Tag: IRGC Intelligence

Arrest of Javad Amini, a Christian Convert, in Nowshahr

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News, Religious Minorities
Christian Citizen, Christian convert, IRGC Intelligence, Javad Amini, Nowshahr, جواد امینی

On November 17, IRGC Intelligence agents arrested Javad Amini, a Christian convert, in Nowshahr, Mazandaran province, and transferred him to a detention facility in Sari. The arrest, reported by Article Eighteen News Outlet, is believed to be linked to his religious beliefs.

Following the arrest, agents raided Amini’s home, interrogating his wife and 10-year-old daughter in a tense and distressing environment.

According to the report, Mr. Amini is one of 12 Christian converts implicated in a joint legal case currently under review by the Nowshahr Revolutionary Court.

This is not the first time Mr. Amini has faced harassment. During the Christmas season last year, security forces searched his home and confiscated some of his personal belongings.

Christian converts in Iran are subject to severe restrictions, widespread security pressures, and systemic discrimination. They frequently face arbitrary arrests, exclusion from educational and employment opportunities, and workplace bias. These actions constitute blatant violations of human rights and the fundamental freedom of religion.

Motahareh Goonehi’s One-Year Prison Sentence Upheld on Appeal

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Freedom of Expression, News
Evin Prison, IRGC Intelligence, Motahareh Goonehi, Tehran Court of Appeals, Toomaj Salehi

Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeals has upheld the one-year prison sentence for Motahareh Goonehi, a suspended student from Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Branch 29 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court had initially handed down the sentence.

The charges stem from Gonei’s protest against the death sentence of Toomaj Salehi and her public comments regarding the “murder and assault” of Nika Shakarami. The Court of Appeals convicted her of “propaganda against the regime in favor of anti-revolutionary media.”

Goonehi was arrested by IRGC intelligence forces on May 1, 2023, and transferred to Evin Prison. She was released on bail four days later. Earlier, she and her husband, Mehdi Hadizadeh, both students at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, had been temporarily suspended and transferred to Ardabil University. More recently, Goonehi was expelled from Tehran University, and her academic file was forwarded to Ardabil University.

A dentistry student and activist, Goonehi had previously been arrested during the 2022 nationwide protests.

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.

Report on the Latest Status of Writer Mehrzad Mousavi in Adelabad Prison

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News, Prisoners
HRANA, IRGC Intelligence, Kerman, Mehrzad Mousavi, Shiraz, Shiraz Revolutionary Court, مهرزاد موسوی

Mehrzad Mousavi, a writer and historian, is serving his sentence in Adelabad Prison, Shiraz. He was previously sentenced by the Shiraz Revolutionary Court to eleven years in prison and two years of exile in Kerman.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mr. Mousavi was previously sentenced by Branch 1 of the Shiraz Revolutionary Court to five years in prison for the charge of “membership in anti-regime groups,” five years in prison for the charge of “assembly and collusion to commit crimes against national security,” one year in prison for the charge of “propaganda against the regime,” and two years of exile to Bardsir, Kerman.

This writer and historian was arrested by IRGC intelligence agents at his home in Shiraz in early November 2023 and transferred to Adelabad Prison in this city.

Mousavi has made contributions to the realm of literature and historical research, with notable works to his name such as “An Inquiry into Achaemenid Art Antecedents” and “Iran in Two Invasions.”

Baha’i Sepideh Rashidi Detained in Ahvaz by IRGC Intelligence

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News, Religious Minorities
ahvaz, IRGC Intelligence, Sepideh Rashidi

IRGC intelligence officials have detained Baha’i citizen Sepideh Rashidi (Derakhshan) in Ahvaz, subsequently transferring her to an undisclosed location. This action has significantly heightened her family’s concerns due to the absence of information about her current condition.

A source close to Rashidi’s family confirmed to HRANA that her arrest occurred on Monday, May 27, 2024. During the arrest, IRGC Intelligence agents conducted an extensive search of her family’s home and seized some of her personal belongings.

As of now, the reasons for Rashidi’s arrest, her exact whereabouts, and any formal charges remain undisclosed.

Baha’is are subjected to violations of their religious rights, comprising 82% of reports on infringements against religious minorities, according to HRA’s 2023 annual report.

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.

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Writer and Translator Loghman Ghanbari Arrested by Security Forces in Sarpol-e Zahab

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Freedom of Expression, News
IRGC Intelligence, Loghman Ghanbari, Ofra Bengio, Sarpol-e Zahab

Loghman Ghanbari, a writer and translator, was arrested at his residence in Sarpol-e Zahab, Kermanshah province, by security forces on April 7, 2024, as reported by Kurdpa.

Around 20 IRGC Intelligence agents conducted a search of his residence and seized some of his belongings.

