Payam Vali Archives

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

Human Rights Day is also an opportunity to reexamine the values that form the foundation of human dignity, values such as justice, freedom, and equality, rooted in international documents and human experience

Posted on December 9, 2025December 9, 2025 by . .

News, Other

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

List of names:

	1. Mohammad Najafi, Civil Rights Activist *Charges:* Sending a voice message from Arak Prison and expressing support for the 2022 nationwide protests; spreading falsehoods; propaganda against the regime; insulting the Supreme Leader. *Conviction:* At least six separate cases totaling more than 24 years in prison. *Place of imprisonment:* Evin Prison.
	2. Sharifeh Mohammadi, labor activist Charges: Propaganda against the regime; acting against national security; baghi (armed rebellion) through membership in one of the opposition groups. Conviction: Following an order by the head of the judiciary, her sentence was reduced by one degree and changed to 30 years in prison. Place of imprisonment: Lakan Prison in Rasht.
	3. Fatemeh Sepehri, civil activist Charges: Cooperation with hostile governments; assembly and collusion; insulting the Supreme Leader; propaganda against the regime; spreading falsehoods and disturbing public opinion. *Conviction:* In five separate cases, a total of 41 years and 9 months in prison plus a monetary fine. Place of imprisonment: Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.
	4. Golrokh Iraee, civil activist Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security; propaganda against the regime; disrupting public order. Conviction: Five years in prison and social deprivations. Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.
	5. Maryam Akbari Monfared, civil activist Charges: Propaganda against the regime and assembly and collusion against national security. Conviction: Two years in prison. Place of imprisonment: Qarchak Prison in Varamin.
	6. Zartosht Ahmadi Ragheb, civil activist Charges: Propaganda against the regime; assembly and collusion to commit crimes against internal and external security. Conviction: In two separate cases, a total of six years and eight months in prison, social deprivations, and exile. Place of imprisonment: Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.
	7- Payam Vali, Baha’i civil activist Charges: Cooperation with hostile governments; inciting or persuading people to war and killing each other; propaganda against the regime. Conviction: In three separate cases, 11 years and 5 months in prison, social deprivations, and exile. Place of imprisonment: Karaj Central Penitentiary.
	8. Mohammad Davari, labor activist Charges: Insulting the Supreme Leader and propaganda against the regime in favor of anti-regime groups on the Internet. Conviction: Four years and six months in prison, social deprivations, and exile. Place of imprisonment: Adelabad Prison in Shiraz.
	9. Hashem Khastar, civil activist Charges: Insulting the founder of the Islamic Republic; insulting sacred values; insulting the Supreme Leader; disturbing public opinion; cooperation with foreign media; participating in unlawful gatherings; and propaganda against the regime. Conviction: In two separate cases, a total of 18 years and six months in prison, social deprivations, and exile. Place of imprisonment: Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.
	10. Anisha Asadollahi, labor activist Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security and propaganda against the regime. Conviction: Five years and eight months in prison. Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.
	11- Mehran Raoof, labor activist Charges: Participation in running an unlawful group and propaganda against the regime. Conviction: Seven years and six months in prison. Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.
	12- Mohammad Nourizad, civil activist Charges: Sending an audio file out of Evin Prison; disrupting public order; spreading falsehoods; insulting the founder of the Islamic Republic; insulting sacred values; insulting the Supreme Leader; disturbing public opinion; cooperation with foreign media; participating in unlawful gatherings; propaganda against the regime; and damaging the door and window of the ward chief’s office. Conviction: In six separate cases, a total of 28 years and 9 months in prison, 148 lashes, and exile. Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.
	13- Saeed Madani, civil activist Charges: Forming and administering anti-regime groups. Conviction: Four years in prison. Place of imprisonment: Damavand Prison.
	14. Ahmadreza Haeri, civil activist Charges: Assembly and collusion with the intent to commit a crime against national security; propaganda activities against the regime; and spreading falsehoods. Conviction: In two separate cases, a total of six years and three months in prison. Place of imprisonment: Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.
	15. Reza (Gholamreza) Aghdasi, labor activist Charges: Propaganda against the regime and assembly and collusion with the intent to commit a crime against national security. Conviction: Four years and three months in prison. Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison
