Arian Shirpisheh in Evin Prison: Details on His Current Condition

HRANA News Agency – Arian Shirpisheh, the maternal uncle of Pouya Bakhtiari—one of the victims of the November 2019 protests—is currently serving a prison sentence in Evin Prison. In the first part of his case, he was sentenced to 14 months in prison by the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

A source close to Shirpisheh’s family confirmed to HRANA: “Mr. Shirpisheh was recently sentenced to 14 months in prison on security-related charges by the Tehran Revolutionary Court. In addition, a hearing on a separate charge of insulting sanctities is scheduled to take place next month.”

Arian Shirpisheh was arrested on September 16, 2024, by Ministry of Intelligence agents at his private residence and transferred to Evin Prison.

Previously, a source familiar with the case told HRANA: “It is likely that his arrest was related to his participation in ceremonies commemorating victims of the protests and his connections with their families.”

Arian Shirpisheh has previously been detained by security agencies.

Pouya Bakhtiari, born on September 10, 1992, was killed during the November 2019 protests in Mehrshahr, Karaj. According to his father, Pouya joined the protesters on the second day of demonstrations against the fuel price hike, accompanied by his sister and mother. He was shot in the head and succumbed to his injuries before reaching the hospital.

Political Prisoners Bakhtiari and Nasiri Begin Hunger Strike in Solitary

Mehrdad Bakhtiari and Siamak Nasiri, political prisoners held in Karaj Central Prison, have been transferred to solitary confinement as punishment. In protest, they have gone on a hunger strike.

A source close to the family of one of the prisoners confirmed the news to HRANA, stating: “Nasiri and Bakhtiari were placed in solitary confinement at noon on December 21 as a punitive measure. They began a hunger strike in protest against this decision.” The source added: “Nasiri suffers from kidney disease, and his confinement in solitary while on hunger strike has heightened the concerns of his family and relatives.”

Background on Siamak Nasiri:

Nasiri was arrested by IRGC intelligence agents in Karaj on August 28, 2023, and later transferred to Karaj Central Prison.

In late January 2024, he was sentenced by Branch 1 of the Karaj Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Seyed Mousa Asef Hosseini, to five years in prison for “inciting people to violence and waging war against national security.” He also received one year for “propaganda against the regime” and two years of exile to Ahvaz.

In early May 2024, the Alborz Appeals Court reduced his sentence to three years and one month in prison and upheld the two years of exile to Ahvaz.

Nasiri, aged around 36, was a Karaj resident and an employee of the gas company before his arrest.

Background on Mehrdad Bakhtiari:

Bakhtiari is the uncle of Pouya Bakhtiari, one of the victims of the November 2019 protests. He was arrested on July 11, 2022, after releasing a video about the arrest of Pouya’s mother, Nahid Shirpisheh, and images of a broken lock on their home’s door. He was initially held in Rajai Shahr Prison in Karaj and later released on bail on September 3, 2022.

In early March 2023, the Karaj Revolutionary Court sentenced him to one year in prison for “propaganda against the regime,” five years for “assembly and collusion against national security,” a two-year travel ban, and two years of exile to Shahrekord.

On August 7, 2024, he was arrested to serve his sentence and transferred to Ward 15 of Karaj Central Prison.

Context on Pouya Bakhtiari:

Pouya Bakhtiari, a 27-year-old protester, was killed during the November 2019 demonstrations in Mehrshahr, Karaj, after being shot in the head. According to his father, Pouya joined the protests on the second day with his mother and sister. He died before reaching the hospital. Pouya was one of the hundreds killed during the nationwide protests in 2019.

Arian Shirpisheh Arrested in Tehran

Arian Shirpisheh, the uncle of Pouya Bakhtiari, one of the victims of the November 2019 protests, was arrested by security forces in Tehran and taken to an undisclosed location.

Mona Bakhtiari, Pouya Bakhtiari’s sister, reported that at 7 a.m. on Monday, several agents from the Ministry of Intelligence raided Shirpisheh’s residence in Tehran and arrested him. During the operation, the agents also confiscated his mobile phones and other electronic devices.

No information has been released regarding the reasons for Shirpisheh’s arrest or his current whereabouts.

This is not the first time Arian Shirpisheh has been detained by security agencies.

Pouya Bakhtiari, born on September 10, 1992, was killed during the November 2019 protests in Mehrshahr, Karaj. According to his father, Pouya joined the protesters on the second day of demonstrations against the fuel price hike, accompanied by his sister and mother. He was shot in the head and succumbed to his injuries before reaching the hospital.

Mehrdad Bakhtiari Arrested

Mehrdad Bakhtiari, the paternal uncle of Pouya Bakhtiari, one of the victims of the November 2019 protests, was arrested by security forces and transferred to an unknown location on August 7, 2024.

