Three Political Prisoners Sentenced to a Combined 14 Years in Upheld Verdict

The Appeals Court of Tehran has confirmed a joint 14-year prison sentence for political prisoners Mohsen Haji-Mohammadi, Rezavaneh Ahmad-Khan Beigi, and Behfar Laleh Zari.

As per the verdict endorsed by Branch 36 of the Appeals Court of Tehran, Laleh Zari and her husband Ahmad-Khan Beigi have each been given four years for “assembly and collusion against national security” and an additional year for “spreading propaganda against the regime.” Haji-Mohammadi, on the other hand, received a four-year sentence for “assembly and collusion against national security.”

The initial ruling was handed down by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, led by Judge Iman Afshari.

On September 18, 2023, civil rights advocate, Ahmad-Khan Beigi and Laleh Zari were arrested at their residence by security forces. Laleh Zari, initially held in solitary confinement under Security Police custody, was later transferred to Evin Prison, while Ahmad-Khan Beigi was relocated to Qarchak Prison in Varamin, eventually being moved to Evin Prison.

Haji-Mohammadi’s arrest occurred in Tehran in September 2023. After seven days of solitary confinement under the Public Security Police, they were transferred to Evin Prison.

All three political prisoners have a history of arrests and convictions stemming from their engagement in political activism.

Student Samaneh Asghari Receives One-Year Prison Sentence on Appeal

The Court of Appeal in Tehran has issued a one-year prison sentence for Samaneh Asghari, a student at Kharazmi University.

In a verdict dated February 10, 2024, Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeal upheld Asghari’s one-year sentence. The initial verdict was issued by Branch 29 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

Asghari was detained by security forces at her residence in Tehran on September 14, 2023, and subsequently released on bail from Qarchak Prison in Varamin on October 4, 2023.

It is worth noting that Asghari had previously faced detention in connection with nationwide protests in October 2022, leading to an initial sentence of 18 years and three months. However, she was granted a pardon under the general pardon and commutation directive, resulting in her release from Qarchak Prison in April of the current year.

Activist Couple Laleh Zari and Ahmad-Khan Beigi Receive Combined 10-Year Prison Sentence

In a recent development, the Tehran Revolutionary Court has handed down a five-year sentence to each of Behfar Laleh Zari and Rezvaneh Ahmad-Khan Beigi, a couple currently held in Evin Prison.

Presiding over the court, Judge Iman Afshari issued this ruling, sentencing each member of the couple to four years for “assembly and collusion against national security” and an additional year for “propaganda against the regime.” If the verdict is upheld on appeal, Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code mandates that the four-year sentence for the first charge will be enforceable.

The arrest of Laleh Zari and Ahmad-Khan Beigi took place at their residence on September 18, 2023. Following seven days of solitary confinement in the detention facility of the Public Security Police, Laleh Zari, a former political prisoner, was transferred to Evin Prison. Meanwhile, Mrs. Ahmad-Khan Beigi was initially detained in Qarchak Prison and later moved to Evin Prison after a few days.

This couple has a history of activism, having faced prior arrests and incarceration. This latest sentencing adds to their ongoing legal challenges in their pursuit of social and political advocacy.

Student Samaneh Asghari Receives One-Year Prison Sentence

The Tehran Revolutionary Court has issued a one-year prison sentence for Samaneh Asghari, a student at Kharazmi University in Tehran.

Her husband, Esmaeil Nazari, publicly disclosed his wife’s conviction.

Asghari was apprehended by security forces at her Tehran residence on September 14, 2023, and subsequently released on bail from Qarchak Prison in Varamin on October 4, 2023.

Notably, Asghari had previously been detained in connection with nationwide protests in October 2022, resulting in an initial sentence of 18 years and three months. However, she was granted a pardon under the general pardon and commutation directive, leading to her release from Qarchak Prison in April of the current year.

Journalist Nazila Maroufian Sentenced to One Year in Prison

The Tehran Revolutionary Court has issued a one-year prison sentence to journalist Nazila Maroufian.

Presiding over the court, Judge Iman Afashari found Maroufian guilty of “spreading propaganda against the regime,” resulting in a one-year imprisonment and a fine of 15 million tomans.

Maroufian’s ordeal began on October 30, 2022, when she was initially apprehended by security forces and confined to Ward 209 of Evin Prison. Later, she was transferred to Qarchak Prison but was eventually released on temporary bail after paying 600 million tomans (approximately $12,000 USD).

In January 2023, the Tehran Revolutionary Court imposed a two-year suspended prison sentence on Maroufian. This sentence was related to charges of “disseminating propaganda against the regime and spreading false information to manipulate public opinion through an interview with Mahsa Amini’s father.” In addition to the suspended sentence, she was fined and received a five-year travel ban.

On July 4, security forces conducted a search and raid at her residence, subsequently summoning her to Evin Courthouse. Four days later, she was re-arrested and returned to Evin Prison following her appearance at the courthouse. After some time, she was charged with “propaganda against the regime.”

On August 14, she was once again arrested and held for two days in Qarchak Prison in Varamin. Then, on August 30, security forces apprehended her at her residence in Tehran, during which she experienced physical mistreatment.

Nazila Maroufian, a journalist and student at Allameh Tabatabai University, hails from Saqqez and currently resides in Tehran. With a notable career in media, she has contributed to outlets such as Didban Iran and Rouydad24.

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Journalist Nazila Maroufian Re-Arrested in Tehran

Journalist Nazila Maroufian was re-arrested on August 30, 2023, at her residence in Tehran by security forces. The subsequent transfer of Maroufian to the Ershad Courthouse unfolded amidst distressing circumstances, as she reportedly endured physical mistreatment during the apprehension.

