Tag: irgc

Three Citizens Arrested in Damavand County

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
Damavand, HRANA, irgc, IRGC Intelligence

HRANA – The commander of the IRGC in Damavand County, Tehran province, announced the arrest of three citizens on charges of alleged collaboration with Israel and the “Monafeqin” — a term the Iranian government uses to refer to the Mojahedin-e Khalq Organization (MEK). According to the commander, legal cases have been opened and the individuals have been referred to the judiciary.

The local IRGC commander claimed the detainees were “connected to Israeli intelligence services and the MEK” and were “planning acts of sabotage targeting sensitive locations.” According to Mehr News Agency, the arrests were carried out by IRGC Intelligence agents, and their cases are currently under judicial review.

The report does not specify the date of arrest, the identities of the detainees, or where they are being held.

While espionage itself is not considered a human rights issue, the Iranian government has a long history of using such accusations to target political dissidents. Claims of this nature—especially in the absence of transparency and due process—are often met with skepticism.

Teacher Forough Khosravi Arrested by IRGC Intelligence

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Freedom of Expression, News
Behbahan, HRANA, irgc, IRGC Intelligence

HRANA – Forough Khosravi, an elementary school teacher and resident of Behbahan, was arrested on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, by agents of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Intelligence.

A source familiar with her situation told HRANA: “On Tuesday morning, Ms. Khosravi received a phone call from an unknown number, instructing her to appear at the courthouse by noon. She declined to comply, citing the absence of an official summons. A few hours later, around 2:30 PM, IRGC Intelligence agents arrived with an arrest warrant, detained her, and transferred her to an undisclosed location.”

As of the time of this report, the reasons for her arrest and the charges brought against her remain unclear.

This arrest follows a previous incident on June 19, when six IRGC Intelligence agents — including two women — entered Ms. Khosravi’s home without presenting a judicial warrant. During the raid, they created a climate of intimidation while conducting a search, and confiscated several personal belongings, including her cellphone. Ms. Khosravi’s daughter, who was home at the time, was reportedly deeply traumatized by the experience.

Subsequently, Ms. Khosravi filed a formal complaint against the agents. However, in what has been described as a one-sided decision in favor of the security apparatus, Judge Ruhollah Farzadnasab of Branch 2 in Behbahan dismissed the case, issuing an order not to pursue prosecution.

Forough Khosravi holds a doctorate in education and works as an elementary school teacher. She was previously expelled from Payam Noor University in Bandar Imam in the aftermath of the 2009 protests.

Baha’i Citizen Armaghan Yazdani Arrested in Shiraz

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News, Religious Minorities
Armaghan Yazdani, HRANA, irgc, IRGC Intelligence, Shiraz

HRANA – On Wednesday, July 23, 2025, Armaghan Yazdani, a Baha’i citizen residing in Shiraz, was arrested by agents of the IRGC Intelligence Organization. Her family home was also raided, during which agents confiscated digital devices, religious materials, and identification documents belonging to family members.

A source close to the family told HRANA:
“Ms. Yazdani was arrested while she was out with her mother and sister making preparations for her upcoming wedding. Agents intercepted them, forced the family to return home, and carried out the arrest at the residence.”

The source added that the agents searched the home during the arrest, seizing several personal belongings including mobile phones, a laptop, a tablet, IDs, photographs, and religious books and pamphlets.

As of the time of this report, no information has been made available regarding the reasons for Yazdani’s arrest, her current whereabouts, or the charges she may be facing.

Armaghan Yazdani is the fiancée of Vahid Masoumi, who was previously arrested and later released on bail.

Mahsa Shafiee-Moghaddam Arrested in Yasuj

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Freedom of Expression, News
irgc, IRGC Intelligence, Mahsa Shafiee Moghaddam, Yasuj

HRANA – On Thursday, July 17, Mahsa Shafiee Moghaddam, a resident of Yasuj, was arrested by IRGC Intelligence forces at her home and taken to an undisclosed location.

Based on information received by HRANA, Ms. Shafiee-Moghaddam was arrested at her home on Thursday, July 17, by IRGC Intelligence agents. The officers confiscated her mobile phone and electronic devices. Her Instagram account has also been deactivated. After her arrest, she made a brief phone call to her mother, during which she stated that she is on a hunger strike and does not know where she is being held.

A source close to the family told HRANA: “At the time of her arrest, the agents showed Ms. Shafiee-Moghaddam a warrant. She was reportedly arrested on charges of insulting military officials killed in the 12-day Israel conflict and collaborating with Persian-language media outlets outside Iran.”

Mahsa Shafiee-Moghaddam, 22 years old, has previously been arrested and faced legal action due to her activism.

Mohammad Ahmadi, Creator of the “Dialogue Iran” Program, Arrested

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Freedom of Expression, News
Dialogue Iran, irgc, Mohammad Ahmadi

HRANA – On Monday, July 14, Mohammad Ahmadi, the creator of the program Dialogue Iran, was arrested following a court session and transferred to an undisclosed location.

