Tag: Mashhad

Female Prisoner Dies in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad Following Lack of Medical Care

Posted on by . .
News, Prisoners
HRANA, Mashhad, Taktam Ramezani, Vakilabad prison, تکتم رمضانی

HRANA – Taktam Ramezani, a prisoner convicted of non-political offenses and held in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, died in the prison following a ruptured gallbladder and delays in receiving medical care and being transferred to a hospital.

According to HRANA, a prisoner held in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad died due to a lack of timely medical care.

The prisoner, identified by HRANA as 37-year-old Taktam Ramezani, had been convicted of non-political offenses.

According to reports received by HRANA, Ms. Ramezani died in Ward 2 of Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, following a ruptured gallbladder and delays in her transfer to a hospital. During the four days preceding her death, she suffered from severe pain in the gallbladder area. Despite repeated requests for medical attention, she was denied transfer to a hospital and access to appropriate medical treatment.

Ms. Ramezani had been arrested some time earlier on drug-related charges and was serving her sentence in Ward 2 of Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. She also worked in the prison collecting garbage.

Under the regulations of Iran’s Prisons Organization, all prisoners are entitled to healthcare and medical services. The regulations stipulate that prisoners must undergo regular medical examinations and, when urgent treatment is required, be transferred to specialized hospitals. In practice, however, numerous reports indicate that prisoners are frequently denied this fundamental right.

Shahoo Zirak Arrested by Security Forces in Mashhad

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News
Ebrahim Zirak, Mashhad, Shahoo Zirak, شاهو زیرک

HRANA – On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, Shahoo (Ebrahim) Zirak, a resident of Mashhad, was arrested by security forces. His whereabouts remain unknown.

According to HRANA, Shahoo (Ebrahim) Zirak was arrested in Mashhad.

Based on information received by HRANA, Zirak was arrested by security forces in Mashhad around noon on Wednesday, August 12. His family has so far been unable to obtain any information regarding his place of detention.

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

Shahoo (Ebrahim) Zirak is married, has two children, and resides in Mashhad.

Leila Moallemi Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
HRANA, Leila Moallemi, Mashhad, Vakilabad prison, لیلا معلمی

HRANA – Leila Moallemi, a resident of Mashhad who is currently incarcerated in Vakilabad Prison, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison by the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad.

According to HRANA, Leila Moallemi has been sentenced to imprisonment.

Based on information received by HRANA, the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad sentenced Moallemi to 10 years in prison. A source close to her family, confirming the news to HRANA, said: “The sentence was communicated to Leila in prison some time ago. The sentence was issued in connection with her sending a voice message and providing information to a media outlet based outside Iran during the war.”

Ms. Moallemi was arrested by security forces in Mashhad on May 28, 2026, and subsequently transferred to Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

HRANA’s investigation into further details of the case, including the charges brought against her and the judicial authority that issued the sentence, remains ongoing.

Leila Moallemi is originally from Bandar Abbas and resides in Mashhad.

Najmeh Amini Remains in Legal Limbo More Than Six Months After Arrest

Posted on by . .
News, Prisoners
Mashhad, Najmeh Amini, Vakilabad prison, نجمه امینی

HRANA – Najmeh Amini, one of those arrested during the January 2026 protests, has remained in legal limbo at Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad for more than six months since her arrest. Her trial on the charges against her was recently held at the Revolutionary Court in Mashhad.

According to HRANA News Agency, Najmeh Amini continues to be held without a final judicial decision in Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad.

Based on information received by HRANA, Najmeh Amini has been detained in Vakilabad Prison for more than six months. A source close to her family, who confirmed the information to HRANA, said that she was recently tried at the Revolutionary Court in Mashhad on charges of “assembly and collusion against national security” and “insulting religious sanctities and the Imams.” However, the court branch has not yet issued a verdict in her case.

On January 31, 2026, during the January protests, Najmeh Amini was arrested by security forces at Ferdowsi Shopping Center in Mashhad after being beaten. She was later transferred to Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

Najmeh Amini, 22, is an accounting student and a resident of Mashhad.