His sister, Saba Bakhtiari, announced this news and stated that the agents beat Mehrdad Bakhtiari during his arrest. The reasons for his arrest and his whereabouts are currently unknown.

In March 2024, Mr. Bakhtiari was sentenced by the Karaj Revolutionary Court to five years in prison, a two-year travel ban, and two years of exile to Shahrekord.

It is noteworthy that in April 2023, a court session was held in Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court to address other charges against Mehrdad Bakhtiari. He was acquitted of the charges in that case.

On July 11, 2022, Mehrdad Bakhtiari was arrested by security forces and transferred to Rajai Shahr Prison in Karaj after publishing a video about the arrest of Ms. Shirpisheh, Pouya Bakhtiari’s mother, and posting images of the broken lock on her house. He was released on bail on September 3 of the same year.

Previously, Manouchehr Bakhtiari, Pouya Bakhtiari’s father, announced that his 27-year-old son was shot and killed during the November 2019 protests in Mehrshahr district, Karaj. According to him, Pouya, along with his sister and mother, joined the protesters on the second day of the demonstrations against the increase in gasoline prices when he was shot in the skull and died before reaching the hospital.

Mehrdad Bakhtiari Faces Six-Year Prison Sentence and Additional Restrictions

The Revolutionary Court of Karaj has handed down a six-year prison sentence to Mehrdad Bakhtiari, along with a two-year travel ban, and two-year exile in Shahrekord. He is the paternal uncle of Pouya Bakhtiari, who tragically lost his life at the hands of regime forces during the 2019 Protests, aka Aban Protests.

Bakhtiari publicly disclosed that he was given five years for “assembly and collusion against national security” and an additional one year for “spreading propaganda against the regime.”

This legal case unfolded in July 2022 when charges were filed against Bakhtiari and Nahid Shirpisheh, Pouya Bakhtiari’s mother. It is noteworthy that in a separate case initiated by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court, Bakhtiari was acquitted of the charges against him.

Bakhtiari’s arrest occurred on July 11, 2022, after he shared a video on social media about Shirpisheh’s arrest and posted pictures of her residence’s door, which had been broken by authorities. Following his arrest, Bakhtiari was transferred to Rajai Shahr Prison in Karaj. He was released on bail on September 3, 2022, until the end of legal proceedings.
In a tragic and interconnected series of events, Bakhtiari’s son, Pouya, at the age of 27, was fatally shot by regime forces during the 2019 protests, also known as the Aban Protests, in Karaj. According to his sister and mother, Pouya succumbed to his injuries in the hospital after being shot in the head during the second day of the protest’s eruption.

The sentencing and associated restrictions underscore a worrisome development, exemplifying the state of freedom of expression and political dissent in Iran.

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Appeals Court Confirms Six-Month Sentence against Political Prisoner Manoochehr Bakhtiari

The Court of Appeal in Qazvin has upheld a six-month sentence against Manoochehr Bakhtiari, a political prisoner currently held in Qazvin Prison.

Judge Habibollah Amiri issued this verdict on February 13, 2024, citing “insulting the Supreme Leader of Iran” as the grounds for the additional imprisonment.

The initial sentence was handed down by the Revolutionary Court of Qazvin on November 1, 2023.

Notably, as a punitive measure, Bakhtiari has been prohibited from making phone calls or receiving family visits since January 9.

Currently serving a three-year, six-month sentence in Qazvin Prison, Bakhtiari’s wife has raised concerns about his health, citing multiple ailments, and alleges that he is being denied access to medical treatment and furlough. She explained, “He endured a toothache for four months with infections spreading to his ears and eyes. Prison officials delayed his dispatch to a dentist every day until he had to extract his upper row teeth to alleviate the pain.”

Bakhtiari’s legal troubles began on April 29, 2021, when security forces forcibly arrested him at his residence in Tehran. Subsequently, the Revolutionary Court sentenced him to three years and six months in prison, along with a two-year, six-month exile and a two-year travel ban. Bakhtiari began serving this sentence in July 2021.

In a tragic and interconnected series of events, Bakhtiari’s son, Pouya, at the age of 27, was fatally shot by regime forces during the 2019 protests, also known as the Aban Protests, in Karaj. According to his sister and mother, Pouya succumbed to his injuries in the hospital after being shot in the head during the second day of the protest’s eruption.

Political Prisoner Manoochehr Bakhtiari Faces Extended Incarceration and Corporal Punishment

Manoochehr Bakhtiari, a political prisoner held in Qazvin Prison, has recently been handed an additional 18-year prison term and 74 lashes as part of a legal case initiated against him while in prison.

Presiding over Branch 1 of the Karaj Revolutionary Court, Judge Seyyed Mousavi Asef-Al-Hosseini sentenced Bakhtiari to ten years for “assembly and collusion to act against national security, and forming and running groups on the Internet to disturb national security.” Additionally, he received five years for “collaboration with anti-regime groups,” two years for “propaganda against the regime and disturbing public opinions,” and one year along with 74 lashes for “disseminating false information.”

