Tag: Mohammad Davari

Human Rights Day: Introducing Imprisoned Civil Activists in Iran and Honoring Their Stand Against Human Rights Violations

Human Rights Day is also an opportunity to reexamine the values that form the foundation of human dignity, values such as justice, freedom, and equality, rooted in international documents and human experience
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Abbas Lesani, Abbas Vahedian Shahroudi, Abdolaziz Azimi Ghadim, Abolfazl Khoran, Ahmadreza Haeri, Ali Kheirjou, Amirsalar Davoudi, Anisha Asadollahi, Arak prison, Arman Shadivand, Arsham Rezaei, Darreh Shahr Prison, Davoud Rezavi, Ehsan Rostami, Evin Prison, Farhad Fahandezh, Fariba Kamalabadi, Fatemeh Sepahri, Fatemeh Tedrisi, golrokh iraee, Hashem Khastar, Hassan Tozandejani, Human Rights day, Jahangir Rostami, Javad Lal Mohammadi, Karaj Central Penitentiary, Lakan Rasht Prison, Mahbubeh Rezaei, Maryam Akbari-Monfared, Maryam Jalal Hosseini, Masoud Farhikhta, Matin Yazdani, Mehran Raoof, Mohammad Abolhasani, Mohammad Davari, Mohammad Najafi, Mohammad Nourizad, Morteza Parvin, Morteza Seyyedi, Narges Mansouri, Narges Mohammadi, Nasrollah Amirlu, Negin Rezaei, Nima Mahdizadegan, Payam Vali, Peyman Farhangian, Qarchak Varamin Prison, Ramin Rostami, Reza Aghdasi, Reza Mohammadhosseini, Saeed Madani, Salar Taher Afshar, Sara Jahani, Shakila Monfared, Sharifeh Mohammadi, Shiva Shah Siah, Tahir Naqavi, Vadoud Asadi, Vakilabad Prison (Mashhad), Yasaman Hashdari, Yousef Kari, Zahra Dadras, Zartosht Ahmadi Ragheb, Zohreh Dadras

HRANA News Agency –Human Rights Day is an opportunity to reflect on the condition of imprisoned civil activists in Iran, individuals who are behind bars solely for defending fundamental human rights. HRANA, by publishing a list of these brave activists, calls on the international community to amplify their voices and demand the immediate release of advocates for freedom and justice.

This day serves as a moment to reconsider the role of human rights defenders and civil activists in societies where fundamental rights are still subject to structural violations. Marked annually on the global calendar, it commemorates the principles laid out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted on December 10, 1948, principles that recognize freedom of expression, the prohibition of torture, the right to a fair trial, and human dignity as inalienable rights of all individuals. Nevertheless, the current reality in Iran highlights a stark gap between these international standards and the domestic situation.

In Iran, many human rights defenders, civil society activists, trade unionists, environmentalists, and advocates for fundamental freedoms face the threat of arrest, harsh sentences, and long-term deprivation, even for entirely peaceful activities conducted within the framework of domestic laws. These individuals, who constitute a significant part of the country’s civil society fabric, consistently encounter security pressures, broad restrictions, and systematic rights violations in their pursuit of transparency, justice, and equality. Most have been sentenced following closed-door trials, with limited access to legal counsel and based on vague or unsubstantiated charges, a process that not only contradicts Iran’s international obligations but also deeply impacts the civic space in the country.

In this report, HRANA publishes a list of over 61 imprisoned human rights defenders and civil activists in Iran, including 8 of whom currently being held in pretrial detention. This list is the result of ongoing collection, verification, and documentation efforts, aiming to provide a clear representation of the various dimensions of human rights violations against these defenders. The publication of this list is not merely the release of names; it tells a part of the story of Iranian civil society, in which the struggle to defend human rights can come at the cost of one’s freedom, health, and personal security.

Beyond commemorating foundational principles, Human Rights Day is also an occasion to consider the role of society and international institutions in supporting these defenders. Raising public awareness, demanding accountability from authorities, and supporting activists’ efforts are essential tools for advancing human rights in Iran. Through this report.

This report, in addition to documenting and reporting on these individuals’ conditions, is a step toward transparent and continuous documentation, aimed at preserving the truth, preventing collective amnesia, and laying the groundwork for accountability. Despite pressures and restrictions, human rights defenders in Iran remain a vital part of the collective effort to achieve a freer and more just society. Human Rights Day is a moment to once again bring their names and efforts to the forefront.

List of names:

Mohammad Najafi1. Mohammad Najafi, Civil Rights Activist

Charges: Sending a voice message from Arak Prison and expressing support for the 2022 nationwide protests; spreading falsehoods; propaganda against the regime; insulting the Supreme Leader.
Conviction: At least six separate cases totaling more than 24 years in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.
sharifeh mohammadi2. Sharifeh Mohammadi, labor activist

Charges: Propaganda against the regime; acting against national security; baghi (armed rebellion) through membership in one of the opposition groups.
Conviction: Following an order by the head of the judiciary, her sentence was reduced by one degree and changed to 30 years in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Lakan Prison in Rasht.

3. Fatemeh Sepehri, civil activist

Charges: Cooperation with hostile governments; assembly and collusion; insulting the Supreme Leader; propaganda against the regime; spreading falsehoods and disturbing public opinion.
Conviction: In five separate cases, a total of 41 years and 9 months in prison plus a monetary fine.
Place of imprisonment: Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

4. Golrokh Iraee, civil activist

Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security; propaganda against the regime; disrupting public order.
Conviction: Five years in prison and social deprivations.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.

5. Maryam Akbari Monfared, civil activist

Charges: Propaganda against the regime and assembly and collusion against national security.
Conviction: Two years in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Qarchak Prison in Varamin.

6. Zartosht Ahmadi Ragheb, civil activist

Charges: Propaganda against the regime; assembly and collusion to commit crimes against internal and external security.
Conviction: In two separate cases, a total of six years and eight months in prison, social deprivations, and exile.
Place of imprisonment: Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

7- Payam Vali, Baha’i civil activist

Charges: Cooperation with hostile governments; inciting or persuading people to war and killing each other; propaganda against the regime.
Conviction: In three separate cases, 11 years and 5 months in prison, social deprivations, and exile.
Place of imprisonment: Karaj Central Penitentiary.

8. Mohammad Davari, labor activist

Charges: Insulting the Supreme Leader and propaganda against the regime in favor of anti-regime groups on the Internet.
Conviction: Four years and six months in prison, social deprivations, and exile.
Place of imprisonment: Adelabad Prison in Shiraz.