	16. Arman Shadivand, environmental activist Charges: Propaganda against the regime and insulting the Supreme Leader. Conviction: Two years in prison. Place of imprisonment: Darreh Shahr Prison.
	17. Narges Mansouri, civil activist Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security, and propaganda against the regime. Conviction: Nine years in prison. Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.
	18. Abbas Vahedian Shahroudi, civil activist Charges: Forming a group with the intent to act against national security, and cooperating with groups opposing the regime. Conviction: A total of 24 years in prison and two years of exile in three separate cases. Place of imprisonment: Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.
	19. Mohammad Abolhasani, civil activist Charges: Disrupting public order; assembly and collusion against national security; and propaganda activities against the regime. Conviction: In three separate cases, a total of five years and three months in prison, social deprivations, and 12 lashes. The flogging sentence has been carried out. Place of imprisonment: Choubindar Prison in Qazvin.
	20- Taher Naghavi, attorney and civil activist Charges: Propaganda against the regime and assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security. Conviction: Six years in prison and social deprivations. Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.
	21- Maryam Jalal Hosseini, civil activist Charges: Inciting and persuading people to war and violence against one another with the intent to disrupt national security; propaganda against the regime; insulting the Supreme Leader; and forming a group aimed at undermining national security. Conviction: Six years in prison and exile. Place of imprisonment: Kachouei Prison in Karaj.
	22- Shakila Monfared, civil activist Charges: Membership in anti-regime groups; destruction of public property; disrupting public order and public peace; propaganda activities against the regime; and insulting Islamic sacred values. Conviction: In four separate cases, a total of 15 years and five months in prison, ten lashes, social deprivations, and exile. Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.
	23- Morteza Seydi, labor activist Charges: Forming a group under the name of a labor union with the intent to disrupt national security. Conviction: Two years in prison. Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.
	24. Nasrollah Amirloo, labor activist Charges: Forming a group under the name of a labor union with the intent to disrupt national security. Conviction: Two years in prison. Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.
	25. Morteza Parvin, Azerbaijani-Turk activist Charges: Propaganda against the regime and assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security. Conviction: Six years in prison. Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.
	26. Foad Fathi, labor activist Charges: Membership in anti-regime groups; acting against national security; and propaganda against the regime. Conviction: Four years in prison. Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.
	27. Abdolrasoul Mortazavi, civil activist Charges: Insulting the founder of the Islamic Republic; insulting sacred values; insulting the Supreme Leader; disturbing public opinion; cooperating with foreign media; participating in unlawful gatherings; propaganda against the regime; and disrupting public order. Conviction: In three separate cases, 30 years in prison, with the maximum cumulative sentence stated as 15 years in prison. Place of imprisonment: Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan.
	28. Fariba Kamalabadi, Baha’i civil activist Charges: Administering an organization described by authorities as a “deviant and misguided sect” with the aim of disrupting national security. Conviction: Ten years in prison. Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.
	29. Javad La’al-Mohammadi, civil activist Charges: Giving interviews to foreign media and membership in anti-regime groups. Conviction: In three separate cases, a total of 23 years in prison. Place of imprisonment: Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.
	30- Golareh Abbasi, civil activist Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security, and propaganda against the regime. Conviction: 33 months in prison. Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.
	31. Arsham Rezaei, civil activist Charges: Assembly and collusion with the intent to commit a crime against national security; propaganda activities against the regime; inciting people to clashes and bloodshed; acquiring illicit gains; and spreading falsehoods. Conviction: In two separate cases, a total of 15 years in prison, a monetary fine, 50 lashes, and social deprivations. Place of imprisonment: Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.
	32- Vadood Asadi, Azerbaijani-Turk activist Charges: Propaganda against the regime; membership in opposition groups; insulting the Supreme Leader; and assembly and collusion against national security. Conviction: In two separate cases, a total of six years and three months in prison. Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.
