Death Sentence for Pakhshan Azizi Upheld by Supreme Court

Amir Raisian , the lawyer representing Pakhshan Azizi, a political prisoner held in Evin Prison, has announced that her death sentence has been upheld by Branch 39 of the Supreme Court of Iran. Raisian criticized the court for disregarding numerous flaws in the case.

According to HRANA, citing Shargh newspaper, the death sentence issued against Pakhshan Azizi by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court was upheld despite significant procedural and substantive errors highlighted by her defense.

In a statement, Raisian expressed concern that the court ignored evidence showing Azizi’s peaceful activities in refugee camps in northern Syria, specifically refugees from Sinjar and other areas affected by ISIS attacks. He emphasized that her humanitarian efforts, focused on aiding victims of ISIS aggression, had no political or militant nature.

The lawyer further argued that accusations of her membership in an armed group lacked any legal basis, noting that Azizi was unarmed at the time of her arrest and had never engaged in armed conflict. Raisian also highlighted contradictions with Iran’s judicial policies on capital punishment and questioned the legality of associating her actions with criminal offenses.

Raisian confirmed that a request for retrial will be submitted immediately, urging the new branch of the Supreme Court to consider the errors and prevent the execution of the current ruling.

On July 24, Azizi was sentenced to death and four years in prison by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, on charges of “armed rebellion (baghi)” through alleged membership in dissident groups.

On August 4, 2023, Azizi, along with her 67-year-old father Aziz Azizi (a lymphoma patient), her sister Parshang (49), and her sister’s husband Hossein Abbasi (49), was arrested in Tehran. The arrests were carried out by approximately 20 armed agents who stopped their moving vehicle, searched them, and transferred them to The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, known as Ward 209 of Evin Prison.

In protest against her family’s detention, Pakhshan began a hunger strike, which she ended after learning that her family members were released on bail after two weeks of solitary confinement. After being held in solitary confinement in Ward 209 for three months and three weeks, she was transferred to the women’s ward of Evin Prison on December 10, 2023.

Later, Aziz Azizi, Porshang Azizi, and Hossein Abbasi were sentenced to one year in prison each by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, also under Judge Iman Afshari, for “assisting a criminal in escaping prosecution and conviction.” Their sentences were upheld by the Tehran Court of Appeals on September 27, and their appeal was forwarded to the Supreme Court.

A source close to Azizi’s family told HRANA:
“Pakhshan has no affiliations with any groups. She worked as a social worker for 10 years in refugee camps in Rojava. The groups she worked with were fighting against ISIS—an enemy of both the Islamic Republic and the Quds Force. There was no direct conflict between Pakhshan’s associates and Iranian forces, a fact clearly evident in her case.”

In mid-October 2024, during a protest by female prisoners in Evin following the execution of Reza Rasaei and a clash with prison guards, Azizi was accused of “assaulting an officer and disobedience” and was sentenced to six months in prison by the Criminal Court.

Also, in August, 2024, Azizi faced new accusations of “inciting unrest in prison” during the second round of the 2024 presidential election, brought before Branch 3 of the Evin Prosecutor’s Office.

A native of Mahabad, Azizi has a history of arrests and judicial encounters. In 2009, she was detained on charges of political activity and was released after four months on bail.

Five Female Prisoners Sentenced to 27 Months in Evin Prison

Varishe Moradi, Pakhshan Azizi, Mahboobeh Rezaei, Narges Mohammadi, and Parivash Moslemi, all prisoners held in Evin Prison, have been sentenced to a total of 27 months and one day in prison in connection with a recently opened case against them.

The ruling, issued by Branch 2 of the Criminal Court at the Quds Judicial Complex in Tehran, was presided over by Judge Abolfazl Amiri Shahrabi. The verdict was delivered to the prisoners in Evin on Saturday, October 19. Pakhshan Azizi, Mahboobeh Rezaei, Narges Mohammadi, and Varishe Moradi each received six-month sentences, while Pariyoush Moslemi was sentenced to three months and one day. The charges against them included “assaulting officers” and “disobedience.” Ms. Moslemi was acquitted of “disturbing prison order,” and the other defendants were cleared of “property destruction.”

