Human Rights Activists in Iran have documented the arrest of 101 individuals with foreign or dual citizenship by Iranian security agencies since 2003. This analysis reveals significant flaws in the judicial system, highlighted by routine arbitrary detentions and the absence of fair legal processes.
Iran’s regime has consistently targeted dual and foreign nationals for political leverage, often accusing them of espionage or threatening national security, typically without credible evidence. HRANA has noted numerous instances of unfair trials, where proceedings occur in languages the accused do not understand, the denial of private legal representation, disproportionate sentencing, prolonged solitary confinement, and coercive interrogations leading to forced and sometimes televised confessions.
The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has recognized that some detainees are specifically targeted due to their nationality or social status. Despite statements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in November 2021 promising safety for dual nationals visiting Iran, the continued detentions and the regime’s refusal to release current detainees convey a starkly opposite and discouraging reality. This inconsistency perpetuates fear and insecurity among Iranians holding dual citizenship.
There is a pressing need for sustained international pressure to secure the release of all detained dual and foreign nationals. The listed individuals, predominantly detained by the IRGC intelligence since 2003, include Americans, British, and Canadians, with some unfortunately never returning home, facing execution or death in custody. Meanwhile, others still await critical interventions.
Noteworthy Points:
The actual number of detentions may exceed what has been reported.
The number of detained dual citizens significantly surpasses that of foreign nationals, indicating a profound mistrust in Iran’s assurances to dual citizens contemplating a return to their homeland.
1. Saeed Abedini
Date of Arrest: October 2012 (Mehr 1391)
Date of Release: Late January 2016 (Dey 1394)
Citizenship: Iranian – American
Charges: Forming house churches to disrupt national security and colluding to commit a crime
Sentence: 8 years in prison
2. Vahik Abrahamian
Date of Arrest: February 20, 2010 (Esfand 1388)
Date of Release: February 2011 (Esfand 1389)
Citizenship: Iranian – Dutch
Charges: Promoting Christianity
Sentence: Imprisoned for one year in Evin Prison and eventually released and returned to the Netherlands.
3. Afarin Neysari
Date of Arrest: July 20, 2016 (Tir 1395)
Date of Release: Late July 2018 (Tir 1397)
Citizenship: Iranian – American
Charges: Espionage
Sentence: 16 years in prison / Released on bail of 40 billion tomans
4. Karan Vafadari
Date of Arrest: July 20, 2016 (Tir 1395)
Date of Release: Late July 2018 (Tir 1397)
Citizenship: Iranian – American
Charges: Espionage
Sentence: 27 years in prison / Released on bail of 40 billion tomans
5. Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe
Date of Arrest: March 2016 (Farvardin 1395)
Date of Release: Mid-March 2021 (Esfand 1399) for the first case, March 25, 2022 (Esfand 25, 1400) for the second case
Citizenship: Iranian – British
Charges: First case: Assembly and collusion against national security / Second case: Propaganda activities against the regime
Sentence: First case: 5 years in prison, Second case: 1 year in prison and 1-year travel ban
6. Afshin Shafiee
Date of Arrest: December 17, 2012 (Azar 26, 1391)
Date of Release: January 2013 (Dey 1391)
Citizenship: Iranian – Norwegian
Charges: –
Sentence: Released on bail and left Iran.
7. Jason Rezaian
Date of Arrest: July 22, 2014 (Tir 31, 1393)
Date of Release: January 2016 (Dey 1394)
Citizenship: Iranian – American
Charges: Espionage and actions against national security
Sentence: Exchanged with several Iranian-American prisoners in the US.
8. Amir Mirza Hekmati
Date of Arrest: December 7, 2011 (Azar 16, 1390)
Date of Release: January 2016 (Dey 1394)
Citizenship: Iranian – American
Charges: Espionage
Sentence: Initially sentenced to death, later commuted to ten years in prison / Exchanged with several Iranian-American prisoners in the US.
9. Nossratollah (Farzad) Khosravi-Roodsari
Date of Arrest: 2014 (1393)
Date of Release: January 2016 (Dey 1394)
Citizenship: Iranian – American
Charges: –
Sentence: Exchanged with several Iranian-American prisoners in the US.
10. Sonia Boubnovaich
Date of Arrest: December 13, 2015 (Azar 22, 1394)
Date of Release: January 2016 (Dey 1394)
Citizenship: Croatian – Swedish resident of Iran
Charges: –
Sentence: Released on bail.
11. Reza Islami
Date of Arrest: May 10, 2020 (Ordibehesht 21, 1399)
Date of Release: Temporarily released on March 20, 2022 (Esfand 29, 1400) and later conditionally freed after serving one-third of his sentence, confirmed by the Tehran Appeals Court.
Citizenship: Iranian – Canadian
Charges: Collaboration with hostile foreign governments (USA) against the Islamic Republic through participation in rule of law training courses in the Czech Republic
Sentence: Seven years in prison, barred from teaching, and a travel ban
12. Homa Hoodfar
Date of Arrest: June 6, 2016 (Khordad 17, 1395)
Date of Release: October 2016 (Mehr 1395)
Citizenship: Iranian – Canadian
Charges: –
Sentence: –
13. Xiyue Wang
Date of Arrest: Summer 2016 (1395)
Date of Release: November 2019 (Aban 1398)
Citizenship: Chinese – American
Charges: Espionage
Sentence: 10 years in prison / Exchanged with an Iranian-American prisoner in the US.
14. (First Name Unknown) Tavakoli
Date of Arrest: –
Date of Release: –
Citizenship: Dual nationality but details unknown
Charges: Espionage
Sentence: 8 years and 6 months in prison
15. Hassan Rostamgari Majd*
Date of Arrest: October 27, 2014 (Aban 5, 1393)
Date of Release: Still imprisoned in Urmia Prison
Citizenship: Turkish
Charges: First case: Actions against national security through collaboration with opposition groups / Second case: Insulting religious sanctities and propaganda against the regime / Third case: Rioting in prison and fighting with officers / Fourth case: Escape during prison leave from his 2010 conviction
Sentence: First case: 15 years in prison and revocation of Iranian citizenship / Second case: 2 years in prison / Third case: 1 year in prison / Fourth case: 4 months in prison
16. Reza (Robin) Shahini
Date of Arrest: July 15, 2016 (Tir 25, 1395)
Date of Release: March 2017 (Farvardin 1396)
Citizenship: Iranian – American
Charges: “Collaboration with Voice of America as part of the hostile US government and participation in related programs, propaganda against the Islamic Republic of Iran, and in favor of opposition groups and organizations, membership in opposition groups including monarchists, inciting and provoking people to disrupt national security, and insulting Imam Khomeini and Ayatollah Khamenei
Sentence: 18 years in prison, with only the “most severe punishment” of 9 years enforceable under Article 134 / Released on bail of 200 million tomans
17. Nahid Taghavi*
Date of Arrest: October 16, 2020 (Mehr 25, 1399)
Date of Release: Still imprisoned in Evin Prison
Citizenship: Iranian – German
Charges: Participation in managing an illegal group and propaganda against the regime
Sentence: 10 years and 8 months in prison
18. Benjamin Brière
Date of Arrest: June 2020 (Khordad 1399)
Date of Release: May 2023 (Ordibehesht 1402)
Citizenship: French
Charges: Propaganda against the regime and espionage
Sentence: 8 years and 8 months in prison / Released through “engagement between Iran and France.”
19. Jamshid Sharmahd*
Date of Arrest: August 2020 (Mordad 1399)
Date of Release: Still imprisoned in an undisclosed location
Citizenship: Iranian – German
Charges: Corruption on earth through leadership of an opposition group, planning and leading the bombing of the Hosseiniyeh in Shiraz
Sentence: Death penalty confirmed by the Supreme Court
20. Kameel Ahmadi
Date of Arrest: August 11, 2019 (Mordad 20, 1398)
Date of Release: November 18, 2019 (Aban 27, 1398)
Citizenship: Iranian – British
Charges: “Illegally acquiring property through collaboration and implementing projects for overthrowing institutions.”
Sentence: 9 years in prison and a fine of 600,000 euros
21. Emad Shargi
Date of Arrest: Autumn 2020 (1399)
Date of Release: September 2023 (Shahrivar 1402)
Citizenship: Iranian – American
Charges: Espionage and gathering military information
Sentence: 10 years in prison / Released in a prisoner exchange between Iran and the US.
22. Bahareh Amid (Emad Shargi’s wife)
Date of Arrest: March 2018 (Farvardin 1397)
Date of Release: The same year (probably short-term)
Citizenship: Iranian – American
Charges: –
Sentence: –
23. Fariba Adelkhah
Date of Arrest: June 6, 2019 (Khordad 17, 1398)
Date of Release: March 12, 2023 (Esfand 22, 1401)
Citizenship: Iranian – French
Charges: Propaganda against the regime and assembly and collusion against national security
Sentence: 6 years in prison / Released under a general amnesty directive from Evin Prison
24. Siamak Namazi
Date of Arrest: October 2015 (Mehr 1394)
Date of Release: September 2023 (Shahrivar 1402)
Citizenship: Iranian – American
Charges: Collaboration with the hostile US government
Sentence: 10 years in prison / Released in a prisoner exchange between Iran and the US.
25. Baquer Namazi
Date of Arrest: February 2016 (Esfand 1394)
Date of Release: Early 2019 (1398) due to medical treatment
Citizenship: Iranian – American
Charges: Collaboration with the hostile US government
Sentence: 10 years in prison
26. Maymand Hosseini-Chavoushi
Date of Arrest: November 2018 (Aban 1397)
Date of Release: Early February 2019 (Bahman 1397)
Citizenship: Iranian – Australian
Charges: Collaboration with foreign governments and assembly and collusion against national security through research on population control
Sentence: 5 years
27. Ahmadreza Djalali*
Date of Arrest: May 2016 (Ordibehesht 1395)
Date of Release: Still imprisoned in Evin Prison
Citizenship: Iranian – Swedish
Charges: Espionage
Sentence: Death penalty confirmed by the Supreme Court
28. Nizar Zakka
Date of Arrest: 2015 (1394)
Date of Release: June 11, 2019 (Khordad 21, 1398)
Citizenship: Lebanese – American
Charges: Espionage and collaboration with a hostile government
Sentence: 10 years in prison and a fine of $4.2 million
29. Anousheh Ashouri
Date of Arrest: 2017 (1396)
Date of Release: March 16, 2022 (Esfand 25, 1400)
Citizenship: Iranian – British
Charges: Espionage for Israel and illegal acquisition of funds
Sentence: 12 years in prison and a fine of €33,000
30. Hamid Ghassemi-Shall
Date of Arrest: 2008 (1387)
Date of Release: October 2013 (Mehr 1392)
Citizenship: Iranian – Canadian
Charges: Initially espionage, later revised to assembly and collusion against national security
Sentence: Initially sentenced to death, later reduced to 5 years in prison
31. Roya Saberi Nejad-Nobakht
Date of Arrest: September 28, 2013 (Mehr 6, 1392)
Date of Release: –
Citizenship: Iranian – British
Charges: Insulting religious sanctities and insulting the heads of the three branches of government
Sentence: 4 years in prison
32. Kylie Moore-Gilbert
Date of Arrest: Autumn 2018 (1397)
Date of Release: November 25, 2020 (Azar 5, 1399)
Citizenship: Australian
Charges: Endangering Iran’s national security
Sentence: 10 years in prison
33. Masoud Karami
Date of Arrest: February 14, 2012 (Bahman 25, 1390)
Date of Release: –
Citizenship: Iranian – Norwegian
Charges: –
Sentence: –
34. Abbas Edalat
Date of Arrest: April 14, 2018 (Farvardin 26, 1397)
Date of Release: January 2019 (Dey 1397)
Citizenship: Iranian – British
Charges: –
Sentence: –
35. Morad Tahbaz
Date of Arrest: January 24, 2018 (Bahman 4, 1396)
Date of Release: September 2023 (Shahrivar 1402)
Citizenship: Iranian – American
Charges: Espionage
Sentence: 10 years in prison / Released in a prisoner exchange between Iran and the US.
