January Protests: Death Sentence of Sasan Azadvar Junaqani Upheld by Supreme Court

HRANA – The death sentence of Sasan Azadvar Junaqani, who was arrested during the January 2026 protests and is currently being held in one of the solitary confinement cells of Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan, has been upheld by the Supreme Court.

Based on information received by HRANA, his death sentence was upheld by the Supreme Court some time ago. Additionally, yesterday his family was summoned to the prison and met with him.
A family member, in an interview with an HRANA journalist, described the meeting as a “last visit,” adding: “Given that Azadvar is being held in solitary confinement, his family is deeply concerned about his condition.”

Sasan Azadvar Junaqani was arrested on January 1, 2026, during nationwide protests in Isfahan. He was later tried in March 2026 by Branch One of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court, presided over by Seyed Mahmoud Kazemzadeh, with advisor Mohammad Vakili.

On March 17, 2026, his verdict was issued. He was sentenced to death on charges of moharebeh, including:
(a) effectively inciting military forces to desert and refuse to carry out their duties during unrest with the intent to oppose the regime and overthrow the government;
(b) destruction of public property and disruption of public order.

He was also sentenced to 15 months in prison for “propaganda against the system,” 7 years in prison for “inciting or provoking people to engage in war and killing one another with the intent to disrupt national security,” including encouraging unrest in public and online spaces, 25 months in prison for insulting the Supreme Leader.

Sasan Azadvar Junaqani, 21, is a karate athlete and a resident of Isfahan.

It should be noted that following the onset of military conflict between the United States–Israel and Iran on February 28, 2026, the issuance and implementation of death sentences against prisoners facing political and security-related charges have intensified, driven by an expedited judicial process.

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.

January Protests: Report on the Latest Status of Ilya Ben-Rashid in Dastgerd Prison, Isfahan

HRANA – Ilya Ben-Rashid, one of those arrested during the January protests in Shahin Shahr, has been in detention for nearly 100 days and is currently being held in Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan. Recently, a court session was held to address the charges against him, including moharebeh (enmity against God), at the Isfahan Revolutionary Court.

An informed source confirmed to HRANA: “In early April, a court session reviewing Ilya’s charges was held via video conference at Branch 5 of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court. He faces charges including moharebeh through alleged involvement in the destruction of public property, assembly and collusion to commit crimes against national security, and propaganda against the regime. During the session, he defended himself against these accusations.”

The source added: “Ilya has lost both of his parents and, prior to his arrest, lived with his grandparents. Given their advanced age, pursuing his legal case has become difficult. Additionally, Ilya has been denied access to a lawyer of his choice.”

Mr. Ben-Rashid was arrested on January 22, 2026, in connection with the nationwide protests in Shahin Shahr, Isfahan. He was later formally charged on February 21, at Branch 2 of the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Shahin Shahr.

Ilya Ben-Rashid is 22 years old and a resident of Shahin Shahr, Isfahan.

January Protests: Erfan Kiani Executed

HRANA – The death sentence of Erfan Kiani, one of those arrested during the January 2026 protests in Isfahan, was carried out early this morning. During the judicial process, he had been charged with offenses including moharebeh (enmity against God).

According to Mizan News Agency, the charges against this protester included “moharebeh through drawing a cold weapon (machete) with the intent to intimidate the public,” “creating insecurity,” “inciting individuals to violent actions,” and “participation in the destruction of public property.”

The published report lists examples of these accusations, including participation in protest gatherings, destruction of public and private property, arson, throwing stones and Molotov cocktails at security forces, blocking streets, and carrying a cold weapon. It is also claimed that he had a leadership role among a group of protesters.

According to the Judiciary, following his arrest during the January 2026 protests, he was sentenced to death by the Isfahan Revolutionary Court. After an appeal, the ruling was upheld by the Supreme Court and was carried out at dawn on Saturday, April 25, 2026.

No further details have been released regarding the circumstances of his arrest, whether he had effective access to legal counsel during different stages of the proceedings, the conditions of his detention prior to execution, or the exact location where the sentence was carried out.

It should be noted that following the outbreak of military conflict between the United States–Israel and Iran, which began on February 27, 2026, the implementation of death sentences in Iran has entered a new and concerning phase, one marked by a strong focus on prisoners with political and security-related charges and a noticeable acceleration in executions.