The official page of Dialogue Iran announced that on Monday, July 14, Mr. Ahmadi appeared in court to defend himself against charges brought against him last year in connection with the program. Following the hearing, he was arrested by security forces.

Videos from the most recent episode, titled Dialogue as Post-War, which aired a few days ago, have been widely circulated on social media. The program is a discussion-based series focusing on Iranian social and political issues. Its main platform is YouTube, though portions have also aired on Radio Namayesh.

As of the time of this report, no information has been made available regarding Mr. Ahmadi’s whereabouts, the reasons for his arrest, or the charges against him.

Mohammad Ahmadi Feyzabadi, a social researcher and creator of Dialogue Iran, has previously faced arrest and pressure from security forces.

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:
“Every prisoner shall have the right, and shall be given the ability and means, to inform immediately his or her family, or any other person designated as a contact person, about his or her imprisonment, about his or her transfer to another institution and about any serious illness or injury. The sharing of prisoners’ personal information shall be subject to domestic legislation.”

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Three Sentenced to Death, Two to Long Prison Terms in Khuzestan Political Case

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Executions, Freedom of Expression, News
Alireza Merdasi, Davoud Hormatnejad, Farshad Etemadifar, HRANA, irgc, Masoud Jamei, Saman Hormatnejad

HRANA – The Ahvaz Revolutionary Court has sentenced political prisoners Masoud Jamei, Alireza Merdasi, and Farshad Etemadifar each to two death sentences and one year in prison. In the same case, the court handed down a combined 27 years of imprisonment to Saman Hormatnejad and Davoud Hormatnejad.

Branch 1 of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Adibimehr, issued the verdicts and formally delivered them to the defendants on July 11. Judge Adibimehr convicted Jamei, Merdasi, and Etemadifar of corruption on earth (efsad fel-arz), membership in rebel groups, and propaganda against the regime, sentencing each to two executions and one year behind bars. He also sentenced Hormatnejad and Hormatnejad to 12 and 15 years in prison, respectively, on similar charges.

According to the court rulings, membership in the Mojahedin-e Khalq Organization (MEK) was cited as the basis for the charges. This case constitutes one of the harshest security-related verdicts issued in Khuzestan province in recent months.

A source familiar with the case, who spoke to HRANA on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, stated: “These individuals have spent nearly two years in pre-trial detention in a state of uncertainty. During this time, they were denied access to legal representation and adequate medical care. The verdicts were issued despite clear violations of fair trial standards. The confessions attributed to the defendants were obtained under coercion and in inhumane conditions.”

Farshad Etemadifar, Saman Hormatnejad, and Davoud Hormatnejad were arrested by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence on June 16, 2023. Masoud Jamei and Alireza Mordasi were also arrested by security forces in Ahvaz on August 1, 2023, and transferred to Sheyban Prison.

Following these arrests, Tasnim News Agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), published a report claiming the detainees were connected to the “Monafeqin network” (a term used by the Islamic Republic to refer to the MEK) and were planning “sabotage operations” in Khuzestan, Fars, and Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad provinces.

Farshad Etemadifar is from Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, while Masoud Jamei and Alireza Merdasi (also known as Hamidavi) are residents of Ahvaz. Masoud Jamei, 47, suffers from liver disease and stomach cancer. His health condition in prison is critical, and he urgently needs treatment in specialized medical facilities outside the prison. Before his arrest, he worked for the National Iranian Oil Company. In March 2025, he, along with his wife Zeinab Hezbapour and children Nahid, Dalal, and Roghayeh Jamei, was tried in the Bavi Revolutionary Court on charges related to alleged connections with an opposition group.

Six Months On, No Word From Detained British Couple in Iran

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News, Prisoners
Asghar Jahangir, Craig Foreman, irgc, Joe Bennet, Kerman, Lindsay Foreman

HRANA – Joe Bennet, the son of Craig and Lindsay Foreman, the British couple arrested in Iran about six months ago on espionage charges, has voiced concern over his parents’ situation, saying they have had no contact with him since their detention.

According to HRANA, quoting BBC Persian, Bennet said he learned of his parents’ arrest roughly six months ago and has not heard their voices since. He added that, based on what he has been told, his father and mother are being held “in a three-by-three-metre cell.”

In late February, Judiciary spokesperson Asghar Jahangir stated that the couple had been arrested by Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) intelligence agents and were accused of “espionage.” The family rejects the allegation.

On February 13, 2025, the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office of Kerman Province announced in a statement that Hugo Shorter, the British ambassador to Iran, met with the two security detainees at the prosecutor’s office in the provincial capital.

The 52-year-old couple were detained in Kerman about six months ago. They had entered Iran on a round-the-world motorcycle trip and intended to travel on to Pakistan after a few days.

Iranian authorities have arrested numerous foreign nationals in recent years on charges such as espionage or cooperating with hostile states. While some have been released after prolonged negotiations, human-rights organizations and several Western governments accuse Tehran of using these detentions as political leverage—an accusation Iranian officials consistently deny.