A source close to the family of one of the prisoners confirmed the news to HRANA, noting that “Only Ms. Moslemi attended the court session, while the other prisoners refused to appear in court.”

The case dates back to August 6, when inmates in Evin’s women’s ward protested after learning of the execution of Reza Rasaei, resulting in a clash with prison guards. Following the protest, several female prisoners, including these five, were barred from making phone calls or meeting with their families.

Amir Hossein Haghjooyan Arrested by Security Forces

On September 23, 2024, Amir Hossein Haghjooyan, a relative of Reza Rasaei, an executed protester, was arrested by security forces in Sahneh County, Kermanshah province, and transferred to an undisclosed location.

A source close to the family confirmed to HRANA: “Mr. Haghjooyan was detained by several members of IRGC Intelligence in Sahneh and moved to an unknown location.”

As of now, no details have emerged regarding the reasons for his arrest or the charges he may face.

Haghjooyan is the son of Kheirallah Haghjooyan, a member of the Yarsan Civil Activists Consultative Assembly, and a cousin and close companion of Reza Rasaei, who was executed in August 2023.

It’s important to note that Reza (Gholamreza) Rasaei, arrested during the 2022 nationwide protests, was secretly executed at dawn on August 6, 2023, in Dizelabad Prison, Kermanshah, without prior notice to his family or a final meeting with them.

Yarsanism, also known as Ahl-e Haqq, is a syncretic faith founded in western Iran during the 14th century by Sultan Sahak. As a religious minority, followers of Yarsan often face systemic persecution and harassment by Iranian authorities.

Reza Rasaei Executed in Dizelabad Prison, Kermanshah

On Tuesday, August 6, Reza Rasaei, arrested during the nationwide protests of 2022, was executed in Dizelabad Prison, Kermanshah.

Mr. Rasaei’s execution took place at dawn today, Tuesday, August 6, in Dizelabad Prison, Kermanshah, without prior notice to his family or the opportunity for a final meeting with them.

Reza (Gholamreza) Rasaei, 34 years old, a follower of the Yarsan faith and a resident of Sahneh County, was sentenced to death by Branch 2 of the Criminal Court of Kermanshah in mid-October last year for the charge of “involvement in the intentional murder of Nader Birami, the head of the IRGC’s intelligence in Sahneh County.”

Following the confirmation of Reza Rasaei’s death sentence by the Seventeenth Branch of the Supreme Court, presided over by Judge Mohammad Barani, his case was referred to the Judgment Enforcement office on December 31, 2023.
A while ago, Branch 1 of the Supreme Court rejected the request for a retrial for this prisoner, calling it “lacking legal requirements.”

In addition to the capital punishment, Rasaei faces other charges, including non-fatal injury, threatening with a knife, and disturbing public order by causing unrest. Initially, he received additional penalties such as Diya (wergild), a year sentence, and 74 lashes.

The judge’s reliance on “forced confessions obtained from Rasaei during interrogation” played a significant role in his conviction and the imposition of the death penalty.

Rasaei was apprehended on November 24, 2022, by the police and subsequently detained in Sahneh County. Following the completion of the interrogation process, he was transferred to Dizel-Abad prison in Kermanshah.

Several other detainees of protests in Sahneh County on the November 18, 2022, also faced charges of murdering the head of the IRGC’s intelligence in this county. Seyed Masoum Razavi and (first name unknown) Beigi were among the other defendants in this case, with Masoum Razavi reportedly acquitted of the charges. The fate of the other defendant in this case remains unknown.

Twelve Individuals Facing Execution for Alleged Security-Political Charges

As of now, a minimum of twelve prisoners in Iran are on the verge of execution, convicted of security-political charges such as “enmity against God (moharebeh), spreading corruption on the Earth, and collaboration with adversary countries.”