	33- Salar Taher Afshar, Azerbaijani-Turk activist Charges: Assembly and collusion against national security. Conviction: Five years in prison. Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.
	34. Abdolaziz Azimi-Ghadim, Azerbaijani-Turk activist Charges: Propaganda against the regime and assembly, and collusion against national security. Conviction: Six years in prison. Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.
	35. Elham Salehi, civil activist Charges: Propaganda activities against the regime; spreading falsehoods; and appearing in public without a hijab. Conviction: One year in prison and complementary punishments. Place of imprisonment: Qarchak Prison in Varamin.
	36. Abolfazl Khoran, teachers’ union activist Charges: Insulting sacred values and disrupting public order and public peace. Conviction: A total of six years in prison, 74 lashes, and a 40 million toman fine in two separate cases. Place of imprisonment: Arak Prison.
	37- Masoud Farhikhteh, teachers’ union activist Charges: Assembly and collusion with the intent to commit crimes against the country’s internal security, and propaganda activities against the regime. Conviction: Four years, one month, and 17 days in prison. Place of imprisonment: Karaj Central Penitentiary.
	38- Reza Mohammad-Hosseini, civil activist Charges: Membership in anti-regime groups with the aim of disrupting national security; assembly and collusion to commit a crime against national security; and propaganda activities against the regime. Conviction: Initially 41 years and six months, later reduced to five years in prison at the appeals stage. Place of imprisonment: Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.
	39- Mahboobeh Rezaei, civil activist Charges: Membership in anti-regime groups with the aim of disrupting national security; assembly and collusion with the intent to commit a crime against national security; propaganda activities against the regime; insulting Islamic sacred values; unveiling (appearing without hijab); and displaying immoral behavior in cyberspace. Conviction: Initially 19 years and 9 months, later reduced to five years in prison at the appeals stage. Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.
	40. Abbas Lessani, Azerbaijani-Turk activist Charges: Forming an unlawful group; assembly and collusion against national security; and disrupting public order. Conviction: He is being held in pretrial detention and has not yet been tried. Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.
	41. Farhad Fahandej, Baha’i civil activist Charges: No information has yet been made available regarding the charges brought against Mr. Fahandej. Conviction: He is being held in pretrial detention and has not been tried. Place of imprisonment: A Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facilities in Gorgan.
	42. Jahangir Rostami, teachers’ union activist Charges: No information has yet been made available regarding the charges brought against Mr. Rostami. Conviction: He is being held in pretrial detention and has not been tried. Place of imprisonment: The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, known as Ward 209 of Evin Prison.
	43. Ehsan Rostami, cultural activist Charges: No information has yet been made available regarding the charges brought against Mr. Rostami. Conviction: He is being held in pretrial detention and has not been tried. Place of imprisonment: The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, known as Ward 209 of Evin Prison.
	44. Hassan Tozandehjani, cultural activist Charges: No information has yet been made available regarding the charges brought against Mr. Tozandehjani. Conviction: He is being held in pretrial detention and has not been tried. Place of imprisonment: The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, known as Ward 209 of Evin Prison.
	45. Ramin Rostami, cultural activist Charges: No information has yet been made available regarding the charges brought against Mr. Rostami. Conviction: He is being held in pretrial detention and has not been tried. Place of imprisonment: The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, known as Ward 209 of Evin Prison.
	46. Nima Mahdizadegan, cultural activist Charges: No information has yet been made available regarding the charges brought against Mr. Mahdizadegan. Conviction: He is being held in pretrial detention and has not been tried. Place of imprisonment: The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, known as Ward 209 of Evin Prison.
	47. Mehdi Farrahi Shandiz, teachers’ union activist Charges: No information has yet been made available regarding the charges brought against Mr. Farrahi Shandiz. Conviction: He is being held in pretrial detention and has not been tried. Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison.
The following list includes activists who are currently outside prison due to a suspension of their sentences, furlough, or other similar circumstances:
