Tag: IRGC Intelligence

Appeals Court: Four Citizens Sentenced to a Combined 30 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Amirhossein Mohsenipour, Dehdasht, Feyzollah Azarnoosh, IRGC Intelligence, Mehdi Karami, Milad Kariminasab, Pedram Azarnoosh

HRANA – Branch One of the Appeals Court of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province has sentenced Feyzollah Azarnoosh, Milad Kariminasab, Amirhossein Mohsenipour, and Mehdi Karami, in a joint case, to a combined total of 30 years in prison. Of this total, 16 years are enforceable under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code.

Based on the issued ruling, Branch One of the Appeals Court of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province sentenced these individuals to a total of 30 years of discretionary imprisonment. The ruling was issued with the advisory opinions of Seyed Abolhassan Dadgar and Saeed Jarideh Asl against the named individuals.

The details of the charges and final sentences for each defendant are as follows:

1. Feyzollah Azarnoosh was sentenced to five years in prison for “participation in forming a group with the intent to disrupt national security,” one year for “propaganda against the regime,” three years for “propaganda activities in support of and strengthening Israel,” two years for “insulting the Supreme Leader,” three years for “assembly and collusion against the country’s internal security,” and one year for “insulting Islamic sanctities.” In total, he received 15 years in prison, of which five years are enforceable under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code.

2. Milad Kariminasab was sentenced to five years in prison for “participation in forming a group with the intent to disrupt national security” and one year for “propaganda against the regime.” His total sentence amounts to six years in prison, of which five years are enforceable under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code.

3. Amirhossein Mohsenipour was sentenced to three years in prison for “membership in a group or association with the intent to disrupt national security,” one year for “propaganda against the regime,” and two years for “insulting the Supreme Leader.” His total sentence amounts to six years in prison, of which three years are enforceable under the aforementioned article of the Islamic Penal Code.

4. Mehdi Karami was also sentenced to three years of discretionary imprisonment for “membership in a group or association with the intent to disrupt national security.” The entirety of this sentence, issued on a single charge, is enforceable.

It should be noted that Hamid Dastvaneh, the fifth defendant in this case, who had previously been sentenced to one year in prison at the trial stage, was acquitted of all charges during the appeals process.

HRANA had previously reported that these individuals had been sentenced in December of 2025 by Branch 102 of the Criminal Court Two of Kohgiluyeh County and the Yasuj Revolutionary Court based in Dehdasht to a combined total of 48 years in prison.

Feyzollah Azarnoosh is the father of Pedram Azarnoosh, one of those killed during the nationwide protests of 2022. He was arrested in Yasuj on June 18, 2025, and was later released from the city’s prison after some time in detention. He was also summoned by the IRGC Intelligence Organization in Yasuj on November 9, 2025. After appearing at the security institution, he was interrogated for several hours.

Milad Kariminasab was arrested by security forces in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province on June 11, 2025, while Mehdi Karami was arrested on June 18, 2025.

Amirhossein Mohseni was arrested by security forces on June 23, 2025, and transferred to The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility in Dehdasht. Following the completion of interrogation procedures, he was transferred to Dehdasht Prison. He was eventually released from this prison on August 20, 2025.

Hamid Dastvaneh has also previously faced security-related actions due to his activities.

Vakilabad Prison: Identification of 30 Women Arrested During Protests and Security Developments Concurrent with the War

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Faraja, HRANA, IRGC Intelligence, Vakilabad prison

HRANA – At least 30 women were arrested in Razavi Khorasan Province during the January 2026 protests and the security developments concurrent with the war, and were transferred to the so-called “Aramesh” ward and the quarantine section of Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

According to HRANA, the identities of 30 women arrested in Razavi Khorasan Province have been confirmed, and the list of their names is included later in this report.

Based on information received by HRANA, these citizens were arrested during the January 2026 protests as well as the security developments concurrent with the war, and 25 of them remain imprisoned. HRANA has also confirmed the identities of five detainees who were recently released from the prison.

According to information received by HRANA, these women were primarily arrested in connection with participation in the January 2026 protests, activity on social media, communication with foreign media outlets, providing aid to injured protesters, or involvement in symbolic protest actions. Some of these women were arrested over recent months by security bodies including the IRGC Intelligence Organization, the Ministry of Intelligence, and the Law Enforcement Command (FARAJA). Several are facing serious charges such as “enmity against God” (moharebeh), “collaboration with Israel,” “insulting the Prophet,” and “assembly and collusion against national security.”