9. Hashem Khastar, civil activist

Charges: Insulting the founder of the Islamic Republic; insulting sacred values; insulting the Supreme Leader; disturbing public opinion; cooperation with foreign media; participating in unlawful gatherings; and propaganda against the regime.
Conviction: In two separate cases, a total of 18 years and six months in prison, social deprivations, and exile.
Place of imprisonment: Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

10. Anisha Asadollahi, labor activist

Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security and propaganda against the regime.
Conviction: Five years and eight months in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.

11- Mehran Raoof, labor activist

Charges: Participation in running an unlawful group and propaganda against the regime.
Conviction: Seven years and six months in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.

12- Mohammad Nourizad, civil activist

Charges: Sending an audio file out of Evin Prison; disrupting public order; spreading falsehoods; insulting the founder of the Islamic Republic; insulting sacred values; insulting the Supreme Leader; disturbing public opinion; cooperation with foreign media; participating in unlawful gatherings; propaganda against the regime; and damaging the door and window of the ward chief’s office.
Conviction: In six separate cases, a total of 28 years and 9 months in prison, 148 lashes, and exile.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.

13- Saeed Madani, civil activist

Charges: Forming and administering anti-regime groups.
Conviction: Four years in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Damavand Prison.

14. Ahmadreza Haeri, civil activist

Charges: Assembly and collusion with the intent to commit a crime against national security; propaganda activities against the regime; and spreading falsehoods.
Conviction: In two separate cases, a total of six years and three months in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

15. Reza (Gholamreza) Aghdasi, labor activist

Charges: Propaganda against the regime and assembly and collusion with the intent to commit a crime against national security.
Conviction: Four years and three months in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison

16. Arman Shadivand, environmental activist

Charges: Propaganda against the regime and insulting the Supreme Leader.
Conviction: Two years in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Darreh Shahr Prison.

17. Narges Mansouri, civil activist

Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security, and propaganda against the regime.
Conviction: Nine years in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.

18. Abbas Vahedian Shahroudi, civil activist

Charges: Forming a group with the intent to act against national security, and cooperating with groups opposing the regime.
Conviction: A total of 24 years in prison and two years of exile in three separate cases.
Place of imprisonment: Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

19. Mohammad Abolhasani, civil activist

Charges: Disrupting public order; assembly and collusion against national security; and propaganda activities against the regime.
Conviction: In three separate cases, a total of five years and three months in prison, social deprivations, and 12 lashes. The flogging sentence has been carried out.
Place of imprisonment: Choubindar Prison in Qazvin.

20- Taher Naghavi, attorney and civil activist

Charges: Propaganda against the regime and assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security.
Conviction: Six years in prison and social deprivations.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.

21- Maryam Jalal Hosseini, civil activist

Charges: Inciting and persuading people to war and violence against one another with the intent to disrupt national security; propaganda against the regime; insulting the Supreme Leader; and forming a group aimed at undermining national security.
Conviction: Six years in prison and exile.
Place of imprisonment: Kachouei Prison in Karaj.

22- Shakila Monfared, civil activist

Charges: Membership in anti-regime groups; destruction of public property; disrupting public order and public peace; propaganda activities against the regime; and insulting Islamic sacred values.
Conviction: In four separate cases, a total of 15 years and five months in prison, ten lashes, social deprivations, and exile.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.

23- Morteza Seydi, labor activist

Charges: Forming a group under the name of a labor union with the intent to disrupt national security.
Conviction: Two years in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.

24. Nasrollah Amirloo, labor activist

Charges: Forming a group under the name of a labor union with the intent to disrupt national security.
Conviction: Two years in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.

25. Morteza Parvin, Azerbaijani-Turk activist

Charges: Propaganda against the regime and assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security.
Conviction: Six years in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.

 26. Foad Fathi, labor activist

Charges: Membership in anti-regime groups; acting against national security; and propaganda against the regime.
Conviction: Four years in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.

27. Abdolrasoul Mortazavi, civil activist

Charges: Insulting the founder of the Islamic Republic; insulting sacred values; insulting the Supreme Leader; disturbing public opinion; cooperating with foreign media; participating in unlawful gatherings; propaganda against the regime; and disrupting public order.
Conviction: In three separate cases, 30 years in prison, with the maximum cumulative sentence stated as 15 years in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan.

28. Fariba Kamalabadi, Baha’i civil activist

Charges: Administering an organization described by authorities as a “deviant and misguided sect” with the aim of disrupting national security.
Conviction: Ten years in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.

29. Javad La’al-Mohammadi, civil activist

Charges: Giving interviews to foreign media and membership in anti-regime groups.
Conviction: In three separate cases, a total of 23 years in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

30- Golareh Abbasi, civil activist

Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security, and propaganda against the regime.
Conviction: 33 months in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.

31. Arsham Rezaei, civil activist

Charges: Assembly and collusion with the intent to commit a crime against national security; propaganda activities against the regime; inciting people to clashes and bloodshed; acquiring illicit gains; and spreading falsehoods.
Conviction: In two separate cases, a total of 15 years in prison, a monetary fine, 50 lashes, and social deprivations.
Place of imprisonment: Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

32- Vadood Asadi, Azerbaijani-Turk activist

Charges: Propaganda against the regime; membership in opposition groups; insulting the Supreme Leader; and assembly and collusion against national security.
Conviction: In two separate cases, a total of six years and three months in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.

33- Salar Taher Afshar, Azerbaijani-Turk activist

Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security.
Conviction: Five years in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.

34. Abdolaziz Azimi-Ghadim, Azerbaijani-Turk activist

Charges: Propaganda against the regime and assembly, and collusion against national security.
Conviction: Six years in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.

35. Elham Salehi, civil activist

Charges: Propaganda activities against the regime; spreading falsehoods; and appearing in public without a hijab.
Conviction: One year in prison and complementary punishments.
Place of imprisonment: Qarchak Prison in Varamin.

36. Abolfazl Khoran, teachers’ union activist

Charges: Insulting sacred values and disrupting public order and public peace.
Conviction: A total of six years in prison, 74 lashes, and a 40 million toman fine in two separate cases.
Place of imprisonment: Arak Prison.

37- Masoud Farhikhteh, teachers’ union activist

Charges: Assembly and collusion with the intent to commit crimes against the country’s internal security, and propaganda activities against the regime.
Conviction: Four years, one month, and 17 days in prison.
Place of imprisonment: Karaj Central Penitentiary.