	1. Narges Mohammadi, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and human rights activist Charges: Propaganda activities against the Islamic Republic of Iran through publishing a statement (the statement against executions); staging a sit-in inside the prison office; disobeying the prison warden and officials (for refusing to end the protest sit-in); breaking windows; defamation and causing bodily harm; confrontation with an officer and disobedience; and additional propaganda activities against the regime. Conviction: In seven separate cases, a total of 15 years and six months in prison, 74 lashes, exile, and social deprivations. Place of imprisonment: Evin Prison (currently on medical furlough with the execution of her sentence temporarily suspended).
	2- Amirsalar Davoudi, attorney and human rights activist Charges: Insulting the Supreme Leader; disturbing public opinion; and forming an anti-security group. Conviction: 14 years in prison. Case status: Following the Supreme Court’s Branch 39 decision to accept his request for retrial and refer the case to a parallel branch, the enforcement of his sentence has been halted.
	3- Fatemeh (Mojgan) Tadrisi, civil activist Charges: Inciting and persuading people to war and violence against one another with the intent to disrupt national security; propaganda against the regime; insulting the Supreme Leader; and forming a group aimed at undermining national security. Conviction: Six years in prison and exile. Place of imprisonment: Kachouei Prison in Karaj (currently on medical furlough).
	4. Peyman Farhangian, labor activist Charges: Propaganda against the regime and forming a group with the intent to disrupt public order. Conviction: In two separate cases, a total of 11 years in prison and social deprivations. Place of imprisonment: Azbaram Prison in Lahijan (currently on furlough).
	5. Jelveh Javaheri, women’s rights activist Charges: Propaganda against the regime. Conviction: One year in prison. Case status: Following the request for retrial at the Supreme Court, the execution of her sentence has been temporarily halted, and she has been released on bail pending review.
	6. Yasamin Heshdari, women’s rights activist Charges: Membership in a group and assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security. Conviction: Six years, one month, and 17 days in prison. Case status: Following the request for retrial at the Supreme Court, the execution of her sentence has been temporarily halted, and she has been released on bail.
	7- Sara Jahani, women’s rights activist Charges: Membership in a group and assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security. Conviction: Six years, one month, and 17 days in prison. Case status: Following the request for retrial at the Supreme Court, the execution of her sentence has been temporarily halted, and she has been released on bail.
	8- Matin Yazdani, women’s rights activist Charges: Membership in a group and assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security. Conviction: Six years, one month, and 17 days in prison. Case status: Following the request for retrial at the Supreme Court, the execution of her sentence has been temporarily halted, and she has been released on bail.
	9- Negin Rezaei, women’s rights activist Charges: Membership in a group and assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security. Conviction: Six years, one month, and 17 days in prison. Case status: Following the request for retrial at the Supreme Court, the execution of her sentence has been temporarily halted, and she has been released on bail.
	10- Forough Sami-Nia, women’s rights activist Charges: Membership in a group and assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security. Conviction: Six years, one month, and 17 days in prison. Case status: Following the request for retrial at the Supreme Court, the execution of her sentence has been temporarily halted, and she has been released on bail.
	11- Shiva Shah-Siah, women’s rights activist Charges: Membership in a group and assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security. Conviction: Six years, one month, and 17 days in prison. Case status: Following the request for retrial at the Supreme Court, the execution of her sentence has been temporarily halted, and she has been released on bail.
	12- Azadeh Chavoshian, women’s rights activist Charges: Membership in a group and assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security. Conviction: Six years, one month, and 17 days in prison. Case status: Following the request for retrial at the Supreme Court, the execution of her sentence has been temporarily halted, and she has been released on bail.
	13- Zohreh (Fatemeh) Dadras, women’s rights activist Charges: Forming a group with the aim of disrupting national security, and assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security. Conviction: Nine years, six months, and two days in prison. Case status: Following the request for retrial at the Supreme Court, the execution of her sentence has been temporarily halted, and she has been released on bail.
	14. Zahra Dadras, women’s rights activist Charges: Membership in a group and assembly, and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security. Conviction: Six years, one month, and 17 days in prison. Case status: Following the request for retrial at the Supreme Court, the execution of her sentence has been temporarily halted, and she has been released on bail.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Baha’i Citizen Payam Vali Receives One Year in Prison and Other Punishments