According to HRA’s Annual Report, in 2025 at least 2,063 citizens, including 61 women and 2 juvenile offenders, were executed. Of these, the sentences of 11 individuals were carried out in public. During the same period, 172 other individuals were sentenced to death.

Ardestan: Four Citizens Arrested in Connection with January Protests

HRANA – The Law Enforcement Command of Isfahan Province has announced the arrest of four citizens in Ardestan County in connection with the December–January protests.

According to Mehr, four citizens have been arrested in Ardestan. The Law Enforcement Command of Isfahan Province stated that the arrests were carried out in connection with the January protests. No details were provided regarding the charges against the detainees.

The report does not mention the exact time of the arrests or the identities of the detained citizens.

t 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 45 Citizens Arrested by The Ministry of Intelligence Across 7 Provinces

HRANA – At least 45 citizens have been arrested by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence in the provinces of Khuzestan, Gilan, Isfahan, Hormozgan, Hamedan, Kerman, and Kermanshah. Alleged links to Israeli and U.S. intelligence services, as well as media outlets based outside the country, were cited among the reasons for these arrests. A video containing the forced confession of one of these citizens has also been released, although the circumstances under which it was recorded remain unclear.

According to Tasnim News Agency, the Ministry of Intelligence of Iran claimed that 11 citizens, including the main network leader allegedly linked to Israeli intelligence services, were identified and arrested in Isfahan Province.

The statement further alleged that these citizens are accused of killing a Basij member and one Ministry of Intelligence agent in Khuzestan, as well as injuring several other Basij members. It also claimed that over the past two months, 11 other members of this “terrorist group” had been arrested, while five others were killed during an armed clash with security forces.

Separately, a video of the forced confession of one of these citizens has been published, though the conditions under which it was recorded are unknown.

The Ministry of Intelligence also announced the arrest of four citizens in Khuzestan and Kermanshah Provinces. The agency alleged that these individuals intended to carry out “sabotage” operations and were identified and arrested in the cities of Andimeshk and Qasr-e Shirin. According to the Ministry, “a number of weapons were discovered and seized from these citizens.”

In the same statement, the Ministry of Intelligence reported the arrest of 30 more citizens in four provinces, describing them as “members of a terrorist group linked to Israeli intelligence services.”

According to the agency, four citizens were arrested in Gilan Province, eight in Kerman Province, six in Hamedan Province, and 12 in Hormozgan Province. It also claimed that quantities of homemade bombs and weapons were discovered and confiscated from them.

The report did not provide further details, including the identities of these citizens or their place of detention.

It is worth noting that the U.S. and Israeli military attacks on Iran began on February 28, 2026, and on April 8, 2026, a two-week ceasefire between the parties was announced. Since the beginning of these attacks, HRANA has been documenting and recording related incidents across different parts of the country on a daily basis. For further information, readers may refer to HRANA’s detailed reports covering the forty days of the conflict.

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Zeinab Shafizadeh Arrested by Security Forces in Isfahan

HRANA – Zeinab Shafizadeh, a resident of Isfahan, was arrested by security forces last night and transferred to an undisclosed location.

Based on information received by HRANA, Ms. Shafizadeh was arrested on the evening of Sunday, April 2, 2026, at her home in Isfahan.

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

It is worth noting that on January 5, 2026, Zeinab Shafizadeh’s home was searched by security forces, and her personal belongings, including her passport, were confiscated. She was later summoned to one of the security agencies.

Day 28 of U.S. and Israeli Attacks on Iran: Strikes on Industrial Units and Infrastructure

HRANA– In the last 24 hours, and as of March 27, 2026, at 17:00 ET, HRANA has recorded at least 541 attacks across 164 incidents in 18 provinces, resulting in a total of at least 171 casualties (killed and injured, both civilian and military). In addition to the fact that the number of attacks and casualties marks the highest rate in the past week, today Iran’s steel industry and two related power plants witnessed a large-scale wave of attacks and destruction.

According to information recorded and verified by HRANA, from the first minutes of the day until the end of March 27, 2026 (Tehran time), at least 35 civilians were killed and 60 civilians were injured.