38- Reza Mohammad-Hosseini, civil activist

Charges: Membership in anti-regime groups with the aim of disrupting national security; assembly and collusion to commit a crime against national security; and propaganda activities against the regime.
Conviction: Initially 41 years and six months, later reduced to five years in prison at the appeals stage.
Place of imprisonment: Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

39- Mahboobeh Rezaei, civil activist

Charges: Membership in anti-regime groups with the aim of disrupting national security; assembly and collusion with the intent to commit a crime against national security; propaganda activities against the regime; insulting Islamic sacred values; unveiling (appearing without hijab); and displaying immoral behavior in cyberspace.
Conviction: Initially 19 years and 9 months, later reduced to five years in prison at the appeals stage.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.

40. Abbas Lessani, Azerbaijani-Turk activist

Charges: Forming an unlawful group; assembly and collusion against national security; and disrupting public order.
Conviction: He is being held in pretrial detention and has not yet been tried.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.

41. Farhad Fahandej, Baha’i civil activist

Charges: No information has yet been made available regarding the charges brought against Mr. Fahandej.
Conviction: He is being held in pretrial detention and has not been tried.
Place of imprisonment: A Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facilities in Gorgan.

42. Jahangir Rostami, teachers’ union activist

Charges: No information has yet been made available regarding the charges brought against Mr. Rostami.
Conviction: He is being held in pretrial detention and has not been tried.
Place of imprisonment: The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, known as Ward 209 of Evin Prison.

43. Ehsan Rostami, cultural activist

Charges: No information has yet been made available regarding the charges brought against Mr. Rostami.
Conviction: He is being held in pretrial detention and has not been tried.
Place of imprisonment: The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, known as Ward 209 of Evin Prison.

44. Hassan Tozandehjani, cultural activist

Charges: No information has yet been made available regarding the charges brought against Mr. Tozandehjani.
Conviction: He is being held in pretrial detention and has not been tried.
Place of imprisonment: The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, known as Ward 209 of Evin Prison.

45. Ramin Rostami, cultural activist

Charges: No information has yet been made available regarding the charges brought against Mr. Rostami.
Conviction: He is being held in pretrial detention and has not been tried.
Place of imprisonment: The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, known as Ward 209 of Evin Prison.

46. Nima Mahdizadegan, cultural activist

Charges: No information has yet been made available regarding the charges brought against Mr. Mahdizadegan.
Conviction: He is being held in pretrial detention and has not been tried.
Place of imprisonment: The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, known as Ward 209 of Evin Prison.

47. Mehdi Farrahi Shandiz, teachers’ union activist

Charges: No information has yet been made available regarding the charges brought against Mr. Farrahi Shandiz.
Conviction: He is being held in pretrial detention and has not been tried.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.

The following list includes activists who are currently outside prison due to a suspension of their sentences, furlough, or other similar circumstances:

 

1. Narges Mohammadi, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and human rights activist

Charges: Propaganda activities against the Islamic Republic of Iran through publishing a statement (the statement against executions); staging a sit-in inside the prison office; disobeying the prison warden and officials (for refusing to end the protest sit-in); breaking windows; defamation and causing bodily harm; confrontation with an officer and disobedience; and additional propaganda activities against the regime.
Conviction: In seven separate cases, a total of 15 years and six months in prison, 74 lashes, exile, and social deprivations.
Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison (currently on medical furlough with the execution of her sentence temporarily suspended).

2- Amirsalar Davoudi, attorney and human rights activist

Charges: Insulting the Supreme Leader; disturbing public opinion; and forming an anti-security group.
Conviction: 14 years in prison.
Case status: Following the Supreme Court’s Branch 39 decision to accept his request for retrial and refer the case to a parallel branch, the enforcement of his sentence has been halted.

3- Fatemeh (Mojgan) Tadrisi, civil activist

Charges: Inciting and persuading people to war and violence against one another with the intent to disrupt national security; propaganda against the regime; insulting the Supreme Leader; and forming a group aimed at undermining national security.
Conviction: Six years in prison and exile.
Place of imprisonment: Kachouei Prison in Karaj (currently on medical furlough).

4. Peyman Farhangian, labor activist

Charges: Propaganda against the regime and forming a group with the intent to disrupt public order.
Conviction: In two separate cases, a total of 11 years in prison and social deprivations.
Place of imprisonment: Azbaram Prison in Lahijan (currently on furlough).

5. Jelveh Javaheri, women’s rights activist

Charges: Propaganda against the regime.
Conviction: One year in prison.
Case status: Following the request for retrial at the Supreme Court, the execution of her sentence has been temporarily halted, and she has been released on bail pending review.

6. Yasamin Heshdari, women’s rights activist

Charges: Membership in a group and assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security.
Conviction: Six years, one month, and 17 days in prison.
Case status: Following the request for retrial at the Supreme Court, the execution of her sentence has been temporarily halted, and she has been released on bail.

7- Sara Jahani, women’s rights activist

Charges: Membership in a group and assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security.
Conviction: Six years, one month, and 17 days in prison.
Case status: Following the request for retrial at the Supreme Court, the execution of her sentence has been temporarily halted, and she has been released on bail.

8- Matin Yazdani, women’s rights activist

Charges: Membership in a group and assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security.
Conviction: Six years, one month, and 17 days in prison.
Case status: Following the request for retrial at the Supreme Court, the execution of her sentence has been temporarily halted, and she has been released on bail.

9- Negin Rezaei, women’s rights activist

Charges: Membership in a group and assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security.
Conviction: Six years, one month, and 17 days in prison.
Case status: Following the request for retrial at the Supreme Court, the execution of her sentence has been temporarily halted, and she has been released on bail.

10- Forough Sami-Nia, women’s rights activist

Charges: Membership in a group and assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security.
Conviction: Six years, one month, and 17 days in prison.
Case status: Following the request for retrial at the Supreme Court, the execution of her sentence has been temporarily halted, and she has been released on bail.

11- Shiva Shah-Siah, women’s rights activist

Charges: Membership in a group and assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security.
Conviction: Six years, one month, and 17 days in prison.
Case status: Following the request for retrial at the Supreme Court, the execution of her sentence has been temporarily halted, and she has been released on bail.

12- Azadeh Chavoshian, women’s rights activist

Charges: Membership in a group and assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security.
Conviction: Six years, one month, and 17 days in prison.
Case status: Following the request for retrial at the Supreme Court, the execution of her sentence has been temporarily halted, and she has been released on bail.

13- Zohreh (Fatemeh) Dadras, women’s rights activist

Charges: Forming a group with the aim of disrupting national security, and assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security.
Conviction: Nine years, six months, and two days in prison.
Case status: Following the request for retrial at the Supreme Court, the execution of her sentence has been temporarily halted, and she has been released on bail.

