Monthly Report – September 2026: Human Rights Situation in Iran

HRANA – Based on reports published by HRANA during September, this report provides a statistical overview of human rights violations in Iran over the past month. The execution of political prisoners and protesters in connection with the January 2026 protests, as well as the intensified repression of religious minorities, including Baha’is, continued during the month.

Executions

During September, at least 59 prisoners, including four women, one juvenile offender, and four Afghan nationals, were executed by hanging in prisons across Iran.

Of those executed, 29 had been sentenced to death on murder charges, 26 on drug-related charges, and one on a charge of rape.

In addition, three individuals were executed on political and security-related charges: Ali Hemmati and Majid Nikandish were executed in Mashhad in connection with the nationwide protests of January 2026, while Hossein Pedaran was executed on charges of espionage and intelligence cooperation with Israel.

During the same month, Iran’s judicial authorities also issued 23 death sentences. Three of those sentenced to death are women, including Mahboubeh Shabani, who was sentenced to death in connection with the January 2026 protests.

Also during the month, Iran’s Supreme Court upheld ten death sentences.

Freedom of Thought and Expression

HRANA’s reports indicate that during the month, at least 235 individuals were arrested by security agencies for expressing their views and opinions. For the same reasons, four individuals were summoned by security agencies and seven others were summoned to court. Fourteen trials were held, and the homes of nine individuals were searched by security forces.

On charges considered violations of citizens’ freedom of expression, Iran’s judicial authorities sentenced 73 individuals, including one journalist, to a combined total of 3,942 months in prison during the month. Among the most notable cases was the 16-year prison sentence issued against Mohammad Ahmadi. Additionally, the 18-year prison sentence of Manouchehr Bakhtiari was upheld.

Other sentences issued in connection with such cases included nearly two billion tomans in fines, 697 lashes, and 277 instances of property confiscation.

Prisoners’ Rights

During September, in connection with violations of the rights of prisoners and detainees, particularly political prisoners and prisoners of conscience, HRANA reported 68 cases of individuals being held in legal limbo, 36 cases in which detainees’ families were kept uninformed about their whereabouts and status, and 17 cases of denial of access to legal counsel.

One case of torture, five cases of threats and pressure against prisoners, and three cases of forced confessions were also reported.

Regarding the deprivation of prisoners’ rights, HRANA documented 16 cases of denial of medical care, five cases in which medical leave was denied despite urgent need, six cases of prisoners being held in solitary confinement, two cases of denial of telephone access, and 24 cases of denial of visitation rights, including the punitive denial of visitation rights to 23 female prisoners at Evin Prison.

In response to these conditions, at least four prisoners went on hunger strike during the month.

Indiscriminate Shootings by Military Forces

During September, military forces killed five people as a result of indiscriminate shootings. Among those killed in these shootings were one kolbar and one fuel carrier.

In one case in Saravan, a nine-year-old child was killed after military forces opened fire.

Workers’ Rights

During the past month, 67 labor protests and four labor strikes were reported. In one reported case, a worker self-immolated following unpaid wages and dismissal from his job.

Workplace accidents claimed the lives of 43 workers and injured 151 others.

Trade unions and professional associations also held 73 protest gatherings and 13 strikes. The arrests of six teachers’ union activists in Mamasani and the issuance of a one-year prison sentence were also reported in this connection.

Women’s Rights

Regarding violations of women’s rights, HRANA documented the killings of six women and one case of rape during the past month. Additionally, four businesses were shut down for non-compliance with mandatory hijab regulations.

Children’s Rights

During September, security forces arrested at least seven children under the age of 18. The death sentence of a juvenile offender, who was under the age of 18 at the time of the alleged offense, was also carried out. In addition, one case involving an abandoned infant was reported.

In a separate incident in Saravan, a nine-year-old child named Mohammad Amin Dehghan was killed as a result of indiscriminate gunfire by military forces.

Religious Minorities

During September, HRANA reported the arrests of 23 members of religious minorities by security forces. Seven individuals were also summoned by security agencies, while three others were summoned to court. Eleven cases of home searches and five cases of physical assault were also reported.