36. Kavous Seyed-Emami
Date of Arrest: February 2018 (Bahman 1396)
Date of Release: Died in prison
Citizenship: Iranian – Canadian
Charges: Espionage
Sentence: –
37. Abdolrasoul Dorri Esfahani
Date of Arrest: August 2016 (Mordad 1395)
Date of Release: –
Citizenship: Iranian – Canadian
Charges: Espionage – collaboration with British intelligence service
Sentence: 5 years in prison
38. Haleh Esfandiari
Date of Arrest: May 8, 2007 (Ordibehesht 18, 1386)
Date of Release: August 21, 2007 (Mordad 30, 1386)
Citizenship: Iranian – American
Charges: Actions against national security and soft overthrow
Sentence: Released on bail
39. Akbar Lakestani
Date of Arrest: September 28, 2019 (Mehr 6, 1398)
Date of Release: November 13, 2019 (Aban 22, 1398)
Citizenship: Iranian – American
Charges: Propaganda against the regime
Sentence: Released on bail and left the country
40. Sarah Shourd
Date of Arrest: July 30, 2009 (Mordad 8, 1388)
Date of Release: September 14, 2010 (Shahrivar 23, 1389)
Citizenship: American
Charges: Illegal entry into Iran and espionage
Sentence: Released on bail and left the country
41. Josh Fattal
Date of Arrest: September 14, 2010 (Shahrivar 23, 1389)
Date of Release: December 27, 2011 (Dey 6, 1390)
Citizenship: American
Charges: Illegal entry into Iran and espionage
Sentence: 8 years in prison
42. Shane Bauer
Date of Arrest: September 14, 2010 (Shahrivar 23, 1389)
Date of Release: December 27, 2011 (Dey 6, 1390)
Citizenship: American
Charges: Illegal entry into Iran and espionage
Sentence: 8 years in prison
43. Michael White
Date of Arrest: July 1, 2018 (Tir 10, 1397)
Date of Release: June 4, 2020 (Khordad 15, 1399)
Citizenship: American
Charges: Insulting the Supreme Leader and publishing a private photo
Sentence: 10 years in prison
44. Maziar Bahari
Date of Arrest: June 1, 2009 (Khordad 11, 1388)
Date of Release: October 13, 2009 (Mehr 21, 1388)
Citizenship: Iranian – Canadian
Charges: Assembly and collusion with the intent to commit crimes against national security, collecting and keeping confidential and classified documents, propaganda against the Islamic Republic of Iran, insulting the Supreme Leader, insulting the President, and disrupting public order
Sentence: 13 years and 6 months in prison and 74 lashes
45. Roxana Saberi
Date of Arrest: February 1, 2009 (Bahman 12, 1387)
Date of Release: May 11, 2009 (Ordibehesht 21, 1388)
Citizenship: American
Charges: Espionage and collecting documents against the Islamic Republic
Sentence: 2 years suspended prison sentence
46. Zahra Kazemi
Date of Arrest: June 24, 2003 (Tir 3, 1382)
Date of Release: Died during detention
Citizenship: Iranian – Canadian
Charges: Photographing prohibited areas
Sentence: –
47. Matthew Trevithick
Date of Arrest: December 8, 2015 (Azar 17, 1394)
Date of Release: January 2016 (Dey 1394)
Citizenship: American
Charges: Espionage
Sentence: –
48. Robert Levinson
Date of Arrest: February 2007 (Esfand 1385)
Date of Release: Disappeared
Citizenship: Iranian – American
Charges: –
Sentence: –
49. Hossein Derakhshan
Date of Arrest: November 1, 2008 (Aban 11, 1387)
Date of Release: November 19, 2013 (Aban 28, 1392)
Citizenship: Iranian – Canadian
Charges: Collaboration with hostile governments, propaganda against the Islamic regime, propaganda in favor of anti-regime groups, insulting religious sanctities, running and managing immoral and obscene websites
Sentence: 19 years and 6 months in prison and 5 years barred from membership in parties and media activities
50. Aras Amiri
Date of Arrest: March 2018 (Esfand 1396)
Date of Release: July 2021 (Tir 1400)
Citizenship: Iranian – British
Charges: Espionage
Sentence: 10 years in prison
51-58.Seven Slovakian Citizens (Identities Unknown) – Date of Arrest: July 2013 (Tir 1392) – Date of Release: September 2013 (Shahrivar 1392) – Citizenship: Slovakian – Charges: Espionage – Sentence: –
59. Clotilde Reiss
Date of Arrest: 2009 (1388)
Date of Release: August 2009 (Mordad 1388) on bail
Citizenship: French
Charges: Espionage
Sentence: 5 years in prison, reduced to a fine upon her departure from Iran on May 16, 2016 (Ordibehesht 27, 1395)
60. Stéphanie Larbieux
Date of Arrest: November 6, 2005 (Aban 15, 1384)
Date of Release: January 2007 (Dey 1385)
Citizenship: French
Charges: –
Sentence: –
61. Donald Klein
Date of Arrest: November 6, 2005 (Aban 15, 1384)
Date of Release: January 2007 (Dey 1385)
Citizenship: German
Charges: –
Sentence: –
62. Nelly Erin-Cambron
Date of Arrest: October 21, 2018 (Mehr 29, 1397)
Date of Release: February 24, 2019 (Esfand 5, 1397)
Citizenship: French
Charges: Signing an illegal mining contract
Sentence: –
63. Kian Tajbakhsh
Date of Arrest: July 2009 (Tir 1388)
Date of Release: March 12, 2010 (Esfand 22, 1388)
Citizenship: Iranian – American
Charges: –
Sentence: 5 years in prison
64. Habib Chaab (Habib Asyoud)
Date of Arrest: November 2021 (Aban 1400)
Date of Release: Executed
Citizenship: Iranian – Swedish
Charges: Corruption on earth through leading a group named Harakat al-Nidal
65. Rouhollah Zam
Date of Arrest: October 2019 (Mehr 1398)
Date of Release: Executed
Citizenship: Iranian – French
Charges: “Corruption on earth, forming and managing ‘Amadnews’ and ‘Voice of the People’ channels to disrupt national security, espionage for the Israeli intelligence service through the intelligence service of a regional country, espionage for the French intelligence service, collaboration with the hostile US government against the Islamic Republic of Iran, assembly and collusion to commit crimes against internal and external national security, engaging in propaganda activities against the regime, membership and management of the ‘Saham News’ website to disrupt national security, inciting and provoking people to war and killing to disrupt national security, collecting classified information with the intent to provide it to others to disrupt national security, spreading falsehoods, inciting military personnel and individuals serving in the armed forces to rebellion, escape, surrender or failing to carry out their military duties, insulting religious sanctities, insulting the founder of the Islamic Republic and the leadership, insulting officials and agents, illicitly obtaining property, and complaints from some legal and natural persons.”
Sentence: Death
66. Mostafa Azizi
Date of Arrest: February 1, 2015 (Bahman 12, 1393)
Date of Release: Late April 2016 (Farvardin 1395)
Citizenship: Iranian-Canadian
Charges: “Assembly and collusion against national security,” “propaganda against the regime,” and “insulting the leadership”
Sentence: 3 years in prison and a fine
67. Saeed Malekpour
Date of Arrest: October 2008 (Mehr 1387)
Date of Release: Released before completing his sentence by leaving on bail
Citizenship: Iranian-Canadian
Charges: Cybercrimes (pornography)
Sentence: Life imprisonment
68. Kamran Ghaderi
Date of Arrest: January 2016 (Dey 1394)
Date of Release: June 2023 (Khordad 1402) / Released during a prisoner exchange with Assadollah Assadi
Citizenship: Iranian-Austrian
Charges: Espionage
Sentence: 10 years in prison
69. Yulia Yuzik
Date of Arrest: October 3, 2019 (Mehr 11, 1398)
Date of Release: October 10, 2019 (Mehr 18, 1398)
Citizenship: Russian
Charges: Espionage for Israel
Sentence: Released after one week and left Iran
70. Mehran Raoof*
Date of Arrest: October 2020 (Mehr 1399)
Date of Release: Still imprisoned in Evin Prison
Citizenship: Iranian-British
Charges: Participation in managing an illegal group and propaganda against the regime
Sentence: 10 years and 8 months in prison
71. Saeed Azizi*
Date of Arrest: November 12, 2023 (Aban 21, 1402)
Date of Release: –
Citizenship: Iranian-Swedish
Charges: Assembly and collusion to commit a crime
Sentence: 5 years in prison
72. Shahram Namavar*
Date of Arrest: August 2023 (Mordad 1402)
Date of Release: Still imprisoned in Evin Prison
Citizenship: Iranian-British
Charges: –
Sentence: –
73. Identity Unknown*
Date of Arrest: September 16, 2023 (Shahrivar 25, 1402)
Date of Release: –
Citizenship: –
Charges: Attempting to organize riots and sabotage
Sentence: –
74. Monireh Terez Basir
Date of Arrest: November 2022 (Aban 1401)
Date of Release: September 18, 2023 (Shahrivar 27, 1402) / Left Iran during a prisoner exchange
Citizenship: Iranian-American
Charges: Close cooperation with a European intelligence service
Sentence: –
75. Bernard Phelan
Date of Arrest: October 3, 2023 (Mehr 11, 1402)
Date of Release: May 2021 (Ordibehesht 1401)
Citizenship: French-Irish
Charges: Providing information to another country
Sentence: 6 years and 6 months in prison
76. Massoud Mosahib
Date of Arrest: January 2019 (Dey 1397)
Date of Release: June 2023 (Khordad 1402)
Citizenship: Iranian-Austrian
Charges: Collaboration with Israel and the German intelligence service
Sentence: 10 years in prison / Released during a prisoner exchange with Assadollah Assadi
77. Identity Unknown*
Date of Arrest: Late May 2024 (Ordibehesht 1403)
Date of Release: –
Citizenship: European
Charges: Organizing Satanic rituals, drinking alcohol, wearing specific Satanic symbols on clothing, head, face, and hair
Sentence: –
78. Identity Unknown*
Date of Arrest: Late May 2024 (Ordibehesht 1403)
Date of Release: –
Citizenship: European
Charges: Organizing Satanic rituals, drinking alcohol, wearing specific Satanic symbols on clothing, head, face, and hair
Sentence: –
79. Identity Unknown*
Date of Arrest: Late May 2024 (Ordibehesht 1403)
Date of Release: –
Citizenship: European
Charges: Organizing Satanic rituals, drinking alcohol, wearing specific Satanic symbols on clothing, head, face, and hair
Sentence: –
80. Farhad Mohammad Shamami*
Date of Arrest: October 2022 (Mehr 1401)
Date of Release: Still imprisoned in Urmia Prison
Citizenship: Iraqi
Charges: Membership in one of the opposition parties
Sentence: 7 years in prison
81. Johan Flodorus*
Date of Arrest: May 6, 2022 (Ordibehesht 16, 1401)
Date of Release: –
Citizenship: Swedish
Charges: Corruption on earth through actions against national security and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic, collaborating with the Israeli occupying regime, assembly and collusion to commit a crime against national security
Sentence: –
82. Santiago Sanchez
Date of Arrest: October 2023 (Mehr 1402)
Date of Release: December 30, 2023 (Dey 10, 1402)
Citizenship: Spanish
Charges: Arrested during nationwide protests in 2021
Sentence: –
83. Identity Unknown*
Date of Arrest: December 2023 (Azar 1402)
Date of Release: –
Citizenship: –
Charges: Espionage
Sentence: –
84. Hatem Ozdemir*
Date of Arrest: June 2019 (Khordad 1398)
Date of Release: Still imprisoned in Urmia Prison
Citizenship: Turkish
Charges: Moharebeh (waging war against God)
Sentence: Death
85. Farid Safari*
Date of Arrest: April 2023 (Farvardin 1402)
Date of Release: –
Citizenship: Azerbaijani
Charges: Espionage
Sentence: 2 years in prison
86. Valida Yusifova
Date of Arrest: December 2021 (Dey 1400)
Date of Release: August 2023 (Mordad 1402)
Citizenship: Azerbaijani
Charges: Espionage
Sentence: –
87. Olivier Vandecasteele*
Date of Arrest: July 2022 (Tir 1401)
Date of Release: –
Citizenship: Belgian
Charges: Espionage against the Islamic Republic of Iran for a foreign intelligence service, collaboration with the hostile US government, money laundering of $500,000, professional currency smuggling of $500,000, and 74 lashes
Sentence: 40 years in prison and 74 lashes
88. Identity Unknown*
Date of Arrest: March 2023 (Esfand 1401)
Date of Release: –
Citizenship: Afghan
Charges: Espionage
Sentence: –
89. Ana Baneer
Date of Arrest: November 2022 (Aban 1401)
Date of Release: February 25, 2023 (Esfand 6, 1401)
Citizenship: Spanish
Charges: –
Sentence: –
90. Identity Unknown*
Date of Arrest: October 2022 (Mehr 1401)
Date of Release: –
Citizenship: Austrian
Charges: Espionage
Sentence: 7 years and 6 months in prison
91. Louis Arnaud*
Date of Arrest: September 28, 2022 (Mehr 6, 1401)
Date of Release: Still imprisoned in Evin Prison
Citizenship: French
Charges: –
Sentence: 5 years in prison
92. Identity Unknown*
Date of Arrest: December 2022 (Dey 1401)
Date of Release: –
Citizenship: German
Charges: Photographing the Omidieh oil facilities
Sentence: –
93. Alicia Piperno
Date of Arrest: Early October 2022 (Mehr 1401)
Date of Release: November 2022 (Aban 1401)
Citizenship: German
Charges: –
Sentence: –
94. Shaker Baghi*
Date of Arrest: February 2008 (Esfand 1386)
Date of Release: Still imprisoned in Kashmar Prison
Citizenship: Turkish
Charges: Membership in one of the opposition parties
Sentence: 30 years in prison and exile to Kashmar Prison
95. Identity Unknown
Date of Arrest: –
Date of Release: June 2023 (Khordad 1402)
Citizenship: Danish
Charges: –
Sentence: –
96. Identity Unknown*
Date of Arrest: Early August 2022 (Mordad 1401)
Date of Release: –
Citizenship: Swedish
Charges: Espionage
Sentence: –
97. Senor Tamara*
Date of Arrest: Autumn 2020 (1399)
Date of Release: July 21, 2022 (Tir 30, 1401), released under a general amnesty directive
Citizenship: Turkish
Charges: Membership in one of the opposition parties
Sentence: 10 years and 1 day in prison
98. Cécile Kohler*
Date of Arrest: Spring 2022 (1401)
Date of Release: –
Citizenship: French
Charges: Organizing “riots and disorder” related to teachers’ union gatherings
Sentence: –
99. Jacques Paris*
Date of Arrest: Spring 2022 (1401)
Date of Release: –
Citizenship: French
Charges: Organizing “riots and disorder” related to teachers’ union gatherings
Sentence: –
100. Mohammad Birdal*
Date of Arrest: August 21, 2021 (Mordad 30, 1400)
Date of Release: Still imprisoned in Urmia Prison
Citizenship: Turkish
Charges: Membership in one of the opposition groups
Sentence: –
101. Shahab Dalili*
Date of Arrest: 2016 (1395)
Date of Release: Still imprisoned in Urmia Prison
Citizenship: Iranian-American
Charges: Collaboration with a hostile government
Sentence: 10 years in prison
102. Sereen Curtis (Badiei)*
Date of Arrest: March 26, 2023
Date of Release: –
Citizenship: Iranian-New Zealand with U.S. residency
Charges: Blasphemy
Sentence: –
103. Nasrin Roshan*
Date of Arrest: November 16, 2023
Date of Release: Incarcerated in Evin Prison
Citizenship: Iranian-British
Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security, propaganda against the regime
Sentence: Three years in prison
Only individuals marked with an asterisk * are still imprisoned or under restrictions in Iran.
