Tag: January 2026 Protests

Sari Prosecutor: 700 Cases Opened in Connection with January 2026 protests

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Freedom of Expression, News
January 2026 Protests, Sari

HRANA – The Prosecutor of Sari announced that 700 judicial cases have been opened in connection with January 2026 protests. Of these, around 450 cases have been referred to the Revolutionary Court following the issuance of indictments. He also reported the identification of 139 cases of what he described as “activities against the regime.”

According to HRANA, citing Mehr News Agency, 700 cases have been opened in Sari in relation to January 2026 protests.

Announcing the figures, the Prosecutor of Sari stated that nearly 450 of these cases had been referred to the Revolutionary Court after indictments were issued.

He further added: “So far, 139 cases of affiliation with and activities against the Islamic Republic of Iran have been identified and documented. Some of these individuals reside outside the country and engage in anti-state activities through propaganda, media activities, and organizing actions against the regime.”

According to him, these 139 cases were identified by “security institutions, including the IRGC, the Ministry of Intelligence, and the Law Enforcement Command.”

The report does not provide the identities of the individuals concerned or any details regarding their cases.

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 2026 Protests: Mehdi Karimi Arrested

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, January 2026 Protests, Mehdi Karimi

HRANA – Mehdi Karimi, a resident of Malekshahi who had been under judicial prosecution after a photo of him during the 2026 nationwide protests was published, was arrested on Thursday, June 18, 2026, by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence in the city of Mehran. Several days after his arrest, no information is available regarding his whereabouts or condition. A video of his forced confession has also been released by state media, although the circumstances under which it was recorded remain unclear.

According to HRANA, Mehdi Karimi was arrested in Mehran, Ilam province.

A source close to Mr. Karimi’s family confirmed the news to HRANA, stating: “During the protests in Malekshahi, an image of Mr. Karimi sitting on a chair in front of the governor’s office building was published. Some time later, he came under judicial prosecution in connection with this issue and his participation in the protests. On Thursday, June 18, 2026, he was arrested in the city of Mehran by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence and was beaten during the arrest. The efforts of his family and relatives to obtain information about his whereabouts and condition have so far been unsuccessful.”

According to information received by HRANA, Mr. Karimi’s physical condition has reportedly deteriorated following his arrest. This has heightened concerns among his family and relatives regarding his well-being. He has also been denied access to legal counsel.

At the same time, a video of this citizen’s forced confession has been released, although it remains unclear under what conditions it was recorded.

Yesterday, Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence announced in a statement the arrest of 17 citizens in connection with the January nationwide protests in Ilam Province. In the statement, Mr. Karimi was identified only as “Mehdi-K.”

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 2026 Protests: Amirhossein Samar Ansari Sentenced to Imprisonment

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Freedom of Expression, News
Amirhossein Samar Ansari, January 2026 Protests, امیرحسین ثمر انصاری

HRANA – Amirhossein Samar Ansari, one of the individuals arrested during the January 2026 protests, has been sentenced by the Tehran Revolutionary Court to one year in prison along with supplementary punishments.

Amirhossein Samar Ansari was sentenced by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, to one year of discretionary imprisonment on the charge of “propaganda activity against the regime.” As a supplementary punishment, he was also banned from membership in political and social parties and groups for two years. He was acquitted by the same branch of the charge of “assembly and collusion to commit a crime against national security.”

According to a portion of the court ruling published by this citizen, the court found that he had participated in what it described as “creating an atmosphere and promoting opposition propaganda against the Islamic Republic” through publishing and reposting content and images on social media. Citing reports from security officers, the contents of his mobile phone, his statements, and other evidence contained in the case file, the court concluded that the charge of “propaganda activity against the regime” had been established.

Amirhossein Samar Ansari, aged approximately 45, was arrested on January 5, 2026, during the nationwide protests. After approximately two months, he was released from prison upon posting bail. During his detention, he was held in Ward 209 of Evin Prison and in Unit 6 of Greater Tehran Penitentiary.

