Three Citizens Arrested by Security Forces in Zahedan

HRANA – On the evening of Wednesday, June 17, 2026, three citizens identified as Farzad Zarifdel, Eghbal Shahouzahi, and Mehdi Dahmardeh were arrested in Zahedan by security forces and transferred to an undisclosed location.

According to a report received by HRANA from Rasank, three citizens have been arrested in Zahedan.

Based on the report, on the evening of Wednesday, June 17, 2026, Farzad Zarifdel, Eqbal Shahouzahi, and Mehdi Dahmardeh were arrested by forces of the IRGC  in Zahedan and taken to an unknown location. The arrests were carried out without the presentation of a judicial warrant.

The report states that efforts by the families of these individuals to obtain information regarding their condition and whereabouts have so far been unsuccessful.

Farzad Zarifdel, 25, is married and has one child. Eqbal Shahouzahi, 22, and Mehdi Dahmardeh, 24, are all residents of Zahedan.

Kamal Omidi Remains Detained in Khomein Prison for Over 40 Days

HRANA – Kamal Omidi, a language instructor and director of a language institute in Khomein, has been detained for more than 40 days and is currently being held in Khomein Prison without observance of the principle of separation of prisoners based on the nature of their alleged offenses.

According to information received by HRANA, Mr. Omidi is currently being held alongside prisoners convicted of violent crimes in Khomein Prison, without the observance of the principle of classification and separation of inmates. Since his arrest, he has been denied access to legal counsel and family visits.

A source close to the family, who confirmed the information to HRANA, stated: “The reasons for Mr. Omidi’s arrest remain unknown. During this period, he has had several monitored phone calls with his family, but he has not provided any information regarding the status of his case.”

Kamal Omidi was arrested in Khomein by agents of the IRGC Intelligence Organization in May 2026.

As of the time of writing, no information has been obtained regarding the charges brought against him.

Mr. Omidi, born in 1977, holds a Ph.D. in language studies and is the director of a language institute in Khomein.

Appeals Court Upholds Prison Sentences of British Detainees Lindsay and Craig Foreman

HRANA – The prison sentences of Craig Foreman and Lindsay Foreman, two British citizens currently held in Evin Prison, have been upheld in full by the Court of Appeals. The couple had previously been sentenced to 10 years in prison each by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court on charges of “espionage.”

According to HRANA, citing BBC News, the Court of Appeals has upheld without modification the prison sentences imposed on Lindsay and Craig Foreman, a British couple imprisoned in Iran.

According to the report, the couple was not permitted to attend the appeals hearing. Following the confirmation of their sentences, their case has been referred to the Supreme Court.

In February 2026, Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, sentenced the couple to 10 years in prison each on charges of “espionage.”

According to the couple, “Despite appearing in court, no evidence was presented, and we were given no opportunity to defend ourselves.”

In May 2026, the couple launched a hunger strike to protest their detention conditions and the suspension of telephone contact with their family. As the strike has continued, Lindsay Foreman has reportedly experienced deteriorating health conditions, including weight loss, low blood sugar, and fluctuations in blood pressure.

Craig and Lindsay Foreman, who had entered Iran as part of a motorcycle journey around the world, were arrested by the IRGC Intelligence Organization in Kerman in December 2024. Judicial authorities had accused them of “espionage,” alleging that they collected information in several provinces under the guise of tourism and research activities.

The British ambassador to Iran at the time also met with the two defendants at the Kerman Prosecutor’s Office in February of that year.

In recent years, Iranian authorities have arrested several foreign nationals on charges such as espionage or cooperation with hostile governments. Some detainees have later been released following political negotiations. Human rights organizations and several Western governments have accused Iran of using such arrests as a means of political leverage, allegations that Iranian authorities have consistently denied.

