Tag: January 2026 Protests

January 2026 Protests: Saman Ghaderi Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Iman Afshari, January 2026 Protests, Saman Ghaderi, Urmia

HRANA – Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced Saman Ghaderi, a resident of Urmia and one of those arrested in connection with the January 2026 protests, to a total of 14 years in prison. He is currently being held in the Greater Tehran Prison.

According to HRANA, Saman Ghaderi has been sentenced to imprisonment.

According to a ruling issued by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, and served on Mr. Ghaderi on Tuesday, August 25, he was sentenced to 11 years in prison on the charge of “acting against national security” and three years on the charge of “insulting the sacred.”

An informed source close to the family of the political defendant confirmed the news to HRANA and said: “Following the notification of the ruling, Mr. Ghaderi challenged the verdict and filed an appeal.”

Saman Ghaderi was arrested in Tehran in March 2026 by agents of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Intelligence Organization in connection with the January 2026 protests. After completing the initial stages of interrogation, he was transferred to the Greater Tehran Prison.

Saman Ghaderi is 37 years old and from Urmia.

HRA Files Criminal Complaint in Germany Seeking Investigation into Crimes Against Humanity in Iran

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News
Berlin event, January 2026 Protests, pdp, Spreading Justice

HRANA- The 109-page submission presents evidence from the December 2025-January 2026 crackdown, including information from more than 60 victim and witness interviews and information concerning suspected perpetrators

3 September 2026

BERLIN, Germany — Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA), with legal support from UpRights and in conjunction with German counsel, has submitted a criminal complaint to Germany’s Federal Prosecutor General requesting the opening of a structural investigation into alleged crimes against humanity committed by Iranian State authorities under Section 7 of the German Code of Crimes against International Law (Völkerstrafgesetzbuch, or VStGB).

Download the Executive Summary of the September 2026 Submission to the German Federal Prosecutor.

The 109-page submission is the result of months of intensive investigation by dedicated HRA teams. It draws on more than 60 interviews with victims, witnesses, and family members inside Iran, in Turkey, and across Europe and North America, together with extensive documentary and digital evidence. HRA also conducted a detailed analysis of weapons used, injury analysis, suspected perpetrators, relevant institutions, and the command structures allegedly involved in the crackdown.

The submission also identifies suspected perpetrators, mapping their roles, institutional affiliations, connections to documented incidents, and positions within the command structures that HRA alleges were responsible for the crackdown.

The filing presents selected incidents that HRA argues indicate that crimes against humanity were committed in Iran between December 2025 and January 2026. It also addresses specific suspected perpetrators and sets out HRA’s analysis of what it describes as a widespread or systematic attack against the civilian population, a contextual element required for crimes against humanity.

Why Germany

HRA recognizes that calls for German prosecutors to investigate international crimes committed in Iran have been made before. This submission builds on those efforts with substantial new evidence concerning the December 2025–January 2026 crackdown and a detailed legal and factual case for why Germany is particularly well placed to act now.

Germany is not removed from the consequences of repression in Iran. It is home to a significant Iranian diaspora, including victims, witnesses, human rights defenders, journalists, and others who have fled persecution. The effects of repression can extend beyond Iran’s borders, as Iranian authorities seek to intimidate, threaten, or otherwise exert pressure on critics and diaspora communities abroad.

The complaint specifically sets out connections between the documented crimes and Germany and the wider European Union, including witnesses and injured persons with whom HRA is in contact.

The filing asks the Federal Prosecutor General to assess both the opening of a structural investigation and the potential initiation of proceedings against individual suspects. A structural investigation does not depend on having a particular suspect immediately available for prosecution. It can enable German authorities to systematically collect, preserve, and analyze evidence concerning alleged international crimes, identify responsible structures and individuals, and prepare for future individual proceedings when jurisdictional opportunities arise.

The filing therefore asks the Federal Prosecutor General to assess both the opening of a structural investigation and the potential initiation of proceedings against individual suspects. German counsel states that the Federal Prosecutor General has jurisdiction under the VStGB in conjunction with the relevant provisions of Germany’s Courts Constitution Act.

A structural investigation does not depend on having a particular suspect immediately available for prosecution. It can enable German authorities to systematically collect, preserve, and analyze evidence concerning alleged international crimes, identify responsible structures and individuals, and prepare for future individual proceedings when jurisdictional opportunities arise.

