Tag: Isfahan

Political Activist Ali Moeini Remains Detained in Isfahan

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ali Moeini, HRANA, Isfahan, علی معینی

Despite 17 days having passed since his arrest, Ali Moeini, a political activist residing in Isfahan, remains in indefinite detention. The lack of information regarding his condition has heightened concerns among his family.

A source confirmed to HRANA: “Despite 17 days having passed since Mr. Moeini’s arrest and his family’s repeated follow-ups with judicial authorities, the relevant officials continue to refrain from providing a clear response regarding his situation. This has escalated the concerns of his family and close associates. Two days ago, he was only able to confirm his well-being in a brief phone call.”

Mr. Moeini has been denied access to a lawyer during his detention.

This political activist was arrested on August 10, 2023, in Isfahan.

So far, no information has been obtained regarding the reasons for his arrest, his place of detention, or the charges against him. Ali Moeini, who has a history of legal confrontations due to his activism, is married and the father of a three-year-old child.

Mehdi Moghadari Sentenced to Prison and Other Penalties

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Freedom of Expression, News
Dastgerd Prison, Isfahan, Mehdi Moghadari, مهدی مقدری

Mehdi Moghadari, a former member of the Isfahan City Council, has been sentenced by the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan to one year in prison, two years of a travel ban, and other penalties, as reported by Emtedad News Outlet.

According to the report, Mr. Moghadari was sentenced to one year in prison by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan on charges of “propaganda against the regime.” As part of the supplementary punishment, he has also been sentenced to a two-year ban on leaving the country, a ban on engaging in online activities, and a two-year prohibition from participating in groups, associations, and political parties.

Mehdi Moghadari was arrested by security forces in Isfahan in late November of 2022 and was released from Dastgerd Prison in February of the same year. He has a prior history of arrests and convictions.

Protest Rapper Toomaj Salehi Acquitted of Charges

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Freedom of Expression, News
Babol, Isfahan, Protest Rapper, revolutionary court, Toomaj Salehi, توماج صالحی

After a retrial of Toomaj Salehi’s case, Branch 5 of the Revolutionary Court in Isfahan acquitted him of the charges brought against him.

Amir Raisian, Mr. Salehi’s lawyer, stated: “Branch 5 of the Revolutionary Court in Isfahan, in the 2022 case against Toomaj Salehi, has issued an acquittal on the charge of ‘ spreading corruption on earth,’ which previously carried a death sentence. For the other charges, the court issued a temporary stay of prosecution. Additionally, the court referred the charges of ‘spreading falsehoods online’ and ‘disturbing public order’ to Criminal Court 2 due to lack of jurisdiction.”

In April of this year, Salehi had been sentenced to death by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court in Isfahan on the charge of ‘spreading corruption on earth,’ but this sentence was overturned in early July by Branch 39 of the Supreme Court, and the case was sent to Branch 5 of the Revolutionary Court in Isfahan.

He was arrested in late October 2022 in connection with the nationwide protests by security forces. Official news agencies claimed that he was attempting to illegally leave the country through the western borders, a claim denied by his associates. In July last year, he was sentenced by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court in Isfahan to six years and three months in prison, a travel ban, a ban on producing music and singing, and two years of mandatory behavior management and skills training. After this sentence was overturned by Branch 39 of the Supreme Court, he was released on bail on November 18, 2023.

Nevertheless, Salehi’s freedom was short-lived as he was re-arrested in Babol on November 30, just twelve days after being bailed out from Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan. The Judiciary spokesperson cited Salehi’s post-release statement as grounds for this subsequent arrest.

In January of 2024, in another part of his case, the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan sentenced him to one year in prison, two years of passport invalidation, and participation in behavior management courses on the charge of ‘propaganda against the regime.’ This sentence was upheld by the Isfahan Provincial Court of Appeals in late February. Late last year, Branch 117 of Criminal Court 2 in Isfahan acquitted him of the charges of ‘spreading falsehoods’ and ‘inciting violence.’

Toomaj Salehi, a protest rapper from Shahin Shahr, Isfahan, had previously been sentenced to six months in prison and a fine in 2021 for ‘insulting the Supreme Leader’ and ‘propaganda against the regime.’

Isfahan: Indictment Issued for Ten Baha’i Women

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News, Religious Minorities
Arezoo Sobhanian, Bahareh Lotfi, Isfahan, Mojgan Shahrezaie, Neda Badakhsh, Neda Emadi, Negin Khademi, Parastoo Hakim, Shana Shoughifar, Yeganeh Agahi, Yeganeh Roohbakhsh

The indictment for ten Baha’i women residing in Isfahan, including Neda Badakhsh, Arezoo Sobhanian, Yeganeh Roohbakhsh, Mojgan Shahrezaie, Parastoo Hakim, Yeganeh Agahi, Bahareh Lotfi, Shana Shoughifar, Negin Khademi, and Neda Emadi, has been issued by the city’s Prosecutor’s Office.