14. Zahra Dadras, women’s rights activist

Charges: Membership in a group and assembly, and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security.
Conviction: Six years, one month, and 17 days in prison.
Case status: Following the request for retrial at the Supreme Court, the execution of her sentence has been temporarily halted, and she has been released on bail.

Human Rights Day is also an opportunity to re-examine the values that form the foundation of human dignity, values such as justice, freedom, and equality, rooted in international documents and human experience. The names recorded in this report reflect only a portion of a broader reality, one in which human rights defenders and civil activists in Iran, solely for their commitment to human principles and peaceful activities, face deprivation of liberty, security pressures, and fundamental rights violations.

These individuals, despite the limitations and high costs, embody values recognized by the international community. Silence or indifference toward their condition is not only a disregard for human suffering but also a dismissal of the principles on which the international system is built. In this context, on Human Rights Day, the following are demanded from Iranian authorities and the international community:

• Immediately and unconditionally release all individuals detained for the peaceful exercise of their rights, and review all related convictions to vacate unjust charges and ensure reparations for victims.

• End unlawful restrictions on the freedom of expression, association, assembly, and civic engagement, and halt the use of vague national security charges that criminalize peaceful dissent.

• Guarantee due process and fair trial rights, including access to independent legal counsel from the moment of arrest, transparent legal proceedings, and full access to families, medical care, and communication.

• Prohibit torture and all forms of ill-treatment, end the use of coerced forced confessions, and allow independent monitoring and inspections of all detention facilities.

• Allow independent monitoring and international engagement, including granting access to the UN Fact-Finding Mission, Special Rapporteurs (Thematic and Geographic Mandates), and credible civil society organizations to assess conditions and investigate violations.

• Establish effective accountability and oversight mechanisms to prevent recurrence of abuses, ensure judicial independence, reform vague criminal provisions enabling arbitrary detention, and hold perpetrators who enable the cycle of abuse against activists, responsible.

Finally, civil society as well as citizens across the globe are called upon to continue their support, advocacy, and awareness-raising efforts, ensuring that the situation of these prisoners is not sidelined. Amplifying their voices and demanding adherence to human rights obligations are essential steps toward achieving lasting change and alleviating the suffering of those who have sacrificed their freedom in defense of human rights.

After Writing a Letter to Khamenei, Mohammad Davari Transferred to an Unknown Location

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Adelabad Prison, Mohammad Davari, Shiraz, محمد داوری

HRANA News Agency – Mohammad Davari, a labor activist serving his sentence in Adelabad Prison, Shiraz, was transferred to an undisclosed location yesterday. According to his defense attorney, this transfer is linked to a letter he wrote yesterday to Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, in which he described torture, threats of sexual violence, and fabricated charges against him in prison.

His lawyer, Fereshteh Tabanian, confirmed the news, stating:
“Following the publication of my client Mohammad Davari’s letter to Mr. Khamenei, he was taken from Adelabad Prison in Shiraz to an unknown location this morning.”

Another defense lawyer, Astareh Ansari, based in Shiraz, has been unable to obtain any information on Davari’s whereabouts despite persistent inquiries.

Details of the Letter

Two days ago, Mohammad Davari wrote a letter from prison, detailing torture, threats of sexual assault, and fabricated cases against him. He also accused prison officials of violent treatment, medical negligence, and inhumane conditions for inmates.

Davari’s Sentence

In November, 2024, Branch 1 of the Shiraz Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Seyed Mahmoud Sadati, sentenced him to:

  • Three years in prison for “insulting the Supreme Leader,” along with a travel ban, passport revocation, a ban on online activities, and two years of forced residence in Bardsir, Kerman.
  • One year and six months in prison for “propaganda against the regime in favor of opposition groups.”

Under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the longest sentence—three years in prison—was enforceable.

Background

Mohammad Davari, aged around 30, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Azad University of Yasuj and is a Political Science undergraduate student at Golestan University of Shiraz. He has a history of arrest and conviction due to his activities.

He was last arrested on May 14, 2024, and transferred to Adelabad Prison to serve his sentence.

Life-Threatening Neglect: The Dire Conditions of Political and Sick Prisoners in Iranian Prisons

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Abdolamir Zargani, Afif Naeimi, Afshin Baymani, Alireza Mardasi, Anwar Chalshi, Azar Karvandi (Korvandi) Mousa Zadeh, Farzaneh Ghareh-Hassanlou, Gholamhossein Kalbi, Hamzeh Sowari, Hassan Saeedi, Hooran Nik Bakht, Hossein Koushki Nejad, HRANA, Jaber Sokhravi, Jamal Ameli, Manouchehr Bakhtiari, Maryam Jalal Hosseini, Marzieh Farsi, Matlab Ahmadian, Meysam Dehban-Zadeh, Mohammad Davari, Mohammad Rezvani Kashani, Morteza Parvin, Narges Mohammadi, Nejat Anwar Hamidi, Pariwash Moslemi, Political Prisoners, Rahele Rahimi Pour, Reza (Gholamreza) Aghdasi, Reza Salman Zadeh, Reza Shahabi, Rezvaneh Ahmadkhan Beigi, Rouhollah Kavousi, Sajad Iman-Nejad, Saman Yasin, Sara Jahani, Sarvenaz Ahmadi, Taher Naqavi, Wissam Mazraeh, Zeinab Jalalian

HRANA News Agency –Political prisoners in Iran are facing dangerous and deteriorating conditions, including the denial of adequate medical care. This systemic neglect of prisoners’ basic rights, particularly those who are ill, constitutes a blatant violation of human rights and Iran’s domestic laws. The critical situation of these prisoners has once again raised international concerns about human rights violations in Iranian prisons.

Iranian prisons have long been recognized as centers of widespread human rights abuses, especially against political prisoners. These prisoners, often detained for their political and ideological beliefs, are frequently deprived of their basic rights, including access to medical care. This report examines the dire situation of political prisoners in Iran, particularly those who are ill, and analyzes the legal aspects of prisoners’ rights within the framework of Iranian law and the international commitments of the Islamic Republic.

Since the 1979 revolution, the Islamic Republic of Iran has used prisons as tools to suppress dissent. One of the most significant events in modern Iranian history is the mass executions of the summer of 1988, widely described as crimes against humanity. Thousands of political prisoners were executed without fair trials. In 2013, the Canadian Parliament condemned these executions and designated September 1 as a day of solidarity with Iran’s political prisoners, symbolizing international support for those imprisoned for their beliefs and political activities.