HRANA has confirmed their imprisonment in various facilities, including Evin (Tehran), Ghezel Hesar (Karaj), Sheyban Prison (Ahvaz), Dizelabad (Kermanshah), and Zahedan Prisons.
The Tehran Revolutionary Court, specifically Branch 26 and 28 led by Judges Iman Afshari and Mohammad Moghiseh, respectively, is responsible for the majority of these verdicts.

Below is a detailed account of some of these individuals and their current legal status:

Mohsen Mazloum

Mohsen Mazloum

  • Prison: Evin Prison, Ward 209
  • Most Serious Charges: Due to the denial of access to case details for his lawyer, the precise charges leading to the verdict remain undisclosed. However, following the arrest, the Ministry of Intelligence accused him of collaborating with Israel, attempting to sabotage a military facility in Isfahan, and affiliating with the Komala Party (a Kurdistan organization associated with the Communist Party of Iran).
  • Court: Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, Judge Iman Afshari
  • Current Status: Death sentence confirmed in Branch 9 of the Supreme Court. Retrial request rejected.

 

Pezhman Fatehi

Pezhman Fatehi

  • Prison: Evin Prison, Ward 209
  • Most Serious Charges: Due to the denial of access to case details for his lawyer, the precise charges leading to the verdict remain undisclosed. However, following the arrest, the Ministry of Intelligence accused him of collaborating with Israel, attempting to sabotage a military facility in Isfahan, and affiliating with the Komala Party (a Kurdistan organization associated with the Communist Party of Iran).
  • Court: Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, Judge Iman Afshari
  • Current Status: Death sentence confirmed in Branch 9 of the Supreme Court. Retrial request rejected.

 

Vafa Azarbar

Vafa Azarbar

  • Prison: Evin Prison, Ward 209
  • Most Serious Charges: Due to the denial of access to case details for his lawyer, the precise charges leading to the verdict remain undisclosed. However, following the arrest, the Ministry of Intelligence accused him of collaborating with Israel, attempting to sabotage a military facility in Isfahan, and affiliating with the Komala Party (a Kurdistan organization associated with the Communist Party of Iran).
  • Court: Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, Judge Iman Afshari
  • Current Status: Death sentence confirmed in Branch 9 of the Supreme Court. Retrial request rejected.

 

Mohammad (Hazhir) Faramarzi

Hazhir Faramarzi

  • Prison: Evin Prison, Ward 209
  • Most Serious Charges: Due to the denial of access to case details for his lawyer, the precise charges leading to the verdict remain undisclosed. However, following the arrest, the Ministry of Intelligence accused him of collaborating with Israel, attempting to sabotage a military facility in Isfahan, and affiliating with the Komala Party (a Kurdistan organization associated with the Communist Party of Iran).
  • Court: Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, Judge Iman Afshari
  • Current Status: Death sentence confirmed in Branch 9 of the Supreme Court. Retrial request rejected.

 

Description:
On July 23, 2022, Mohsen Mazloum (28), Pezhman (Pejman) Fatehi (28), Vafa Azarbar (29), and Hazhir (Hajir) Faramarzi (29) were apprehended by Iran Police Intelligence (FARAJA) in Sumay-ye Beradust District, Urmia County.

Tasnim, a news agency affiliated with security institutions, reported their arrest, alleging the formation of “a network of Israeli spies.” According to Tasnim, the individuals were in possession of operational and communication equipment, as well as explosive materials. The agency claimed they had entered the country from the Kurdistan region with intentions of conducting unprecedented terrorist operations in strategically sensitive locations.

Approximately 80 days post their arrest, Iran’s state TV broadcasted coerced confessions, accusing them of espionage for foreign intelligence. The confessions stated they had been apprehended in sensitive sites in Isfahan.

In response to what he deemed an unjust and unfair trial, their attorney, Masoud Shams Nejad, asserted, “Since taking on this case as their legal representative, my clients and I have been denied any rights as a lawyer and defendants, rendering my role as their legal representative existing only on paper.”