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: Hadiseh Morvaridi Sentenced to Three Years in Prison

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News
Hadiseh Morvaridi, HRANA, Mashhad, حدیثه مرواریدی

HRANA – Hadiseh Morvaridi, who was arrested during the nationwide protests in January 2026 and is currently imprisoned in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, has been sentenced to a total of three years in prison in two separate cases.

According to HRANA, Hadiseh Morvaridi has been sentenced to prison in two separate judicial cases.

Based on information received by HRANA, judicial authorities in Mashhad sentenced Ms. Morvaridi to two years in prison on the charge of “insulting the Supreme Leader” and one year in prison in a separate case on the charge of “propaganda against the regime.”

Hadiseh Morvaridi, 24, was arrested on January 8, 2026, in Fariman in connection with the nationwide protests of 2026.

HRANA is continuing to investigate further details, including the branch of the court that issued the sentences.

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.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Now is definitely not the time to stop reading!

Report on the Arrest of Kameen Korki in Mashhad

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News
Amin Korki, HRANA, Kameen Korki, Mashhad, Ruhollah Korki

HRANA – Kameen Korki, the brother of death row political prisoner Ruhollah Korki, was arrested by security forces in Mashhad on Friday, July 3. His whereabouts remain unknown.

According to HRANA, Kameen Korki has now been held in detention for eight days.

Based on information received by HRANA, Kameen Korki was arrested by security forces in Mashhad on Friday, July 3, and transferred to an undisclosed location. A source close to the Korki family confirmed the arrest and told HRANA that, today, a notification was issued through Iran’s Sana electronic judiciary system informing him that his case had been referred to Branch 257 of the Investigative Office of the Mashhad Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office.

According to the source, Kameen has had no contact with his family throughout his detention, further intensifying their concerns about his condition and whereabouts.

At the time of writing, no information has been made available regarding the reasons for his arrest or the charges brought against him.

Kameen Korki, aged approximately 34, is a married resident of Tehran. He is the brother of Ruhollah Korki, a political prisoner sentenced to death, and Amin Korki, who was arrested during the nationwide protests of December 2017. It is worth noting that Amin Korki died under unclear circumstances in April 2018 after being re-arrested.

Fatemeh Sepehri Denied Adequate Medical Care in Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad

Posted on by . .
News, Prisoners
Asghar Sepehri, Fatemeh Sepehri, HRANA, Mashhad, Mohammad Hossein Sepehri, Vakilabad prison, فاطمه سپهری

HRANA – Fatemeh Sepehri, a political prisoner held in Vakilabad Prison, has been denied adequate medical care and transfer to medical facilities outside the prison despite suffering from a heart condition and deteriorating health.

According to HRANA, Fatemeh Sepehri continues to be deprived of proper medical treatment.

According to his brother, Asghar Sepehri, despite a prison doctor’s recommendation in March 2026 that Fatemeh Sepehri be examined by a cardiologist, prison authorities failed to arrange the transfer. She was only taken to a heart specialist after her condition significantly worsened on April 22, 2026. He added that the specialist had scheduled a follow-up appointment for May 23, 2026, but that visit has yet to take place. In addition, most of her essential medications have run out, and continuing her treatment depends on another specialist examination and the renewal of her prescriptions.

In March 2025, in a joint case with her brother, Mohammad Hossein Sepehri, Branch 5 of the Revolutionary Court in Mashhad sentenced each of them to three years and nine months in prison. The case stemmed from a letter the two political prisoners published from Vakilabad Prison on December 26, 2024.

Previously, in June 2024, Fatemeh Sepehri was sentenced to 18 years and six months in prison in another joint case alongside her brothers, Mohammad Hossein Sepehri and Hossein Sepehri.

Earlier, in January 2023, the Criminal Court of Mashhad sentenced Fatemeh Sepehri to one year of discretionary imprisonment and a fine of 200 million rials on charges of spreading false information and disturbing public opinion.

In a separate case, Fatemeh Sepehri was sentenced to 10 years in prison on charges of cooperation with hostile states. She also received five years for “assembly and collusion against national security,” two years for “insulting the Supreme Leader,” and one year for propaganda against the state. These sentences were upheld on appeal. Under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, 10 years of the combined sentence are enforceable.