Aggregated data since the beginning of the conflict on February 28, 2026, based on incidents recorded in the incident tab and using minimum values for figures marked “more than”:

• Civilian fatalities: 1,527 people (including at least 228 children)

• Military fatalities: 1,167 people

• Unclassified fatalities (civilian/military): 695 people

Note on official statements: Alongside the independent reports published by HRANA, several aggregated official statistics were also recorded today from state media, including:

The Red Crescent announced: “More than 92,000 civilian units have been damaged, and 1,621 children under the age of 18 have been injured.”

The head of the Emergency Organization said: “In this war, more than 200 individuals under 18 and 237 women have been killed.”

The governor of Isfahan stated: “25 workers were killed in recent enemy attacks across different parts of Isfahan province, one of whom was from the province’s Armenian and Christian community.”

1. Overview of Incidents in the Last 24 Hours

In the last 24 hours, incidents were reported across multiple provinces, reflecting a geographically dispersed pattern of hostilities. In a large portion of the incidents, the method/type of attack has not yet been confirmed and has been recorded as “undetermined.” In cases where the attack type was identifiable, airstrikes and drone attacks were reported.

Preliminary analysis indicates that Tehran Province, with a 36% share, ranks first among the provinces that have been targeted. Isfahan Province, with an 18% share, is in second place, followed by Fars Province with 9% in third. Further down the list are Alborz Province, Khuzestan Province, and East Azerbaijan Province, respectively.

Map of Attacks Day 28

2. List of Objects Reported Hit

In the past 24 hours, the recorded attacks have damaged 42 distinct objects or facilities. These include a range of different types of targets. In some cases, damage caused by nearby strikes or secondary consequences of the attacks has also been reported.

Examples of targets recorded over the past 24 hours:

• Parchin Military Complex (Tehran)

• Army Helicopter Base Isfahan (Isfahan)

• Garrison 06 Tehran (Tehran)

• Ahmad Kazemi Garrison Vilashahr (Isfahan)

• 4th Tactical Fighter Base Dezful Andimeshk (Andimeshk)

For a number of the listed targets, the exact nature of the target (civilian/military/dual-use) is still under review, and classifications may be revised as additional information becomes available.

Facilities Protected Under International Humanitarian Law:

Under international humanitarian law, medical facilities, educational institutions, humanitarian facilities, religious sites, and emergency service centers are among the many objects that maintain special protected status and are afforded special protection. In the past 24 hours, HRANA has preliminarily recorded the following cases:

• Mobarakeh Steel Company (Isfahan)

• Khuzestan Steel Company (Khuzestan)

• Firoozabad Cement Plant and Mine (Firoozabad)

• Ardakan Uranium Processing Facility (Ardakan)

• Arak Heavy Water Facility (Arak)

3. Civilian Casualties

In the past 24 hours, at least 35 civilian citizens, including 7 children and 6 women, have been killed, and 60 civilians, including 1 child, have been injured. All classifications are preliminary and may be updated as new information becomes available.

4. Military Casualties

During the period covered by this report, no reports of military casualties have been received. Military casualties are generally reported in the context of attacks on Army and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) bases. Where possible, organizational affiliation and operational context are being assessed; however, not all details have yet been independently verified.

In some incidents, individuals have been killed in the vicinity of military targets; however, their official status has not yet been definitively determined. These cases remain under review, and if reliable information indicating a different status becomes available, the classification may be revised accordingly.

It is believed that military casualties are significantly higher than the figures reported in these reports. However, due to the sensitive nature of military information and the limited access of human rights groups and media to locations where military forces are present, this section largely reflects reports of senior officers or military personnel who were present in urban areas.

5. Confirmed but Unspecified Casualties

In the past 24 hours, 25 deaths and 51 injuries have been reported but remain classified as undetermined. This means that HRANA News Agency has not yet been able to establish with sufficient certainty whether these individuals were civilians or military personnel.

A Note on HRANA Methodology

Note that, in line with HRANA policy, this report reflects only incidents that occurred within the territorial borders of Iran.

The information contained in this report is compiled through HRANA’s established documentation network. Data is collected from a combination of field reports, local contacts, medical and emergency sources, civil society networks, and open source materials, including publicly available images, videos, and official statements where relevant. Each reported incident is logged and assessed through an internal review process before publication.

Given the evolving nature of hostilities, information is gathered on a rolling basis and reflects the status of documentation at the time of publication.

The figures presented in this report may not reflect the full scope of harm. Ongoing hostilities, damage to infrastructure, communication disruptions, restricted access to affected areas, and security risks for sources may limit the ability to document incidents comprehensively.