Bakhtiari conveyed this latest sentence to his family in a phone call on January 9, as reported by his wife, Sara Abbasi.

On November 1, 2023, Bakhtiari was also handed an additional six-month prison term for “insulting the Supreme Leader of Iran.”

Currently serving a three-year, six-month sentence in Qazvin Prison, Bakhtiari’s wife has raised concerns about his health, citing multiple ailments, and alleges that he is being denied access to medical treatment and furlough. She explained, “He endured a toothache for four months with infections spreading to his ears and eyes. Prison officials delayed his dispatch to a dentist every day until he had to extract his upper row teeth to alleviate the pain.”

Bakhtiari’s legal troubles began on April 29, 2021, when security forces forcibly arrested him at his residence in Tehran. Subsequently, the Revolutionary Court sentenced him to three years and six months in prison, along with a two-year, six-month exile and a two-year travel ban. Bakhtiari began serving this sentence in July 2021.

In a tragic and interconnected series of events, Bakhtiari’s son, Pouya, at the age of 27, was fatally shot by regime forces during the 2019 protests, also known as the Aban Protests, in Karaj. According to his sister and mother, Pouya succumbed to his injuries in the hospital after being shot in the head during the second day of the protest’s eruption.

Manoochehr Bakhtiari Faces an Additional Six Months in Prison Amidst His Incarceration

Manoochehr Bakhtiari, a political prisoner currently confined in Qazvin Prison, has been handed a six-month sentence by the Qazvin Revolutionary Court.

In a verdict issued on November 1, 2023, Bakhtiari was convicted and sentenced to an additional six months in prison for “insulting the Supreme Leader of Iran.” This adds to his ongoing imprisonment.

At present, Bakhtiari is serving a three-year, six-month sentence in Qazvin Prison. His wife, Sara Abbasi, has expressed concerns about his health, citing multiple diseases, and claims he is being denied access to medical treatment and furlough.

Bakhtiari’s legal woes began on April 29, 2021, when he was forcefully arrested by security forces at his residence in Tehran. Subsequently, the Revolutionary Court sentenced him to three years and six months in prison, coupled with a two-year, six-month exile and a two-year travel ban. Bakhtiari commenced serving this sentence in July 2021.

In a tragic and related turn of events, Bakhtiari’s son, Pouya, at the age of 27, was fatally shot by regime forces during the 2019 protests, also known as the Aban Protests, in Karaj. According to his sister and mother, Pouya succumbed to his injuries in the hospital after being shot in the head during the second day of the protest’s eruption.

Nahid Shirpisheh Sentenced to Five Years in Prison

Karaj Revolutionary Court sentenced Nahid Shirpisheh, Pouya Bakhtiari’s mother, to five years in prison. Shirpisheh has been jailed for two months. Bakhtiari was among the protestors who were killed in November 2019. 

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, Shirpisheh was sentenced to five years in prison on the charges of “assembly and collusion”, and “propaganda against the regime.”

Shirpisheh is currently held in Kachooie Prison in Karaj. She has been prohibited from phone calls and family visits. She also has been denied medical care.

On July 11, 2022, security forces arrested the mothers of the individuals killed during the nationwide protests in 2019 known as the Aban protests, including Nahid Shirpisheh. In a news article, IRGC-affiliated Fars News Agency called these justice-seeking families “agitators and troublemakers”.

In November of 2019, an increase in fuel prices sparked a wave of protests in dozens of cities. The spokesperson of the Parliamentary National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, Seyed Hossein Taghavi, announced that 7000 people were arrested during these protests. According to reports from human rights organizations, hundreds were killed by the security apparatus.

Nahid Shirpisheh Denied Family Visitations

Kachooie Prison has denied Nahid Shirpisheh the right to make phone calls or have family visitations. Shirpisheh, Pouya Bakhtiari’s mother, has been detained for the past two months.

An informed source told HRANA thatShirpisheh is held in the quarantine section and is not allowed to have visitors. 

On July 28, 2022, Shirpisheh was transferred to Kachooie Prison where she was held in the same ward of prisoners of violent crimes, where she has been mistreated. 

On July 11, 2022, security forces arrested the mothers of the individuals killed during nationwide protests in 2019 known as the Aban protests, including Shirpisheh. In a news article, IRGC-affiliated Fars News Agency called these justice-seeking families “agitators and troublemakers”.

In November of 2019, an increase in fuel prices sparked a wave of protests in dozens of cities across the country. The spokesperson of the Parliamentary National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, Seyed Hossein Taghavi, announced that 7000 people were arrested during these protests. According to reports from human rights organizations, hundreds were killed by the security apparatus.