Germany’s experience demonstrates the practical importance of this approach. Structural investigations into crimes committed in Syria laid important groundwork for subsequent German cases against individual perpetrators ongoing today. Similar investigative mechanisms have also been used in relation to international crimes committed in Ukraine. For Iran, opening such an investigation now would provide a mechanism for preserving evidence, engaging witnesses who are already in Europe, and building cases that can be acted upon should suspected perpetrators come within reach of German authorities.

For victims and witnesses, the significance is equally concrete: evidence gathered today may determine whether accountability becomes possible tomorrow.

Building on Months of Investigation

What HRA is making public today is a heavily redacted, illustrative overview of its findings, intended to provide an accessible account of the evidence and analysis contained in the criminal complaint while protecting witnesses, investigative methods, and other sensitive information.

HRA would like to acknowledge that this work would not have been possible without the extraordinary courage and trust of the victims, witnesses, family members, and experts—including those inside Iran—who shared their experiences, evidence, and expertise with HRA over the past six months.

Their testimony and cooperation form the foundation of this effort to preserve evidence, identify those who may bear responsibility, and pursue accountability through available international and domestic legal mechanisms.

For media inquiries on the action taken, please contact Jennifer Connet, HRA Legal Advisor, at jennifer @ hramail.com

January 2026 Protests: 13 Citizens Sentenced to Prison, Flogging, and Exile

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abuzar Moradhaseli, Amir Khaledian, Anvar Alipanah, Davoud Rezaei, Fereydoun Almasi, HRANA, January 2026 Protests, Mohammad Mohammadi, Mostafa Gholami, Qorveh, Rasoul Ghorbanpour, Reza Dehghani, Saman Ganji, Shahrokh Mostafaei, Vahed Khaledian, Zahed Khaledian

HRANA – Mohammad Mohammadi, Mostafa Gholami, Zahed Khaledian, Vahed Khaledian, Shahrokh Mostafaei, Fereydoun Almasi, Rasoul Ghorbanpour, Saman Ganji, Davoud Rezaei, Reza Dehghani, Abuzar Moradhaseli, Anvar Alipanah, and Amir Khaledian, residents of Qorveh County, have been sentenced by Branch 102 of the Qorveh Criminal Court to a combined 24 years, three months, and one day in prison. In addition, Reza Dehghani, Abuzar Moradhaseli, Anvar Alipanah, and Amir Khaledian were sentenced to a combined 196 lashes. Amir Khaledian was also sentenced to two years of exile in Minab.

According to HRANA, citing Kolbar News, 13 citizens in Qorveh County have been sentenced to a combined 24 years, three months, and one day in prison, 196 lashes, and exile.

According to the report, the sentences were issued by Branch 102 of the Qorveh Criminal Court on charges including “disrupting public order” and “assembly and collusion.” Under the ruling, Mohammad Mohammadi was sentenced to four years, nine months, and one day in prison; Mostafa Gholami, Zahed Khaledian, and Vahed Khaledian were each sentenced to three years in prison; and Shahrokh Mostafaei and Fereydoun Almasi were each sentenced to one year and nine months in prison.

The ruling also sentenced Rasoul Ghorbanpour, Saman Ganji, and Davoud Rezaei to one year of discretionary imprisonment each.

Under the ruling issued by the same judicial branch, Reza Dehghani was sentenced to one year in prison and 41 lashes; Abuzar Moradhaseli to one year in prison and 31 lashes; Anvar Alipanah to one year in prison and 50 lashes; and Amir Khaledian to one year in prison and 74 lashes. Khaledian was also sentenced to two years of exile in the city of Minab, Hormozgan Province.

The report did not provide further details about the case or specify the charges brought against each of the individuals.

The individuals were arrested during the nationwide January protests and were eventually released after a period of detention.

Background on the January 2026 Protests

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: Omid Pourfathollah Sentenced to Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, January 2026 Protests, Omid Pourfathollah, امید پورفتح الله

HRANA – Omid Pourfathollah, arrested during the January 2026 protests, was sentenced by the Mashhad Revolutionary Court to 12 years, six months, and one day in prison. Five years of the sentence have been suspended.

According to HRANA, Omid Pourfathollah has been sentenced to prison.

