Tag: Isfahan

Execution of Three Prisoners in Dastgerd Prison, Isfahan

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Executions, News
Behrooz Ghasemi, Dastgerd Prison, Hooshang Shahi, Isfahan, Samad Najar-Asl, Yasuj

On Thursday, January 9, three prisoners were executed in Dastgerd Prison, Isfahan. They had previously been convicted of murder in separate cases.

The executed individuals were identified as Samad Najar-Asl, Hooshang Shahi, and Behrooz Ghasemi. Najar-Asl was arrested in 2019 for killing someone during a financial dispute. Shahi, approximately 40 years old and a father of two, was arrested five years ago, also in connection with a fatal financial altercation. Ghasemi, a resident of Yasuj, had been convicted three years ago.

As of the time of this report, the executions have not been officially announced by prison authorities or relevant organizations.

In 2024, HRA reported 53 executions in Dastgerd Prison, Isfahan, making it the fourth-highest among prisons in terms of execution numbers.

Prisoner Executed in Dastgerd Prison, Isfahan

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Executions, News
Behbahan, Dastgerd Prison, HRANA, Isfahan, Samad Najar-Asl

At dawn yesterday, January 9, 2025, the execution of a prisoner previously sentenced to death on charges of murder was carried out in Dastgerd Prison, Isfahan.

The identity of the prisoner, Samad Najar-Asl, father of two, and a resident of Behbahan, has been verified by HRANA.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mr. Najar-Asl was arrested in 2019 during a financial dispute in Isfahan that escalated to murder. He was later sentenced to death by the criminal court.

As of the time of this report, the execution has not been officially announced by prison authorities or relevant institutions. In 2024, judicial authorities or domestic media in Iran officially announced only 6% of executions, underscoring a deeply troubling lack of transparency in the country’s legal and judicial processes.

In 2024, HRA reported 53 executions in Dastgerd Prison, Isfahan, making it the fourth-highest among prisons in terms of execution numbers.

Political Prisoner Hossein Yazdi Sentenced to Imprisonment and Additional Punishments

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Freedom of Expression, News
Dastgerd Prison, Hossein Yazdi, Isfahan, حسین یزدی

Hossein Yazdi, a political activist, has been sentenced to one year in prison and additional penalties by the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan.

The verdict, issued by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan, convicted Mr. Yazdi of “propaganda against the regime,” sentencing him to one year in prison. He was also handed a two-year ban on leaving the country, a two-year prohibition from online activity, a two-year deprivation of social rights under Article 26 of the Islamic Penal Code, and the confiscation of his mobile phone.

This political activist was arrested in July 2023 after reporting to the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Isfahan and was subsequently transferred to Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan. He was released on July 12, 2023, after posting bail.

Hossein Mohammadi Yazdi, a political activist and former director of the Mobin 24 website and the Iran Times news channel, has a history of arrests and legal confrontations.

Four Prisoners Executed in Dastgerd Prison, Isfahan

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Executions, News
Dastgerd Prison, HRANA, Isfahan

Yesterday, December 30, four prisoners were executed in Dastgerd Prison, Isfahan.

According to Iran Human Rights Organization and Haal Vsh, the prisoners have been identified as Ahmad Barahooie (Brahui) Chenal, Kourosh Narooie, Ayat Pourmansouri, 32, from Dezful, and Babak Shoghi, 35.

All four were executed on charges related to drug offenses.

At the time of this report, the executions have not been officially announced by prison authorities or other relevant institutions.

Reports from the Department of Statistics and Publications of Human Rights Activists for 2024 highlight a troubling trend: executions for drug-related offenses accounted for approximately 52% of all executions in Iran. For a detailed analysis of these executions and the associated statistics, see HRANA’s full report.

Appeals Court Upholds Prison Sentence and Political Ban for Former Isfahan City Council Member

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

The Appeals Court of Isfahan Province has upheld the prison sentence and additional penalties imposed on Mehdi Moghadari, a former member of Isfahan’s City Council.

In its recent ruling, the court confirmed a one-year prison sentence for “propaganda against the regime.” Additionally, it upheld a set of complementary penalties, including a travel ban, a prohibition on social media activity, and a two-year ban on participation in political groups, parties, and organizations.

The initial trial for Mr. Moghadari took place in Branch 1 of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court. In August 2024, the court sentenced him to these penalties.

Mr. Moghadari was first arrested by security forces in late November 2022 in Isfahan. He was released from Dastgerd Prison in February 2023 under a general “pardon” directive. The former city council member has a history of previous arrests and convictions related to his activities.

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Two Brothers Executed in Dastgerd Prison, Isfahan

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Executions, News
Ali Manian, Dastgerd Prison, Isfahan, Jasem Manian

On December 24, 2024, two prisoners, who had been sentenced to death on murder charges in a joint case, were executed in Dastgerd Prison, Isfahan.

According to HRANA, citing the Iranian Human Rights Organization, the executed individuals were identified as brothers: Ali Manian, 27, and Jasem Manian, 31.

The report reveals that the brothers were arrested two years ago on allegations of murdering a friend. They were subsequently tried and sentenced to death in a joint case.

At the time of writing, neither prison officials nor relevant authorities have formally confirmed the execution.

According to latest HRANA’s annual report over between October 10, 2023, and October 8, 2024, at least 811 individuals were executed by hanging in Iran, rising to 23.06% compared to the same period last year. Of these executions, four were carried out in public. Many of the defendants were denied a fair trial.

