Tag: Isfahan

Toomaj Salehi Released from Prison After Serving Sentence

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News, Prisoners
Amir Raisian, Isfahan, Mostafa Nili, Toomaj Salehi, توماج صالحی

The public relations office of Isfahan’s Judiciary has announced that Toomaj Salehi, a protest rapper, was released from prison on Sunday, December 1, 2024, after completing a one-year sentence for “propaganda against the regime.”

The Judiciary’s media center, citing the Isfahan Judiciary’s public relations office, confirmed that Mr. Salehi’s release marked the end of his imprisonment on these charges.

Recently, Mostafa Nili, one of Salehi’s lawyers, revealed that Branch 5 of the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan had closed his 2022 case, issuing a decision to discontinue prosecution.

Earlier, another of Salehi’s lawyers, Amir Raisian, had disclosed that the same court had dismissed the charge of “spreading corruption on earth” (efsad-e-fel-arz), which had initially resulted in a death sentence, and instead acquitted him of that charge.

In April of this year, Salehi was sentenced to death by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan on the charge of “corruption on earth.” However, following an appeal, Branch 39 of the Supreme Court overturned the death sentence in early July and referred the case to Branch 5 of the Revolutionary Court for further review.

Salehi’s release concludes a complex legal ordeal that included facing and ultimately overcoming charges that carried the death penalty.

Salehi 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.’

Mahmoud Mehrabi Acquitted of “Corruption on Earth” Charges

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Executions, News
Dastgerd Prison, Isfahan, Mahmood Mehrabi, Mahmoud Mehrabi, Mobarakeh, محمود مهرابی

Mahmoud Mehrabi, a political prisoner held in Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan, has been acquitted by the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan of the charge of “corruption on earth,” which had previously led to a death sentence against him.

Earlier, his death sentence was overturned by the Supreme Court following an appeal and referred back to a parallel branch of the Revolutionary Court in Isfahan for a retrial.

Babak Farsani, Mehrabi’s lawyer, shared the news, stating: “My client, Mahmoud Mehrabi, was acquitted of the charge of corruption on earth by the verdict issued by the parallel branch of the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan. As per the ruling, the examination of other charges against him has been referred to the Criminal Court II and the Revolutionary Court in Mobarakeh County.”

In October this year, Mehrabi’s death sentence was annulled by the Supreme Court, which ordered a retrial in the parallel branch of the Revolutionary Court in Isfahan.

In May, Branch 5 of the Revolutionary Court in Isfahan had sentenced Mehrabi to death for “corruption on earth,” citing “the extensive dissemination of false information” on his Instagram account as a primary offense.

Mehrabi was first arrested by security forces in Isfahan on February 1, 2023. He was released on bail from Dastgerd Prison on March 16, 2023, but was re-arrested at his home in Isfahan only hours after his release, and subsequently returned to the same prison.

In September 2023, the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Mobarakeh County indicted Mehrabi on several charges, including “corruption on earth through spreading false information, anti-regime propaganda on social media, inciting military and police forces to disobey orders and surrender online, inciting violence and unrest to disrupt security, and insulting the Supreme Leader and Ruhollah Khomeini on social media.”

In January 2024, Mehrabi faced additional charges, including “publishing criminal content in the media and insulting religious figures and sacred entities.”

Mahmood Mehrabi, 35, a resident of Isfahan, worked as an electrical engineer prior to his arrest.

Ali Moeini and Ava Nasiri Sentenced to Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ali Moeini, Ava Nasiri, Isfahan

Political activist Ali Moeini and his wife Ava Nasiri have been sentenced to six years and one year in prison, respectively, along with additional penalties, by Branch 1 of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court. Of these sentences, six months of Mr. Moeini’s term and three months and one day of Ms. Nasiri’s term are enforceable, with the remaining portions suspended for five years.

According to HRANA, citing Emtedad, Mr. Moeini recevied five year for  “inciting people to wage war” and one year for “propaganda against the Islamic Republic”. Ms. Nasiri was sentenced to one year for “propaganda against the Islamic Republic.” Both have also been banned from leaving the country for two years as part of their additional penalties.

The verdict specifies that beyond the enforceable sentences, the remaining penalties for Mr. Moeini and Ms. Nasiri are suspended for five years. In effect, Mr. Moeini faces six months of prison time, while Ms. Nasiri faces three months and one day of imprisonment.

Additionally, Mr. Moeini was acquitted of the charge of “collaborating with hostile countries.” However, their confiscated mobile phones and digital devices were permanently seized by authorities.

Mr. Moeini was arrested in Isfahan on August 10, 2023. Following his arrest, some of his and Ms. Nasiri’s personal belongings were confiscated. He was released on bail on October 9, 2023.

Ali Moeini, father of a three-year-old child, has a history of judicial confrontations due to his activism.