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 2026 Protests: Javad Zamani and Abolfazl Saedi Executed

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Executions, News
Abolfazl Saedi, Citizen executed, HRANA, January 2026 Protests, Javad Zamani, ابوالفضل ساعدی, جواد زمانی

HRANA – The Chief Justice of Semnan Province announced the execution of Javad Zamani and Abolfazl Saedi, both arrested during the January 2026 protests in Shahrud County. At the same time, the Judiciary Media Center published a video containing the forced confessions of the two protesters. Iran’s judicial authorities had sentenced them to death on charges including moharebeh (“enmity against God”) and “spreading corruption on earth.” The sentences were ultimately carried out this morning.

According to HRANA, citing Mizan News Agency, the Chief Justice of Semnan Province announced that the death sentences of Javad Zamani and Abolfazl Saedi were carried out at dawn today.

According to Mohammad Sadegh Akbari, the two men had been prosecuted in a case related to the January 2026 protests in Shahrud County. The judiciary of the Islamic Republic found them guilty of charges including “moharebeh through carrying a weapon,” “spreading corruption on earth,” “assembly and collusion against national security,” “disrupting public order and security,” and “destroying and setting fire to public and private property.”

The Chief Justice of Semnan Province claimed that the two individuals had participated in violent acts and the destruction of public property during the protests. He further stated that Branch One of the Shahrud Revolutionary Court had sentenced both defendants to death and ordered the confiscation of their assets.

According to the report, the verdict was upheld following an appeal by a branch of the Supreme Court, and was ultimately carried out today, June 16, 2026.

At the same time, the Judiciary Media Center released a video containing the forced confessions of the two protesters. In the video, which was recorded under unspecified circumstances before their execution, the two young protesters expressed remorse for their actions.

Judicial authorities have not released details regarding the exact date of their arrest, the legal proceedings, their access to a lawyer of their choosing, or the defense arguments presented on their behalf. Further information regarding the handling of the case and the evidence supporting the charges remains unavailable.

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.

It is worth noting that a new report by Spreading Justice indicates that political and security-related executions in Iran have entered an unprecedented phase following the nationwide protests of January 2026. According to the report’s findings, at least 40 individuals were executed between March 19, 2026, and June 3, 2026, following proceedings described as lacking the standards of a fair trial. According to the report’s authors, this trend has been accompanied by the direct involvement of a number of judges as well as security and judicial institutions in the country.

January 2026 Protests: Shayan Moradi Motlagh Sentenced to Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Izeh, January 2026 Protests, Khuzestan, Shayan Moradi Motlagh, شایان مرادی مطلق

HRANA – The prison sentence of Shayan Moradi Motlagh, arrested during the nationwide protests of January 2026, has been upheld in full by Branch 2 of the Khuzestan Province Court of Appeals. He had previously been sentenced in the initial trial by Branch 1 of the Izeh Revolutionary Court to two years imprisonment.

According to HRANA, the news agency of the Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA), the sentence issued against Shayan Moradi Motlagh was affirmed by the appellate court.

Based on the ruling issued by Branch 2 of the Khuzestan Province Court of Appeals, Mr. Moradi Motlagh was sentenced to two years and one day in prison on the charge of “disrupting public order,” pursuant to the note to Article 286 of the Islamic Penal Code.

He had previously received the same sentence in the initial trial before Branch 1 of the Izeh Revolutionary Court.

Shayan Moradi Motlagh was temporarily released on bail of 1 billion tomans on 9 February 2026. He had been arrested on 19 January 2026 during the nationwide protests.

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Pedram Cheraghzadeh Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison on Appeal

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Freedom of Expression, News
Hossein Ali Hatami, HRANA, January 2026 Protests, Khuzestan, Pedram Cheraghzadeh, پدرام چراغ زاده

HRANA – Branch 16 of the Appeals Court of Khuzestan Province has sentenced Pedram Cheraghzadeh, one of those arrested during the nationwide protests of January 2026, to two years in prison. He had previously been sentenced in the lower court to two years’ imprisonment along with supplementary punishments.