HRANA News Agency – International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8th, is an opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements in various social, economic, cultural, and political arenas and to emphasize the importance of fighting for women’s rights and their irreplaceable role in society. In Iran, this day takes on added significance as Iranian women, despite facing numerous challenges, play a leading role in civil and social movements in the country and are at the forefront of the struggle for their rights. Women in Iran face gender discrimination, legal and social restrictions, and inequalities in career advancement and education, and yet, against all odds, they continue to fight.
In an effort to increase public awareness about the status of women, namely those women who are imprisoned in Iran owing of to their ideological, political, or religious beliefs, HRANA releases this report on the occasion of International Women’s Day. These women, active in defending human rights and equality, play a crucial role in the fight for justice. This day is a time to focus attention and strengthen global support for the struggles and challenges they face.
They stand not only for their own rights, but for the rights of all women, against oppression and discrimination in all forms.
The situation for women has been fraught with struggle.
From the pre-revolution era to the present, Iranian women have faced obstacles in social, economic, and legal sectors. While progress has been made in accessing education, and the workplace, for some, gender discrimination and legal restrictions related to marriage, divorce, custody, and inheritance to name a mere few hold women in unequal positions within society. These inequalities are enshrined into the law.
Well-known restrictions faced by women related to mandatory hijab can lead to fines, arrest, and severe punishments. Furthermore, these restrictions can limit a women’s access to jobs and social activities. For an in-depth look at individuals and institutions involved in serious human rights violations related to women’s rights in Iran reference the Spreading Justice report: The State of Women’s Rights in Iran: Institutional and Individual Violations
A growing trend of civil activity and protest led by women
In recent years, there has been an increase in civil activities and protests led by Iranian women. These movements, which are largely against mandatory hijab, see women demanding equality in law, and defend women’s rights in the workplace and in society. The movements reflect Iranian women’s efforts to take control, to fight back , and to achieve equal rights and combat gender discrimination for themselves, and for future generations of Iranian women.
These efforts have become particularly visible in light of the nationwide protests that began in September 2022 following the death of Mahsa Zhina Amini. Women played a key and leading role in these protests, becoming symbols of resistance against gender discrimination, human rights violations, and restrictions on freedom of expression. Their role in these movements is seen not only in Iran but also internationally as a turning point in the struggle for rights and freedoms. For an in-depth analysis of the advocacy efforts by Iranian women and the international response reference HRA’s statement: Unveiling Injustice: Advocating for Women’s Rights and Accountability in Iran
On the eve of International Women’s Day, the publication of a list of names and stories of women who are imprisoned in Iran for fighting for their rights and defending human values is not only a tribute to their courage and resilience but also an effort to increase global awareness about the ongoing struggle for women’s rights in Iran. These stories are a testament to the indomitable spirit of women who, despite all hardships and deprivations, continue to raise their voices in protest and demand.
Sharing this list goes beyond mere information dissemination; it is an invitation to join in international solidarity. This solidarity provides the necessary support and backing for these women and their families and demonstrates the power of global unity in combatting human rights violations. This support, formed through awareness campaigns, legal activities, and international pressure, can ultimately contribute to ensuring these women achieve what they are fighting so hard for against all odds.
This list is not just a collection of names but a compilation of stories of struggle, hope, and perseverance. The women on this list come from diverse backgrounds, yet all share common elements in their fight for justice and equality. The diversity of backgrounds illustrates the breadth and depth of women’s struggles across Iran and indicates that the demand for justice and equality transcends social, cultural, and economic boundaries.
Women imprisoned in Iranian jails on ideological, political, or religious charges.
This list shows the details of female political prisoners in Iran, describing their names, charges, sentences, the dates their cases were filed, and the locations of their prisons.
The charges range from “propaganda against the regime” and “assembly and collusion” to more severe allegations such as “corruption on earth” and “espionage.”
The sentences vary significantly, including life imprisonment, several years in prison, and uncertain conditions for those still awaiting verdicts.
Many of these women are held in notorious prisons like Evin, with some cases dating back years, highlighting the long-term nature of these types of punishments.
1. Full Name: Zeinab Jalalian Charges: Waging war against the regime through membership in opposition groups Sentenced: Life imprisonment Case date: 2007 (1386) Place of imprisonment: Yazd Prison
2. Full Name: Maryam Akbari Monfared Charges: Waging war through membership in the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran Sentenced: 15 years imprisonment Case date: December 31, 2009 (10 Dey 1388) Place of imprisonment: Semnan Prison
3. Full Name: Mahvash Adalati Aliabadi Charges: Propaganda activities against the regime – Assembly and collusion Sentenced: 1 year imprisonment Case date: November 26, 2018 (5 Azar 1397) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
4. Full Name: Shiva Ismaeili Charges: Assembly and collusion Sentenced: 10 years imprisonment Case date: May, 2023 (Khordad 1402) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
5. Full Name: Fereshteh (Tahereh) Nouri Charges: Assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security – Disturbing public order Sentenced: 6 years imprisonment Case date: September 25, 2022 (3 Mehr 1401) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
6. Full Name: Parvin Mirassan Charges: Corruption on Earth through widespread action against national security – Assembly and collusion to commit a crime Sentenced: Indeterminate Case date: November 3, 2022 (12 Aban 1401) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
7. Full Name: Soodabeh Fakharzadeh Charges: Assembly and collusion Sentenced: 5 years imprisonment Case date: May, 2023 (Khordad 1402) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
8. Full Name: Arghavan Falahi Charges: Propaganda against the regime – Assembly and collusion to commit a crime against security – Membership in opposition groups Sentenced: Indeterminate Case date: November 4, 2022 (13 Aban 1401) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
9. Full Name: Masoumeh (Akram) Akbari Charges: Assembly and collusion with the intent to act against national security – Propaganda activities against the regime Sentenced: 6 years imprisonment Case date: Not specified Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
10. Full Name: Shadi Shahidzadeh Charges: Membership in illegal groups and organizations with the aim of disrupting national security Sentenced: 5 years imprisonment Case date: May 1, 2023 (11 Ordibehesht 1402) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
11. Full Name: Narges Mansouri Charges: In two separate cases with identical charges of assembly and collusion against national security – Propaganda against the regime Sentenced: 6 + 3 years imprisonment, a total of 9 years Case date: Autumn 2019 (Fall 1398) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
12. Full Name: Saeideh (Samira) Sabouri Charges: Not specified Sentenced: Not specified Case date: Not specified Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
13. Full Name: Yasamin Saboohi Charges: Not specified Sentenced: Not specified Case date: Not specified Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
14. Full Name: Bahareh Hedayat Charges: In two separate cases; assembly and collusion – Propaganda against the regime – Promoting corruption and prostitution Sentenced: 4 years and 8 months imprisonment + Indeterminate from another case Case date: February 10, 2020 (21 Bahman 1398) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
15. Full Name: Vida Rabani Charges: In two separate cases; assembly and collusion with the intent to commit a crime against national security – Propaganda against the regime – Insulting the sacred – Disturbing public order Sentenced: 5 years + 6 years and 15 months imprisonment Case date: November 23, 2020 (2 Azar 1399) Place of imprisonment: Not specified
16. Full Name: Reyhaneh Ansari Nejad Charges: Assembly and collusion against the system and propaganda against the system Sentenced: Indeterminate Case date: May 12, 2023 (22 Ordibehesht 1402) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
17. Full Name: Maryam Haji Hosseini Charges: Corruption on Earth and spying for Israel Sentenced: 10 years imprisonment and the return of received funds Case date: Late Shahrivar 1398 (September 2019) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
18. Full Name: Nahid Taghavi Charges: Participation in running an illegal group – Propaganda activities against the regime Sentenced: 10 years and 8 months imprisonment Case date: October 17, 2020 (25 Mehr 1399) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
19. Full Name: Narges Mohammadi Charges: In four separate cases with charges including propaganda activities against the regime through issuing statements, disrupting prison order through sit-ins, defying prison leadership and authorities, damaging glasses, slander, and assault Sentenced: 30 months imprisonment, 80 lashes, and payment of two fines + 15 months imprisonment and supplementary punishments + 1 year imprisonment + 15 months imprisonment; totaling 12 years and 6 months imprisonment, 80 lashes, payment of two fines, and supplementary punishments Case date: November 16, 2021 (25 Aban 1400) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
20. Full Name: Anisha Asadollahi Charges: Assembly and collusion – Propaganda against the regime Sentenced: 5 years and 8 months imprisonment Case date: May 9, 2022 (19 Ordibehesht 1401) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
21. Full Name: Sepideh Kashan-Doust (Kashani) Charges: Cooperation with the United States government Sentenced: 6 years imprisonment Case date: February 2018 (Bahman 1396) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
22. Full Name: Marzieh Farsi Charges: Membership in opposition groups Sentenced: 15 years imprisonment Case date: August 21, 2023 (30 Mordad 1402) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
23. Full Name: Zahra Safaei Charges: Not specified Sentenced: 5 years imprisonment Case date: September 12, 2023 (21 Shahrivar 1402) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
24. Full Name: Farahnaz Nikkhoo Charges: Not specified Sentenced: Not specified Case date: December 3, 2022 (12 Azar 1401) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
25. Full Name: Marzieh Jani Pour Charges: Not specified Sentenced: Not specified Case date: January 19, 2023 (29 Dey 1401) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
26. Full Name: Golrokh Iraee Charges: Assembly and collusion – Propaganda against the regime – Disturbing public order Sentenced: 5 years imprisonment Case date: September 26, 2022 (4 Mehr 1401) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
27. Full Name: Shakila Monfared Charges: In three separate cases with charges including propaganda activities against the regime and insulting Islamic sanctities, membership in opposition groups, and spreading lies Sentenced: 6 years imprisonment + 2 years and 8 months imprisonment and a fine of 10 million tomans + 15 months of corrective imprisonment, 2 years of exile, and supplementary punishments; totaling 9 years and 11 months imprisonment, 2 years of exile, a fine, and supplementary punishments Case date: August 31, 2020 (10 Shahrivar 1399) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
28. Full Name: Razavaneh Ahmad Khan Beigi Charges: Propaganda against the regime – Assembly and collusion against internal security Sentenced: 5 years imprisonment Case date: September 18, 2023 (27 Shahrivar 1402) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
29. Full Name: Nasrin Khezri Javadi (Azam) Charges: Assembly and collusion to act against national security Sentenced: 5 years imprisonment Case date: May 1, 2019 (11 Ordibehesht 1398) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
30. Full Name: Niloufar Bayani Charges: Cooperation with America Sentenced: 10 years imprisonment Case date: February 2018 (Bahman 1396) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
31. Full Name: Faezeh Hashemi Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security, propaganda activities against the regime, and disturbing public peace and comfort Sentenced: 5 years imprisonment and a ban on leaving the country Case date: September 27, 2022 (5 Mehr 1401) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
32. Full Name: Fariba Kamalabadi Charges: Espionage, promoting the Bahá’í faith, and promoting indecency in the country Sentenced: 10 years imprisonment Case date: July 31, 2022 (9 Mordad 1401) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
33. Full Name: Mahvash Shahriari Charges: Espionage, promoting the Bahá’í faith, and promoting indecency in the country Sentenced: 10 years imprisonment Case date: July 31, 2022 (9 Mordad 1401) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
34. Full Name: Mahboubeh Rezaei Charges: Membership in opposition 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 sanctities – Unveiling and demonstrating corruption in cyberspace Sentenced: 19 years and 9 months imprisonment, payment of 8 million tomans fine, and supplementary punishments Case date: May 22, 2023 (1 Khordad 1402) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
35. Full Name: Shirin Saeidi Charges: Not specified Sentenced: Not specified Case date: Not specified Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
36. Full Name: Hajar Saeidi Charges: Membership in one of the opposition parties Sentenced: 1 year imprisonment Case date: June 8, 2020 (18 Khordad 1399) Place of imprisonment: Sanandaj Correctional and Rehabilitation Center
37. Full Name: Sarina Jahani Charges: Assembly and collusion Sentenced: 2 years imprisonment Case date: September 16, 2023 (25 Shahrivar 1402) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
38. Full Name: Mina Khajavi Charges: Forming an illegal group with the aim of disrupting national security – Acting against national security through proselytizing Christianity and establishing a home church Sentenced: 6 years imprisonment Case date: July 2020 (Tir 1399) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
39. Full Name: Zohreh Sarv Charges: Assembly and collusion – Propaganda against the regime Sentenced: 7 years imprisonment Case date: October 2021 (Mehr 1400) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
40. Full Name: Samaneh Norooz Moradi Charges: Membership in opposition groups with the goal of disrupting national security – Assembly and collusion with the intent to commit a crime against national security – Propaganda activities against the regime Sentenced: 11 years imprisonment Case date: April 24, 2023 (4 Ordibehesht 1402) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
41. Full Name: Soha Mortazai Charges: Assembly and collusion with the intent to act against national security Sentenced: 6 years Case date: November 2019 (Aban 1398) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
42. Full Name: Nasim Sultan Beigi Charges: Assembly and collusion with the intent to commit a crime – Propaganda against the regime Sentenced: 4 years, 1 month, and 16 days imprisonment and supplementary punishments Case date: January 22, 2023 (2 Bahman 1401) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
43. Full Name: Mahnaz Tarah Charges: Assembly and collusion to commit a crime – Propaganda against the regime Sentenced: 4 years and 4 months imprisonment Case date: November 13, 2023 (22 Aban 1402) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