According to a source close to her family, on Wednesday morning, security forces forcibly entered Maroufian’s residence, breaking down the door. The incident escalated as Maroufian was subjected to physical aggression. The agents confiscated some of her personal belongings and transferred her to the Ershad Courthouse for further proceedings.

Maroufian’s family is now facing a demand of a two-billion-Toman bail (equivalent to approximately 40,000 dollars) for her potential release, as stated by the source.

The security-affiliated news agency, Tasnim, cited “promoting abominable acts” as the primary basis for Maroufian’s arrest. Specifically, the agency reported that her public appearance in attire deemed inappropriate and the subsequent sharing of a corresponding photograph on social media were cited as pivotal factors that prompted the issuance of her arrest warrant by the Ershad Courthouse.

Maroufian’s ordeal began on October 30, 2022, when she was initially arrested by security forces and incarcerated in Ward 209 of Evin Prison. Subsequently, she was transferred to Qarchak Prison before being granted temporary freedom upon payment of a 600-million-toman bail (approximately $12,000 USD).

In January 2023, the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, handed down a two-year suspended imprisonment sentence to Maroufian. This sentence was related to charges of “spreading propaganda against the regime and disseminating falsehoods to disrupt public opinion through an interview with Mahsa Amini’s father.” Alongside the suspended sentence, she also received a fine and a five-year ban on leaving the country.

On July 4, security forces conducted a raid and search on her residence, subsequently summoning her to Evin Courthouse. Four days later, she was re-arrested and confined once again to Evin Prison, following her appearance at Evin Courthouse. After a period of time, she was charged with “propaganda against the regime.”

On August 14, she was re-arrested and detained for two days in Qarchak Prison in Varamin.
Nazila Maroufian, a journalist and student at Allameh Tabatabai University, hails from Saqqez and currently resides in Tehran. With a notable career in media, she has contributed to outlets such as Didban Iran and Rouydad24.

 

Journalist Nazila Maroufian Re-Arrested Just One Day After Release

On Monday, August 14, journalist Nazila Maroufian was re-arrested by security forces and promptly taken to Qarchak Prison in Varamin. Her recent arrest comes after being granted bail and released from Evin Prison on August 13.

A reliable source close to Maroufian’s family, speaking to HRANA, has confirmed that she is now held at Qarchak Prison.

Maroufian’s ordeal began on October 30, 2022, when she was initially arrested by security forces and incarcerated in Ward 209 of Evin Prison. Subsequently, she was transferred to Qarchak Prison before being granted temporary freedom upon payment of a 600-million-toman bail (approximately $12,000 USD).

In January 2023, the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, handed down a two-year suspended imprisonment sentence to Maroufian. This sentence was related to charges of “spreading propaganda against the regime and disseminating falsehoods to disrupt public opinion through an interview with Mahsa Amini’s father.” Alongside the suspended sentence, she also received a fine and a five-year ban on leaving the country.
On July 4, security forces conducted a raid and search on her residence, subsequently summoning her to Evin Courthouse. Four days later, she was re-arrested and confined once again to Evin Prison, following her appearance at Evin Courthouse. After a period of time, she was charged with “propaganda against the regime.”

Nazila Maroufian, a journalist and student at Allameh Tabatabai University, hails from Saqqez and currently resides in Tehran. With a notable career in media, she has contributed to outlets such as Didban Iran and Rouydad24.

 

 

Artist Atena Farghadani Indicted for Alleged Disturbance of Public Order

Atena Farghadani, a renowned cartoonist and civil rights activist, has been indicted at Evin Courthouse following her arrest on June 7, 2023.

According to a reliable source who spoke to HRANA, Farghadani is facing charges of “disturbing public order.”

Another source close to her family disclosed that Farghadani has been offered a bail amounting to two billion Rials; however, she has declined to provide the requested bail amount.

On June 7, 2023, security forces arrested Farghadani and subsequently transferred her to Qarchak Prison in Varamin.

It should be noted that Farghadani has previously faced legal consequences for her activism.

Artist Atena Farghadani Detained in Qarchak Prison

Atena Farghadani, an artist and civil rights activist, was taken into custody by security forces on June 7, 2023, and subsequently transferred to Qarchak Prison in Varamin.

According to a reliable source, who spoke with HRANA, Farghadani was apprehended following her appearance at Evin Courthouse. The specific grounds for her arrest and the allegations against her remain undisclosed at this time.

It is worth noting that Farghadani has previously faced legal repercussions for her activism.

Maryam Jalal Hosseini and Fatemeh Tadrisi Go on Hunger Strike, Demanding Improved Prison Conditions

HRANA, Human Rights Activists News Agency- Maryam Jalal Hosseini and Fatemeh (Mojgan) Tadrisi, who have endured more than 24 days of detention in Qarchak Prison, have resorted to a hunger strike in protest against the dismal conditions they face behind bars.

According to an informed source, these women are currently confined in Ward 5 of Qarchak Prison, located in Varamin. On Sunday, May 28, they commenced the hunger strike to draw attention to the inadequate conditions within the prison and the prison officials’ refusal to transfer them to Evin Prison.

Jalal Hosseini was apprehended by security forces during a teachers’ protest on May 9, 2023, while Tadrisi was arrested in Baharestan Square in Tehran on the same day. It is important to note that Tadrisi had previously been arrested twice during the 2022 nationwide protests, spending one month in Kachooie Prison and some time in Evin Prison.

The specific allegations against these women remain unknown.