Three Baha’i Citizens Arrested in Isfahan

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News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i, Isfahan, Parsa Dehghani, Pedram Dehghani, Rashid Dehghani, Tehran, Tiran

On Saturday, November 2, security forces arrested three Baha’i citizens—Rashid Dehghani, Pedram Dehghani, and Parsa Dehghani—in the city of Tiran, Isfahan, and transferred them to an undisclosed location, according to Radio Farda. Rashid and Pedram are residents of Tehran, while Parsa resides in Karaj.

The three had traveled to Tiran in Isfahan to attend a Baha’i religious celebration, during which security forces detained them along with eight other Baha’i attendees. While the eight others have since been released, there is still no information on the whereabouts or condition of Rashid, Pedram, and Parsa Dehghani.

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.

Three Prisoners Executed in Dastgerd Prison, Isfahan

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Executions, News
Dastgerd Prison, Isfahan, Moaven Mirjahani, Mohammad-Javad Karami, Shahrokh Saeedkhani

Three prisoners previously convicted on drug-related charges and murder were executed in Dastgerd Prison, Isfahan, on November 2, 2024.

HRANA has identified the prisoners as Moaven Mirjahani, an Afghan national, Shahrokh Saeedkhani, and Mohammad-Javad Karami. Mirjahani and Saeedkhani were sentenced to death on drug-related charges, while Karami had been convicted of murder.

At the time of this report, prison authorities and related institutions have yet to officially confirm these executions.

In 2023, 66% of HRANA’s reports on executions lacked official announcements by judicial authorities and went unreported by media inside Iran, highlighting a troubling lack of transparency in due process.

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.

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Three Prisoners Executed in Dastgerd Prison, Isfahan

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Executions, News
Amir Jahandar, Dastgerd Prison, HRANA, Isfahan, Kourosh Salehian, Reza Bidabadi

Today, October 31, the death sentences of three prisoners, previously convicted on charges of murder and drug-related offenses, were carried out in Dastgerd Prison, Isfahan.

HRANA has confirmed the identities of the prisoners as Kourosh Salehian, Amir Jahandar, and Reza Bidabadi. Early this morning, Reza Bidabadi, sentenced to death on murder charges, was executed by hanging. Meanwhile, Salehian and Jahandar were executed on Monday, October 28, with Salehian convicted of murder and Jahandar on drug-related charges.

As of this report, prison officials and relevant authorities have yet to publicly confirm these 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.

10 Prisoners Executed in Different Prisons Across Iran

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Executions, News
Isfahan, Jiroft, Malayer, Qom

The death sentences of 10 prisoners were carried out in the prisons of Qom, Jiroft, Isfahan, and Malayer.

Two Prisoners Executed in Jiroft: According to the Iran Human Rights Organization, two prisoners were executed early on Monday, October 21, 2024, in Jiroft Prison. They have been identified as Mohammad Farhadzadeh and Hamid Chatr Simabeh (Sabaki), both around 40 years old. Farhadzadeh had been imprisoned for seven years on murder charges, while Chatr Simabeh had been detained for the same period on charges of “waging war against God” for his involvement in a confrontation and the murder of a police officer.

Five Executions in Qom Over 40 Days: In the past 40 days, five prisoners convicted of murder were executed in Qom Prison. One of these, Milad Badinlou, was executed on September 7, 2024. Two others, executed on October 10, 2024, were identified as Shahin Dehghani and Abdulqadir (last name unknown), an Afghan national. Additionally, on October 16, 2024, Hassan Khodabandelou and another Afghan national were also executed.

Two Prisoners Executed in Isfahan: On Wednesday, October 16, 2024, Mohammad Ashoori, 32 years old, was executed in Isfahan Prison after spending six years in detention on murder charges. Another execution took place on Thursday, October 17, in the same prison, where Mohammad Reza Mahjour was also put to death for murder.

Prisoner Executed in Malayer: On Sunday, October 20, 2024, Mohammad Saberi was executed in Malayer Prison. He had been incarcerated for two years on drug-related charges and was sentenced to death.

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

According to the Department of Statistics and Publication of Human Rights Activists in Iran, in 2023, at least 767 citizens, including 21 women and 2 juvenile offenders, were executed. Of these, the executions of 7 individuals were carried out in public. Additionally, during this period, 172 others were sentenced to death, with 5 of them sentenced to public execution. It is worth noting that during the same period, the initial death sentences of 49 other individuals were also upheld by the Supreme Court.

Isfahan: 10 Baha’i Women Sentenced to a Total of 90 Years in Prison and Additional Punishments

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News
Arezoo Sobhanian, Bahareh Lotfi, Dolatabad Prison, Isfahan, Mojgan Shahrezaei, Neda Badakhsh, Neda Emadi, Negin Khademi, Parastoo Hakim, Shana Shoughifar, Yeganeh Agahi, Yeganeh Roohbakhsh

Negin Khademi, Yeganeh Agahi, Yeganeh Roohbakhsh, Neda Badakhsh, Mojgan Shahrezaei, Shana Shoughifar, Arezoo Sobhanian, Parastoo Hakim, Bahareh Lotfi, and Neda Emadi, 10 Baha’i women from Isfahan, have been collectively sentenced to 90 years in prison, fines, and additional penalties by the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan.