Two Yarsan Followers Killed in Shooting by Security Forces

HRANA – Meysam and Mojtaba Veisi, two citizens and followers of the Yarsan faith who had been pursued by security forces in connection with the January 2026 protests, were killed this morning after being targeted in a shooting by the IRGC Intelligence Organization in a village in Dalahoo County.

According to HRANA, two brothers were killed following a shooting by IRGC forces. The identities of the victims have been reported as Meysam Veisi and Mojtaba Veisi, two brothers and followers of the Yarsan faith, each of whom was the father of one child.

Since the protests of January 2026, the two brothers had been wanted by security forces for arrest and had been hiding in the village of Qal’eh Kahvash, located in Dalahoo County in Kermanshah Province. On the morning of yesterday, May 28, 2026, agents of the IRGC Intelligence Organization opened fire on their hiding place, resulting in the deaths of both men.

In this regard, Kurdpa reported that the bodies of the two citizens have not yet been returned to their families. The report also states that Mojtaba Veisi had been summoned by security institutions via telephone in recent months; however, because he had not received a written summons, he had declined to appear before those authorities.

Mojtaba Veisi had previously been arrested due to his 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.

At Least 32 People Arrested on Security-Related Charges in Several Provinces

HRANA  – The IRGC Intelligence Organization has announced the arrest of at least 32 individuals in the provinces of Qazvin, Kerman, and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari. The agency stated that the charges against these individuals include “espionage, links to anti-regime groups, terrorist activities, and sabotage.”

According to a report by Mehr News Agency, the IRGC Intelligence Organization announced the identification and arrest of several citizens in multiple provinces across the country.

According to the report, in Qazvin Province, two citizens were arrested on accusations described as “spying for the Zionist regime.” Authorities in the province also announced the dismantling of a network distributing military-grade weapons and the seizure of quantities of arms and ammunition. Another section of the report claimed that 1,400 tons of petrochemical raw materials allegedly stockpiled with the aim of “disrupting the market” had been discovered.

The report further stated that in Kerman Province, eight individuals were arrested as “main agents of terrorist activities.” Allegations against them include “shooting at a vehicle carrying security forces, attacking law enforcement officers, setting fire to the Sirjan Governor’s Office, spying for Israel, and maintaining ties with anti-regime groups.”

In addition, the IRGC Intelligence Organization in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province announced the identification and arrest of 22 individuals as part of several networks allegedly linked to anti-regime groups. The report claimed that these individuals, through contact with “foreign-based coordinators,” were seeking to “procure weapons, create insecurity, and carry out sabotage operations.”

The report did not provide any information regarding the identities of those arrested, the timing and manner of their arrests, or the locations where they are being held.

In recent weeks, authorities have reported numerous arrests across several Iranian provinces on similar security-related charges. In many cases, security agencies have accused detainees of “espionage” or ties to foreign-based media outlets and opposition groups without providing supporting evidence or detailed information. The absence of transparency surrounding these arrests and subsequent legal proceedings has fueled concerns over the status and treatment of those detained.

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Maryam Derisi Sentenced to Imprisonment and Flogging

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

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.

Four Individuals Arrested by the IRGC on Security Charges in Kurdistan

HRANA – In an official statement, IRGC announced the arrest of four individuals on security-related charges in Kurdistan Province. According to the statement, weapons, ammunition, and Starlink satellite equipment were seized from those detained.

According to Asr Iran, in a statement, the IRGC’s information base said: “The Hamzeh Seyyed al-Shohada Headquarters of the IRGC Ground Forces arrested these individuals, who are members of opposition groups, on April 267, 2026.” It added that “anti-security items such as Kalashnikov rifles, handguns, ammunition, grenades, fake identification documents, and Starlink satellite equipment were discovered and confiscated from them.”

The statement further claimed, without providing additional details such as the identities of the individuals, that the detainees intended to carry out “terrorist” actions.

Report on the Arrest of Keyvan Ahmadi by the IRGC Intelligence

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.

Death Sentence of Naser Bakrzadeh Upheld by the Supreme Court

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.