At Least 103 Citizens Arrested in Various Cities

HRANA  – Official media outlets have reported the arrest of one individual in Bandar Anzali, 100 citizens in Ardabil, and two individuals in Masjed Soleyman in connection with protests.

Based on this report, the arrests were carried out in connection with the protests by the IRGC Intelligence of Ardabil Province.

In another report, this media outlet, quoting the police commander of Bandar Anzali County, announced that one protester was arrested in the city. The individual was accused of involvement in the destruction of one of the chain stores and the courthouse building during recent protests in the county.

Additionally, Young Journalists Club reported the arrest of two individuals in Masjed Soleyman. According to this report, the detainees were accused of carrying out sabotage activities. It was also claimed that explosive materials and a firearm were discovered and confiscated from them.

These reports did not provide any information regarding the identities of the individuals or their place of detention.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on December 28, 2022, and after two days spread beyond bazaars and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests became among the most widespread in recent years. Following the crackdown by law-enforcement and security forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security bodies. For more information, readers can refer to HRANA’s detailed report published last night on the forty-fourth day since the start of the protests.

Report on the Arrest of Masoud Yousef Hasirchin

HRANA– Masoud Yousef Hasirchin, a translator and writer residing in Khuzestan Province, was arrested by agents of the IRGC Intelligence on January 18. Prior to his arrest, agents searched his home and confiscated some of his personal belongings, including digital devices.

Based on information received by HRANA, Masoud Yousef Hasirchin was arrested by agents of the IRGC Intelligence in Khuzestan Province and transferred to a security detention facility, where he has been subjected to interrogation. Two days prior to his arrest, agents searched his private residence and confiscated several personal belongings, including books, a mobile phone, and a laptop.

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

In recent days, a group of writers, researchers, translators, and journalists issued a statement calling for Mr. Yousef Hasirchin’s release.

Masoud Yousef Hasirchin, a resident of Khuzestan Province, is a researcher and translator of works in the fields of political science, economics, and history.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28. After two days, they spread beyond bazaars and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests became one of the most widespread demonstrations in recent years. For further information, readers can refer to HRANA’s detailed report on the thirty-sixth day since the start of the protests, which was published last night.

Report on the Arrest of Eight Citizens, Including Protest Injurees and a Nurse

HRANA – Last night, Fariba Asadi, a resident of Karaj, was arrested by agents of the IRGC Intelligence. In addition, Reza Sheikh Amirloo, Peyman Azimi, Ehsan Khaleghi, and Saber Hatami Milanloo were arrested in Esfarayen. In Sirjan, Ali Fakher, a retired nurse, along with his wife and daughter, were arrested for providing medical assistance to the injured.

Based on information received by HRANA, Fariba Asadi was arrested on Monday evening, January 26, at her home in Karaj by agents of the IRGC Intelligence due to her presence at protests. Meanwhile, Ali Fakher, a retired nurse and former manager of Gharazi Hospital in Sirjan, was recently arrested for providing aid to those injured in the recent protests. His wife and daughter were also arrested by security forces on Friday, January 23.

During the recent protests in Esfarayen, four citizens were arrested. Reza Sheikh Amirloo, who had been injured by pellet gunfire, was arrested on Saturday, January 23. Ehsan Khaleghi, who had been wounded by dozens of pellets, was transferred to Khomeini Hospital on Sunday, January 10, due to bleeding; however, before completing his medical treatment, he was arrested by IRGC forces. Additionally, Peyman Azimi, despite being injured by live ammunition, and Saber Hatami Milanloo were arrested on January 10.

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the charges against or the place of detention of those arrested.

Among these citizens, Fariba Asadi has previously faced judicial confrontations and arrest due to her activities.

It is worth noting that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, and after two days extended beyond bazaars and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests turned into one of the most widespread demonstrations of recent years. For more information, readers can refer to HRANA’s detailed report on the thirtieth day of the protests, which was published last night.

IRGC Intelligence Announces Arrest of a Foreign National on Charges of “Espionage”

HRANA – The Intelligence of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced the arrest of a foreign national over what it described as “gathering information for Israel.”

According to Tasnim News Agency, the IRGC Intelligence Organization claimed: “This foreign national had deliberately entered the country under cover, sent by the intelligence service of the Israeli regime. He was arrested by the IRGC Intelligence while collecting information and assessing the status of terrorist actions by his affiliates. Additionally, during inspections of his belongings and hideout, definitive documents proving his espionage were discovered.”

The statement did not provide further details, including the identity of the detainee, or the time and place of the arrest, or the location where the individual is being held.

Although countering espionage is not in itself considered a human rights violation, given the Iranian government’s record of instrumentalizing such accusations to target political opponents, such claims, especially when details and judicial procedures remain unclear, are consistently met with skepticism.

Two Citizens, Including a Teenager, Arrested in Gachsaran and Yasuj

HRANA – During protests in the cities of Gachsaran and Yasuj, two citizens, including a teenager, were arrested by security forces and transferred to an unknown location.

Their identities have been confirmed by HRANA as Fardin Moslemi and Mahan Khoobani, 16 years old, from Yasuj.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mr. Fardin Moslemi was arrested in the early hours of Friday, January 2, 2026, by IRGC Intelligence forces in the city of Gachsaran. Mahan Khoobani was also arrested yesterday in Yasuj by security agents.