Six members of religious minorities were sentenced to a combined total of 583 months in prison. These cases included 35 years of imprisonment handed down to three Baha’i citizens by the Tehran Revolutionary Court. Additional penalties were also imposed, including fines, property confiscation, and three travel bans.

Ethnic Rights

During September, ethnic and national minorities experienced at least 26 arrests, two summonses by security agencies, and one court summons. Security forces also conducted three home searches.

During the month, Ali Babaei, an Azerbaijani-Turk activist, was sentenced to nine months in prison.

 

Mohammad Ahmadi Sentenced to 16 Years in Prison

HRANA – Mohammad Ahmadi, a political prisoner held in Greater Tehran Prison who was arrested amid war-related security developments, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison by Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

According to HRANA, Mohammad Ahmadi, a prisoner held in Greater Tehran Prison, has been sentenced to imprisonment.

Based on information received by HRANA, Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced Mr. Ahmadi to 16 years in prison on charges of “espionage.” The verdict was communicated to him in prison.

Ahmadi was arrested by security forces amid war-related security developments and subsequently transferred to Greater Tehran Prison.

HRANA is continuing its investigation into the details of his case, including the evidence cited by the court and whether he has had access to a lawyer of his choosing.

Researcher Navid Kalahrudi Arrested

HRANA – On Friday, July 25, Navid Kalahrudi, a researcher, was arrested by security forces and taken to an undisclosed location.

According to HRANA, quoting Etemad Online, Kalahrudi was arrested on the evening of Friday, July 25, by security agents who also searched his home and confiscated several personal items, including his laptop. The report does not specify where he is being held.

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

It is worth noting that a recent interview with Kalahrudi on the program Dialogue Iran, which focuses on political and social issues, has been widely viewed on social media. The program’s producer, Mohammad Ahmadi, is also currently in detention.

Arbitrary arrests, transferring detainees to undisclosed locations, and leaving families in the dark about the fate of their loved ones are routine practices of the Iranian regime’s security agencies, such as the Ministry of Intelligence and the IRGC Intelligence Unit. This pattern of behavior stands in clear violation of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, known as the Nelson Mandela Rules.

Mohammad Ahmadi, Creator of the “Dialogue Iran” Program, Arrested

HRANA – On Monday, July 14, Mohammad Ahmadi, the creator of the program Dialogue Iran, was arrested following a court session and transferred to an undisclosed location.

The official page of Dialogue Iran announced that on Monday, July 14, Mr. Ahmadi appeared in court to defend himself against charges brought against him last year in connection with the program. Following the hearing, he was arrested by security forces.

Videos from the most recent episode, titled Dialogue as Post-War, which aired a few days ago, have been widely circulated on social media. The program is a discussion-based series focusing on Iranian social and political issues. Its main platform is YouTube, though portions have also aired on Radio Namayesh.

As of the time of this report, no information has been made available regarding Mr. Ahmadi’s whereabouts, the reasons for his arrest, or the charges against him.

Mohammad Ahmadi Feyzabadi, a social researcher and creator of Dialogue Iran, has previously faced arrest and pressure from security forces.

Arbitrary arrests, transferring detainees to undisclosed locations, and leaving families in the dark about the fate of their loved ones are routine practices of the Iranian regime’s security agencies, such as the Ministry of Intelligence and the IRGC Intelligence Unit. This pattern of behavior stands in clear violation of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, known as the Nelson Mandela Rules:
“Every prisoner shall have the right, and shall be given the ability and means, to inform immediately his or her family, or any other person designated as a contact person, about his or her imprisonment, about his or her transfer to another institution and about any serious illness or injury. The sharing of prisoners’ personal information shall be subject to domestic legislation.”

Mohammad Ahmadi, Creator of “Dialogue Iran,” Arrested by Security Forces

Mohammad Ahmadi, a social researcher and creator of the talk show Dialogue Iran, was arrested by security forces on Tuesday, October 8, and taken to an undisclosed location.

Although the exact reason for Mr. Ahmadi’s arrest remains unclear, it is speculated that his detention may be connected to the interviews and discussions aired on his YouTube channel, Dialogue Iran.

Ahmadi, known for his work in social research, has used the Dialogue Iran platform to engage in critical conversations and explore social issues. The program, broadcast on YouTube, has gained attention for its candid discussions on various topics.

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