Amidst the mass executions of the 1980s, the focus on prisoners’ conditions and rights received less attention. While thousands of prisoners were executed, nearly all of them were deprived of their human rights as prisoners until their execution, including the prohibition of torture, the right to medical care, and respect for human dignity.

Current Situation of Political Prisoners

Iranian prisons remain sites of systematic human rights violations, particularly against political prisoners. Recent reports indicate that many political prisoners face serious health issues and are denied access to adequate medical care. This deprivation is often used as a tool for further pressure and suppression.

The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran explicitly supports the rights of prisoners. Article 38 states that “all forms of torture for extracting confessions or information are forbidden. Coercing someone to testify, confess, or swear an oath is not permitted, and such testimony, confession, or oath shall have no validity or credibility. Violators of this article shall be punished according to the law.”

Furthermore, Article 39 states, “Insulting the dignity of a person who has been arrested, detained, imprisoned, or exiled in accordance with the law, in any form, is prohibited and shall be punishable.” These principles indicate that not only is torture forbidden, but any inhumane treatment of prisoners is also prohibited.

Additionally, the “Executive Regulations of the Organization of Prisons and Security and Corrective Measures of the Country,” with its updated version published in May 2021, sets out detailed regulations regarding prisoners’ health and medical rights. Articles 117 to 160 specifically address the healthcare and medical rights of prisoners. For instance, Article 118 emphasizes the involvement of the sick prisoner’s family in the treatment process. Article 149 refers to the “constant monitoring of prisoners concerning disease,” a right that has clearly been violated in many cases.

However, evidence shows that judicial authorities and prison officials in Iran frequently refuse to implement these laws and regulations. Many sick political prisoners have been deprived of the right to access medical care, and their health conditions are dire. This systematic neglect of prisoners’ health is a clear violation of the Constitution and related executive regulations. Among the latest instances of suspicious prisoner deaths is the ambiguous death of Mohammad Mirmousavi, whose death was announced after being detained in a Lahijan police detention center.

A long list of political prisoners deprived of sufficient medical care includes:

Motaleb Ahmadian, Pariwash Moslemi, Rahele Rahemi-Pour, Gholamhossein Kalbi, Reza Shahabi, Sajad Iman-Nejad, Reza (Gholamreza) Aghdasi, Jamal Ameli, Azar Korvandi Mousa-Zadeh, Marzieh Farsi, Hossein Kooshki-Nejad, Mohammad Rezvani Kashani, Taher Naghavi, Hoora Nikbakht, Sarvenaz Ahmadi, Hassan Saeedi, Meysam Dehban-Zadeh, Hamzeh Savari, Ruhollah Kavousi, Wissam Mazraeh, Alireza Mardasi, Jaber Sakhravi, Abdolemam Zayeri, Morteza Parvin, Anwar Chaleshi, Mohammad Davari, Maryam Jalal Hosseini, Afif Naeimi, Zeinab Jalalian, Afshin Baymani, Reza Salman-Zadeh, Nejat Anwar Hamidi, Narges Mohammadi, Rezvaneh Ahmadkhan-Beigi, Saman Yasin, Farzaneh Ghareh-Hassanlou, and Manouchehr Bakhtiari, Abolhassan Montazer, Vahid Bani-Amerian, and Zartosht Ahmadi Ragheb.

Iran’s International Commitments

The Islamic Republic of Iran is a member of the United Nations and, as a signatory to various international covenants, is committed to upholding human rights. Among these covenants is the “International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,” which Iran joined in 1966. According to Article 7 of this covenant, “No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.”

Furthermore, the “United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners” sets out principles to protect prisoners’ rights, emphasizing the need for appropriate medical care and considering deprivation of such rights as a form of torture.

By joining these covenants and adopting these rules, the Islamic Republic of Iran has committed to respecting prisoners’ rights. However, evidence shows these commitments have been widely violated. Political prisoners in Iran are not only deprived of their basic rights but are also subjected to treatment that clearly contradicts Iran’s international obligations.

Denial of Medical Care: A Form of Torture and Human Rights Violation

The denial of appropriate medical care for political prisoners in Iran can be considered a form of torture and a violation of human rights. These deprivations are not only systematically and deliberately imposed but are also used with political motives to intimidate and suppress opponents. In many cases, prison authorities refuse to provide treatment to prisoners and even prevent their transfer to specialized hospitals when their physical conditions are severe.

These actions constitute blatant violations of international covenants and Iran’s domestic laws. For example, in the case of Afshin Baymani, who suffers from coronary artery disease, the lack of proper treatment and denial of transfer to a hospital can be seen as a violation of his right to life and health.

International Reactions and the Role of the Global Community

International human rights organizations, including the United Nations, have repeatedly expressed concern over the situation of political prisoners in Iran. These organizations have stressed that as a UN member, Iran is obligated to abide by international human rights laws and must adhere to its commitments.

Human Rights Activists have repeatedly called on governments worldwide and international organizations to pressure the Islamic Republic to provide appropriate medical conditions for prisoners. The organization has also urged the international community to take a firm stance against human rights violations in Iran and to take necessary actions to protect prisoners’ rights.

In this context, there have been calls from international organizations, including the European Union, the International Red Cross, and the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran, for immediate intervention and the release of political prisoners. These organizations have demanded urgent medical care for sick prisoners and assurance of their access to basic rights.

Suggestions for the International Community

To address this dire situation, the international community must act in a coordinated and decisive manner against human rights violations in Iran. Actions that can be taken include:

  • Governments worldwide should exert more pressure on the Islamic Republic of Iran through international forums and human rights organizations to comply with its international obligations.
  • Imposing targeted sanctions on Iranian judicial and security officials involved in human rights violations and the torture of prisoners can serve as a tool to pressure the Iranian government.
  • The United Nations and other international bodies should establish monitoring mechanisms to oversee the situation of prisoners in Iran and publish periodic reports on their status.
  • Media outlets and human rights organizations should work to raise public awareness of the situation of political prisoners in Iran, thereby increasing pressure on Iranian authorities.

The situation of political prisoners in Iran reflects widespread human rights violations by the Islamic Republic. Denial of appropriate treatment, use of torture, and failure to respect prisoners’ basic rights indicate a deep human rights crisis in the country. The international community must act decisively and in coordination to defend these prisoners’ rights and hold Iranian authorities accountable for these crimes.

 

Report on the Latest Situation of Workers’ Rights Advocate Mohammad Davari in Adelabad Prison, Shiraz

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News
Adelabad Prison, HRANA, Mohammad Davari

Mohammad Davari, a workers’ rights advocate is serving his sentence in Adelabad Prison, Shiraz. In a violation of prisoners’ rights, he has recently been denied access to phone calls to his family starting from Sunday, June 16.