The charges against Neda Badakhsh, 60, Arezou Sobhaniyan, 48, Yeganeh Roohbakhsh, 20, Mojgan Shahrezaei, 32, Parastoo Hakim, 47, Yeganeh Agahi, 31, Bahareh Lotfi, 27, Shana Shoughifar, 27, Negin Khademi, 34, and Neda (Shahla) Emadi, 42, include “propaganda against the regime” and “engaging in propaganda/educational activities against Sharia of Islam.”

These ten Baha’i women were arrested by security forces on October 23, 2023, and released on bail from Dolatabad Prison in Isfahan at different times over two months. Among there people, Yeganeh Agahi has a previous record of arrest.

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.

Maryam Mehrabi Sentenced to Six Years in Prison and Additional Punishments

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Freedom of Expression, News
Dolatabad Prison, Isfahan, Mahmoud Mehrabi, Maryam Mehrabi

Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan sentenced Maryam Mehrabi, a teacher residing in Isfahan, to six years in prison and additional punishments.

Based on a verdict recently issued by Branch 1 of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court, presided over by Mohammadreza Tavakoli, and delivered to Ms. Mehrabi yesterday, she has been sentenced to one year in prison for “propaganda against the regime” and five years for “inciting people to wage war and killing to undermine national security.” Additionally, she has been sentenced to two years of dismissal from service and a two-year travel ban as complementary punishments.

According to HRANA reports, Mehrabi has been denied access to a lawyer. Another part of her case, concerning the charge of “spreading false information”, is under review by Criminal Court 2 of Isfahan.

Mehrabi was arrested by security forces in Isfahan on June 18th. Recently, she went on a hunger strike in solitary confinement to protest her prolonged detention.

Mehrabi was previously arrested in March 2023 while pursuing her brother Mahmoud Mehrabi’s case. She was detained by security forces at the Mobarakeh County Prosecutor’s Office and transferred to Dolatabad Prison in Isfahan. She was released on bail three days later. Last September, she was sentenced by Branch 102 of the Criminal Court Two of Mobarakeh City to seventy-four lashes and three months in prison, which was later converted to a fine.

Maryam Mehrabi is a teacher and resident of Isfahan. She is the sister of political prisoner Mahmoud Mehrabi, who was sentenced to death in May this year by Branch 5 of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court for “spreading corruption on earth.” His appeal was filed with the Supreme Court in June.

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A Report on the Latest Situation of Ali Pasban in Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad

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News, Prisoners
Ali Pasban, Isfahan, Kashan, Mashhad, Political Prisoner, Vakilabad prison, علی پاسبان

Ali Pasban, a political prisoner, is serving his seven-year sentence in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. He is being held in the same ward as prisoners convicted of violent crimes, in violation of prison regulations.

A source close to Mr. Pasban’s family told HRANA, “He is being held in the violent criminals’ ward, Salon 102, Ward 5 of Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, without adherence to the principle of separation of crimes. Recently, after he protested against the inappropriate behavior of a prison official, he was threatened. The guards told him they would hire individuals in that ward to harm him. He reported to his family about ongoing harassment, threats, and the danger to his life, and requested legal assistance.”

This citizen was arrested on August 26, 2021, in Mashhad and transferred to Vakilabad Prison in this city. In January 2022, he was sentenced to seven years in prison by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad on charges of “membership in opposition groups intending to disrupt national security.”
Additionally, in March-April 2022, he was sentenced to one year in prison on charges of “insulting the Supreme Leader.”
Mr. Pasban had previously been convicted and served prison sentences in Isfahan and Kashan in 2018 and 2019 on charges of “propaganda against the regime” and “insulting the Supreme Leader.”

Maryam Mehrabi Initiates Hunger Strike in Dolatabad Prison, Isfahan

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News, Prisoners, Women
Dolatabad Prison, HRANA, Isfahan, Mahmoud Mehrabi, Maryam Mehrabi, مریم مهرابی

Maryam Mehrabi, a teacher imprisoned in Dolatabad Prison, Isfahan, who is being held in solitary confinement, has gone on a hunger strike.

A source close to Mehrabi’s family confirmed the news to HRANA, stating: “Family inquiries revealed that Ms. Mehrabi is being held in Dolatabad Women’s Prison in Isfahan. She was transferred to solitary confinement some time ago and has gone on a hunger strike to protest the psychological pressure, poor conditions, and separation from her children. She has been hospitalized in the prison infirmary several times. The inability to meet or contact her has increased her family’s concerns.”

This citizen was arrested by security forces in Isfahan on June 18.