Posted on July 1, 2024 by . .

News, Religious Minorities

Alborz Revolutionary Court, Bahais, Ghezel Hesar prison, Payam Vali

Payam Vali, a Baha’i citizen, has been sentenced by the Karaj Revolutionary Court to one year in prison, a two-year travel ban, and a ban on social media use in relation to a case opened against him during his imprisonment. He is currently serving a previous sentence in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

Based on a verdict issued on Saturday, June 29, 2024, by Branch 3 of the Karaj Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Narimani, Vali was sentenced to one year in prison, a two-year travel ban, and a ban on social media use for the charge of “propaganda against the regime.”

The hearing for Vali’s charges was held on June 8 this year in the aforementioned branch.

A close associate of Vali told HRANA, “Publishing an open letter from prison was cited as evidence for the charges against him.” In this letter, Vali protested his illegal detention and the charges against him, and copies were sent to several political and judicial leaders of the Islamic Republic.

Vali’s arrest took place on September 24, 2022, when security forces apprehended him at his residence in Karaj and conducted a search of his house. Subsequently, he was detained in Rajai Shahr Prison before being relocated to Ghezel Hesar Prison.

In early February of the same year, Vali was sentenced by Branch 1 of the Alborz Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Seyed Mousa Asef Hosseini, to ten years in prison for “collaborating with hostile governments,” five years for “inciting people to war and killing each other,” one year for “propaganda against the regime,” with credit for time served, and additional punishments including a two-year travel ban post-imprisonment and two years of compulsory residence in Yasuj with weekly reporting to the Revolutionary Court.

Finally, on May 10, 2023, his sentence was reduced by the Alborz Court of Appeals to nine years and nine months in prison. Under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the most severe punishment, six years in prison, will be enforced. Vali’s request for a retrial was denied by the Supreme Court in early January 2024.

The Baha’i faith is not recognized as a legitimate religion by Iranian authorities, leading to systematic and longstanding violations of the rights of Baha’is in the country. This includes the denial of their fundamental right to practice their religion, which constitutes a clear breach of both Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The United Nations covenant holds that every person has the right to freedom of religion, freedom of converting religion, as well as freedom of expression, individually or collectively; openly or secretly.

Baha’i Citizen Payam Vali Face New Charge While Imprisoned

Posted on July 15, 2023 by . .

News, Prisoners, Religious Minorities

Baha'i citizen, Ghezel Hesar, Karaj, Payam Vali

Payam Vali, a Baha’i citizen currently serving his sentence in Qezel Hesar Prison, Karaj, is confronted with a fresh legal case.

The Karaj Revolutionary Court has accused Vali of “spreading falsehood on the Internet through the dissemination of unlawful content.” This case has been transferred from the court to a branch of the prosecutor’s office in Karaj, as it reportedly exceeds the jurisdiction of the Revolutionary Court.

On May 10, 2023, the Alborz Court of Appeals sentenced Vali to six years for “collaboration with adversary countries,” three years and one month for “inciting people to commit violence,” and eight months for “propaganda against the regime.” According to Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the first charge carries an enforceable prison term of six years.

Update on Bahai Citizen Payam Vali’s Condition in Ghezel Hesar Prison

Posted on June 14, 2023June 22, 2023 by . .

News, Prisoners, Religious Minorities

Baha'i citizen, Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, Karaj, Payam Vali, Rajai Shahr Prison

Payam Vali, a Baha’i citizen, is currently serving a six-year sentence in Ghezel Hesar Prison, located in Karaj. He has been denied access to make a phone call to his family, as ordered by prison officials.

According to a reliable source who spoke to HRANA, Vali’s phone card has been blocked. He is also prohibitd from purchasing any item from the prison store. The source revealed that this prohibition was imposed after Vali gave a message via phone addressing the speakers of the Iranian Parliament.

In addition, another source close to Vali’s family informed HRANA that since late May, he has only had one visitation with his family. Furthermore, other prisoners have been threatened to refrain from providing Vali with their phone cards.

On September 24, 2022, security forces arrested Vali at his residence in Karaj, subsequently conducting a search of his house and detaining him in Rajai Shahr Prison. He was later relocated to Ghezel Hesar prison.