Execution of Two Prisoners in Dastgerd Prison, Isfahan, on Drug-Related Charges

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Executions, News
Arman Samadi, Ashkan Parseh, Dastgerd Prison, HRANA, Isfahan

On December 22, two prisoners convicted of drug-related offenses were executed in Dastgerd Prison, Isfahan.

The Iran Human Rights Organization has identified one of the prisoners as Arman Samadi, approximately 30 years old, whose conviction dates back four years. HRANA identified the second prisoner as Ashkan Parseh, a 29-year-old resident of Aligudarz.

Both individuals were arrested on charges related to drug offenses and subsequently sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court.

As of the time of this report, prison authorities and relevant officials have not publicly confirmed these executions.

The reports from the Department of Statistics and Publication of Human Rights Activists for the year 2023 reveal a concerning prevalence of executions for drug offenses in Iran, constituting 56.4% of the total executions. For a comprehensive examination of the details and statistics surrounding the executions in Iran, refer to HRANA’s report.

Three Executions Carried Out in Isfahan and Mashhad Prisons

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Executions, News
Dastgerd Prison, HRANA, Isfahan, Mashhad, Vakilabad prison

Yesterday, December 12, the death sentences of three prisoners, previously convicted on charges related to drug offenses and murder, were carried out in Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan and Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

According to HRANA, quoting the Iranian Human Rights Organization, on Thursday, December 12, 2024, one prisoner was executed in Dastgerd Prison, Isfahan.

According to the Iranian Human Rights Organization, Majid Esmaeili, 30 years old and a resident of Isfahan, was executed in Isfahan Prison. Based on this report, Mr. Esmaeili was arrested three years ago on charges of murder during a street altercation. He was subsequently sentenced to death by the judiciary.

According to Haal Vsh, two prisoners were executed yesterday in Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad.

The prisoners were identified as Mohammad Shah Achakzahi, 22, and Rahim Achakzehi, 24, both Afghan nationals residing in Mashhad.

The report states that the two individuals were arrested in 2022 on drug-related charges in Mashhad and later sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court of the city.

At the time of this report’s publication, prison authorities and responsible institutions had not officially announced the executions.

According to latest HRANA’s annual report over between October 10, 2023, and October 8, 2024, at least 811 individuals were executed by hanging in Iran, rising to 23.06% compared to the same period last year. Of these executions, four were carried out in public. Many of the defendants were denied a fair trial.

Court of Appeals Issues Sentences for 15 Baháʼí Citizens in Isfahan Province

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News, Religious Minorities
Azita Rezvani-Khah, Boshra Motahar, Farkhondeh Rezvan Pey, Firoozeh Rastinejad, Isfahan, Maryam Khorsandi, Mojgan Pourshafe Ardestani, Nasrin Khademi Ghaqarakhi, Nooshin Hemmat, Roya Azadkhosh, Sanaz Rasteh, Sara Shakib, Sholeh Ashouri, Shurangiz Bahamin

The Court of Appeals of Isfahan Province has issued the sentences of 15 Baháʼí citizens residing in Baharestan, Isfahan Province.

The original sentences, which included imprisonment and monetary fines, were confirmed for Mojgan Pourshafe Ardestani, Nasrin Khademi Ghaqarakhi, Azita Rezvani Khah, Sholeh Ashouri, Boshra Motahar, Sara Shakib, Roya Azadkhosh, Nooshin Hemmat, Shurangiz Bahamin, Sanaz Rasteh, Maryam Khorsandi, Farkhandeh Rezvan Pey, and Firoozeh Rastinejad. However, Samira Shakib and Mojdeh Bahamin were only fined, with their prison sentences revoked.

Branch 37 of the Court of Appeals issued its decision on November 20. The final ruling, recently communicated to their attorneys, confirmed the original sentences for 13 individuals while modifying those of two others.

Previously, these individuals were each sentenced by the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan to 5 years in prison, a fine of 50 million tomans, 5 years of social service restrictions, and a 2-year travel ban in May 2024. The charges stem from allegations of “propaganda against the Islamic Republic” and “participation in promotional and educational activities contrary to Islamic law.”

Among the defendants, 11 individuals were detained in 2021 and later released on bail. Security forces had also raided the homes of Mojdeh Bahamin, Farkhandeh Rezvan Pey, Boshra Motahar, and Samira Shakib during the investigation.

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.

Baha’i Citizen Arshia Behin-Ayin Arrested in Isfahan

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News, Religious Minorities
Arshia Behin-Ayin, HRANA, Isfahan, ارشیا بهین آیین

On December 6, 2024, Arshia Behin-Ayin, a 36-year-old Baha’i citizen from Isfahan, was arrested by security forces and transferred to Dastgerd Prison.

According to a source who spoke to HRANA, the arrest occurred violently during a Baha’i ceremony on the outskirts of Isfahan. Agents from the Isfahan Intelligence Department, equipped with cameras and microphones, disrupted the gathering, used intimidation and physical force, and confiscated the mobile phones of attendees.

The source also reported that before being removed from the scene, Mr. Behin-Ayin was tied to a pole in an open area by the agents, further escalating the intimidation.

This incident marks another instance of the systemic targeting of Baha’i citizens in Iran for their religious 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.