Delays in medical reporting, difficulties in confirming identities, and restricted access to certain provinces may result in temporary undercounting. As access improves or additional evidence emerges, casualty figures and incident classifications may be revised accordingly.

HRANA remains committed to transparency, methodological rigor, and the continual updating of its findings as new verified information becomes available.

Dozens of Citizens Arrested in Connection with the War Across Several Provinces

HRANA – Domestic media have reported the arrest of more than 84 citizens in Hamedan, Dezful, Semnan, and the provinces of Golestan, West Azerbaijan, Kerman, Isfahan, and Ilam on charges such as “cooperating with foreign media and sending images of missile impact sites and the locations of military centers to these outlets.” A video has also been published showing the forced confession of one of these citizens, though the conditions under which it was recorded remain unclear.

According to Tasnim, several citizens were arrested in Semnan. The report claims that these individuals were in contact with accounts affiliated with the Israeli government and had gathered information and facilitated potential attacks on areas in Semnan Province before being identified and arrested. The provincial police commander of Semnan further alleged that one of the detainees confessed to having requested a missile strike on the city of Semnan in communications with an alleged Israeli agent.

Meanwhile, IRIB reported that 46 citizens were arrested in the provinces of Golestan, West Azerbaijan, Kerman, Isfahan, and Ilam. According to this report, the arrests were carried out by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence on charges such as collecting images and sending them to Iran International.

The report also claimed that six of those arrested were members of opposition groups in the northwest of the country. Additionally, during these arrests, “a number of handguns and two Starlink devices” were discovered and confiscated.

In a separate report, Young Journalists Club announced the arrest of at least 36 citizens across three provinces. According to this report, 21 individuals were arrested in Kerman Province, 10 in Isfahan Province, and 5 others in Ilam Province by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence.

The report alleges that these individuals had sent information and images of certain locations to a foreign media outlet and opposition groups. It also stated that two Starlink devices were discovered and confiscated from them.

According to a report by Fars News Agency, one citizen was also arrested by security forces in Dezful. At the same time, a video of this individual’s forced confession was published, though it is unclear under what conditions it was recorded.

Mehr News Agency reported that the public relations office of the IRGC in Hamedan announced the arrest of an individual accused of recording and sending videos and images to foreign media outlets.

These reports did not provide information regarding the identities or places of detention of the arrested citizens.

It is worth noting that military attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran began on February 28, 2026. Since the start of these attacks, HRANA has been documenting and recording related events across different parts of the country on a daily basis. For further information, you can refer to HRANA’s detailed report on the twenty-seventh day of the conflict, published last night.

Report on the Arrest of Christian Convert Mohammad Nikbakht

HRANA – Mohammad Nikbakht, a Christian convert, has been detained by security forces for over 10 days and is currently being held in Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan.

Based on the report by Article 18, Mr. Nikbakht was arrested by security forces on March 15, 2026. He is currently being held in Ward 2-A of Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan.

The report states that the arrest of this Christian citizen was accompanied by the use of violence.

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

The treatment of Christian converts in Iran takes place despite Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which affirm that every person has the right to freedom of religion, including the freedom to change their religion and to manifest it individually or collectively, in public or in private.

Over 15 Citizens Arrested by IRGC Intelligence Agents in Isfahan

HRANA – The IRGC Intelligence Organization in Isfahan has reported the arrest of more than 15 citizens in the province on charges described as “cooperating with foreign media and sending images of missile strike locations and the positions of military, relief, and checkpoint centers to these outlets.” Images of the forced confessions of three of these citizens have also been released, though the conditions under which they were recorded remain unclear.

According to Mehr News Agency, IRGC Intelligence in Isfahan has claimed that these individuals were cooperating with foreign media and sending images of locations targeted by missiles from countries involved in the war with Iran, as well as the positions of forces and military, rescue, and checkpoint sites.

At the same time, images of the forced confessions of three of these citizens have been published, though the circumstances of their recording are unknown.

The report does not provide further details, including the identities of the detainees or their place of detention.

It is worth noting that U.S. and Israeli military attacks on Iran began on February 28, 2026 . Since the start of these attacks, HRANA has been documenting and recording related developments across the country on a daily basis. For more information, readers can refer to HRANA’s detailed report on the 26th day of the conflict, published last night.