Based on a verdict recently issued by Branch 1 of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Tavakoli and conveyed to the defendants via their lawyer, the women were convicted of “propaganda against the Islamic Republic” and “participating in deviant educational and promotional activities against Islamic Sharia.” These activities included organizing English language, painting, music, yoga classes, and nature camps for Iranian and Afghan children and adolescents. In addition to the prison sentences, they were collectively fined 900 million tomans, had their personal assets confiscated by the state, and were banned from leaving the country or using social media for two years.

The court details for each individual are as follows:

  • Yeganeh Agahi, Yeganeh Roohbakhsh, and Negin Khademi were each sentenced to 10 years in prison and a fine of 100 million tomans. One-third of their prison sentences and fines were suspended.
  • Neda Badakhsh, Mojgan Shahrezaei, Shana Shoughifar, Parastoo Hakim, and Arezoo Sobhanian were each sentenced to 10 years in prison and a fine of 100 million tomans. Half of their sentences and fines were suspended.
  • Neda Emadi and Bahareh Lotfi were each sentenced to 5 years in prison and a fine of 50 million tomans, with 4 years of their prison terms and half of their fines suspended.

In terms of supplementary punishments, each of these Baha’i citizens has had their confiscated assets, including mobile phones, laptops, digital devices, foreign currencies, gold, and jewelry, seized by the government. They were also banned from leaving the country and using social media for two years.

These 10 Baha’i women were arrested by security forces on October 23, 2023, and were gradually released from Dolatabad Prison in Isfahan on bail over the following two months.

Following the indictment, their court session took place on September 23, 2024, at Branch 1 of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court.

Yeganeh Agahi had a previous record of arrest, while Yeganeh Roohbakhsh, 19 years old, is the daughter of Arezou Sobhanian, another defendant in this case.

Reports from the Department of Statistics and Publication of HRA reveal that in 2023, Judge Abolqasem Salavati has been involved in issuing verdicts in 80 cases that violate the human rights of defendants.

Three Prisoners Executed in Isfahan and Shiraz Prisons

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Executions, News
Abbas Karimi, Adelabad Prison, Dastgerd Prison, Isfahan, Mohsen Mokhtari, Shiraz

The death sentences of three prisoners, each convicted of murder in separate cases, were recently carried out in Dastgerd Prison of Isfahan and Adelabad Prison of Shiraz, according to the Iran Human Rights Organization.

The executed prisoners were identified as Mohsen Mokhtari from Shiraz, Abbas Karimi, a 36-year-old father of two, and Mohammad Ali Najafi, a 35-year-old father of one from Shahin Shahr.

The executions of Najafi and Karimi took place on Thursday, October 17, 2024, in Dastgerd Prison, while Mokhtari was executed a day earlier on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, in Adelabad Prison, Shiraz.

Najafi had been arrested three years ago and Karimi earlier, both on separate murder charges, before being sentenced to death by the judiciary. Mokhtari, who had been in custody for five years following a murder charge, was sentenced to death as well. He had been held in Ward 10 of Adelabad Prison prior to his execution.

According to data compiled by HRANA, Adelabad Prison carried out 49 executions in 2023, ranking fifth among prisons in Iran, followed by Dastgerd Prison with 35 executions. For a detailed analysis of execution statistics across the country, refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report.

Teacher Union Activist Iraj Toubaeiha Sentenced to Prison and Fine

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Freedom of Expression, Labor and Guilds, News
Iraj Toubaeiha, Isfahan, Najafabad, Najafabadi, ایرج توبه ایها

Iraj Toubaeiha (Najafabadi), a member of the Najafabad Teachers’ Trade Association, has been sentenced to two years in prison and fined by the Isfahan Appeals Court. This sentence follows a prior ruling where he was sentenced to six years in prison, two years of exile, and an additional fine in a separate part of his case.

According to the recent verdict from Branch 34, the two-year prison sentence and fine for Mr. Toubaeiha have been upheld. Earlier, Branch 102 of the Najafabad Criminal Court convicted him of “spreading false information with the intent to disturb public opinion,” resulting in a two-year prison term and a fine of 10 million Tomans.

In another part of his case, in May of this year, Toubaeiha was sentenced by Branch 102 of the Najafabad Revolutionary Court to six years of imprisonment, two years of exile, and a fine. This decision was later confirmed by Branch 37 of the Isfahan Appeals Court.

Toubaeiha has a history of previous arrests, having been detained for 35 days in the fall of 2022, 5 days in the spring of 2023, and 13 days in the fall of 2023.