As of now, there is no information regarding the whereabouts of these protesting citizens.

It is worth noting that Fardin Moslemi Asl, a resident of Dehdasht County, had previously been summoned on December 13, 2025, to Branch Three of the Investigative Prosecutor’s Office of Boyer-Ahmad County.

It should also be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants, which began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, expanded beyond bazaars and commercial centers starting Tuesday, December 30, 2025. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests have become one of the most widespread demonstrations in recent years. For more information, readers may refer to HRANA’s detailed report on the fifth day of protests, published late last night.

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Qarchak Prosecutor Announces Arrest by IRGC Intelligence Forces

HRANA – The Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor of Qarchak County announced the arrest of an individual in the county by forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Intelligence Organization.

According to Mehr News Agency, the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor of Qarchak, Tehran province, claimed that the detainee was among “destabilizing elements affiliated with overseas-based currents and groups” and had engaged in “anti-security actions” within the county.

He added that the identification and arrest of this individual were carried out by IRGC intelligence forces.

The report does not mention the identity of the arrested person or the exact time of the arrest. Additionally, no information is available regarding the detainee’s place of custody or whether they have access to a lawyer or contact with family members.

Nirvana Torbati-Nejad Sentenced to 6 Months in Prison

HRANA – Nirvana Torbati-Nejad, a resident of Gorgan, has been sentenced to six months of custodial imprisonment by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court in this city.

This verdict was issued on November 25 by Branch 1 of the Gorgan Revolutionary Court and was delivered yesterday to Ramazan Haji-Mashhadi, Ms. Torbati-Nejad’s defense attorney. According to the ruling, Ms. Torbati-Nejad has been sentenced to six months of custodial imprisonment on the charge of ‘propaganda against the regime.’

Some time earlier, this citizen had also been summoned by the IRGC Intelligence and interrogated for several hours.

In a separate case, this political defendant had previously been prosecuted on charges of ‘membership in groups opposed to the regime with the intent to disrupt national security,’ and ‘assembly and collusion to commit crimes against internal security.’ She had been sentenced by the court to ten months in prison and a two-million-toman fine. She was ultimately acquitted of the charges at the appeals stage.

Nirvana Torbati-Nejad was arrested by security forces at her workplace on September 10, 2023, and was released on October 5, 2023 on bail.

Family Concern Grows as Bita Shafiei Remains Detained Without Updates

HRANA – Bita Shafiei, a resident of Shahin Shahr and the daughter of Maryam Abbasi Nikoo, has been detained for five days by IRGC Intelligence agents in Khorramshahr, with no information available about her whereabouts or condition. The absence of updates has heightened her family’s concern.

Based on information received by HRANA, Ms. Shafiei was arrested on Thursday, November 13, by IRGC Intelligence agents at the home of her relatives in Khorramshahr. She had traveled to Khorramshahr after the arrest of her mother, Maryam Abbasi Nikoo, from their residence in Shahin Shahr.

A source close to the Shafiei family confirmed to HRANA: “Despite the family’s efforts, none of the security or judicial bodies have provided any clear answers regarding her status. This situation has significantly increased the worries of her family and relatives.”

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

Bita Shafiei is the daughter of Maryam Abbasi Nikoo, a student who was arrested by security forces during protests related to the student poisoning incidents in Shahin Shahr and later released.

Abbas Peymani Arrested in Shahriar

HRANA – Yesterday, Abbas Peymani, a resident of Shahriar, was arrested by IRGC Intelligence agents and taken to an undisclosed location.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mr. Peymani was arrested on Sunday, November 16, by IRGC Intelligence agents.
So far, no information has been obtained regarding the reasons for his arrest or his place of detention.

Abbas Peymani is a traditional-music singer and instrumentalist from Shahriar, where he also resides.

Arbitrary arrests, transferring detainees to undisclosed locations, and leaving families in the dark about the fate of their loved ones are routine practices of the Iranian regime’s security agencies, such as the Ministry of Intelligence and the IRGC Intelligence Unit. This pattern of behavior stands in clear violation of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, known as the Nelson Mandela Rules

Update on the Latest Condition of Alvand Banaeian in Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan

HRANA – Alvand Banaeian is serving his sentence in Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan.

Based on information received by HRANA, in October this year, a hearing on the charges against Banaeian was held via videoconference at Branch Two of the Isfahan Criminal Court. In this portion of his case, he was sentenced to six months in prison, 45 lashes, and a fine for possession of alcoholic beverages and a cold weapon.

A source close to his family confirmed this to HRANA, adding: “In another part of his case, this prisoner is facing the charge of ‘propaganda against the state.’ After his arrest, he was formally charged with this accusation by Branch 18 of the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Isfahan. This case had been referred to Branch Five of the Revolutionary Court, but due to issues such as procedural defects, it was returned to the same investigative branch. Nonetheless, his case remains in a state of limbo. Additionally, for the past month, he has been denied visits with his family by the authorities.”

Alvand Banaeian was arrested on June 16 of this year by security forces at his family home in Isfahan. During the arrest, agents searched the premises, seizing several personal belongings and quantities of alcoholic beverages.

Banaeian has previously been arrested and faced judicial action due to his activities. In 2022, he was arrested by IRGC Intelligence agents and was eventually released on bail after three months.