44. Full Name: Sarvnaz Ahmadi Charges: Assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security – Propaganda against the regime Sentenced: 3 years and 6 months imprisonment Case date: April 28, 2023 (8 Ordibehesht 1402) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
45. Full Name: Nasim Gholami Simiari Charges: Rebellion Sentenced: Indeterminate Case date: April 2023 (Ordibehesht 1402) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
46. Full Name: Kubra Bigi Charges: Not specified Sentenced: Not specified Case date: Not specified Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
47. Full Name: Rahleh Rahmi Pour Charges: Assembly and collusion – Propaganda against the regime Sentenced: 6 years imprisonment Case date: November 12, 2019 (21 Aban 1398) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
48. Full Name: Sepideh Gholian Charges: In two separate cases with charges of insulting the leadership, unveiling and facilitating corruption and prostitution, and insistence on committing the aforementioned crimes in court sessions Sentenced: 2 years imprisonment and supplementary punishment + 1 year and 3 months corrective imprisonment; totaling 3 years and 3 months imprisonment and supplementary punishments Case date: March 14, 2023 (24 Esfand 1401) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
49. Full Name: Sahar (Fateme) Mokhtari Charges: Not specified Sentenced: Not specified Case date: Not specified Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
50. Full Name: Azar Korvandi Mousa Zadeh Charges: Assembly and collusion with the intent to act against national security through cooperation with an opposition group Sentenced: 5 years imprisonment Case date: Summer 2019 (Tabestan 1398) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
51. Full Name: Zeinab Hamrang Seyed Beglo Charges: Assembly and collusion Sentenced: 5 years imprisonment Case date: March 11, 2024 (21 Esfand 1402) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
52. Full Name: Pakhshan Azizi Charges: Membership in opposition associations Sentenced: Indeterminate Case date: August 4, 2023 (13 Mordad 1402) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
53. Full Name: Varisheh Moradi Charges: Rebellion Sentenced: Indeterminate Case date: August 1, 2023 (10 Mordad 1402) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
54. Full Name: Elaheh Fouladi Charges: Not specified Sentenced: Indeterminate Case date: December 12, 2023 (21 Azar 1402) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
55. Full Name: Nasrin Roshan Charges: Not specified Sentenced: Not specified Case date: Not specified Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
56. Full Name: Maryam Vahidfard Charges: Not specified Sentenced: Not specified Case date: Not specified Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
57. Full Name: Moloud Hossein Doost Charges: Not specified Sentenced: Not specified Case date: Not specified Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
58. Full Name: Samira Nejatian Charges: Not specified Sentenced: Not specified Case date: Not specified Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
59. Full Name: Laleh Sa’ati Charges: Not specified Sentenced: Not specified Case date: Not specified Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
60. Full Name: Neda Fotouhi Charges: Not specified Sentenced: Not specified Case date: Not specified Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
61. Full Name: Lian Darvish Charges: Not specified Sentenced: Not specified Case date: Not specified Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
62. Full Name: Nahid Khodajoo Charges: Assembly and collusion to act against national security and disturbing public order and peace Sentenced: 5 years imprisonment and 74 lashes Case date: May 1, 2019 (11 Ordibehesht 1398) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
63. Full Name: Forough Taghipour Charges: Membership in an opposition group Sentenced: 15 years imprisonment Case date: August 21, 2022 (30 Mordad 1401) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
64. Full Name: Sepideh Keshavarz Charges: Propaganda activities against the regime – Assembly and collusion Sentenced: 1 year imprisonment Case date: November 20, 2018 (29 Aban 1397) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
65. Full Name: Armita Pamir Charges: Insulting the leadership – Propaganda activities against the regime Sentenced: 1 year, 10 months, and 17 days imprisonment Case date: June 28, 2023 (7 Tir 1402) Place of imprisonment: Tabriz Prison
66. Full Name: Noushin Mesbah Charges: Membership in an opposition group with the aim of disrupting order and security of the country Sentenced: 1 year imprisonment Case date: Early September 2023 (Early Shahrivar 1402) Place of imprisonment: Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad
67. Full Name: Nasrin Sadat Shahraeeni Charges: Cyber spreading of lies, inciting people to massacre and conflict, propaganda against the regime, and disturbing public minds Sentenced: 1 year and 3 months imprisonment Case date: September 9, 2023 (18 Shahrivar 1402) Place of imprisonment: Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad
68. Full Name: Roya Malakouti Charges: Forming groups and societies with the aim of disrupting national security – Propaganda activities against the regime Sentenced: 6 years and 8 months imprisonment Case date: July 29, 2023 (7 Mordad 1402) Place of imprisonment: Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad
69. Full Name: Azita Foroughi Motlagh Charges: Membership in an opposition society with the intent of disrupting national security – Propaganda against the regime Sentenced: 3 years and 8 months imprisonment Case date: July 29, 2023 (7 Mordad 1402) Place of imprisonment: Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad
70. Full Name: Negin Hosseinzadeh Charges: Propaganda activities against the regime – Filming forbidden places – Assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt public order – Insulting the leadership – Membership in opposition groups Sentenced: 3 years, 6 months, and 1 day imprisonment Case date: August 22, 2023 (31 Mordad 1402) Place of imprisonment: Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad
71. Full Name: Raha Pour Ebrahim Charges: Forming an opposition group – Propaganda against the regime- Virtual activities aimed at disrupting public order Sentenced: 3 years imprisonment Case date: September 7, 2023 (16 Shahrivar 1402) Place of imprisonment: Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad
72. Full Name: Sakineh Parvaneh Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security – Propaganda against the Islamic Republic regime – Insulting the leadership Sentenced: 7 years and 6 months imprisonment Case date: March 2023 (Farvardin 1402) Place of imprisonment: Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad
73. Full Name: Fatemeh Sepehri Charges: In two separate cases with charges of collaboration with hostile governments – Assembly and collusion – Insulting the leadership – Propaganda against the regime, spreading lies and disturbing public minds through online activities and interviews with foreign media Sentenced: 18 years + 1 year corrective imprisonment and a fine of 20 million tomans; totaling 19 years imprisonment and a fine Case date: August 1, 2021 (10 Mordad 1400) Place of imprisonment: Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad
74. Full Name: Sanaz Tafazzoli Charges: Forming a group with the intent of disrupting internal security – Assembly and collusion with the intent of committing a crime against national security – Deviant educational or promotional activity contrary to or undermining the sacred Sharia within the framework of a sect, group, society, or the like Sentenced: 10 years and 9 months imprisonment Case date: November 22, 2022 (1 Azar 1401) Place of imprisonment: Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad
75. Full Name: Sara Nasiri Charges: Not specified Sentenced: Not specified Case date: December 6, 2022 (15 Azar 1401) Place of imprisonment: Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad
76. Full Name: Ziba Ghelich Khani Charges: Propaganda against the regime in cyberspace Sentenced: Indeterminate Case date: September 18, 2022 (27 Shahrivar 1401) Place of imprisonment: Sanandaj Correctional and Rehabilitation Center
77. Full Name: Zhila Hojabri Charges: Membership in opposition groups – Propaganda activities against the regime – Defiance of a government official Sentenced: 3 years and 8 months imprisonment Case date: August 2022 (Mordad 1401) Place of imprisonment: Sanandaj Correctional and Rehabilitation Center
78. Full Name: Farideh Moradkhani Charges: Not specified Sentenced: 3 years imprisonment Case date: January 13, 2022 (23 Dey 1400) Place of imprisonment: Tehran Correctional and Rehabilitation Center
79. Full Name: Farzaneh Gharahasanloo Charges: Not specified Sentenced: 5 years imprisonment Case date: November 4, 2023 (13 Aban 1402) Place of imprisonment: Mashhad Prison
80. Full Name: Nasrin Hasani Charges: In two cases with charges of spreading lies – Non-compliance with the Sharia veil in public places and public view, propaganda activities against the regime Sentenced: 1 year imprisonment + 7 months imprisonment and a fine of one million tomans; totaling 1 year and 7 months imprisonment and a fine Case date: September 3, 2023 (12 Shahrivar 1402) Place of imprisonment: Bojnurd Prison
81. Full Name: Nahid Shirpisheh Charges: Assembly and collusion – Propaganda against the regime Sentenced: 5 years imprisonment Case date: July 11, 2023 (20 Tir 1402) Place of imprisonment: Zanjan Prison
82. Full Name: Masoumeh Yavari Charges: Destruction of public property – Membership in an opposition group – Propaganda against the system Sentenced: 13 years imprisonment Case date: September 4, 2023 (13 Shahrivar 1402) Place of imprisonment: Dolatabad Prison, Isfahan
83. Full Name: Mahsa Saeidi Charges: Not specified Sentenced: Indeterminate Case date: September 11, 2023 (20 Shahrivar 1402) Place of imprisonment: Sepah Intelligence Detention Center, Yazd
84. Full Name: Sanaz Jahan Tigh Charges: Propaganda against the regime and inciting people to disrupt national security Sentenced: Indeterminate Case date: September 21, 2022 (30 Shahrivar 1401) Place of imprisonment: Sari Prison
85.Full Name: Shiva Khalili
Charges: Propaganda against the regime
Sentenced:1 year of imprisonment – Seizure of mobile phone
Case date:16 November 2021 (25 Aban 1401)
Place of imprisonment: Babol Prison
86. Full Name: Sharifeh Mohammadi Charges: Not specified Sentenced: Indeterminate Case date: November 25, 2023 (4 Azar 1402) Place of imprisonment: Lakan Prison, Rasht
87. Full Name: Roya Sabet Charges: Not specified Sentenced: Indeterminate Case date: February 14, 2024 (25 Bahman 1402) Place of imprisonment: Detention Center Plate 100, Shiraz
88. Full Name: Niloufar Sadat Hashemian Charges: Not specified Sentenced: Indeterminate Case date: February 14, 2024 (25 Bahman 1402) Place of imprisonment: Sepah Intelligence Detention Center, Semnan
90. Full Name: Niloufar Ghazaleh Charges: In two separate cases, charged with publishing photos without a hijab Sentenced: 5 years imprisonment from the first case and indeterminate from the second case Case date: November 28, 2023 (7 Azar 1402) Place of imprisonment: Intelligence Detention Center, Isfahan
91. Full Name: Zhinous Shadabi Charges: Not specified Sentenced: Indeterminate Case date: November 7, 2023 (16 Aban 1402) Place of imprisonment: Intelligence Detention Center, Hamedan
92. Full Name: Narges Soleimani Charges: Not specified Sentenced: Indeterminate Case date: Early October 2023 (Early Mehr 1402) Place of imprisonment: Intelligence Detention Center, Sanandaj
93. Full Name: Fereshteh Fadaee Far Charges: Not specified Sentenced: Indeterminate Case date: Early October 2023 (Early Mehr 1402) Place of imprisonment: Intelligence Detention Center, Sanandaj
94. Full Name: Sahar Salehian Charges: Not specified Sentenced: Indeterminate Case date: September 23, 2023 (1 Mehr 1402) Place of imprisonment: Intelligence Detention Center, Sanandaj
95. Full Name: Farideh Ghahremani Far Charges: Not specified Sentenced: Indeterminate Case date: September 18, 2023 (27 Shahrivar 1402) Place of imprisonment: Intelligence Detention Center, Kermanshah
96. Full Name: Parisa Mohammadi Charges: Not specified Sentenced: Indeterminate Case date: September 16, 2023 (25 Shahrivar 1402) Place of imprisonment: Intelligence Detention Center, Kermanshah
97. Full Name: Farzaneh Moeini Charges: Not specified Sentenced: Indeterminate Case date: September 16, 2023 (25 Shahrivar 1402) Place of imprisonment: Intelligence Detention Center, Yasuj
98. Full Name: Maryam Jalal Hosseini Charges: Incitement of people to war and slaughter with each other with the aim of disrupting national security – Propaganda against the regime – Insulting the leadership – Forming a group with the aim of disrupting national security Sentenced: 6 years imprisonment and 2 years exile to Ilam Case date: August 27, 2023 (5 Shahrivar 1402) Place of imprisonment: Kachooii Prison, Karaj
99. Full Name: Parastoo Afshari Nejad Charges: Unveiling, propaganda against the system, and inviting people to war and slaughter each other Sentenced: Indeterminate Case date: September 16, 2023 (25 Shahrivar 1402) Place of imprisonment: Dolatabad Prison, Isfahan
100. Full Name: Batool Omidy Charges: Propaganda against the regime Sentenced: Indeterminate Case date: September 11, 2023 (20 Shahrivar 1402) Place of imprisonment: Ilam Prison
101. Full Name: Fakhri Omidy Charges: Propaganda against the regime Sentenced: Indeterminate Case date: September 11, 2023 (20 Shahrivar 1402) Place of imprisonment: Ilam Prison
102. Full Name: Glavizh Tahmasbi Charges: Not specified Sentenced: Indeterminate Case date: September 16, 2023 (25 Shahrivar 1402) Place of imprisonment: Intelligence Detention Center, Sanandaj
103. Full Name: Tina Deljoo Charges: Propaganda against the regime Sentenced: 1 year imprisonment Case date: Not specified Place of imprisonment: Lakan Prison, Rasht
104. Full Name: Yekta Fahandezh Saadi Charges: Not specified Sentenced: Indeterminate Case date: December 18, 2023 (27 Azar 1402) Place of imprisonment: Adelabad Prison, Shiraz
105. Full Name: Safoura Maleki Charges: Not specified Sentenced: Indeterminate Case date: August 13, 2023 (22 Mordad 1402) Place of imprisonment: Intelligence Department Detention Center, Ilam
106. Full Name: Maryam Ebrahimi Charges: Unveiling – Propaganda against the regime – Disobedience to police orders Sentenced: Indeterminate Case date: April 2023 (Ordibehesht 1402) Place of imprisonment: Dolatabad Prison, Isfahan
107. Full Name: Fermisk Babai Charges: Not specified Sentenced: Indeterminate Case date: August 17, 2023 (26 Mordad 1402) Place of imprisonment: Intelligence Detention Center, Kermanshah
108. Full Name: Fatemeh (Mozhgan) Tadrisi Charges: Incitement and provocation of the people to war and slaughter each other with the aim of disrupting national security – Propaganda against the regime- Insulting the leadership – Forming a group with the aim of disrupting national security Sentenced: 6 years imprisonment and 2 years exile to Zanjan Case date: Early September 2023 (Early Shahrivar 1402) Place of imprisonment: Kachooii Prison, Karaj
109. Full Name: Sahar Ahmadi Charges: Not specified Sentenced: Indeterminate Case date: July 31, 2023 (10 Mordad 1402) Place of imprisonment: Intelligence Department Detention Center, Sanandaj
110. Full Name: Jhina Pendar Charges: Not specified Sentenced: Indeterminate Case date: July 23, 2023 (1 Mordad 1402) Place of imprisonment: Intelligence Detention Center, Sanandaj
111. Full Name: Lalikhan Niknia Charges: Association with one of the opposition parties Sentenced: Indeterminate Case date: June 25, 2023 (4 Tir 1402) Place of imprisonment: Intelligence Detention Center, Urmia
112. Full Name: Maryam Sadat Yahyavi Charges: Propaganda against the regime Sentenced: 1 year of imprisonment Case date: November 2014 (Aban 1393) Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
113. Full Name: Mina Karami Charges: Deviant educational and promotional activity contrary to or corrupting the sacred Sharia Sentenced: 5 years of punitive imprisonment, 5 million tomans of fine, deprivation of social rights for 10 years, and prohibition of leaving the country for 2 years Case date: Spring 2022 (Spring 1401) Place of imprisonment: Adel Abad Prison, Shiraz
Call to Action on the Occassion of International Women’s Day
HRA calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all women who are imprisoned solely on the basis of their beliefs, religions, political or social activities.
