Tag: Mashhad

Attorney Javad Alikordi Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison, Exile, and Permanent Disbarment

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Freedom of Expression, News
Javad Alikordi, Khosrow Alikordi, Mashhad, Vakilabad prison

HRANA – Javad Alikordi, the brother of deceased attorney Khosrow Alikordi, has been sentenced by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad to 18 years in prison, permanent disbarment, exile, and additional punishments.

According to HRANA, Javad Alikordi, an attorney currently imprisoned in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, has been sentenced to imprisonment and supplementary penalties.

According to the verdict issued by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad, Mr. Alikordi was sentenced to five years in prison on charges of “assembly and collusion to act against national security,” and to 13 years in prison on charges of “propaganda activity contrary to national security” under Article 4 of the Law on Intensifying Punishments for Espionage. He was also sentenced to permanent disbarment from the legal profession, a two-year travel ban, and two years of internal exile in the city of Saravan, Sistan and Baluchestan Province.

On June 10, 2026, a hearing on the charges against Mr. Alikordi was held in the same branch of the court.

Javad Alikordi was arrested by security forces at his workplace in Mashhad on December 12, 2025. He was initially transferred to a security detention facility and was later moved to Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

Mr. Alikordi had previously been convicted in a separate case on political and security-related charges, although the implementation of part of that sentence had been suspended. He is the brother of Khosrow Alikordi, an attorney and human rights defender who passed away in December 2025.

January 2026 Protests: Pouria Amini Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Gonabad, HRANA, Mashhad, Pouria Amini

HRANA – Pouria Amini, arrested during the nationwide protests of 2026, has been sentenced to eight years in prison by the Revolutionary Court of Gonabad.

Based on a verdict issued by the Revolutionary Court of Gonabad and formally communicated to this citizen, Mr. Amini was sentenced to five years in prison on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security,” two years in prison for insulting the Supreme Leader, and one year in prison for “propaganda against the regime.”

This citizen was arrested by security forces on January 10, 2026. He was ultimately released from Gonabad Prison on April 9, 2026 after posting 30 billion rials in bail.

Pouria Amini is a former political prisoner residing in Mashhad.

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.

Historic Evangelical Church in Mashhad Demolished by Unknown Individuals

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News, Religious Minorities
Evangelical Church, HRANA, Mashhad

HRANA – The historic Evangelical Church of Mashhad, a site registered on Iran’s National Heritage List, was completely demolished yesterday.

According to HRANA News Agency, citing Jamaran, the historic Evangelical Church in Mashhad has been demolished.

According to the report, at approximately 2:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2026, the church was completely razed by unknown individuals using a bulldozer, reportedly amid the negligence of cultural heritage authorities.

The demolition operation lasted for about two hours. On the morning of the same day, the area surrounding the church was cordoned off, and citizens and journalists were barred from entering the site to take photographs.

The report does not provide further details regarding the motive behind the demolition or the identity of the individuals or institution responsible.

The historic Evangelical Church dates back to the early Pahlavi era and is located on Jannat Street, Golestan Alley, in Mashhad. On August 16, 2005, it was registered as one of Iran’s national heritage sites under registration number 13375.

The destruction of churches, cemeteries, and buildings belonging to Christians, Baha’is, and other religious or ideological minorities has a long history in various cities across Iran. Such demolitions have often taken place with the tacit approval of authorities of the Islamic Republic.

Baha’i Citizen Barsa Maleki Sentenced to Prison and Additional Punishments

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News, Religious Minorities
Barsa Maleki, HRANA, Mashhad, Vakilabad prison

HRANA – Barsa Maleki, a Baha’i resident of Mashhad, has been sentenced by the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad to two years of imprisonment, a monetary fine, and deprivation of social rights.

According to a ruling issued by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad and served on this Baha’i citizen, Mr. Maleki was convicted under Article 500 bis of the Islamic Penal Code for the charge of engaging in educational or propagandistic activities deemed deviant, contrary to, or disruptive of the sacred laws of Islam. He was sentenced to two years and one day in prison, an 80 million toman fine, and deprivation of social rights for a period of six years.

A source familiar with the matter confirmed the news to HRANA, stating: “The verdict was issued some time ago and was formally communicated to this Baha’i citizen last week.”

Barsa Maleki was arrested on January 22 of 2026, along with eleven other individuals, during a birthday gathering in Mashhad.

After 24 days in detention, he was released from Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad on bail.

Over the past decade, the Baha’i community in Iran has been subjected to more security and judicial pressure than any other religious minority in the country. HRA’s annual reports indicate that in 2025, an average of 62.41% of all reports concerning religious minorities involved violations of the rights of Baha’i citizens.

Baha’i Citizen Navid Irani Faces Continued Detention and Uncertainty in Mashhad

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News, Religious Minorities
HRANA, Mashhad, Navid Irani, Vakilabad prison

HRANA – Navid Irani (Zarrin), a Baha’i citizen living in Mashhad who was arrested during the 2026 protests in the city, remains imprisoned in an uncertain legal status in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, despite more than four months having passed since his arrest.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mr. Navid Irani continues to be held in limbo at Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, despite four months and four days having passed since his arrest.

Navid Irani (Zarrin), a Baha’i citizen and photographer residing in Mashhad, was arrested on January 15 in connection with the 2025 protests in the city of Mashhad.

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.

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January Protests: Samira Rezvanifar Remains Detained in Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad

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News, Prisoners
HRANA, Mashhad, Samira Rezvanifar, Vakilabad prison, سمیرا رضوانی فر

HRANA – Samira (Fatemeh) Rezvanifar, one of those arrested during the 2026 nationwide protests in Mashhad, has been held in legal limbo in Vakilabad Prison for nearly four months.