Raquel Ataeian, Baha’i Citizen, Arrested by Security Forces

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News, Religious Minorities
HRANA, irgc, IRGC Intelligence, Qaemshahr

HRANA News Agency – On Tuesday, July 1, Raquel Ataeian, a Baha’i citizen residing in Qaemshahr, was arrested at her home by security forces and taken to an undisclosed location. Agents also confiscated several personal items belonging to her and her family.

The arrest was carried out by seven IRGC Intelligence agents who presented a judicial warrant before detaining Ms. Ataeian and searching her home.

A source close to the family confirmed the incident, telling HRANA: “This morning, seven IRGC Intelligence agents arrived at Ms. Ataeian’s residence with a judicial warrant. During the search, they seized religious books, mobile phones, and laptops belonging to her and her family.”

As of the time of this report, no information has been released about the charges against Ms. Ataeian, the reasons for her arrest, or her whereabouts.

Raquel Ataeian has previously faced security-related harassment due to her Baha’i faith.

Over the past decade, the Iranian Bahá’í community has been disproportionately targeted by Iran’s security forces and judiciary—more than any other minority group. In the past three years, an average of 72 percent of the reports on religious rights violations collected by HRANA have documented the Iranian regime’s repression of the Bahá’í community.

Widespread Arrests: 13 Citizens Detained Across Four Cities in Iran

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
and Rudsar, Astara, Bakhtiar Azizi, irgc, Jalaleddin Javanmardi, Mahabad, Rudsar, Urmia

HRANA News Agency – In recent days, security and law enforcement forces have arrested 13 citizens in the cities of Astara, Urmia, Mahabad, and Rudsar, with some transferred to undisclosed locations.

According to Mehr News Agency, Jalaleddin Javanmardi, the police chief of Rudsar, announced today the arrest of five individuals in the city. He stated that the arrests were made over allegations of “collaborating with Israel on social media,” “insulting religious sanctities,” and “disturbing public opinion.”

Javanmardi, detailing the case, said that the police acted in response to online posts insulting religious sanctities and deceased IRGC commanders, sharing pro-Israel clips, and publishing offensive content against Iranian officials.

He added that the detainees include a 52-year-old woman and four men aged 31, 39, 40, and 41, who were arrested in Rahimabad, Kelachay, and the central district of Rudsar County. All were transferred to a police station and referred to the judiciary after case files were opened.

ILNA also reported the arrest of four citizens in Astara, quoting the city’s police chief, Morteza Ahadi. Ahadi said the arrests took place on Friday, June 27, on charges such as “espionage” and “propaganda against the regime.”

He added that the detainees, two men and two women from western provinces, were arrested along with digital evidence. Their phones allegedly contained photos and videos from Astara and other cities, which were reportedly sent to opposition networks. They had also applied for asylum in European countries.

On June 25, 2025, security forces arrested a citizen in Urmia. Kurdpa identified the individual as Alireza Khaledi, 22, a resident of Hasanabad village in the Sumay Baradost region. Security agents reportedly detained Mr. Khaledi without presenting a judicial warrant and transferred him to an undisclosed location.

Reports also indicate that on June 24, another citizen was arrested in Urmia by security forces. Kolbar News identified him as Bakhtiar Azizi, a resident of the Dizaj area. According to the report, security agents also arrested him without a court order. On the same day, two more individuals—Afshin Azizi and Kako Azizi—were also detained in Urmia.

Kolbar News further reported the arrests of two additional citizens about ten days ago. Authorities transferred both to an undisclosed location. They were identified as Hazhar Asadpour, 27, an employee of the Red Crescent, and Keyvan Ashtab, 29, an emergency medical technician at Mahabad Hospital.

As of now, there is no information regarding the whereabouts or charges against these individuals.

Kourosh Jalil Sentenced to Over Two Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
irgc, IRGC Intelligence, Kourosh Jalil

HRANA News Agency – Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Yasuj has sentenced Kourosh Jalil, a resident of Yasuj, to two years, one month, and one day in prison.

According to the verdict, the court imposed ten months for “propaganda against the regime” and one year, three months, and one day for “insulting the Supreme Leader and the founder of the Islamic Republic.”

Jalil announced the verdict in a public post, stating that the IRGC Intelligence Organization had filed the complaint that led to his prosecution.

Earlier, Branch 1 of the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office of Boyer-Ahmad indicted him on charges of “propaganda against the regime” and “spreading falsehoods.” His preliminary hearing, alongside two other citizens, took place on April 29, 2025.

The Ministry of Intelligence arrested Jalil in May 2024 and released him on bail two months later in July.

In a separate case, another court sentenced Jalil to three years in prison for “insulting the founder of the Islamic Republic,” “unauthorized assembly,” “insulting Islamic sanctities,” “insulting the Supreme Leader,” and “propaganda against the regime.”