We urge Iranian authorities to respect their international obligations and to observe the fundamental rights of Iranian women, including, the right to due process and fair trial, the freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and freedom of religion. Ensuring these fundamental rights is not only a step towards maintaining respect for human dignity but also lays the groundwork for progress within the country and the sustainable development of society.
In this context, the importance of international pressure and support for organizations fighting for women’s rights in Iran is more crucial than ever. The international community united with all human rights organizations must unanimously declare their support for imprisoned women and their struggles to obtain rights. There are a number of ways the international community can support imprisoned Iranian women, be it through diplomatic pressures, awareness campaigns, or direct assistance to Iranian human rights organizations working daily to advocate for women’s rights.
Every small action can be part of a larger wave that creates fundamental changes in society, towards achieving a world where justice and equality are guaranteed for all, regardless of gender.
For more information please contact Skylar Thompson, Director of Global Advocacy and Accountability at Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA) skylar[at]hramail.com
HRANA, Human Rights Activists News Agency – Nahid Taghavi, an Iranian-German citizen, is currently serving her sentence in Evin Prison, where her health condition continues to deteriorate. She is being denied access to essential medical care despite her urgent needs.
Renowned human rights activist Narges Mohammadi, who has had the opportunity to observe Taghavi’s condition, expressed her concerns, saying, “This is the second time I have seen 68-year-old Mrs Taghavi in prison. The pain is evident on her face. She rarely leaves her bed, except to visit the prison infirmary to receive a strong pain reliever injection.”
On October 16, 2020, security forces arrested Taghavi at her residence in Tehran, subsequently subjecting her to solitary confinement in IRGC’s Ward 2A of Evin Prison. After enduring five long months in isolation, she was eventually transferred to the Women’s Ward within Evin Prison. Out of her 220 days of incarceration, she has spent a staggering 200 days in solitary confinement.
Since her arrest, she has undergone eighty interrogations, totalling nearly one thousand hours of questioning.
Ultimately, the Tehran Revolutionary Court, under the jurisdiction of Judge Iman Afshari, sentenced her to ten years and eight months in prison on charges of “accomplice in running illegal groups and propaganda against the regime.”
Despite suffering from severe spinal injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome, Taghavi has consistently been denied adequate medical care and the ability to make phone calls to her family, further exacerbating her already dire situation.
Currently, 24 women are being held at the women’s ward of Evin Prison in Tehran for political and alleged national security charges. This report provides an updated list of these prisoners along with their latest conditions, including the multiple health issues some are facing due to enduring long-term sentences or being beaten during detention.
According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, there are 24 women being held for political charges in the women’s ward of Evin Prison in Tehran.
During incarceration, they have experienced solitary confinement, frequent interrogation, being charged with new accusations, lack of adequate medical care, and being denied family visitation and phone calls. They have also been co-housed with prisoners who have committed violent crimes.
Among these prisoners, Mahvash Shahriari Sabet, Fariba Kamalabadi, Niloufar Bayani, Sepideh Kashani, Nahid Taghavi and Zahra Zehtabchi, among others, have spent a significant part of their incarceration in solitary confinement.
Many of these inmates are mothers including Zarha Zehtabchi, Narges Mohammadi, Faezeh Hashemi Rafsanjani, Maliheh Nazari, Samin Ehsani, and Narges Mansouri.
Since prisoners’ conditions are changing constantly, particularly after the recent mass releases under the “pardon and commute” directive, this report provides an updated list of the political prisoners in this ward.
Bahareh Hedayat
Bahareh Hedayat
Bahareh Hedayat, age 41, is serving her four-year and eight-month sentence. She was arrested and detained several times for her civil activities on June 12, 2006, July 9, 2007, July 13, 2008, and March 21, 2009.
On December 30, 2009, she was arrested again. After a few months of detention in Ward 209 of Evin Prison, she was sentenced to seven years and six months in prison. Next year, she received additional six months for writing an open letter.
By the midwinter of 2016, according to Article 134 of the Islamic Penal code, Hedayat had served out her time. Yet, judicial authorities refused to set her free by ordering her two-year suspended sentence, received in 2007, to be served. She was eventually released from jail on September 4, 2016, after serving six years and six months for all accumulated sentences.
On October 3, 2019, security forces arrested Hedayat amid the 2019–2020 Iranian protests. Subsequently, the Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced her to four years and eight months, two years banned from membership in political and civil groups, and penal labor in a nursing home for three months.
Lastly, on October 3, 2022, Hedayat was arrested amid 2022 nationwide protests, and on November 6 was jailed in Evin Prison to start her sentence received in 2019.
Currently, Hedayat is serving the second moths of her prison term. She has been held in solitary confinement for seven months.
Akram Nasirian
Akram Nasirian
On April 29, 2019, security forces arrested Nasirian in Tehran and detained her in solitary confinement under interrogation in Evin Prison for 20 days. In Late May, she was relocated to double cell solitary in this ward.
On May 26, 2019, she was released on 200-million-toman bail until the end of legal proceedings.
On September 4, 2019, along with Nahid Shaghaghi, Nasirian was summoned to the Evin Courthouse investigation office, presided by Judge Nasiripour.
The Branch 26 of Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided by Judge Iman Afshari, sentenced Nasirian and three other women’s rights activists, Asrin Darkaleh, Maryam Mohammadi and Nahid Shaghaghi, each to four years and two months. These verdicts were reduced to two years and three months after the defendants waived their rights to appeal.
In March 2020, Nasirian and three other women’s rights activists were summoned to Evin Courthouse for sentencing, which was postponed until April 3, 2022, due to the Head of Judiciary’s directive to keep health prisons condition in control during the Covid-19 pandemic. Eventually, in August 2022, they were jailed in Evin Prison to start serving their sentences.
Nasirian, 60 years old, a resident of Tehran, is a member of The Call of the Iranian Women NGO.
Sepideh Gholian
Sepideh Gholian
On November 18, 2018, Sepideh Gholian was arrested along with at least 19 others, including members of the Assembly of Representatives of Haft-Tappeh (Sugarcane Agro-Industry Company) workers, and several workers’ activists by Public Security Police in Shush city. She was released on bail after one month.
On January 19, 2019, Iran’s state TV aired a report showing some written statements signed by Gholian and others, including Esmail Bakhshi, and Ali Nejati (a member of the managing board of the labor union representing Haft Tappeh workers), confessing their connection with Marxist anti-regime Groups outside the country.
In response, Bakhshi and Gholian announced that these confessions were extracted under torture during their interrogation by the Ministry of Intelligence agents and other security forces. Both Judiciary and the Ministry of Intelligence dismissed their statements and arrested them just a few hours later.
On October 26, 2019, Gholian was released on bail until the end of legal proceedings. On December 14, 2019, the Tehran Court of Appeals sentenced her to five years imprisonment. On June 21, 2020, she was arrested after an appearance at Evin Courthouse and jailed in Evin Prison for sentencing.
On June 21, 2020, Gholian was transferred from Evin to Bushehr Prison in exile, despite her frequent request to be relocated to Sepidar Prison in Ahvaz, where her family lives.
On November 16, 2022, an investigation branch of the Public and Revolutionary prosecutor office in Tehran briefed her on the charges of “spreading falsehood, blasphemy, insulting, slandering, and accusing the government officials.”
Civil rights activist Gholian, age 29, has spent a total of 80 days in solitary confinement. She went three times on a hunger strike while in prison. During her incarceration, many times, she has been denied adequate medical treatment and attacked by prisoners of violent crimes.
Samin Ehsani
Samin Ehsani
On August 17, 2011, Baha’i citizen Samin Ehsani, age 37, a children’s rights activist, was arrested at Evin Courthouse, where she was for resolving some passport issues. After that, security forces raided and searched her house and confiscated some of her belongings, including her computer and materials related to the Baha’i faith.
Ehsani spent her first eleven days of detention in solitary confinement in Ward 2A of Evin Prison and then was relocated to a multiple-occupancy cell in this ward.
She was released on 185-million-toman bail after one month.
On June 9, 2012, Branch 28 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided by Judge Mohammad Moghiseh, sentenced her to five years in prison. On June 15, 2022, she was jailed in Evin prison to begin serving her sentence.
In recent years, Eshani has been engaging in educational activities by holding educational courses for Afghan children who are unable to go to school. On trial, such activities were presented as an example of the charges.
In prison, Ehsani was denied proper medical care after contracting Covid-19. Prison officials refused to dispatch her to the hospital. In total, Ehsani endured 25 days in solitary confinement.
Zahra Zehtabchi
Zahra Zehtabchi
Along with her husband and daughter, Zahra Zehtabchi was arrested on October 16, 2013. She was relocated to the women’s ward of Evin prison after enduring 14 months in solitary confinement in Ward 209. On December 8, 2014, Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided by Judge Salavati, sentenced her to 12 years in prison for “armed insurrection against the regime (Baghi)” and “enmity against God (Moharebeh).” This verdict was reduced to 10 years on appeal by applying Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code.
After her arrest, her husband Javad Khosh-Niyat was arrested and detained for 22 days following an inquiry about his wife’s condition.
Zehtabchi was arrested and detained for a few days in 2009 while she was surveying people’s opinions on presidential election results on behalf of the University of Tehran.
Zehtabchi, age 53, is a mother of two daughters, aged 17 and 24. She has been on furlough only once for three days in the third year of her sentence.
She is currently spending the ninth year of her sentence. She was held for 14 months in solitary confinement in IRGC’s detention facility known as Ward 2A of Evin Prison.
Narges Mohammadi
Narges Mohammadi
Narges Mohammadi was arrested for the first time in 2002 and released after one week. She received one year in this legal case.
In June 2010, Mohammadi was arrested again and held in solitary confinement in Ward 209 of Evin Prison. Next month, she was released on 100-million-toman bail. Next year, she was sentenced to 11 years for “assembly and collusion against national security” and “propaganda against the regime.” The verdict was reduced to 6 years on appeal.
In 2012, Mohammadi was arrested for starting her six-year sentence. After one month in solitary confinement and four months in Zanjan Prison in exile, she was released due to her disease and penal intolerance. In May 2015, she was rearrested and jailed in the women’s ward of Evin Prison to continue serving her six-year sentence. Moreover, she faced more charges in a new legal case.
In this new legal case, she was sentenced to 16 years for “forming an illegal group known as Legam (a campaign planning steps toward abolishing the death penalty)” and “propaganda against the regime.”
Applying article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code made ten years for one charge enforceable.
Mohammadi, age 46 and a mother of two children, is denied any phone call to her husband living abroad. She suffers from pulmonary embolism and muscular paralysis. On September 29, 2018, she was granted a medical furlough for three days.
On January 12, 2019, she and Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe went on a hunger strike in protest against inadequate medical treatment. After two days, they ended their hunger strike following prison officials’ promises.
On May 14, 2019, she was dispatched to a hospital to undergo surgery (hysterectomy- a surgical procedure to remove the uterus). Twelve days later, she was returned to prison although she still needed medical care.