A source close to Davari’s family confirmed this news to HRANA, saying: “Mr. Davari was transferred from solitary confinement to the judicial suite of Adelabad Prison, Shiraz today. At the same time, by the order of the prison supervising judge, he has been denied the ability to make phone calls to his family.”

Davari went on a hunger strike on June 8 in protest of his relocation to solitary confinement as a punitive measure.

Davari began serving his sentence on May 15 this year in Adelabad Prison, Shiraz.

Earlier in November of 2023, he was sentenced by Branch 1 of the Shiraz Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Seyed Mahmoud Sadati, to three years of imprisonment for the charge of “insulting the Supreme Leader of Iran”, a ban on leaving the country with passport cancellation, a ban on online activities, and mandatory residence in Bardsir, Kerman for two years. Additionally, for the charge of propaganda against the regime in favor of anti-regime groups, he was sentenced to one year and six months of imprisonment.

Under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the most severe punishment from multiple charges, which is three years of imprisonment, will be enforceable for him.

A source close to the Davari family told HRANA about the details of the court process: “The court did not cite any examples regarding the charge of “insulting the Supreme Leader of Iran” against the defendant. Furthermore, another part of his case concerning the charge of “disseminating falsehoods” is under review in the Shiraz Criminal Court.”

The hearing on Mohammad Davari’s charges was held in absentia on November 19, 2023, in this judicial body.

Mohammad Davari, aged around 30, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Azad University of Yasuj and is a Political Science undergraduate student at Golestan University of Shiraz. He has a history of arrest and conviction due to his activities.

 

Workers’ Rights Advocate Mohammad Davari Imprisoned to Serve Sentence

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News, Prisoners
Adelabad Prison, Mahmood Sadati, Mohammad Davari, Shiraz Revolutionary Court, محمد داوری

On May 14, 2024, workers’ rights advocate Mohammad Davari was imprisoned in Adelabad Prison in Shiraz to begin serving his four-year, six-month sentence. Three years of this term are enforceable.

A source close to Davari’s family confirmed to HRANA his incarceration in Adelabad Prison.

In November of last year, the Shiraz Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Mahmood Sadati, sentenced Davari to three years in prison, a two-year prohibition from leaving the country, a ban on social media activities, and a two-year mandatory residence in Bardsir County for “insulting the Supreme Leader of Iran.” Additionally, Davari received a one-year and six-month sentence for “propaganda against the regime in favor of anti-regime groups.”

According to Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, which stipulates that in cases of multiple charges, the harshest punishment shall be enforced, Davari will serve three years in prison.

Earlier, a source informed HRANA that the court did not cite any specific action as the basis for the aforementioned charges. According to this source, Davari also faces a charge of “disseminating false information” from the Shiraz Criminal Court.

Notably, Mohammad Davari has a history of prior arrests and convictions stemming from his activism. He is a civil engineering graduate from Yasuj University and a political science Master’s student from Shiraz Payam Noor University.

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Mohammad Davari Receives Four Years and Six Months Prison Sentence

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Bardsir, HRANA, Kerman, Mahmood Sadati, Mohammad Davari, Shiraz

The Shiraz Revolutionary Court has issued a verdict sentencing workers’ rights activist Mohammad Davari to four years and six months in prison. The sentence includes a two-year mandatory residence in Bardsir County, Kerman Province, a two-year travel ban, and additional social deprivations.

Presiding over the court, Judge Mahmood Sadati delivered a three-year prison term, a two-year prohibition from leaving the country, a ban on social media activities, and a two-year mandatory residence in Bardsir County for charges related to “insulting the Supreme Leader of Iran.” Additionally, Davari was handed a one-year and six-month sentence for “propaganda against the regime in favor of anti-regime groups.”

Despite the severity of the charges, a source informed HRANA that the court did not provide any specific examples for the accusation of “insulting the Supreme Leader of Iran.”

Furthermore, Davari is concurrently facing allegations of “disseminating false information” in another pending legal case, currently under consideration by the Shiraz Criminal Court.

Notably, Mohammad Davari has a history of prior arrests and convictions stemming from his activism. He is a civil engineering graduate from Yasuj University and a political science alumnus from Shiraz Payam Noor University.

Mohammad Davari Released from Adel-Abad Prison in Shiraz

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News, Prisoners
Adel Abad, Adelabad, Adelabad Prison, Davari, Fars, Fars Province, Hashemi Rafsanjani, Mohammad Davari, Rafsanjani, Sadati, Seyed Mahmood Sadati, Shiraz

On Thursday, October 29, workers’ rights activist Mohammad Davari was released by a guarantor from Adel-Abad Prison in Shiraz.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, Ministry of Intelligence forces arrested Mohammad Davari in Shiraz  on October 2, 2019, and transferred him to the detention center known as House No. 100 at the disposal of the intelligence ministry.

Thereafter, security forces searched his house and confiscated some of his belongings including books and written notes. After successive interrogations in the detention center, on January 11, 2020, Davari was relocated to Adel-Abad Prison. From there Davari was released on bail of 1.5 billion tomans temporarily, until the end of the legal proceedings.

In April 2020, the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz, headed by judge Seyed Mahmood Sadati, sentenced Davari to seven years and six months imprisonment on a charge of “membership in one of opposition political parties” and one year in prison on a charge of “propaganda against the regime”.

This verdict was reduced to three years and nine months in prison by Branch 1 of the Court of Appeal of Fars Province. Grounded on Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, a severest punishment of two years and nine months for both charges is enforceable.

On December 16, 2020, Davari appeared at the executive unit of the General Court to endure his prison sentence in Adel Abad Prison.

Davari has a graduate degree in civil engineering from Islamic Azad University and is a masters student of Political Science at Shiraz Golestan University.

He had previously faced other arrests and convictions due to his civil activities. In one case, he was arrested following the death of Hashemi Rafsanjani when he pulled down a banner bearing Rafsanjani’s photo. He was later released on bail.

On September 9 of this year, the court granted Davari release by a guarantor. Despite providing a guarantor by his family, he was not released. Instead, without informing his family and lawyer, he was secretly relocated from Adel-Abad prison to a solitary confinement cell in the detention center of the intelligence ministry where he faced news charges. Two days later, he was sent back to Adel-Abad prison. Just a few hours after his relocation, he was denied having phone calls. Nearly two months later, Davari has finally been released.