Fatemeh Sepehri is also one of the signatories of the letter calling for the resignation of Ali Khamenei. In connection with that letter, Branch 4 of the Revolutionary Court in Mashhad initially sentenced her to five years of discretionary imprisonment. The sentence was later reduced on appeal to three years and six months. She was subsequently released in early 2020 under a five-year suspended sentence.

Denial of Phone Calls and Family Visits; Azar Yahu’s Detention Continues at Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Azar Yahu, Mashhad, Vakilabad prison, آذر یاهو

HRANA – Azar Yahu remains in detention at Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad without a clear legal status, despite 125 days having passed since her arrest. Since Sunday, July 5, she has been subjected to a disciplinary ban on phone calls and family visits.

According to HRANA News Agency, Azar Yahu remains in detention at Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad without any judicial resolution to her case.

A source familiar with the matter and close to Yahu’s family confirmed the news to HRANA, stating: “Since Sunday, July 5, Azar Yahu has been deprived of phone calls and family visits as a disciplinary measure and has been transferred to Ward 6 of Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. Prison officials have claimed that the disciplinary action was taken because she had published a statement about her conditions in prison. However, she has not published any such statement.”

The source added that although 125 days have passed since Ms. Yahu’s arrest, no verdict has yet been issued in her case, which remains under judicial review.

Azar Yahu, aged approximately 39, has been charged with “collaboration with Israel.” According to reports received by HRANA, the charge is based on her online activities, including the use of stickers on social media. Authorities have also cited her presence in the streets and dancing on the day of Ali Khamenei’s death as additional reasons for her arrest.

She was arrested in Mashhad by the IRGC Intelligence Organization on March 5, 2026.

Saba Talebi Held in Limbo for Over a Month at Vakilabad Prison

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Mashhad, Saba Talebi, Vakilabad prison, صبا طالبی

HRANA – Saba Talebi, a blogger from Mashhad, was arrested by security forces on May 26, 2026, and remains in detention without clarification of her legal status at Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

According to HRANA News Agency, the news outlet of the Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA), Saba Talebi, a blogger from Mashhad, remains in custody.

A source close to Talebi’s family confirmed the information to HRANA, stating: “Ms. Talebi has been held for 34 days without clarification of her legal status in the Aramesh ward of Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. She is facing charges of insulting the Supreme Leader, insulting Islamic sanctities, and propaganda against the regime. Additionally, the investigating judge has so far refused to issue a bail order for her temporary release.”

Talebi was arrested by security forces at her home in Mashhad on May 26, 2026, and was later transferred to Vakilabad Prison in the city.

Saba Talebi, 23, is a blogger and resident of Mashhad.

It is worth noting that HRANA previously published a report examining the conditions of women held in the Aramesh ward and the quarantine section of Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. According to the report, at least 30 women arrested during the January protests, amid heightened security measures following the recent military conflict, are being held in these wards under difficult conditions, facing numerous challenges, including a lack of basic necessities and adequate facilities.

Faezeh Salehabadi Sentenced to Prison

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News
Faezeh Salehabadi, HRANA, Mashhad, Vakilabad prison, فائزه صالح آبادی

HRANA – Faezeh Salehabadi, a prisoner currently held in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, has been sentenced by the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad to one year and three months in prison.

Based on information received by HRANA, Branch 2 of the Mashhad Revolutionary Court sentenced Faezeh Salehabadi to one year and three months in prison on the charge of “insulting the Supreme Leader.”

The court also acquitted Ms. Salehabadi of the charges of “insulting Islamic sanctities” and “propaganda against the regime.”

HRANA had previously reported that bail had been set at 4 billion tomans for Ms. Salehabadi’s release. However, her family has so far been unable to secure the required amount.

During the investigation phase, Ms. Salehabadi’s defense hearing was held on April 7, 2026. On May 25, 2026, an indictment was issued, and her case was referred to the Revolutionary Court. The case was opened in connection with an Instagram Story she had posted.

Ms. Salehabadi was arrested by security forces at her home on February 9, 2026. She was initially transferred to the Mosalla Women’s Police Station, then to the Revolutionary Court, and subsequently to Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

HRANA had previously reported, in an article published on May 12, 2026, on the situation of 30 women arrested during the January 2026 protests and the concurrent security developments during the war, who were being held in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. That report also addressed the situation of Ms. Salehabadi.