Among these women, 18 are being held in the so-called “Aramesh” ward and seven others in the quarantine section of Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. A number of them have remained in legal limbo for months, with no court sessions held to address the charges against them. Some of these prisoners have also been denied telephone calls and family visits, while their families have faced extensive restrictions and uncertainty in attempts to follow up on their cases or seek temporary release.

The report goes on to separately examine the situation of the detained women in the Aramesh ward and the quarantine section of Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, followed by details regarding those who have been released. According to received information by HRANA the Aramesh ward suffers from poor detention conditions and inadequate basic facilities. Poor ventilation, lack of sanitary facilities, malfunctioning heating and cooling systems, and limited access to medical services are among the problems faced by women held in this ward. According to one former prisoner, the physical conditions and confined environment of the ward were such that she compared it to an “ant nest.”

The identities of 18 women imprisoned in the Aramesh ward of Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad are as follows:

1- Maryam Nouri

Maryam Nouri was arrested five days after her husband, Ashkan Torabzadeh, was killed during the nationwide protests of January 2026. So far, no information is available regarding the reasons for her arrest or the charges brought against her.

2- Arezou Dehghan

Arezou Dehghan, 18 years old, is among the detainees currently held in the Aramesh ward of the prison. She was arrested for participating in the nationwide protests of January 2026.

3- Nadia Sedgh-Ali

She was arrested for placing flowers on the graves of those killed during the protests at Behesht Reza Cemetery in Mashhad and for sending images to foreign media outlets, including Iran International. Bail was set at 5 billion tomans. Due to her family’s inability to provide the bail amount, her temporary release has not been possible.

4- Soheila Hosseini

Along with her husband Dr. Ahmad Rahimi, she was arrested at their home in Mashhad on March 18, 2026. According to information received by HRANA, they were identified due to possessing and using a Starlink device and are accused of helping those injured during the January 2026 protests.

5- Najmeh Amini

The 22-year-old accounting student has been detained for approximately 89 days. Charges against her include moharebeh (“enmity against God”), collaboration with Israel, insulting the Supreme Leader, insulting the Prophet, and clashing with officers. She was arrested with violence by security forces on January 31, 2026, at Ferdowsi Shopping Center in Mashhad.

6- Mahdieh Afghahi

Mahdieh Afghahi, along with her husband Abolghasem Ali-Moradi, was arrested for communicating with foreign media outlets. Bail orders have been issued for them, but they remain detained due to inability to pay the bail amount.

7- Hadiseh Morvaridi

Morvaridi, 24 years old, was arrested in Fariman on January 8, 2026, and remains in legal limbo. According to informed sources, she faces the risk of being charged with insulting the Prophet of Islam.

8- Shahrzad Zamiri

Following her arrest, Shahrzad Zamiri spent 43 days in solitary confinement in the Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility and is now being held in the Aramesh ward of Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. No information is available regarding the charges against her.

9- Tahereh Dehghan

She was arrested in Chenaran for participating in the January 2026 protests and sentenced by the Revolutionary Court to one year in prison. She has been imprisoned for approximately 110 days.

10- Asieh Naeimi

Asieh Naeimi was arrested for communicating with Persian-language media outlets abroad.

11- Adeleh Naeimi

Adeleh Naeimi, the sister of Asieh Naeimi, was also arrested in connection with this case.

12- Mahsa Behdari

Mahsa Behdari was arrested on March 20 for lighting candles during a mourning ceremony for those killed in the protests at Behesht Reza Cemetery. The charges against her include assembly and collusion and propaganda against the regime.

13- Zahra Mousavi

Zahra Mousavi, 21 years old, has been imprisoned for approximately 98 days. She was the head of her household and worked as a cashier at a restaurant in Fariman. Charges against her include participation in protests, forming groups, training in and manufacturing and using Molotov cocktails, and encouraging others to disrupt public order and national security. She holds both Iranian and Afghan citizenship, and according to informed sources, she has lost her Iranian birth certificate as a result of this case and faces the threat of exile.

14- Azar Yahoo

Azar Yahoo, aged approximately 38, was arrested in Mashhad on March 4, 2026, by IRGC intelligence forces and is currently held in the Aramesh ward of Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. The charge against her is “collaboration with Israel,” an accusation reportedly linked to her online activities, including the use of stickers. Her presence in the streets and dancing on the day of Ali Khamenei’s death were also cited as reasons for her arrest.

15- Mahboubeh Shabani

She was arrested in Mashhad on February 2, 2026, and is currently held in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. A hearing regarding her charges has been held at the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad. No information is available about the charges against her.

16- Marzieh Mashhadi

She was arrested for participating in the January 2026 protests and communicating with Persian-language media outlets abroad. She remains detained in an uncertain legal status.