According to information received by HRANA, Mr. Pourfathollah was sentenced by the Mashhad Revolutionary Court to a total of 12 years, six months in prison on charges including forming a group with the aim of disrupting national security and propaganda against the regime. Five years of his prison sentence have been suspended.

An informed source, confirming the news to HRANA, said: “The sentence was issued pursuant to the Law on Intensifying Punishment for Espionage and Cooperation with the Zionist Regime and Hostile States.”

Omid Pourfathollah was arrested by security forces in Mashhad during the January 2026 protests and was released after some time on bail pending legal proceedings.

Background on the January 2026 Protests

The 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.

Mehdi Baghani and Ehsan Mohammadi Each Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ehsan Mohammadi, irgc, IRGC Intelligence, January 2026 Protests, Mehdi Baghani, Semnan, Shahrud, احسان محمدی, مهدی باغانی

HRANA –Branch 1 of the Semnan Revolutionary Court sentenced Mehdi Baghani and Ehsan Mohammadi, two citizens arrested during the January 2026 protests, to a total of five years in prison. Another part of the case against the two citizens is also under review by Criminal Court II of Semnan.

Under a ruling issued by Branch 1 of the Semnan Revolutionary Court, Baghani and Mohammadi were each sentenced to 30 months in prison. In addition, another part of the case against the two citizens is being reviewed by the criminal court, and no ruling has yet been issued in that matter.

A source familiar with the case told HRANA: “Mehdi Baghani and Ehsan Mohammadi were told that if they appeal the ruling, their prison sentences could be increased by up to one-third. A number of other individuals who have received judicial sentences in Semnan have also been told the same thing.”

HRANA’s investigation into the details of the charges brought against the two citizens, the evidence relied upon by the court, and the dates of their court hearings remains ongoing.

Mehdi Baghani, a resident of Sabzevar, was arrested by IRGC Intelligence forces in Semnan on January 8, 2026. Ehsan Mohammadi, a resident of Shahrud, was arrested by IRGC Intelligence forces in the city of Semnan in the early hours of January 9, 2026. Both citizens were released on bail after a period of detention.

Background on the January 2026 Protests

The 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.

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January 2026 Protests: Mohammad Ebrahimi Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Evin Prison, Greater Tehran Prison, January 2026 Protests, Mohammad Ebrahimi

HRANA – Mohammad Ebrahimi, arrested during the January 2026 protests who is currently incarcerated in Greater Tehran Prison, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

According to HRANA, one of those arrested during the January 2026 protests, has been sentenced to prison.

According to information received by HRANA, Mr. Ebrahimi was sentenced to 20 years in prison by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, on the charge of “conducting operational activities for a hostile country against national security,” under Article 1 of the Law on Intensifying the Punishment for Espionage.

Mohammad Ebrahimi, a graduate in painting from the University of Science and Culture, was arrested in Tehran on January 27, 2026. Following his arrest, he was initially transferred to Evin Prison and was later transferred to Greater Tehran Prison.

He is currently serving his sentence in Greater Tehran Prison.

Background on the January 2026 Protests

The 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: Hossein Nazari Sentenced to Death

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Executions, News, Prisoners
January 2026 Protests, Mashhad, Vakilabad prison, حسین نظری

HRANA – Hossein Nazari, a 25-year-old citizen arrested during the January 2026 protests and currently held in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, has been sentenced to death by Branch 1 of the Mashhad Revolutionary Court.

According to HRANA, Hossein Nazari is currently held in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

According to information received by HRANA, Branch 1 of the Mashhad Revolutionary Court sentenced Nazari to death on charges of “collaboration with hostile states and groups” and “assembly and collusion to commit a crime against national security.” The sentence was issued in July 2026.

Hossein Nazari, aged approximately 25, was arrested by security forces in January 2026. Following interrogation and judicial proceedings, he was transferred to Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, where he remains in custody.

Background on the January 2026 Protests

The 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: Flogging Sentences of Two Women Carried Out

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Freedom of Expression, News, Women
HRANA, January 2026 Protests, Neda Dadehjani, Qorveh, Setayesh Sarabi, ستایش سرابی, ندا دده جانی

HRANA – The sentences of 31 lashes imposed on Neda Dadehjani and Setayesh (Behnoosh) Sarabi, two residents of Qorveh who were arrested during the January 2026 protests, were carried out on August 22, following their summons and appearance at the Qorveh Criminal Court. After the flogging sentences were carried out, the two women were taken into custody to serve their prison terms and transferred to Sanandaj Prison.