Anvar Khezri

Anvar Khezri

  • Prison: Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj
  • Most Serious Charges: Enmity against God (Moharebeh) through membership in a Salafi group, and involvement in the assassination of Mamusta Abdolrahim Tina.
  • Court: Branch 28 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, Judge Mohammad Moghiseh
  • Current Status: Death sentence confirmed by the Supreme Court.

 

Kamran Sheikheh

Kamran Sheikheh

  • Prison: Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj
  • Most Serious Charges: Similar to Anvar Khezri
  • Court: Branch 28 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, Judge Mohammad Moghiseh
  • Current Status: Death sentence confirmed by the Supreme Court.

 

 

Farhad Salimi

Farhad Salimi

  • Prison: Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj
  • Most Serious Charges: Similar to Anvar Khezri
  • Court: Branch 28 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, Judge Mohammad Moghiseh
  • Current Status: Death sentence confirmed by the Supreme Court.

 

 

Khosrow Besharat

Khosrow Besharat

  • Prison: Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj
  • Most Serious Charges: Similar to Anvar Khezri
  • Court: Branch 28 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, Judge Mohammad Moghiseh
  • Current Status: Death sentence confirmed by the Supreme Court.

Currently incarcerated in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj, these four Sunni prisoners were part of a group arrested in January-February 2010, accused of aiding in the assassination of Abdolrahim Tina, the Imam of a mosque in Mahabad, which occurred in February 2010.

 

Description:
Originally sentenced to death by Branch 28 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Mohammad Moghiseh, the verdict was later overturned by the Supreme Court. Subsequently, the case was transferred to Branch 15 of the court, led by Judge Salavati, who reinstated the death sentences for Davoud Abdollahi, Anvar Khezri, Kamran Sheikheh, Farhad Salimi, Khosro Besharat, Ghasem Abasteh, and Ayoub Karimi. On this occasion, the Supreme Court confirmed the death sentences for them and their co-defendants. Among them, Abasteh, Karimi, and Abdollahi have been executed.

Reza Rasaei

Reza Rasaei

  • Prison: Dizelabad, Kermanshah
  • Most Serious Charges: Involvement in the killing of Nader Beyrami, head of IRGC Intelligence, during protests in Sahneh County, Kermanshah province.
  • Court: Branch 1 of the Criminal Court of Kermanshah
  • Current Status: Death sentence confirmed by the Supreme Court.

 

Description:
Rasaei, 34 years old and known as a Yarsan follower residing in Sahneh County, was arrested on November 24, 2022, by the police and subsequently detained in Sahneh County. After the completion of the interrogation process, he was transferred to Dizel-Abad prison in Kermanshah.

His arrest followed the murder of Nader Beyrami, the head of IRGC Intelligence, in Sahneh County during the 21st annual commemoration ceremony of the death of Seyeed Khalil Alinejad, a leader of the Yaresan community.

Farshid Hassan-Zahi

Farshid Hassan-Zahi

  • Prison: Ward 9 of Zahedan Prison
  • Most Serious Charges: Shooting at the police station vehicle, causing the death of a conscript and a first lieutenant.
  • Court: Branch 1 of the Criminal Court of Zahedan
  • Current Status: Death sentence issued, awaiting confirmation by the Supreme Court.

 

Description:
Arrested for shooting at a police vehicle, Hassan-Zahi, aged 26, currently awaits confirmation of his death sentence.

Mansour Dahmardeh

Mansour Dahmardeh

  • Prison: Ward 9 of Zahedan Prison
  • Most Serious Charges: Spreading Corruption on Earth
  • Court: Branch 2 of the Criminal Court (Shahid Nouri) in Zahedan
  • Current Status: Death sentence issued.

 

Description:
Dahmardeh, a 23-year-old citizen with disabilities, was apprehended during the 2022 nationwide protests in Zahedan and confined to the city’s prison. In January 2023, Branch 2 of the Criminal Court (Shahid Nouri) sentenced him to death on charges of “spreading corruption on earth.” Despite his poor health condition, he has been denied sufficient medical care in Zahedan Prison.