According to HRANA annual report, from the full human rights reports regarding the violation of religious minorities’ rights, 64.63% belonged to the violation of the rights of Baha’is.

The deprivation of the freedom to practice their religion is a breach of Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The United Nations covenant holds that every person has the right to freedom of religion, freedom of converting religion, as well as freedom of expression, individually or collectively; openly or secretly.

Bahai Citizen Payam Vali Sentenced to Nine Years and Nine Months in Prison

Posted on May 18, 2023May 18, 2023 by . .

News, Prisoners, Religious Minorities

Alborz province, Baha'i citizen, Karaj, Payam Vali

Bahai citizen Payam Vali has been sentenced to nine years and nine months in prison by the Alborz Court of Appeals, with six years to be served. Previously, he had received a 16-year prison sentence.

The verdict, issued on May 10, 2023, states that Vali was given six years for “collaboration with adversary countries,” three years and one month for “inciting people to commit violence,” and eight months for “propaganda against the regime.” The first count carries an enforceable six-year prison term under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code.
Initially, in February 2023, Vali had been sentenced to ten, five, and one-year terms for the aforementioned charges, respectively.

On September 24, 2022, security forces arrested Vali at his house in Karaj, searched the house, and detained him in Rajai Shahr Prison.

According to HRANA annual report, from the full human rights reports regarding the violation of religious minorities’ rights, 64.63% belonged to the violation of the rights of Baha’is.

According to unofficial sources, it is estimated that more than 300,000 Baha’is live in Iran, but the Iranian Constitution recognizes only Islam as the official religion, in addition to Christianity, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism. Bahai faith is not considered legitimate by the authorities, and the rights of Baha’is in Iran have been systematically violated for years.

Freedom of religion is a breach of Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The United Nations Covenant holds that every person has the right to practice religion freely, freedom of converting to a religion, as well as freedom of expression, individually or collectively; openly or secretly.

Baha’i Citizen Payam Vali Sentenced to 16 Years

Posted on February 27, 2023February 27, 2023 by . .

News, Religious Minorities

Alborz Revolutionary Court, Ghezel Hesar prison, Karaj, Payam Vali

The Alborz Revolutionary Court sentenced Baha’i citizen Payam Vali, imprisoned in Ghezel Hesar Prison, to 16 years imprisonment, pre-trial detention included. He was also banned from leaving the country for two years and sentenced to two years in exile in Yasuj.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, Baha’i citizen Payam Vali was sentenced to 16 years in prison.

According to this verdict, Vali received ten years for “collaboration with hostile countries,” five years for “inciting people to commit violence,” and one year for “propaganda against the regime.” As additional punishment, he was banned from leaving the country for two years and sentenced to a two-year compulsory residence in Yasuj County.

If the verdict is upheld on appeal, based on Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, ten years in prison for “collaboration with hostile countries”, will be enforceable.

On September 24, 2022, security forces arrested Vali at his house in Karaj, searched the house, and detained him in Rajai Shahr Prison. He was later relocated to Ghezel Hesar prison.

A Comprehensive Report of the First 82 days of Nationwide Protests in Iran

Posted on December 8, 2022February 6, 2023 by main

News

HRANA – Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old young woman, was arrested by the morality police for the crime of improper hijab. Her arrest and death in detention fueled nationwide protests in Iran. Protesters came to the streets with the central slogan “Women, Life, Freedom” in protest against the performance, laws, and structure of the regime. The following 486-page report is dedicated to the statistical review, analysis, and summary of the first eighty-two days of the ongoing protests (September 17 to December 7, 2022). In this report, in addition to the geographic analysis and the presentation of maps and charts, the identity of 481 deceased, including 68 children and teenagers, an estimated of 18,242 arrested along with the identity of 3,670 arrested citizens, 605 students and 61 journalists or activists in the field of information is compiled. In addition, the report includes a complete collection of 1988 verified video reports by date and topic. The report examines protests across 1115 documented gatherings in all 31 provinces of the country, including 160 cities and 143 universities.