Ghanbari, known for translating the book “The Kurds in a Volatile Middle East,” published in Sweden after Iran’s Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance denied a license, was accused of “association with Israel” based on his correspondence with the book’s author, Ofra Bengio.

After a day of interrogation, Ghanbari was released upon signing a written commitment.

Jamshid Azizi’s Prison Sentence for Political Charges Upheld on Appeal

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Freedom of Expression, News
Gilan province, HRANA, IRGC Intelligence, Jamshid Azizi, Mehdi Rasekhi

The Appellate Court of Gilan Province has upheld the four-year, 47-day prison term imposed on Jamshid Azizi Nunakaran.

This verdict includes three years and six months and one day for “assembly and collusion against national security” and seven months and 16 days for “propaganda against the regime.” As per Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, dictating that in cases of multiple charges, the most severe penalty shall be enforced, he is sentenced to three years and six months in prison.

The initial verdict was issued by Branch 3 of the Revolutionary Court of Rasht, presided over by Judge Mehdi Rasekhi.

Azizi’s legal troubles began on April 16, 2023, when IRGC intelligence agents arrested him at his residence. Following 40 days of detention, he was released on bail. A reliable source confirmed to HRANA that Azizi was denied access to legal representation during his detention.

Qom Seminary Lecturer, Mohammad-Taghi Akbarnejad, Arrested by IRGC Intelligence

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News, Other
IRGC Intelligence, Mohammad-Taghi Akbarnejad, Qom, Qom Seminary

In a recent development, Mohammad-Taghi Akbarnejad, a lecturer at Qom Seminary, has been arrested by IRGC Intelligence agents in Qom and taken to an undisclosed location.

The grounds for his arrest and the specific location of Akbarnejad’s detention remain unknown.

It is worth noting that Akbarnejad has previously faced legal scrutiny for his activism, adding a layer of complexity to the current situation.

Baha’i Citizen Rouya Sabet Arrested in Shiraz

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News, Religious Minorities
irgc, IRGC Intelligence, Rouya Sabet, Shiraz

On February 15, Baha’i citizen Rouya Sabet was arbitrarily arrested in Shiraz by IRGC Intelligence agents and transferred to an undisclosed facility.

A source close to her family confirmed Sabet’s arrest, revealing to HRANA that IRGC Intelligence is responsible for the apprehension. The source disclosed that Sabet, who had traveled to Shiraz from the UAE on January 4 to care for her elderly parent, was scheduled to return on January 25. However, two days before her planned departure, IRGC Intelligence agents executed a search warrant at her parent’s residence.

During the raid, the agents conducted a thorough search, interrogated Mrs. Sabet, and questioned two other family members. Subsequently, the agents also searched the residences of these two family members without presenting a warrant. The confiscated items reportedly include the family’s cell phones, as well as Mrs. Sabet’s passport, driver’s license, and ID card. Furthermore, Sabet was informed that she is prohibited from leaving the country.

The motive behind Sabet’s arrest and the nature of the allegations against her remain unknown at this time.

Baha’is are subjected to violations of their religious rights, comprising 82% of reports on infringements against religious minorities, according to HRA’s 2023 annual report.

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.

18-Year-Old Sepehr Shirani’s Suspicious Death in Custody

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Baloch Activists Campaign, IRGC Intelligence, Sepehr Shirani, Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Zahedan

On January 30, 2024, Sepehr Shirani, 18 years old, died under suspicious circumstances after three days in the custody of a security institution in Zahedan, as reported by Haal Vsh.

IRGC Intelligence is said to be responsible for his arrest, notifying Shirani’s family of his demise via a phone call. As of now, his body has not been handed over to his family.

The agents cited the publication of critical social media posts as the reason for Shirani’s arrest.

The Baloch Activists Campaign, a human rights monitor in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, has reported that Shirani died under torture while in custody.

Notably, recent years have seen numerous cases of suspicious deaths or murders of citizens within police detention centers, security, and judicial institutions. In most instances, investigations have failed to definitively identify perpetrators or hold authorities accountable.

The agents had reportedly mentioned publishing criticizing posts on social media as the reason for Shirani’s arrest.

According to HRA’s annual report for 2023, a total of 1,386 violations of prisoners’ rights were documented. These include 27 cases of physical assault on prisoners, 1,390 instances of denial or neglect of medical care, 342 illegal transfers to solitary confinement, 114 attempted hunger strikes, 415 cases of forced transfer or exile of prisoners, 4,140 instances of threats and pressure on prisoners, 66 cases of denying prisoner visitation rights, 34 cases of psychological and physical torture, 7 deaths due to illness, 12 suicides, 1 case of self-immolation, 4 murders of prisoners, 208 instances of lack of access to legal counsel, 4,197 reports of prisoners being kept in unsuitable conditions, 80 cases of forced confession, 290 instances of non-segregation of crimes, 78 denials of medical leave, and 101 denials of the right to contact.