On February 22, 2020, while serving her 16-year sentence, Mohammadi faced two new legal cases. One for “publishing political statements, holding educational classes and sit-down strike in the women’s ward of Evin Prison.” The second case was opened against her following the head of Evin Prison Gholamreza Ziaei’s complaint because he was allegedly accused of “torture and beating” by Mohammadi. In this case, Mohammadi was also accused of “disturbing prison order through singing songs aloud.”
On April 17, 2020, Mohammadi’s lawyer Mahmood Behzadirad informed the public that his client’s request for furlough and release on probation was rejected despite her suffering from mental and physical illness. Moreover, Mohammadi was held in the same with prisoners of violent crimes and had been threatened with death by one of them.
On October 8, 2020, Mohammadi was released from prison after serving five-and-a-half years.
On November 16, 2021, Mohammadi was arrested again during a ceremony honoring Ebrahim Ketabdar, who was killed by security forces in Karaj during the November 2019 protests. Six days later, she was briefed on new charges and then held in solitary confinement in Evil Prison. Thereafter, she was transferred to Qarchak Prison, Varamin.
In January 2022, the Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced her to eight years in prison, 74 lashes, two years exile and other social deprivations. Following her refusal not to appeal the conviction, the Revolutionary Court announced this sentence final.
While in prison, she faced a new legal case opened by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court. For this case, she received 15 months for “propaganda against the regime and monthly reporting to the police for two years. She was also banned from leaving the country, membership in civil and political groups for two years and doing cleaning service at penal labour in abandoned urban areas for four hours a day for three months.”
On April 12, 2022, prison officials denied her the medicine she had to use on a daily basis. She could receive these medicine only after 20 days.
Mohammadi, age 50, has been subjected to violence many times by prison guards and prisoners of violent crimes. Despite having heart disease, she has been denied medical care and medicine. She was held for a total of five months in solitary confinement.
Sara Ahmadi
Sara Ahmadi
On June 13, 2020, security forces arrested Sara Ahmadi and her spouse Homayoun Zhaveh at their rental vacation lodge in Amol, Mazandaran Province. She was released on 300-million-toman bail from Evin Prison. Zhaveh was released on a bail of 200 million tomans on August 24, 2020.
On November 11, 2020, the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided by Judge Iman Afshari, sentenced Ahmadi and Zhaveh to 11 and 3 years in prison, respectively.
On October 9, 2020, the Tehran Court of Appeals sentenced Ahmadi to eight years for “running illegal Zionist evangelical Christian groups.” and Zahveh to three years for the same charge. This Christian convert couple was also banned from leaving the country, membership in political parties and civil groups for two years and service work for people with disabilities four hours a day for six months.
On March 19, 2021, they were summoned to Eving courthouse to begin serving their sentences.
Christian convert Sara Ahmadi, age 44, has been held in solitary confinement for 67 days.
Sepideh Kashani
Sepideh Kashani
Environmental activist Speideh (Hamideh) Kashan Doost (Kashani) and seven other activists were arrested by IRGC intelligence agents in January 2018 and taken to Ward 2A of Evin Prison.
In February 2019, Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court postponed the court date to next year. In November 2019, this court, headed by Judge Salavati, sentenced Kashani to six years in prison for “collaboration with the hostile U.S. government.” Next months, after enduring 700 days of detention, she was relocated to the women’s ward of Evin Prison to start serving her sentence.
On February 18, 2020, Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeals, presided by Judge Ahmad Zargar, upheld the verdict.
Kashani, an environmental activist and an expert at the Parsian Wildlife Institute, age 50, was held in solitary confinement for two years. She spent eight months in solitary confinement in Ward 2A of Evin Prison at IRGC’s disposal. So far, she has been granted two times prison furloughs.
During her incarceration, she has been denied proper medical care, phone calls and visitation.
Niloufar Bayani
Niloufar Bayani
In January 2018, IRGC intelligence agents arrested environmental conservationist Niloufar Bayani, along with other activists, and took them to Ward 2A of Evin Prison, Tehran. During detention, she was subjected to pressure and sexual harassment to make coerced confessions against herself and other co-defendants.
After holding a few court sessions, in February 2019, Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court postponed the trial to next year. In November 2019, this court, headed by Judge Salavati, sentenced her to ten years in prison for “collaboration with the hostile U.S. government.”
Next months, after being held in IRGC’s Ward 2A, she was relocated to the women’s ward of Evin Prison to start serving her sentence. The verdict was upheld on appeal.
In the winter of 2020, in an open letter, Bayani revealed that IRGC interrogators tortured her mentally and physically, and sexually harassed her during at least 1200 hours of interrogation. Earlier in April 2019, HRANA had disclosed sexual harassment, torture and threats against the defendants, including Bayani, to extract confessions.
Due to publishing this open letter, she was pressed with new charges on which she was briefed in Evin Courthouse.
Bayani is a former expert at the Parsian Wildlife Institute. Currently, she is serving the fifth year of her sentence in Evin Prison. She has spent two years of her ten-year sentence in Ward 2A, a detention facility at IRGC’s disposal.
Shakila Monfared
Shakila Monfared
On August 31, 2020, security forces arrested Monfared in Tehran while she was leaving her house and took her to an IRGC detention facility.
Nine days later, she was relocated to the women’s ward of Evin Prison after completing interrogation. On September 14, 2020, she was released on bail from Evin Prison.
The branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided by Judge Iman Afshari, sentenced her to six years for “propaganda against the regime and blasphemy.” She was also ordered to do penal labor in the Ministry of Agriculture Jihad for four months. Eventually, Branch 36 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court reduced her sentence to four years and two months.
On May 2, 2021, Monfared was transferred from Evin prison to Qarchak Prison in Varamin in exile. After that, she received additional two years and eight months on the charge of “membership in anti-regime groups” and a 10-million-toman fine for “spreading falsehood.”
Following a complaint filed by the Prisons and Security and Corrective Measures Organization for their refusal to be transferred to the court from prison with handcuff, Monfared and 13 other political prisoners faced a new legal case opened by Branch 3 of Evin Courthouse. She was pressed with “disturbing public order and peace, assembly and collusion against the regime, insulting regime officials and disobeying prison officials.”
Monfared, age 29, a resident of Tehran, endured 72 days of solitary confinement. Despite suffering from digestive disease and severe stomach pain, she has been denied adequate medical care. During her incarceration, she was granted furlough only one time.
During this time, Monfared was deprived of visitation and phone calls for two months. She went on a hunger strike and refusal to take medicine to protest against being cohoused with prisoners of violent crimes and lack of medical care.
Fariba Kamalabadi
Fariba Kamalabadi
On May 14, 2008, Kamalabadi was arrested in Tehran and held in solitary confinement for 27 months in Ward 209 of Evin Prison. On August 8, 2010, she went on trial with six other members of a Baha’i group known as the “Yaran e Iran” or “Friends of Iran,” which addressed the spiritual and social needs of the Baha’i community. Branch 28 of the Revolutionary Court, presided by Judge Mohammad Moghiseh, sentenced her to 20 years in prison. The next day after the trial, she and Mahvash Shahriari Sabet were jailed in exile in Rajai Shahr Prison in Karaj.
In May 2011, Kamalabadi was relocated to Qarchak Prison in Varamin and a week later to the women’s ward of Evin Prison. In 2011, by applying the Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, her sentence was reduced to ten years.
Kamalabadi suffers from lumbar disc disease. However, during her incarceration, she has been granted furlough only once. During the leave, she met Faezeh Hashemi Rafsanjani causing outcry among the regime’s authorities and media inside Iran.
On October 31, 2017, she was set free from Evin Prison after serving her ten-year sentence.
On July 31, 2022, security forces arrested Kamalabadi and another member of “Yaran e Iran” Mahvash Shahriari Sabet in Tehran. Subsequently, Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, headed by Judge Iman Afshari, sentenced each of these Baha’is to 10 years for “running a society of the deviant sect (a terminology used by Iran’s regime to refer to the Baha’is) in the purpose of acting against national security.”
Kamalabadi, age 60, is a resident of Tehran.
Faezeh Hashemi Rafsanjani
Faezeh Hashemi Rafsanjani
In the aftermath of the 2009 Iranian election protests, Faezeh Hashemi Rafsanjani was arrested twice for a few hours on June 20, 2009, and February 20, 2011.
The Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided by Judge Salavati, sentenced Hashemi Rafsanjani to six months in prison for “propaganda against the regime.” She was also banned from membership in political parties and groups, presence in media and civil activities on social media. This verdict was upheld on appeal.
On September 22, 2012, security forces arrested and jailed her in the women’s ward of Evin Prison to begin serving her sentence.
While in prison, she faced a new legal case for her protests against the women’s ward issues. Accused of “insulting the Supreme Leader” and “disturbing prison order,” she was sentenced to three weeks of punitive isolation in Ward 209 and deprived of visitation.
On September 27, 2022, security forces arrested this political activist again in Tehran. She received 15 months for “propaganda against the regime” and 37 months for “blasphemy.”
Hashemi Rafsanjani, born on 7 January 1963, is a former member of the Iranian parliament from 1996 to 2000, and a member of the Executives of Construction Party. She was held for 38 days in solitary confinement.
Fatemeh Mosanna
Fatemeh Mosanna
On January 28, 2013, the Ministry of Intelligence agents arrested Fatemeh Mosanna, age 53, along with her husband, Hassan Sadeghi, and her child. She was held in solitary confinement in Ward 209 of Evin prison for 75 days and then relocated to the women’s ward.
On January 13, 2014, she was released on bail. After that, Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court sentenced the couple each to 15 years in prison on the charges of “armed insurrection against the regime (Baghi)” and “enmity against God (Moharebeh),” through advocating People’s Mojahedin Organization (MEK). The court also ordered the seizure of their shop and house. On September 30, 2015, she was arrested and jailed in the women’s ward of Evin Prison to begin serving her sentence.
Mosanna is the mother of two children who are currently living with their grandmother. Mosanna is deprived of having a furlough despite suffering from intestinal colitis and severe migraine. Since February 2019, she could see her husband, imprisoned in Rajai Shahr Prison, only three times. The Their last visitation was in May 2019. While other inmates can have visitation regularly, she is allowed visitation only with Amin Vaziri’s permission, an assistant prosecutor overseeing prisoners. This ban violates the rules governing prison visits, entitling prisoners to have family visitation even if they are housed in separate prisons.
In March 2019, the agents of the Execution of Imam Khomeini seized this couple’s shop and then in May 2020, they seized their house.
Despite suffering from sciatic nerve pain, intestinal colitis and severe migraine, many times, Mosanna was denied proper medical care and treatment in a hospital outside the prison.
When Mosanna was only 13 years old, she spent three years in jail with her mother. During this period, her three brothers Ali, Mostafa and Morteza, as well as the wife of one of her brothers, were executed for the charge of “enmity against God” and “advocating for The People’s Mujahedin Organization of Iran.”
Vida Rabbani
Vida Rabbani
Vida Rabbani, a journalist and member of the Union of Islamic Iran People Party, was arrested several arrests in 2020, 2021 and 2022 over to her participation in protest gatherings regarding some issues in Afghanistan and the crash of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, which was shot by IRGC’s missile.
Branch 36 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced Rabbani to five years for “blasphemy,” four years for “assembly and collusion against national security,” eight months for “propaganda against the regime,” and eight months for “disturbing in public order.” Moreover, she was banned from civil activities on social media, gatherings and political activities. The verdict is upheld on appeal. Based on the Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, five years for one charge is enforceable.
Amid the 2022 nationwide protests, Rabbani was arrested again and sentenced to six years and 15 months in prison for “assembly and collusion against national security” and “propaganda against the regime.”
Rabbani, age 34, was held in solitary confinement for 70 days.
Golrokh Ebrahimi Iraee
Golrokh Ebrahimi Iraee
On September 6, 2014, Golrokh Ebrahimi Iraee and her husband Arash Sadeghi were arrested. She was held in an IRGC detention facility A.k.A “Safehouse” and then transferred to IRGC’s Ward 2A, in Evin Prison. After 20 days, she was released on an 800-million-toman bail.
Ebrahimi Iraee and Arash Sadeghi began serving their sentence on October 24, 2016, in Evin Prison. While serving her sentence in prison, she and Atena Daemi faced a new legal case. On April 8, 2019, she was released from prison after serving her sentence. However, she had to provide bail for the second case.
For this new legal case, Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced her and Daemi to three years and seven months. Moreover, both were banned from membership in political groups and parties. These verdicts were upheld on appeal. According to their lawyer, by applying the Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, two years and one month were enforceable to them.
On November 9, 2019, about ten agents raided her house and arrested Iraee without showing any arrest warrant. They took her to the Evin Judgement enforcement unit to begin serving her sentence in Evin Prison. The head of Evin Prison, Gholamreza Ziaei, refused to house Iraee in Evin Prison. After one day, Amin Vaziri, an assistant prosecutor overseeing prisoners, unlawfully ordered the transfer of Ireaee to Qarchak Prison, Varamin.
Since her incarceration in Qarchak Prison, Iraee has not been allowed to call or meet her spouse, Arash Sadeghi, a civil rights activist imprisoned in Rajai Shahr Prison.
On December 7, 2020, Iraee was summoned to an IRGC detention facility for interrogation. As an inmate serving her sentence, Iraee called this summons against the law and refused to go. Following her refusal, the prison guards beat her and took her forcefully to the detention facility, where she was interrogated for 43 days. After a while, she was transferred to Amol prison in exile. Meanwhile, security agents searched her house.