Based on the ruling issued by Branch 16 of the Appeals Court of Khuzestan Province and communicated to his defense attorney, Hossein Ali Hatami, Pedram Cheraghzadeh was sentenced to two years in prison on the charge of “disrupting public order.” The supplementary punishments imposed in the initial verdict have been removed from his sentence.

Previously, during the trial court proceedings, Branch 1 of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court had sentenced him to two years in prison on the charge of “disrupting public order,” citing the note to Article 286 of the Islamic Penal Code. The Revolutionary Court judge had also imposed supplementary punishments, including a two-year travel ban and one year of mandatory attendance at the Office for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice. The specific actions forming the basis of the charges against this citizen remain unknown.

Pedram Cheraghzadeh was arrested during the nationwide protests on January 8, 2026. He was ultimately released on April 9, 2026, after posting bail of 2 billion tomans.

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 2026 Protests: Arman Soleimani Sentenced to Two Years by Appeals Court

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Freedom of Expression, News
Arman Soleimani, Izeh, January 2026 Protests, Khuzestan, Sheiban Prison

HRANA – The conviction of Arman Soleimani, a detainee from the nationwide protests of January 2026 who is currently imprisoned in Sheiban Prison in Ahvaz, has been upheld in full by the Khuzestan Province Court of Appeals. He had previously been sentenced by the Revolutionary Court of Izeh to two years in prison.

Based on the ruling issued by the Khuzestan Province Court of Appeals, Mr. Soleimani was sentenced to two years and one day in prison on the charge of “disrupting public order,” pursuant to the Note to Article 286 of the Islamic Penal Code.

He had previously received the same sentence at the trial stage from Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Izeh.

Arman Soleimani was arrested on January 8, 2026, during the nationwide protests and was subsequently transferred to Sheiban Prison in Ahvaz.

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 2026 Protests: Esmail Sheikhinia and Saeed Maghsoudi Sentenced to Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Esmail Sheikhinia, Izeh, January 2026 Protests, Saeed Maghsoudi

HRANA – The prison sentences of Esmail Sheikhinia and Saeed Maghsoudi, both arrested during the 2026 nationwide protests, have been upheld in full by the Khuzestan Province Court of Appeals. In a joint case, the two men had previously been sentenced by Branch 1 of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court to two years in prison each, along with supplementary punishments.

According to a ruling issued by Branch 14 of the Khuzestan Province Court of Appeals and served on their attorney, Hossein Ali Hatami, Mr. Sheikhinia and Mr. Maghsoudi were each convicted of disrupting public order under Note to Article 286 of the Islamic Penal Code. They were sentenced to two years in prison, a two-year travel ban, and one year of mandatory attendance at the Headquarters for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice in Izeh County.

The original verdict had been issued by Branch 1 of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court on the same charge.

In this case, the charge of “disrupting public order” was brought under the Note to Article 286 of the Islamic Penal Code. Under Iranian law, Article 286 pertains to the offense of “spreading corruption on earth” (efsad-e fel-arz). However, the accompanying note provides that when a defendant’s actions result in disorder or insecurity but are not deemed extensive enough to constitute efsad-e fel-arz, the death penalty does not apply, and the court may instead impose a Grade Five or Grade Six discretionary prison sentence of up to five years.

The use of this provision, rather than Article 618 of the Islamic Penal Code, which addresses ordinary public-order offenses punishable by a maximum of one year in prison, suggests that the case was handled through a security-oriented approach, with the court relying on the more severe penalties available under the Note to Article 286.

Esmail Sheikhinia and Saeed Maghsoudi were arrested on December 29, 2025, during nationwide protests in Izeh and were subsequently transferred to Sheiban Prison in Ahvaz.

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.