17- Sima Anbaei Farimani

Sima Anbaei Farimani, originally from Fariman and born in 1992, was arrested by FARAJA forces on March 16, 2026, and is currently held in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. Charges against her include “links with Israel,” “assembly and collusion against national security,” and “insulting the former and current leaders.” According to HRANA’s reports, Ms. Anbaei Farimani is currently denied visitation and phone contact with her family, and her case is subject to severe restrictions on information disclosure.

18- Faezeh Salehabadi

Faezeh Salehabadi has been held in legal limbo in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad for approximately 78 days. According to informed sources, her arrest was related to posting a story on social media.

Further details regarding the detained women held in the quarantine section of Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad are provided below.

HRANA had previously received reports indicating that the quarantine unit of this prison suffers from poor conditions in terms of facilities and sanitation, and that prisoners lack adequate access to basic necessities and standard accommodation conditions. According to an informed source, the constant smell of sewage in this section continuously causes distress to prisoners, while the lack of proper ventilation has made detention conditions even more difficult.

1- Masoumeh Yaghoubi

Masoumeh Yaghoubi, known by the alias “Azadeh,” was arrested by security forces in Mashhad on January 24, 2026. So far, no information has been obtained regarding the charges brought against her.

2- Fatemeh Rezvanifar

Fatemeh Rezvanifar, known by the alias “Samira,” was arrested on January 17, 2026. No court hearing has yet been held to address the charges against her, and no information is available regarding the details of her case or the accusations against her. According to an informed source, her family’s efforts to secure her temporary release have so far been unsuccessful.

3- Seyedeh Zeinab Mousavi

Seyedeh Zeinab Mousavi, known by the alias “Aban,” was arrested on February 24, 2026. The court hearing regarding the charges against her and her brother, Seyed Hassan Mousavi, was held on April 26, 2026, and they are facing charges of moharebeh (“enmity against God”).

4- Melika Khavari Khorasani

She, 21 years old, was arrested on March 1, 2026, and is currently being held in legal limbo in the quarantine section of Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

5- Mina Zarei

According to informed sources, she was transferred to prison in poor physical condition. She was arrested on March 1, 2026, and the reason for her arrest was stated to be “dancing for Khamenei’s death.”

6- Reyhaneh Kafsh-Kanan

Reyhaneh Kafsh-Kanan has been detained for 48 days and has been denied visitation and phone contact. She appeared in an interrogation session on April 26, and according to informed sources, she was threatened with torture and execution.

7- Hadiseh Babazadeh

Hadiseh Babazadeh is among the detained women being held in the quarantine section of this prison. Investigations into the details of her case are ongoing.

In recent days, five inmates of Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad were released on bail. The names of these individuals and the status of their cases are as follows:

1- Samira Bayat

She, 35 years old, was arrested by security forces on January 24, 2026. She was the head of her household and worked as a cashier at a restaurant in Mashhad. Her arrest was related to participation in the January protests. She was recently released from the prison after posting bail.

2- Elnaz Eghbali

Ms. Eghbali, along with her husband Saeed Samiei, was arrested in late February 2026 for participating in the protests. They were released in recent days after posting bail.

3- Negar Farahmand

She was arrested at her home in Mashhad on March 29, 2026, by IRGC intelligence agents. The charge brought against her was sending videos and images to foreign media outlets. She was eventually released from Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad after posting bail.

4- Najmeh Ruhand

Najmeh Ruhand was arrested on the evening of March 20 during the Persian New Year celebration ceremony at Ferdowsi’s tomb in Mashhad by security agents. She was initially transferred to the quarantine ward of Vakilabad Prison and, after interrogation, moved to the Aramesh ward of the prison. She faced charges of acting against national security. She was ultimately released from prison after posting bail.

5- Fatemeh Eram

Fatemeh Eram, 28 years old and from Fariman, was arrested by security forces in connection with participation in the January 2026 protests. She faced charges of leading protests. She was recently released after posting bail.

Maryam Derisi Sentenced to Imprisonment and Flogging

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, irgc, IRGC Intelligence, Kazerun, Maryam Derisi

HRANA – Maryam Derisi, a resident of Kazerun who had been released on bail in March, has been sentenced by the Criminal Court of Kazerun and the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz to a total of two years and three months in prison and 74 lashes.

Based on a ruling issued by Branch 101 of the Criminal Court Two of Kazerun, Ms. Derisi was sentenced to one year in prison and 74 lashes on charges of “disrupting public order and peace” under Article 618 of the Islamic Penal Code. The verdict was issued in absentia on April 13, 2026.
In another part of her case, Branch One of the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz sentenced her to one year and three months in prison on charges of “propaganda against the regime.” The verdict was officially communicated to her lawyer two days ago, despite the fact that the maximum legal punishment for this charge is one year in prison. The court reportedly increased the sentence by invoking repeat-offense provisions.