While she was in Amol prison, in a trial in absentia, Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided by Judge Iman Afshari, sentenced her to one year for “propaganda against the regime.” She was also banned from leaving the country for two years and from membership in political groups. Throughout the trial, she was denied access to a lawyer.
On May 9, 2022, Iraee was set free from Amol prison. However, she was rearrested violently at her home in Tehran on September 26, 2022. During the arrest, the agents searched her house.
On November 17, 2022, Iraee was briefed on the charges of “assembly and collusion against national security” and “propaganda against the regime” at Branch 2 of Evin Courthouse, presided by Judge, Mahmood Haj Moradi.
This political prisoner has been transferred from Qarchak Prison to the women’s ward of Evin Prison. The reason for her relocation is still unknown.
Iraee, age 42, had been held in solitary confinement for 79 days.
Malihe Nazari
Malihe Nazari
On June 30, 2020, security forces arrested Christian convert Malihe Nazari at her home in Tehran and took her to Evin Prison. On July 22, 2020, she was transferred to Qarchak Prison, Varamin.
In early September 2020, she was released on 300-million-toman bail.
On June 7, 2021, Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced her to six years in prison for “forming illegal groups to act against national security, disrupting national security through preaching Evangelical Christianity and creating home churches.”
On August 30, 2022, she was jailed in Evin Prison to begin serving her sentence.
Nazari, age 50, is a mother of two sons, aged 22 and 15. She has been held in solitary confinement for 20 days.
Mahvash Shahriari Sabet
Mahvash Shahriari Sabet
On March 5, 2008, Mahvash Shahriari Sabet was arrested in Mashhad. After enduring 13 months of solitary confinement in Mashhad, she was transferred to Evin Prison, where she was held in solitary confinement in Ward 209 for 27 months. In August 2010, Branch 28 of the Revolutionary Court, presided by Judge Mohammad Moghiseh, sentenced her to 20 years in prison. The next day, she was relocated into exile in Rajai Shahr Prison, Karaj. In April-May 2011, she was relocated to Qarchak Prison in Varamin and the next week, to the women’s ward of Evin Prison.
During her incarceration, Shahriari Sabet has been granted a furlough only one time. In 2015, her sentence was reduced to 10 years.
On September 18, 2017, Shahriari Sabet was set free from Evin Prison after serving her ten-year sentence. During the first 20 months of her prolonged detention, she had not any access to a lawyer.
On July 31, 2022, security forces arrested her again and searched her house. Subsequently, Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, headed by Judge Iman Afshari, sentenced her to 10 years in prison. Despite suffering from several diseases such as osteoporosis as a result of long-term incarceration, she does not have access to her required medicine. Since November 21, 2022, she has not been allowed to call her family or have visitation.
Nahid Taghavi
Nahid Taghavi
On October 16, 2020, security forces arrested Iranian-German national Nahid Taghavi, age 68, at her home in Tehran and took her to solitary confinement in IRGC’s Ward 2A, in Evin Prison.
After five months, she was relocated to the women’s ward of Evin Prison. Since her arrest, she has undergone about 1000 hours of interrogation during 80 sessions.
Many times, under different pretexts, she was sent from the women’s ward to Ward 2A and held in solitary confinement.
Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided by Judge Iman Afshari, sentenced her to 10 years and 8 months for “running illegal groups and propaganda against the regime.”
Despite the doctor’s order for back surgery and providing bail by her family, she was denied medical leave, until July 19, 2022, when she was finally dispatched to a hospital. However, despite unfinished treatment, she was sent back forcefully to prison on November 13, 2022.
Taghavi spent, in total, 200 out of her 220 days of incarceration in solitary confinement. During her detention and imprisonment, she has been denied to make a phone call and proper medical care.
Nasrin Javadi Khezri
Nasrin Javadi Khezri
On May 1, 2019, at a protest gathering on International Workers’ Day before the parliament, Nasrin (Azam) Javadi Khezri, along with dozens of protestors, were arrested. 28 days later, she was released on 100-million-toman bail from Qarchak Prison.
Afterwards, Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced her to five years for “assembly and collusion against national security,” one year for “propaganda against the regime”, and one year for “disturbing public order.” She was also sentenced to 74 lashes, a ban from using smartphones, and membership in civil/political groups and parties.
The Court of Appeals sentenced her to five years for the first above-mentioned charge. On July 2, 2022, she began serving her sentence in Evin Prison.
Javadi and 13 other political prisoners face a new legal case, following the Prisons Organization’s complaint about these prisoners’ refusal to be handcuffed during the transfer to the court. Branch 3 of Evin Prosecutor’s Office charged them with “disturbing public order, assembly and collusion against the regime, insulting the authorities and contempt of prison officials.”
Javadi, age 65, was held in solitary confinement for 50 days.
Narges Mansouri
Narges Mansouri
On August 12, 2019, security forces arrested Narges Mansouri while she was returning home from work. After 20 days of interrogation and being held in solitary confinement in the Ward 2A of Evin prison, she was transferred to Qarchak Prison in Varamin.
Following a three-day hunger strike, Mansouri was sent back to Evin Prison. On November 13, 2019, she was released on 500-million-toman bail until the end of legal proceedings.
In 2022, she was rearrested by security forces.
Mansouri is a civil rights activist and member of the Syndicate of Workers of Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company. She, age 46, is a mother of a 12-year-old child.
Mansouri was held for a total of 72 days in solitary confinement.
Maryam Haji Hosseini
Maryam Haji Hosseini
In September 2019, security forces arrested Maryam Haji Hosseini and held her in a detention facility in Tehran for about six months under interrogation. In March 2020, she was relocated to the women’s ward of Evin Prison.
On April 22, 2020, Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided by Judge Salavati, held the first court session. Facing multiple charges including “spreading corruption on earth and spying for Israel,” Haji Hosseini was sentenced to death. On appeal, this verdict was commuted to ten years in prison and paying the money received for spying.
Haji Hosseini, age 50, has been held in solitary confinement for 412 days.
Tahereh Bajrovani
Tahereh Bajrovani
On December 21, 2022, security forces arrested Tahereh Bajrovani at her workplace in Tehran and took her to Ward 209 of Evin Prison.
After 33 days, she was relocated to the women’s ward of Evin Prison after 33 days of interrogation.
The reason for her arrest and the allegation against her is still unknown.
Bajrovani’s husband, Ali Fotoohi Koohsare, was killed by regime forces during the 2019–2020 Iranian protests.
Masoumeh (Farah) Nasaji
The Revolutionary Court sentenced Masoumeh Nasaji to five years and four months in prison. The details of her legal case and the charges are still unknown.
Nasaji, age 60, has been held for 48 days in solitary confinement.
Negar Zarei
Negar Zarei, age 31, was sentenced to five years and one month in prison by the Revolutionary Court. The details of her legal case and the charges are still unknown.
She has been held for 21 days in solitary confinement.
HRANA – HRA has compiled a list of sixty-nine dual and foreign nationals detained by Iran since 2003. The list illustrates a deeply flawed judiciary plagued with the ongoing use of arbitrary detention fueled by an extraordinary lack of due process. It is noteworthy that in recent years a number of these arrests have been made by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). It is overwhelmingly clear that Iran continues to use dual and foreign nationals as political bargaining chips, often charging individuals in connection with espionage and citing national security concerns—with an alarming lack of evidence. HRA has documented extensive evidence of unfair trials, often conducted in a language the accused does not understand, with the denial of legal counsel, disproportionate sentencing, prolonged solitary confinement, and interrogations marred with torture leading to forced and sometimes televised confessions. The list goes on. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has commented on Iran’s trend of detaining dual nationals confirming that a number of those detained were targeted based on their “nationality or social origin”.
The detention of dual and foreign nationals is seemingly targeted and systematic and it must be widely condemned. Iran cannot be allowed to use human beings as players in its political chessboard. Despite the foreign ministries’ November 2021 guarantee vowing the safety of dual nationals traveling to Iran, the continued practice and failure to release those currently detained sends a starkly opposite message to Iranians that enjoy dual nationality. A message that it is not safe to return to Iran without a well-founded fear of detention. There is no secret that Iran views dual nationals in this way. The case of Nazanin Zarcari Radcliffe is an unfortunate example of just how serious Iran takes the game. They view Nazanin as ransom for a four-hundred million pound debt owed by the United Kingdom daring back to a 1979 arms deal. It has become clear that Nazanin’s freedom hinges on the payment of said funds. She is not alone. There must be sustained international pressure to release Nazanin and all dual and foreign nationals currently detained by Iran. It’s a dangerous game when politics become more important than the very lives politicians were elected to serve.
In a letter written from prison, currently detained dual national, Siamak Namazi said Iran’s continued use of hostage diplomacy was like “sprinkl[ing] salt on the wound of distrust.” This is surely a shared sentiment in numerous diplomatic circles attempting to tackle the issue.
The following list documents sixty-nine dual and foreign nationals detained by Iran from 2003 to the present day. A number of those detained were released prior to the completion of their sentence–illustrating the arbitrariness of the practice. Some were never fortunate enough to return home and ultimately faced execution at the hands of their abductors. While several have been released a number still await a strategic move on the chessboard that has, unfortunately, become their reality. American, British, and Canadian citizens account for the highest number of detentions among dual nationals–the highest number of detentions occurring in 2016. It is worth noting that the actual number of detentions may be higher than reported. Dual national detentions significantly outnumber that of foreign nationals reaffirming the widespread distrust in Iran’s commitment to the safety of dual nationals wishing to “return home”.
(*) denotes the individual remains imprisoned in Iran or otherwise has been denied the ability to return home.
1. Zahra “Ziba” Kazemi-Ahmadabadi
Date of Arrest: June 24, 2003 Date of Release: Killed by Iranian officials following her arrest Nationality: Iranian-Canadian Charges: Photographing restricted areas Conviction: N/A
2. Stephane Lherbier
Date of Arrest: November 6, 2005 Date of Release: January 2007 Nationality: French Charges: Unknown Conviction:Unknown
3. Donald Klein
Date of Arrest: November 6, 2005 Date of Release: January, 2007 Nationality: German Charges: Unknown Conviction: Unknown
4. Robert Alan Levinson
Date of Arrest: March 2007 Date of Release: Disappeared on March 9, 2007 on Kish Island, Iran Nationality: American Charges: Unknown Conviction: Unknown
5. Haleh Esfandiari
Date of Arrest: May 8, 2007 Date of Release: August 21, 2007 Nationality: Iranian-American Charges: Acting against national security and acting to overthrow the regime Conviction: Unknown
6. Hamid Ghasemi Shal
Date of Arrest: 2008 Date of Release: October 2013 Nationality: Iranian-Canadian Charges: Espionage. In retrial, the charge was changed to assembly and collusion against national security Conviction: Initially sentenced to death. Later, the verdict was reduced to 5 years imprisonment
7. Saeed Malekpour
Date of Arrest: October 2008 Date of Release: Released from prison before the end of his sentence Nationality: Iranian-Resident of Canada Charges: Cybercrime (Pornography) Conviction: Life imprisonment
8. Hossein Derakhshan
Date of Arrest: November 1, 2008 Date of Release: November 19, 2015 Nationality: Iranian-Canadian Charges: Collaboration with hostile countries, propaganda against the regime, advocating for anti-regime groups, blasphemy, setting up and directing websites with obscene content. Conviction: 19 years and 6 months imprisonment, five year prohibition from membership and activity on social media
9. Roxana Saberi
Date of Arrest: January 31, 2009 Date of Release: May 11, 2009 Nationality: American Charges: Espionage and gathering confidential and classified documents Conviction: 2 years suspended imprisonment
10. Maziar Bahari
Date of Arrest: June 1, 2009
Date of Release: October 13, 2009
Nationality: Iranian-Canadian
Charges: Assembly and collusion to act against national security, gathering and holding confidential and classified documents, propaganda against the regime, offensive statements against the Supreme Leader of Iran and the President, disturbing public order
Conviction: 13 years and six month imprisonment and 74 lashes
* 11. Fariba Adelkhah
Date of arrest: June 6, 2009 Date of release: Unknown Citizenship: Iranian-French Charges: Propaganda against the regime and collusion against national security Sentence: 6 years and 6 months imprisonment
12. Clotilde Reiss
Date of Arrest: July 1, 2009 Date of Release: August 2009 Nationality: French Charges: Espionage Conviction: 5 years imprisonment, later changed to a fine when she left Iran on May 16, 2016
13. Kian Tajbakhsh
Date of Arrest: July 2009 Date of Release: March 13, 2010 Nationality: Iranian-American Charges: Unknown Conviction: 5 years imprisonment
14. Sarah Shourd
Date of Arrest: July 30, 2009 Date of Release: September 14, 2010 Nationality: American Charges: Illegally entering the country and espionage Conviction: Released on bail. She left Iran after her release.
15. Vahik Abramian
Date of Arrest: February 20, 2010 Date of Release: March 2011 Nationality: Iranian-Dutch Charges: Preaching Christian beliefs Conviction: One year in prison. He returned to the Netherlands after release.