According to HRANA, citing Kolbar News, the flogging sentences of Neda Dadehjani and Setayesh Sarabi have been carried out.

According to the report, on Saturday, August 22, the sentences of 31 lashes imposed on Dadehjani and Sarabi were carried out after they were summoned to and appeared before the Qorveh Criminal Court. Following the flogging, the two women were taken into custody to serve their three-year prison sentences and transferred to Sanandaj Prison.

Neda Dadehjani and Setayesh (Behnoosh) Sarabi had previously faced a two-part legal case. In the first part, Branch 102 of the Qorveh Criminal Court sentenced each of them to one year in prison, 31 lashes, and two years of exile to Nikshahr County on the charge of “disrupting public order and tranquility.”

In the second part of the case, Branch 1 of the Qorveh Revolutionary Court sentenced each of them to two years in prison on the charge of “assembly and collusion to commit a crime against national security.” Of their combined prison sentences, two years are enforceable.

The two women were arrested by security forces in connection with the nationwide protests of January 2026.

Neda Dadehjani, who is active in theater, had previously received an award at a regional theater festival for persons with disabilities. Setayesh (Behnoosh) Sarabi is also a resident of Qorveh.

January 2026 Protests: Amir-Mohammad Mojallal Chubari Sentenced to Death

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Executions, Freedom of Expression, News
Amir-Mohammad Mojallal Chubari, Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, January 2026 Protests, مجلل چوبری

HRANA – Amir Mohammad Mojallal Chubari, arrested during the nationwide protests of 2026 and currently held in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj, has been sentenced to death by the judiciary.

According to HRANA, Amir Mohammad Mojallal Chubari is currently being held in Ghezel Hesar Prison.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mr. Mojallal Chubari has been sentenced to death by the judiciary. He had previously been charged at Branch 33 of the Tehran Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office, known as the Shahid Moghaddas Prosecutor’s Office (Tehran Security Prosecutor’s Office), with “assembly and collusion with the intent to commit a crime against national security,” “disrupting public order and tranquility through participation in riots,” “attempted intentional murder by attempting to run over security officers,” and “resisting officers.”

Mr. Mojallal Chubari was arrested in Tehran on January 2, 2026, during the nationwide protests and subsequently transferred to Ghezel Hesar Prison.

Amir Mohammad Mojallal Chubari, 22, had no prior history of arrest or criminal conviction.

January 2026 Protests: Majid Adineh Executed

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Executions, News
HRANA, January 2026 Protests, January 2026 Protests: Majid Adineh Executed, Majid Adineh, moharebeh, مجید آدینه

HRANA – The Judiciary’s Media Center announced that Majid Adineh, one of those arrested during the January 2026 protests in Karaj, was executed at dawn today. He had previously been sentenced by the Karaj Revolutionary Court to death and confiscation of his property on the charge of “taking operational action on behalf of hostile countries against national security and interests.”

According to HRANA, citing Mizan, Majid Adineh, one of those arrested during the nationwide protests of January 2026, was executed.

According to a report by the Judiciary’s Media Center, Mr. Adineh was arrested on the evening of January 9, 2026, in the Mohammadshahr area of Karaj by agents of the IRGC Intelligence Organization in Alborz Province. The outlet claimed that a firearm and several other pieces of equipment were discovered and seized from him at the time of his arrest.

According to the report, during the judicial proceedings, Majid Adineh faced charges including “taking operational action on behalf of hostile countries against national security and interests,” “moharebeh (enmity against God) through deliberate arson,” “assembly and collusion with the intent to commit a crime against national security,” “propaganda against the regime,” and unauthorized possession of a firearm, a stun gun, and tear-gas spray.

The Karaj Revolutionary Court subsequently sentenced him to death and the confiscation of all his property on the charge of “taking operational action on behalf of Israel, the United States, and hostile groups and countries, pursuant to Article 1 of the Law on Intensifying Punishment for Espionage and Cooperation with Israel and Hostile Countries Against National Security and Interests.” According to Mizan, following an appeal, the sentence was upheld in full by the Supreme Court and carried out this morning.

The report provided no details regarding how the court sessions were conducted, the defendant’s access to legal counsel, or whether he was afforded the right to a fair trial.

Background on the January 2026 Protests

The 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.