Summary

Mahsa (Zhina) Amini, a young 22-year-old woman from Saqqez, Kurdistan was visiting Tehran, when she was taken into custody on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, by the Morality Police officers at the Haqqani metro station in Tehran. The reason for her arrest: not properly observing the strict Islamic dress code. Mahsa/Zhina was taken to the infamous detention center of Moral Security Police known as Vozara.
Shortly after Mahsa’s arrest, she went into a coma with level three concussion, and her partially alive body was transferred to the intensive care unit of Kasra Hospital. Given the track record of the police and Guidance Patrols in mistreating the arrestees and similar previous incidents, with the believe that Mahsa was beaten during the arrest people were outraged.

Unpersuasive explanations given by the Central Command of the Islamic Republic Police Force (FARAJA) in defense of its actions regarding the death of Mahsa, the past performance of the police force, along with widespread dissatisfaction with the existence of a body called the Moral Security Police, fueled widespread protests in Iran.
The widespread protests sparked at the time Mahsa Amini was announced dead in front of Kasra Hospital on Argentina Street in Tehran, and then quickly spread to the streets despite the intimidating presence of Iran’s security forces. The protests intensified after Mahsa’s burial in a Saqqez cemetery. To the extent that after eighty-two days of nationwide protests between September 17, 2022, to December 7, 2022, they have spread to Iran’s all 31 provinces, 160 cities, and 143 major universities.
The protests did not stay limited to Mahsa’s death, it rather, quickly targeted the Iranian government’s political and ideological foundations. These protests were violently quashed by the anti-riot police and Iran’s militia force (Basij). teargas, pellets, and live ammunition were used in the repression of protestors. This widespread crackdown has led to the death of dozens of people and the wounding of hundreds of protestors.
Despite sever communication restrictions imposed by the Islamic Republic, this report attempts to give a clearer picture of the first 82 days of the protests between September 17, to December 7, 2022. It’s worth mentioning at the time of this report the protests are still ongoing in various forms.

- ▪️ Unique Features of These Protests
- ▪️ The Protests

For further inquiries please contact Skylar Thompson, Senior Advocacy Coordinator Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA) at [email protected]

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

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

Baha’i Citizen Payam Vali Receives One Year in Prison and Other Punishments

Baha’i Citizen Payam Vali Face New Charge While Imprisoned

Payam Vali, a Baha’i citizen currently serving his sentence in Qezel Hesar Prison, Karaj, is confronted with a fresh legal case.

Update on Bahai Citizen Payam Vali’s Condition in Ghezel Hesar Prison

Payam Vali, a Baha’i citizen, is currently serving a six-year sentence in Ghezel Hesar Prison, located in Karaj. He has been denied access to make a phone call to his family, as ordered by prison officials.

Bahai Citizen Payam Vali Sentenced to Nine Years and Nine Months in Prison

Bahai citizen Payam Vali has been sentenced to nine years and nine months in prison by the Alborz Court of Appeals, with six years to be served. Previously, he had received a 16-year prison sentence.

Baha’i Citizen Payam Vali Sentenced to 16 Years

The Alborz Revolutionary Court sentenced Baha’i citizen Payam Vali, imprisoned in Ghezel Hesar Prison, to 16 years imprisonment, pre-trial detention included. He was also banned from leaving the country for two years and sentenced to two years in exile in Yasuj.

A Comprehensive Report of the First 82 days of Nationwide Protests in Iran

Summary

Table of Contents

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

Payam Vali, a Baha’i citizen currently serving his sentence in Qezel Hesar Prison, Karaj, is confronted with a fresh legal case.

Payam Vali, a Baha’i citizen, is currently serving a six-year sentence in Ghezel Hesar Prison, located in Karaj. He has been denied access to make a phone call to his family, as ordered by prison officials.

Bahai citizen Payam Vali has been sentenced to nine years and nine months in prison by the Alborz Court of Appeals, with six years to be served. Previously, he had received a 16-year prison sentence.

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The Alborz Revolutionary Court sentenced Baha’i citizen Payam Vali, imprisoned in Ghezel Hesar Prison, to 16 years imprisonment, pre-trial detention included. He was also banned from leaving the country for two years and sentenced to two years in exile in Yasuj.

Summary

Table of Contents