According to the criminal court’s ruling, Ms. Derisi’s protest activities during a memorial ceremony for Behnam Enayat, one of those killed during the January 2026 protests, were cited as examples supporting the charges against her. The ruling also notes that the investigation phase of her case was conducted by the IRGC Intelligence Organization.

Ms. Derisi was arrested by security forces in February of last year and was released on March 8 after posting bail set at 20 billion rials.

Maryam Derisi, a resident of Kazerun, has previously faced arrest and imprisonment due to her activities.

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.

Baha’i Couple Still Detained Without Charges in Shiraz

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Freedom of Expression, News
Behzad Yazdani, irgc, IRGC Intelligence, Romina Khazali, Shiraz

HRANA – Nearly one month after the arrest of Romina Khazali and her husband, Behzad Yazdani, this Baha’i couple residing in Shiraz remains in a state of uncertainty in Adel-Abad Prison in the city. Ms. Khazali, who suffers from multiple medical conditions, has been deprived of access to her necessary medications.

A source close to the couple’s family, confirming the news, told HRANA: “Before her arrest, Ms. Khazali had undergone stomach surgery and also suffered from conditions such as severe migraines, eye pressure, and back pain. In a recent brief call with her family, she said that her essential medications have run out. However, the medications sent by her family have not been accepted by prison authorities, which has heightened concerns about her health. Romina Khazali is only allowed a 30-second phone call with her family per week. She still does not have access to a phone card and has not been allowed to purchase items from the prison store.”

The source further added: “No interrogation session has been held for these individuals so far, and they remain unaware of the charges against them and the reasons for their arrest.”

Behzad Yazdani was arrested on the evening of March 28, 2026, and his wife, Romina Khazali, was arrested on March 29, 2026, by IRGC intelligence agents at their home in Shiraz.

Romina Khazali, a painter, and Behzad Yazdani, a translator and editor, are a Baha’i couple living in Shiraz and the parents of two teenage children, a daughter and a son.

Report on the Arrest of Keyvan Ahmadi by the IRGC Intelligence

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, irgc, IRGC Intelligence, Keyvan Ahmadi, Shiraz

HRANA – Keyvan Ahmadi, a resident of Noorabad Mamasani, was arrested in late Match by agents of the IRGC Intelligence, and there is still no precise information available about his condition.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mr. Ahmadi was arrested in late March, 2026, by IRGC Intelligence agents in Shiraz. Despite nearly a month having passed since his arrest, there is still no clear information about his situation.
The reason for his arrest has been reported as accusations related to events that took place during the funeral of one of those killed in the January protests.

Keyvan Ahmadi had been working in a commercial unit in Noorabad Mamasani and was also active in the field of local music.

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Death Sentence of Naser Bakrzadeh Upheld by the Supreme Court

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Executions, News, Prisoners
HRANA, irgc, IRGC Intelligence, Naser Bakrzadeh, Naser Bekrzadeh

HRANA – The Supreme Court has upheld the death sentence of Naser Bakrzadeh, a political prisoner held in Urmia Prison, for the third time. He had previously been sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court of Urmia on charges of espionage for Israel.

According to Kurdpa, following confirmation by Iran’s highest judicial authority, the ruling was officially communicated to Mr. Bakrzadeh on April 25 at the sentence enforcement office of Urmia Prison.

Naser Bakrzadeh was arrested in January 2024. He was initially held for some time in the IRGC Intelligence Detention Facility in Urmia before being transferred to Urmia Prison.

He was first sentenced to death in November 2024 by Branch 3 of the Revolutionary Court of Urmia on charges of “espionage for Israel and cooperation with the Mossad intelligence service.” This ruling was overturned by the Supreme Court in April 2025, and his case was referred to a parallel branch for reconsideration.

For the second time, he was sentenced to death in September 2025 by Branch 2 of the Revolutionary Court of Urmia on the charge of “espionage for Israel.” This sentence was also overturned by the Supreme Court in November 2025. He was again sentenced to death for the third time on February 3, 2026 by Branch 2 of the Revolutionary Court of Urmia, presided over by Judge Shahini.

According to an informed source close to his family, Naser Bakrzadeh, approximately 27 years old, was denied basic rights during his detention, including the ability to contact and meet with his family.