 

An Academic Year of Teacher Crackdowns

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Cultural, Labor and Guilds
Abdolreza Ghanbari, Aliakbar Baghani, Alireza Hashemi, Bakhtiar Arefi, Esmaeil Abdi, Hashem Khastar, imprisoned teachers, Jafar Ebrahimi, Mahmoud Beheshti Langroodi, Mahmud Bagheri, Mohammad Davari, mohammad habibi, Mohammad Sani, Mohsen Omrani, Mokhtar Asadi, Nabiollah Bastan Farsani, Rasool Bodaghi, Ruhollah Mardani, Taher Ghaderzadeh, teacher union

Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) – Iranian authorities have tightened their grip on union activities in recent years, and teacher union activists are far from the exception. Indeed, if representatives of various industries have been met with blowback for organizing in defense of their colleagues’ collective rights, a retrospective of crackdowns in the education field gives reason to believe that authorities reserve particular vitriol for the nation’s educators.

So far this year, Iranian teachers and educator-activists have been arrested by security agents, brought to court under various allegations, issued lengthy prison sentences, flogged, and exiled. On this turning of Iran’s new academic year, HRANA looks back at the cases of several teachers who were persecuted by authorities this year.

Mohammad Habibi: Union Activist, Member of the Teachers’ Union Association Board of Directors in Tehran Province

On May 10, 2018, the Council for Coordination of Teaching Syndicates urged teachers, be they retired or employed, to assemble in protest across the country. In Tehran, several of those who responded to the call were beaten and arrested and five days later Habibi was transferred to Great Tehran Penitentiary; all but Habibi were released on bail.

Now, Habibi’s case—which recently inspired more than 1400 civil and union activists to write to Iran’s Supreme leader demanding that he receive medical treatment—will be reviewed in Branch 36 of the Tehran Appeals Court, presided by Judge Seyed Ahmad Zargar. Habibi’s attorney Hossein Taj told a correspondent from the state-run news agency IRNA on Monday, September 17th that a date for the hearing has yet to be set.

Cumulatively, his charges would carry a sentence of ten years: seven and a half years for “National-Security Related Crimes”, 18 months for “Propaganda against the Regime”, and another 18 months for “Disrupting Public Order.” In addition to prison terms, he was dealt a two-year ban from political and civic activities, a two-year travel ban, and 74 lashings.

Habibi suffers from chest pain and throat and lung infections secondary to assault wounds inflicted by authorities during his arrest, yet continues to be denied medical treatment. On the one occasion his medical leave was granted, according to HRANA reports, the receiving hospital dismissed him without treatment, sending him back to Evin Prison’s Ward 4 on Monday, September 3, 2018, where he has remained since.

Habibi’s case–particularly his compromised medical condition–recently drew the support of teacher organizations abroad. In a letter addressed to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the French trade unions SFDT, SGT, FSO, Solidaires, and UNSA held the Supreme Leader accountable for Habibi’s fate, and called his imprisonment a violation of both human rights and the fundamental freedoms of syndicates. In May 2018, General Secretary of Education International (EI) David Edwards vehemently denounced Habibi’s arrest and detention, demanding his immediate release in a letter to Iranian president Hassan Rouhani.

The Teachers’ Union Association of the Province of Tehran has publicly condemned the recent persecution of union advocates, also demanding that the necessary steps be taken for Habibi’s immediate release.

Habibi was arrested at his workplace on March 3, 2018 and jailed for 44 days in Evin Prison. On April 15, 2018, he was released on a bail of approximately $20000 USD (2.5 Billion Rials) pending his trial the following August.

A letter from Habibi’s HR office confirmed he is no longer receiving his salary.

Mahmoud Beheshti Langroodi: Former Spokesman of the Teachers’ Union Association

Mahmoud Beheshti Langroodi, former spokesman of the Teachers’ Union Association, has been persistently following up on his requests for conditional release, having already served half of the five-year sentence he began September 6, 2015 in Evin. Authorities have thus far been unresponsive.

According to his wife Adineh Beigi, Langroodi started his teaching career in 1983 and remained an hourly employee for the first seven years, suspended in the recruitment process due to his allegedly oppositional intellectual leanings. In the genesis of the Teachers’ Union Association in the early 2000s, he was one of the first to join its board of directors, and was elected general secretary for two terms. He has also served on the board as an inspector and spokesman.

Langroodi had been sentenced to a total of 14 years in prison for three separate cases tried in revolutionary courts, all presided by judges known as “Salavati and Moghiseh.” In April 8, 2017, with the application of article 134, which limits defendants of multiple charges to the single heaviest among their sentences, his 14-year prison sentence was reduced to five years. Now, having served two third of his prison term, his family awaits his release.

On July 2, 2018, Langroodi went on hunger strike to protest the continued mistreatment of political prisoners, and wrote an open letter imputing the eventual consequences of his hunger strike on those who had put him behind bars, particularly the judges and prosecutor’s office.

On July 16th of this year, the Teachers’ Union Association of Tehran Province issued a statement condemning the judiciary’s disregard of the law, and criticizing the assistant prosecutor in charge of Evin Prison for negligence. The letter validated the demands of Beheshti and his fellow imprisoned teachers, urging them to cease their hunger strike.

Moved by his comrades’ letter and concerned about his declining health, Beheshti ended his hunger strike after 14 days.

Langaroudi has been summoned, interrogated, arrested, and detained several times during the past few years for his peaceful trade union activities.

Esmaeil Abdi: General Secretary of the Teachers’ Union Association

Esmail Abdi, former secretary general of the Teachers’ Union Association, is serving a 6-year sentence in Evin Prison.

A former teacher of mathematics, Abdi was arrested by security forces June 27, 2015 and sentenced February 2016 by Judge Salavati in Branch 15 of Revolutionary Court on charges of “Propaganda against the Regime” and “Assembling and Colluding against National Security.”

On May 14, 2016, after serving 11 months, he was released on bail until his trial the following October, when Branch 36 of the Tehran Appeals Court upheld his six-year prison sentence. He has been in Ward 8 of Evin prison since being arrested in his home by security forces on November 9, 2016.

Under Article 134, Abdi’s sentence should be limited to the heaviest one of his multiple sentences, and thus should not exceed five years. It remains to be seen if the judiciary will uphold Article 134 in his case.

Over the course of Abdi’s imprisonment, several groups have spoken out against his treatment by the judicial system and pleaded for his release, including the Syndicate of United Bus Company Workers of Greater Tehran (known as ‘Sandicaye Sherkat Vahed’), the International Education Organization, the Iran Teachers’ Organization, a number of individual labor and union activists, the Coordinating Council of Iranian Teachers’ Trade Associations, the Kurdish Teachers’ Association, and the Canadian Teachers’ Federation.