16. Shane Bauer
Date of Arrest: September 14, 2010 Date of Release: December 27, 2011 Nationality: American Charges: Illegally entering the country and espionage Conviction: 8 years imprisonment
17. Josh Fattal
Date of Arrest: September 14, 2010 Date of Release: December 27, 2011 Nationality: American Charges: Illegally entering the country and espionage Conviction: 8 years imprisonment
18. Amir Mirza Hekmati
Date of Arrest: December 7, 2011 Date of Release: January 2016 Nationality: Iranian-American Charges: Espionage Conviction: Initially sentenced to death, later reduced to 10 years imprisonment. He was released through a prisoner swap with the U.S. Government
19. Masoud Karami
Date of Arrest: February 14, 2012 Date of Release: Unknown Nationality: Iranian-Norwegian Charges: Unknown Conviction: Unknown
20. Saeed Abedini
Date of Arrest: September 2012 Date of Release: Mid-January 2016 Nationality: Iranian-American Charges: Holding underground church services with the purpose of acting against national security Conviction: 8 years in prison
21. Afshin Shafei
Date of Arrest: December 16, 2012 Date of Release: January 2013 Nationality: Iranian-Norwegian Charges: Unknown Conviction: Released on bail and left the country
22. Roya Saberi Nejad Nikbakht
Date of Arrest: September 28, 2013 Date of Release: Unknown Nationality: Iranian-British Charges: Blasphemy and offensive statements against the heads of three branches of government. Conviction: 4 years imprisonment
23-30. Seven Unidentified Slovak Citizens
Date of Arrest: July 2013 Date of Release: September 2013 Nationality: Slovak Charges: Espionage Conviction: Unknown
31. Jason Rezaian
Date of Arrest: July 22, 2014
Date of Release: January 2016
Nationality: Iranian-American
Charges: Espionage and acting against national security
Conviction: Released though a prisoner swap. In return, the U.S. government released three Iranian prisoners.
*32. Hasan Rastegari Majd
Date of Arrest: October 27, 2014 Date of Release: Imprisoned in Urmia Prison Nationality: Iranian-Turkish Charges: In the first case, “propaganda against the regime through collaboration with an anti-regime group”. In the second case, “offensive statements and propaganda against the regime”. In the third case, “causing unrest in prison and clashing with prison guards”. Conviction: 15 years imprisonment and revocation of Iranian citizenship for his first case. 2 years imprisonment for the second case and one year for the third.
33. Nosratollah (Farzad) Khosravi-Roodsari
Date of Arrest: 2014 Date of Release: January, 2016 Nationality: Iranian- American Charges: Unknown Conviction: Released through a prisoner swap with the U.S. Government.
34. Mostafa Azizi
Date of Arrest: February 1, 2015 Date of Release: April, 2016 Nationality: Iranian-Resident of Canada Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security, propaganda against the regime, offensive statements against the Supreme Leader of Iran. Conviction: 3 years and a fine
35. Nizar Zakka
Date of Arrest: 2015 Date of Release: June 11, 2019 Nationality: Lebanese citizen, US resident Charges: Espionage and collaboration with hostile countries Conviction: 10 years imprisonment and a fine of 4.2 million dollars
*36. Siamak Namazi
Date of arrest: October 2015
Date of release: N/A
Citizenship: Iranian-American
Charges: Collaborating with a hostile government (U.S.A.)
Sentence: 10 years imprisonment
37. Matthew Trevithick
Date of Arrest: December 8, 2015
Date of Release: January 2016
Nationality: American
Charges: Espionage
Conviction: Unknown
38. Sanya Bobnevich
Date of Arrest: December 13, 2015 Date of Release: January 2016 Nationality: Croatian-Swedish Charges: Unknown Conviction: Released on bail
39. Kamran Ghaderi
Date of arrest: December 2015 Date of release: N/A Citizenship: Iranian-Austrian Charges: Espionage Sentence: 10 years imprisonment
* 40. Bagher Namazi
Date of Arrest: March 2016 Date of Release: Spring 2019. Released due to need for medical treatment. Nationality: Iranian-American Charges: Collaboration with a hostile country (U.S.A.) Conviction: 10 years imprisonment
*41. Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe
Date of Arrest: April, 2016 Date of Release: First case, March 2021. Second case, pending removal of travel ban restrictions. Nationality: Iranian-British Charges: First case, Collusion against the State. Second case, Propaganda against the regime. Conviction: First case, 5 years imprisonment. Second case, 1-year imprisonment and 1-year travel ban
* 42. Ahmadreza Jalali
Date of Arrest: April 2016 Date of Release: N/A Nationality: Iranian-Swedish Charges: Espionage Conviction: Executed
43. Homa Hoodfar
Date of Arrest: June 6, 2016 Date of Release: October 2016 Nationality: Iranian-Canadian Charges: Unknown Conviction: Unknown
44. Reza (Rabin) Shahini
Date of Arrest: July 15, 2016 Date of Release: April 2017 Nationality: Iranian-American Charges: Collaboration with Voice of America news channel (VOA) and appearance in their TV programs, propaganda against the regime in favor of anti-regime groups, membership in anti-regime groups such as the proponents of the re-establishing the monarchy in Iran, instigating people to disturb national security and offensive statements against former and current Supreme Leader of Iran. Conviction: 18 years imprisonment, of which 9 years is enforceable. He was released on bail of 200 million tomans.
45. Afarin Neysari
Date of Arrest: July 20, 2016 Date of Release: Mid-July, 2018 Nationality: Iranian-American Charges: Espionage Conviction: 16 years imprisonment. Released on bail of 40 billion tomans
46. Karan Vafadari
Date of Arrest: July 20, 2016 Date of Release: Mid-July, 2018 Nationality: Iranian- American Charges: Espionage Conviction: 27 years imprisonment. Released on bail of 40 billion tomans
47. Xiyue Wang
Date of Arrest: Summer 2016 Date of Release: November 2019 Nationality: Chinese-American Charges: Espionage Conviction: 10 years imprisonment. Released through a prisoner swap with the U.S. government in exchange for an Iranian Prisoner.
48. Abdolrasoul Dorri-Esfahani
Date of Arrest: August, 2016 Date of Release: Unknown Nationality: Iranian-Canadian Charges: Espionage and collaboration with the British Intelligence Service Conviction: 5 years imprisonment
49. Anoosheh Ashoori
Date of Arrest: 2017 Date of Release: N/A Nationality: Iranian-British Charges: Spying for Israel and acquisition of illegitimate property Conviction: 12 years imprisonment and fine of 33 thousand euros
*50. Morad Tahbaz
Date of Arrest: January 24, 2018 Date of Release: Jailed in Evin Prison Nationality: Iranian-American Charges: Espionage Conviction: 10 years imprisonment
51. Kavous Seyed-Emami
Date of Arrest: January 2018 Date of Release: Died in prison Nationality: Iranian-Canadian Charges: Espionage Conviction: Unknown
52. Aras Amiri
Date of Arrest: March 2018 Date of Release: July 2021 Nationality: Iranian-British Charges: Espionage Conviction: 10 years imprisonment
53. Bahareh Amidi (Wife of Emad Sharghi)
Date of Arrest: April 4, 2018 Date of Release: 2018 (likely shortly after arrest) Nationality: Iranian-American Charges: Unknown Conviction: Unknown
54. Abbas Edalat
Date of Arrest: April 15, 2018 Date of Release: January, 2019 Nationality: Iranian-British Charges: Unknown Conviction: Unknown
55. Michael White
Date of Arrest: July 1, 2018 Date of Release: June 4, 2020 Nationality: American Charges: Offensive statements against the Supreme Leader of Iran and doxing. Conviction: 10 years imprisonment
56. Kylie Moore Gilbert
Date of Arrest: Fall 2018 Date of Release: November 25, 2020 Nationality: Australian-British Charges: Acting against national security Conviction: 10 years imprisonment
57. Nelly Erin-Cambervelle
Date of Arrest: October 21, 2018
Date of Release: February 24, 2019
Nationality: French
Charges: Allegedly signing an illegal mining contract
Conviction: Unknown
58. Meimanat Hosseini-Chavoshi
Date of Arrest: November, 2018
Date of Release: January, 2019
Nationality: Iranian-Australian
Charges: Collaboration with foreign countries, assembly and collusion against national security through conducting research on the decrease in birth rate
Conviction: 5 years imprisonment
59. Kamil Ahmadi
Date of Arrest: August 11, 2019 Date of Release: November 18, 2019 Nationality: Iranian-British Charges: Acquisition of illegal wealth through collaboration with institutions hostile to the regime. Conviction: 9 years imprisonment and a fine of 600,000 euros
60. Akbar Lakestani
Date of Arrest: September 28, 2019 Date of Release: November 13, 2019 Nationality: Iranian-American Charges: Propaganda against the regime Conviction: Released on bail. He left the country after his release.
61. Ruhollah Zam
Date of Arrest: October 2019 Date of Release: Executed Nationality: Iranian-Resident of France Charges: Spreading corruption on earth, launching and managing the Telegram channel “Amadnews” and “Sedaye Mardom” to disturb national security, spying for Israel and another country in the region, spying for the French intelligence service, collaborating with the U.S. government, assembly and collusion to act against national security, propaganda against the regime, membership in news outlet “Saham News” to with intent to disturb national security, instigating people, gathering classified information, spreading lies, Instigating military forces of the regime to revolt and disobey, blasphemy, and acquisition of illegal properties Conviction: Death penalty
* 62. Yulia Yuzik
Date of Arrest: October 3, 2019
Date of Release: October 10, 2019
Nationality: Russian
Charges: Espionage
Conviction: Detained for one week. Left Iran immediately following her release.
*63. Benjamin Briere
Date of Arrest: May 2020 Date of Release: N/A Nationality: French Charges: Espionage and propaganda against the regime Conviction: 8 years imprisonment
*64. Reza Eslami
Date of Arrest: May 10, 2020 Date of Release: Imprisoned Nationality: Iranian-Canadian Charges: Collaboration with hostile countries (U.S.A.) against the Islamic Republic of Iran through participation in educational courses about the Rule of Law in Czech Republic. Conviction: 7 years imprisonment, prohibited from teaching and leaving the country.
*65. Jamshid Sharmahd
Date of Arrest: August 2020 Date of Release: Unknown Nationality: Iranian-German Charges: Unknown Conviction: Unknown
*66. Nahid Taghavi
Date of Arrest: October 16, 2020 Date of Release: N/A Nationality: Iranian-German Charges: Participation in forming unlawful groups and “propaganda against the regime. Conviction: 10 years and 8 months imprisonment
67. Emad Sharghi
Date of Arrest: Fall 2020 Date of Release: N/A Nationality: Iranian-American Charges: Espionage and gathering military intelligence Conviction: 9 years imprisonment and a fine of 600,000 euros
68. Tavakoli
Date of Arrest: Unknown Date of Release: Unknown Nationality: Dual Nationalities Charges: Espionage Conviction: 8 years and 6 months imprisonment
* 69. Habib Chaab
Date of Arrest: November 2021
Date of Release: Unknown
Nationality: Iranian-Swedish
Charges: Spreading corruption on earth, leading an anti-regime group, attemptign to sabotage public and private places and planning terrorism operations, destruction of public property
Conviction: Unknown
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For further inquiries please contact Skylar Thompson, Senior Advocacy Coordinator Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA) at [email protected]
According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, political activists Nahid Taghavi, Mehran Raouf, Somayeh Kargar, Bahareh Soleimani, and Nazanin Mohammadnejad were sentenced to a total of 38 years in prison.
The other two defendants of the case, Nafiseh Malekijoo, and Mohammad Hajinia, were also sentenced in absentia. Ms. Malekijoo was sentenced to 6 years and nine months, and Mr. Hajiniya was sentenced to 8 years and eight months imprisonment.
Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran, presided by Judge Iman Afshari, has sentenced the seven defendants to a total of 53 years and five months in prison on charges of “participating and administrating the Communist Party of Iran with the intention to disrupt security”, and “propaganda activities against the regime”.
Nafiseh Malekijoo and Mohammad Hajinia are currently living abroad. As of this writing, the status of the case of Elham Samimi, the eighth defendant of the case, is unknown.
The first session of the court hearing for these activists was held on April 28, and the second session was held on June 13.
Political defendants Nahid Taghavi, Somayeh Kargar, Bahareh Soleimani, Nazanin Mohammad Nejad, and Mehran Raouf were sentenced by Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran to a total of 38 years in prison.
According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, the court hearings of these citizens, along with Ms. Elham Samimi, another defendant of this case, were held on April 28 and June 13.
Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran, presided by Judge Iman Afshari, sentenced Nahid Taghavi and Mehran Raouf to 10 years and eight months in prison on charges of “participation in the management of an illegal group and propaganda activities against the regime”.
Somayeh Kargar and Bahareh Soleimani were sentenced to 6 years and eight months on charges of “participation in the management of an illegal group and propaganda activities against the regime”, and Nazanin Mohammad Nejad to 3 years and 4 months each on a charge of “participation in the management of an illegal group and propaganda activities against the system”. As of this writing, the status of Elham Samimi’s case is not known.
In October 2020, HRANA reported the arrest of Ms. Taghavi, Ms. Somayeh Kargar, Mr. Mehran Raouf, and Ms. Bahareh Soleimani by IRGC intelligence forces, as well as the arrests of Ms. Mohammadnejad in December and Elham Samimi in November last year. Nahid Taghavi and Mehran Raouf are still in custody.
Nahid Taghavi and Narges Adib are currently facing medical negligence from authorities in Evin Prison.
According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, Iranian-German dual citizen Nahid Taghavi has been denied medical treatment in Evin Prison despite suffering from COVID-19.
Ms. Taghavi was previously transferred to quarantine along with several prisoners with symptoms after receiving a positive COVID test. Despite the widespread prevalence of COVID-19 among inmates in the women’s ward of Evin Prison, Ms. Taghavi has not been approved for for medical leave.
Political prisoner Narges Adib, who suffers from a number of health issues, is currently being held in the women’s ward of Evin Prison as she serves out her sentence.
Ms. Adib suffers from a variety of medical problems such as respiratory distress, bronchitis, asthma, and joint pain. She was sent to the hospital for an MRI weeks ago but has not yet received test results or medication.