Mehrabi was previously arrested in March 2023 while pursuing her brother Mahmoud Mehrabi’s case. She was detained by security forces at the Mobarakeh County Prosecutor’s Office and transferred to Dolatabad Prison in Isfahan. She was released on bail three days later. Last September, she was sentenced by Branch 102 of the Criminal Court Two of Mobarakeh City to seventy-four lashes and three months in prison, which was later converted to a fine.

Mehrabi’s brother, Mahmoud, a political prisoner, has been sentenced to death on charges of “spreading corruption on earth.” He is currently held at Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan.

Baha’i Arash Nabavi Sentenced to Imprisonment and Additional Punishments

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News, Religious Minorities
Arash Nabavi, Bahais, Isfahan, آرش نبوی

Arash Nabavi, a Baha’i citizen residing in Isfahan, has been sentenced by the Revolutionary Court of this city to ten years of imprisonment, a fine, confiscation of property, and other penalties.

Based on a verdict issued by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan, presided over by Mohammadreza Tavakoli, and communicated to Mr. Nabavi, he has been sentenced to five years of imprisonment and a fine for the charge of “membership in groups to disrupt national security.” Additionally, for the charge of “propaganda activities against Islamic law”, he has been sentenced to another five years of imprisonment. As supplementary punishment, he has also been sentenced to a two-year ban on online acitvities, prohibition from leaving the country, and confiscation of property.
Three mobile phones, three flash drives, two tablets, three SIM cards, and several books and materials related to the Baha’i Faith are among the items ordered to be confiscated in the verdict.

This Baha’i citizen was arrested on August 14, 2023, and released after two months on bail. During the arrest, the officers searched his house and seized some of Mr. Nabavi’s personal belongings.

Arash Nabavi, single and approximately thirty-eight years old, lives the “Imam Neighborhood” in Isfahan.

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.

Supreme Court Overturns Death Sentence Against Protest Rapper Toomaj Salehi

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Executions, News
Amir Raisian, Isfahan, Toomaj Salehi

Amir Raisian, the lawyer for protest rapper Toomaj Salehi, announced that Branch 39 of the Supreme Court has overturned the death sentence against his client. The case will now be referred to another court branch for further review.

“In a precise verdict, the Supreme Court not only overturned the death sentence but also affirmed that even the previous sentence of six years and three months stands at odds with Article 131 and the rules of multiplicity of charges,” Raisian clarified.

In mid-May, Raisian announced the registration of his appeal to the Supreme Court, stating, “One day after this announcement about the initial verdict against my client, prison officials banned Salehi from making phone calls and even imposed restrictions on in-person visits.”

In April, the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan sentenced Salehi to death for “spreading corruption on earth.” At the time, Raisian commented on the ruling, stating, “Branch 1 of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court issued an unprecedented verdict by disregarding the Supreme Court’s resolution from 2022, labeling it as an ‘advisory verdict,’ and upheld the initial death sentence for ‘spreading corruption on earth.’”

Salehi’s legal saga began in late October 2022 when he was initially detained by security forces during nationwide protests. Subsequently, the Isfahan Revolutionary Court sentenced him to six years and three months in prison, among other penalties. However, he secured release on bail after the Supreme Court overturned the verdict.

Nevertheless, Salehi’s freedom was short-lived as he was re-arrested in Babol on November 30, just twelve days after being bailed out from Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan. The Judiciary spokesperson cited Salehi’s post-release statement as grounds for this subsequent arrest.

It’s worth noting that Salehi has a prior conviction from January 12, 2022, where he received a six-month prison term and a fine, with the imprisonment suspended for one year.

Isfahan: Sentencing of Two Bahai Citizens from Imprisonment to Confiscation of Property

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News, Religious Minorities
Arshia Rouhani, Bahais, Hamid Monzavi, Isfahan, ارشیا روحانی, حمید منزوی

Arshia Rouhani and Hamid Monzavi Joshaghani, Bahai citizens residing in Isfahan, were sentenced by the Revolutionary Court of this city to five years in prison each, fines, confiscation of property, and additional punishments.

Based on the verdict issued by Branch 1 of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court, presided over by Mohammadreza Tavakoli, each of these Bahá’í citizens was sentenced to five years of imprisonment, a fifty million toman fine, and a two-year ban on social media activity and leaving the country. Additionally, several copy machines, laptops, mobile phones, external storage devices, and scanners previously seized from these citizens’ places of business were confiscated.

The charges against these citizens were “propaganda against the regime” and “membership in groups or associations formed within the country to undermine national security.”

In September of 2023, two business units belonging to these Bahá’í citizens in Isfahan were sealed by the Intelligence Ministry officers for one month. Simultaneously with the sealing of their business premises, several personal and work items of these citizens were seized by security forces. They were subsequently summoned and arrested on October 30, 2023, to the Isfahan Prosecutor’s Office and released after one day on a bail of three hundred million tomans (approximately 6,000 dollars).

Arshia Rouhani has previously faced judicial action due to his beliefs.

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.