A source previously informed HRANA, “Ms. Marzban spoke out in the crowd, appealing to Pope Francis about the widespread poverty and oppression in Iran, urging him to respond to the actions of the Iranian government. Her arrest was unrelated to her faith and was solely due to her public protest.”

Ghazal Marzban Jorshari, 41, is a law graduate and a resident of Tehran.

Revolutionary Court Sentences Sajjad Sadeghi to Imprisonment and Additional Punishments

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Freedom of Expression, News
Iman Afshari, Sajjad Sadeghi, سجاد صادقی

Sajjad Sadeghi, former radio host and expert, has been sentenced in absentia by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court to five years and six months in prison, along with social deprivations.

The ruling, issued in absentia by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court under Judge Iman Afshari and communicated to Mr. Sadeghi, includes one year in prison for “propaganda against the regime” and four years and six months for “assembly and collusion to commit crimes against national security,” with previous detention time considered. He has also been sentenced to a 10-year ban on teaching and conducting research at universities as an additional punishment. Under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the most severe punishment—four years and six months in prison—will be enforceable.

The court hearing for Sajjad Sadeghi’s charges was held on December 2 of 2024 in the aforementioned judicial branch.

In September, Mr. Sadeghi was arrested in Tehran by security forces and later released.

Sajjad Sadeghi has previously faced legal actions due to his activities, including prior detention and a sentence of 74 lashes.

In 2024, the Department of Statistics and Publication of HRA reported a total of 81 cases where Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, issued verdicts that violated the human rights of defendants.

Death Sentence Overturned; Shahab Nadali Jozani Sentenced to Imprisonment and Exile

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, HRANA, Iman Afshari, Shahab Nadali Jozani

Following the overturning of Shahab Nadali Jozani’s death sentence by the Supreme Court, his case was reviewed by a parallel court. The political prisoner, currently held in Evin Prison, was sentenced by Tehran’s Revolutionary Court to four years in prison and five years of exile to the city of Na’in.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, Shahab Nadali Jozani’s death sentence has been replaced with imprisonment and exile.

After the Supreme Court’s Branch 39 overturned his death sentence, Nadali’s case was retried in a parallel branch. He was convicted of moharebeh (waging war against God) for “damaging public property with the intent to confront the Islamic Republic.” This conviction led to a five-year exile to Na’in, Isfahan Province, under strict conditions preventing social interaction or contact with others. Additionally, he received a four-year prison sentence for “assembly and collusion against national security.” His previous detention period will count toward his prison term.

The verdict, issued by the Revolutionary Court on December 10, 2023, can be appealed in the Supreme Court within 20 days of its issuance.

The retrial session for Nadali was held on December 3, 2023.

Shahab Nadali Jozani was arrested on June 6, 2023, by Ministry of Intelligence agents in Hamedan and is currently detained in Ward 4 of Evin Prison.

In February 2024, Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, had sentenced Nadali to death for “rebellion through membership in opposition groups (the Mojahedin-e-Khalq Organization)” and to five years in prison for “assembly and collusion to commit crimes against national security.”

Now 42 years old, Nadali is married and the father of a 13-year-old daughter.

Political Detainee Zahra Karami Awaits Trial After Nearly 40 Days in Evin Prison

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News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, HRANA, Iman Afshari, Zahra Karami

Zahra Karami, a political detainee, has been held in Evin Prison for nearly 40 days, with no clear resolution to her case. Her charges remain under review by Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, Karami was arrested by security forces and transferred to the women’s ward of Evin Prison on November 12, 2024. She faces multiple charges, including “insulting the founder of the Islamic Republic and the Supreme Leader,” “propaganda against the regime,” “disturbing public opinion,” and “supporting Israeli positions on social media.”

A source close to Karami’s family told HRANA: “About 20 days ago, Zahra was summoned to Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court. However, the session did not proceed to trial. Instead, the indictment was read aloud, and she was sent back to Evin Prison.”

Zahra Karami continues to face legal uncertainty, with no trial held nearly six weeks after her detention.

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.

Journalist Reza Valizadeh Sentenced to Ten Years Imprisonment and Additional Punishments

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, Iman Afshari, Reza Valizadeh, رضا ولی زاده

Reza Valizadeh, a journalist currently detained in Evin Prison, has been sentenced by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court to 10 years in prison, a two-year ban on leaving the country, and additional penalties.

According to Mohammad Hossein Aghasi, his attorney, the verdict issued by Judge Iman Afshari convicted Mr. Valizadeh of “collaboration with a hostile government (the United States).” Alongside the 10-year prison sentence, he has been banned from leaving the country, residing in Tehran Province or neighboring provinces, and joining any political or social parties or groups for two years as part of his supplementary punishments.

Despite the conclusion of investigations and the issuance of an initial verdict, Mr. Valizadeh remains confined to Evin Prison’s Ward 209, a section controlled by the Ministry of Intelligence, and is denied both transfer to the general ward and visitation with his family.

The trial for Mr. Valizadeh was held on November 20, following his arrest in late September by security forces. He had previously returned to Iran in March after living abroad for several years. Upon arrival, he was interrogated by the IRGC and Ministry of Intelligence and released only after signing a written commitment to cooperate with authorities if summoned.

Months later, he was detained again and transferred to Evin Prison. Voice of America previously reported that he is being held in isolation and remains barred from meeting his family.

Before his emigration, Mr. Valizadeh had been arrested in 2007 and was later released on bail. With probable dual citizenship, he is an experienced journalist, having worked with several media outlets, including Radio France, Voice of America, Radio Farda, and the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB).

In 2023, the Department of Statistics and Publications of the Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA) documented 2,380 cases in which citizens, including journalists and civil rights activists, faced legal and security consequences for exercising their freedom of expression and thought. These incidents resulted in the arrest of 3,130 individuals.