Based on information received by HRANA, Ms. Rezvanifar was arrested by security forces on January 17, 2026, during the nationwide protests in Mashhad. Following her arrest, she was transferred to the quarantine ward of Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad and, after 111 days, remains in judicial limbo.

A source close to her family told HRANA’s journalist that no court hearing has yet been held to address her case, and no information has been obtained regarding the charges against Samira. According to the source, her family’s efforts to secure her temporary release have so far been unsuccessful.

According to reports received by HRANA, detained and imprisoned women held in the quarantine section of Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad are facing harsh conditions. These prisoners are deprived of basic facilities, including proper ventilation, standard sanitary services and showers, beds, and adequate access to medical care.

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.

 

Azadeh Yaghoubi Remains in Limbo at Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad

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News, Prisoners
Azadeh Yaghoubi, Mashhad, Vakilabad prison

HRANA – Azadeh (Masoumeh) Yaghoubi, a resident of Mashhad, has been detained for more than three months following her arrest by security forces during the nationwide protests and remains held without clarification of her legal status in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

Based on information received by HRANA, Ms. Yaghoubi was arrested by security forces in Mashhad on February 3, 2026. She is currently being held in the quarantine ward of Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

A source familiar with her situation confirmed the news and told HRANA: “It has been 93 days since Azadeh’s arrest, and we still have no information regarding the charges brought against her. Additionally, her temporary release has not been possible so far.”

According to reports received by HRANA, detained and imprisoned women held in the quarantine section of Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad are facing harsh conditions. These prisoners are deprived of basic facilities, including proper ventilation, standard sanitary services and showers, beds, and adequate access to medical care.

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 Protests: Mehdi Rasouli and Mohammadreza Miri Executed

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Executions, News
January Protests, Mashhad, Mehdi Rasouli, Mohammadreza Miri

HRANA – Mehdi Rasouli and Mohammadreza Miri, two prisoners connected to the January protests, were executed at dawn yesterday, May 3, in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. The two had previously been sentenced to death in a case related to the killing of a Basij member.

According to HRANA, at dawn on Sunday, May 3, 2026, the death sentences of Mehdi Rasouli, 25, and Mohammadreza Miri, 21, were carried out in Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad.

A source familiar with Mehdi Rasouli’s case told HRANA:
“A video showing the beating of a Basij member during the January protests in Mashhad was found on Mehdi Rasouli’s mobile phone. Security agencies claimed that the attacker was Mehdi Rasouli and another individual, and that the Basij member seen in the video died as a result of the beating.”

The source added:
“Mr. Rasouli had questioned the validity of these claims, but had told his relatives that due to severe beatings and torture, he was forced to accept the charges. These coerced confessions became the main evidence against him in the case.”

According to this source, security agencies had pressured his family and relatives into silence by promising that his sentence would be reduced if they remained quiet. Due to the family’s silence and lack of public information dissemination, these two prisoners had remained unknown to human rights groups.

On Saturday, at around 3:00 PM, Mehdi Rasouli informed his family in a phone call that he was being transferred to solitary confinement. This morning, the families of the two prisoners were informed of the execution of their sons, and their bodies were handed over to the families at around 10:00 AM.

Yesterday afternoon, Mehdi Rasouli’s body was buried under security measures in a village near Kashmar. The execution of the two prisoners has also been confirmed by Marzieh Mohseni, a legal expert.

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 Protests: Nine More Citizens Arrested in Connection with the Killing of a Security Force Member

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
Farajollah Shushtari, January Protests, Mashhad

HRANA – The Police Information Center announced the arrest of 9 additional citizens in connection with the case of the killing of a security force member during the January protests in Mashhad. Previously, state media had also reported that a number of protesters had been arrested in relation to the same case.

According to Tasnim News Agency, the Information Center of the Law Enforcement Command of the Islamic Republic of Iran stated that, in a “joint operation” between the Khorasan Razavi police and security forces, an individual identified as a suspect in the killing of Farajollah Shushtari, along with eight others, has been arrested.

According to the police’s claims, the detainees have been described as “individuals involved in this crime” and have been handed over to judicial authorities. However, the identities of these individuals, the exact details of how they were arrested, and their place of detention have not been disclosed.

Earlier, state media had also reported the arrest of a number of citizens in Mashhad in connection with the same case. In that report, without mentioning the number or identities of those arrested, the charge of “killing a security force member” was attributed to the detainees.

No independent details are available regarding the legal proceedings of this case, the detainees’ access to legal counsel, or their current condition.

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.

Report on the Arrest of an Olympiad Gold Medal–Winning Literature Student in Mashhad

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Freedom of Expression, News, Students
Mashhad, Mohammad-Parsa Golchin

HRANA – Mohammad-Parsa Golchin, a University of Tehran student and winner of a gold medal in the National Literature Olympiad, was arrested on the evening of Saturday, April 11, during a gathering in Mashhad and taken to an undisclosed location. At the same time as his arrest, the other individuals present were also detained and released later that same night, but he remains in custody.

According to United Students, a student was arrested in Tehran. The identity of this student has been reported as Mohammad-Parsa Golchin, a University of Tehran student. Mr. Golchin was arrested on the evening of Saturday, April 11, in Mashhad.

He had gathered with a group of his high school friends to meet one of their former teachers when, during the gathering, several security agents entered the location and arrested everyone present.

Most of those detained in this incident have since been released, but this student remains in custody. No information has been obtained regarding his place of detention or the charges brought against him.

Mohammad-Parsa Golchin is a 2024-entry undergraduate student in Persian Literature and the recipient of a gold medal in the National Literature Olympiad.