In April 24, 2018, Esmail Abdi staged a 23-day hunger strike to protest the “widespread violation of teachers’ and workers’ rights in Iran.” Amnesty International was prompted by the urgency of his hunger strike to issue their own demand for Abdi’s release on April 28, 2018.

Abdi had previously gone on hunger strike one year earlier in protest of his trial proceedings, the judiciary’s lack of autonomy, and the continued unlawful repression of teachers and labors union activists. More than a month into the strike he was transferred to a hospital and began eating again on June 7th at the requests of his family and the Teacher’s Union Association.

Abdi was the 2018 recipient of the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) Solidarity Award at its annual conference in Birmingham, England.

Mohammad Sani, a Teacher of Exceptional Schools in Southern Iran

Mohammad Sani, a teacher from Bushehr, southern Iran, was sentenced to two years in prison and 74 lashings for his union activities, which landed him a conviction of “spreading misinformation and disturbing public opinion” this past August. He is currently waiting for the Enforcement Department to deliver his summons and begin his prison time.

An informed source previously told HRANA that Sani’s charge is related to the widespread teacher protests in 2015, which prompted the County Governorate of Dashtestan, Bushehr province to open a case against the protestors. “When Mr. Sani responded to the county governor’s insults to the teachers at the sit in, they opened a case on him,” the source said.

In October 2015, Iranian teachers staged peaceful protests across the country, demanding the release of their imprisoned colleagues, the fulfillment of union requests, and public consideration for the threatened livelihoods of educators.

Ruhollah Mardani: Teacher and Tehran University Student

In Ward 4 of Evin Prison, Ruhollah Mardani is currently serving a sentence of six years, plus a two-year ban on typical citizen rights including travel.

Mardani was arrested and transferred to Evin Prison on February 17, 2018 for his participation in the widespread January protests one month earlier. His initial court hearing, which convened in June of this year, convicted him on charges of “Propaganda against the regime” and “Gathering and collusion aimed at disrupting national security.”

Mardani started a hunger strike April 24th 2017 to protest his detainment and stalled court proceedings while in prison. When authorities promised to accelerate their investigation of his case on May 21st, he began eating again after twenty seven consecutive days of strike.

An informed source previously told HRANA that the Education Security Office cut off his salary in the first month of his arrest, arguing that he could not be paid during his detention. “His job security is under threat right now,” the source said.

Mardani was working as a consultant teacher in region 4 of Karaj while studying at Tehran University.

Bakhtiar Arefi: Teacher in Sardasht, northwestern Iran

Bakhtiar Arefi began serving his 18-month prison sentence on Tuesday July 24, 2018 in Mahabad Prison. He was arrested January 25, 2015 for non-union reasons including “Membership in a Reformist Organization” and released on bail after one month.

Shortly thereafter in Revolutionary Court on February 25, 2017, Arefi was sentenced to three years in prison. His sentence was upheld in Branch 40 of Supreme Court, only to be later reduced to eighteen months in Branch 13 of Urmia Appeals Court on October 30, 2017, via application of Article 18 of Islamic Penal Code. If he serves his sentence as indicated, he will be released December 23, 2019.

Iranian teachers who have faced judicial persecution along with their unionist colleagues include Mokhtar Asadi, Taher Ghaderzadeh, Rasool Bodaghi, Aliakbar Baghani, Nabiollah Bastan Farsani, Abdolreza Ghanbari, Mahmud Bagheri, Mohammad Davari, Alireza Hashemi, Jafar Ebrahimi, Hashem Khastar, Mohsen Omrani.

Civil Rights Activist Mohammad Davari Arraigned

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Freedom of Expression, Prisoners
freedom of expression, iran human rights, iran protests, Mohammad Davari, prisoner of conscience

Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA)- Mohammad Davari, a civil rights activist from Yasouj in the province of Kohgiluyeh and Boyerahmad, was read his charges in Branch 4 of the Investigation and Prosecution office on September 19th, after presenting himself in response to a summons he received last week.

After a round of questioning, judicial authorities issued a charge of “disseminating propaganda against the regime” and released him on bail pending completion of the investigation.

A source close to Davari’s family confirmed the news to HRANA, adding that the plaintiff in the case is the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Intelligence Unit and that the judge admitted into evidence Davari’s “notes on cyberspace” and his promotion of books “against the regime and the Islamic Revolution.”

Contrary to the judge’s implication, Davari contests that his notes only touched on such subjects as the Tehran-Yasouj plane crash, labor conditions, and the environmental conditions in his home province. The books in question, published by Davari with the permission of the Ministry of Culture and Guidance, were about women’s rights, culture, and art.

Davari was arrested by Ministry of Intelligence forces on August 10, 2018. During his custody and until his August 27th release on a 200 million toman (approximately $20,000 USD) bond, he was denied medical care.

He was previously detained on March 5, 2018, for taking part in widespread popular protests in Iran. He was released ten days later on a 50 million toman (approximately $10,000 USD) bail.

Born in Dehdasht, about 90 miles west of Yasouj, Davari is a master’s student of political science who faced temporary detention on a prior occasion for pulling down a banner bearing the photo of late politician Hashemi Rafsanjani.

Civil Rights Activist Mohammad Davari Released on Bail

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Freedom of Expression, Prisoners
iran human rights, Mohammad Davari, political prisoners in Iran, prisoner of conscience, yasouj central prison

Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA)- Mohammad Davari, a 26-year-old civil rights activist from the city of Yasouj (southwestern Iran) who was arrested by Ministry of Intelligence forces on August 10, 2018, was released around noon local time on August 27th on a 200 million tomans (approximately $20,000 USD) bail pending the completion of the investigation into his case.

Earlier a source close to Davari’s family told HRANA: “Mr Davari was severely beaten in the chest and stomach areas during his interrogation at the Yasouj Intelligence office. As a result, he suffered from severe nausea which led to shortness of breath and consequently, on Monday, August 20th, Mr. Davari vomited blood. He asked twice for medical attention but the authorities refused to transfer him to the prison clinic or a hospital outside the prison.”

Mohammad Davari was held incommunicado in the Yasouj Intelligence office before he was transferred to Yasouj Central Prison. He was previously detained on March 5, 2018, for taking part in widespread popular protests in Iran. He was released eight days later on a 50 million tomans (approximately $10,000 USD) bail. The authorities reportedly told Davari’s family that he was arrested on the charge of “Acting against national security through disturbing the public peace of mind”.

Born in Dehdasht (150 km west of Yasouj), Davari is a Masters student of Political Science. He was arrested another time following the death of Hashemi Rafsanjani when he pulled down a banner bearing Rafsanjani’s photo. He was later released on bail.