Report on the Arrest of Azam Mohebbi by the IRGC Intelligence Organization

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Freedom of Expression, News
Azam Mohebbi, IRGC Intelligence, Urmia

HRANA – Azam Mohebbi, a journalist and the editor-in-chief of the news website “Madar-e Sharghi”, who had traveled to Kurdistan Province about 20 days ago to prepare a report, has been arrested by the IRGC Intelligence Organization in Urmia and transferred to one of this institution’s security detention centers.

According to HRANA News Agency, citing BBC Persian, Azam Mohebbi was arrested by the IRGC Intelligence Organization in Urmia. Based on the report, Ms. Mohebbi had traveled to Kurdistan Province about 20 days ago to prepare a report and was subsequently arrested by the IRGC Intelligence Organization in Urmia. The report states that the arrest of this journalist was carried out on suspicion of cooperation with opposition groups.

The report also states, quoting one of Ms. Mohebbi’s close colleagues, that she has gone on a hunger strike due to being held unlawfully in the IRGC detention facility in Urmia.

Azam Mohebbi is a social affairs journalist and has a history of collaboration with newspapers such as “Iran” and “Shargh.”

One Person Arrested on Espionage Charges in Robat Karim

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News, Other
IRGC Intelligence, Robat-Karim

HRANA – One individual in Robat Karim, Tehran Province, has been arrested by IRGC Intelligence forces on charges of “espionage by sending images of the country’s sensitive centers to opposition groups and foreign media outlets.”

According to Khabar Fori, Robat Karim security officials claimed that the individual was detained on the charge of “espionage through sending images of sensitive national sites to groups opposed to the regime and foreign media.”

It adds that the person was transferred to prison after the arrest.
The report does not provide further details, including the identity of the citizen.

IRGC Intelligence Organization: At least 127 People Arrested in Three Provinces

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other, Religious Minorities
East Azerbaijan, HRANA, IRGC Intelligence, Kerman, Mazandaran

HRANA – The IRGC Intelligence Organization has announced the identification and arrest of at least 127 individuals in the provinces of East Azerbaijan, Kerman, and Mazandaran. The organization claims that these individuals, including media activists, Baha’i citizens, people affiliated with opposition groups, and “spy teams”, were involved in activities linked to what it described as “networks affiliated with foreign governments.”

According to a report by Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), the IRGC Intelligence Organization announced in a statement the arrest of dozens of individuals. The organization stated that “cells affiliated with the United States, Israel, and the United Kingdom” had been identified and “dismantled” in the provinces of East Azerbaijan, Kerman, and Mazandaran. In the statement, those arrested were accused of actions such as “network-building, espionage, market disruption, and planning unrest.”

According to the claims made, seven individuals were arrested in East Azerbaijan province for alleged connections with “monarchist” groups. In Mazandaran province, authorities reported the arrest of 69 individuals who, according to the organization, face accusations including ties to anti-government movements and so-called “economic mercenary” activities.

The report further states that the IRGC Intelligence Organization in Kerman province announced the identification and action taken against 51 individuals. It claimed that among them were three “spy teams” linked to foreign intelligence services, two groups of Baha’i citizens, a four-member “armed operational cell affiliated with monarchist groups,” and six media operatives connected to the “Iran International” network. According to the organization, these individuals were attempting to disrupt the market and organize unrest through contacts outside the country.

The statement also claimed that quantities of weapons and communication equipment were discovered at locations where these individuals were held.

As of the time of this report, no independent information has been released regarding the identities of those arrested, their place of detention, or the legal process of their cases. Additionally, despite the scale of the reported figures and the accusations made, no specific details have been provided regarding the evidence for these charges, the manner of the arrests, or the exact nature of their alleged connections.

Ilam: 8 Citizens Arrested by IRGC Intelligence Agents

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
HRANA, Ilam, IRGC Intelligence

HRANA – The IRGC Intelligence Organization in Ilam has announced the arrest of eight citizens on accusations described as “cooperation with anti-government groups and foreign media outlets, along with direct contact with Mossad.”

According to HRANA, citing Shahr News Agency, the arrests were carried out by agents of the IRGC Intelligence Organization in Ilam. The institution stated that the charges against these individuals include “cooperation with groups opposed to the government and foreign media outlets (Iran International), as well as direct contact with Mossad.”

The report does not provide further details, including the identities of the detainees or their place of detention.

It is worth noting that the U.S. and Israeli military attacks on Iran began on February 28, 2026, and on April 8, 2026, a two-week ceasefire between the parties was announced. Since the beginning of these attacks, HRANA has been documenting and recording related incidents across different parts of the country on a daily basis. For further information, readers may refer to HRANA’s detailed reports covering the forty days of the conflict.