Abbas (Mojahed) Korkori

Mojahed Korkori

  • Prison: Sheiban Prison, Ahvaz
  • Most Serious Charges: Enmity against God (Moharebeh) through using a weapon, spreading corruption on earth, and forming a rebellion group.
  • Current Status: Death sentence confirmed by the Supreme Court

 

Description
Mizan, the judiciary’s news agency, claims that Korkori is responsible for killing 10-year-old Kian Pirfalak during protests in Izeh. However, Pirfalak’s parents have repeatedly denied these accusations and claimed that their son was killed in a shooting by regime forces. Zeinab Molaei-Rad, Kian’s mother, said during his funeral, “On the way back home, the regime agents opened fire on our car.”


The due process involving these twelve death-row convicts reveals a troubling trend of violations against the rights of citizens and prisoners in Iran. Some prisoners, who have managed to communicate from within prison, claim they have endured torture and coerced confessions. In cases where communication was restricted, families have attested to confessions obtained under duress, highlighting the inhumane treatment by judicial and security officials and a blatant disregard for human rights.

Iran’s judicial-security institutions have a long history of constructing legal cases, leveling false accusations, and engaging in torture and mistreatment against political prisoners. These actions constitute a clear violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other internationally ratified conventions.

Article 10 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights emphasizes that “Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against him.”

Furthermore, Article 5 of the declaration unequivocally states that “no one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.”

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Supreme Court of Iran Upholds Death Sentence for Reza Rasaei

The Supreme Court of Iran has recently affirmed the death sentence for Reza Rasaei (Rasaie), arrested in connection with the 2022 nationwide protests.

In October of this year, Rasaei was condemned to death for his alleged involvement in the killing of Nader Beyrami, the head of IRGC Intelligence, during the protests in Sahneh County, Kermanshah province.

A family member of Rasaei, who spoke to HRANA, confirmed that Judge Barani presided over the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the death sentence. Notably, the court’s ruling appears to have been influenced by a confession obtained under duress during Rasaei’s detention.

In addition to the capital punishment, Rasaei faces other charges, including non-fatal injury, threatening with a knife, and disturbing public order by causing unrest. Initially, he received additional penalties such as Diya (wergild), a year sentence, and 74 lashes.

Rasaei was apprehended on November 24, 2022, by the police and subsequently detained in Sahneh County. Following the completion of the interrogation process, he was transferred to Dizel-Abad prison in Kermanshah.

Several other protesters involved in the November 18, 2022 demonstration are also confronting charges related to their alleged role in the death of the IRGC’s intelligence officer. This protest resulted in the deaths of several protestors at the hands of police and security forces.

Reza (Gholamreza) Rasaei, aged 34, is known as a Yarsan follower and resides in Sahneh County.

Reza Rasaei Receives Death Sentence Amidst Controversial Charges

Reza Rasaei, one of the participants in the 2022 nationwide protests, has been sentenced to death by the Criminal Court of Kermanshah in connection with a legal case related to the “killing of the head of the IRGC’s intelligence of Sahneh County.”

According to Kurdpa, Rasaei has been found guilty of involvement in the death of Nader Beirami, the head of the IRGC’s intelligence in Sahneh County. Additional charges against Rasaei include causing non-lethal injuries, using a knife, and disrupting public order.

Critically, the court’s decision appears to have relied on a confession extracted under duress during Rasaei’s detention.

Rasaei was apprehended on November 24, 2022, by the police and subsequently detained in Sahneh County. After completing the interrogation process, he was transferred to Dizel-Abad prison in Kermanshah.

Several other protesters involved in a demonstration on November 18, 2022, are also facing charges related to their alleged role in the death of the IRGC’s intelligence officer. During this protest, several protestors were also killed by police and security forces.

Reza (Gholamreza) Rasaei, aged 34, is known as a Yarsan follower and a resident of Sahneh County.