Salar Taher Afshar 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.

Azerbaijani-Turk Activist Salar Taher Afshar Arrested in Urmia

Posted on February 19, 2025February 19, 2025 by . .

Freedom of Expression, News

Azerbaijani Turk activist, Salar Taher Afshar, Tabriz, Urmia

HRANA News Agency – Salar Taher Afshar, an Azerbaijani-Turk activist, was arrested yesterday, February 18, in Urmia by the Ministry of Intelligence.

A source close to his family told HRANA: “Around noon on Tuesday, intelligence agents arrived at Mr. Taherafshar’s workplace with two vehicles and arrested him. A few hours later, he informed his family by phone that he is set to be transferred from the Intelligence Detention Facility in Urmia to Tabriz in the coming days.”

As of the time of this report, the reasons for his arrest and the charges against him remain unknown.

Taher Afshar had previously been sentenced to five years in prison by Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeals in January 2025 on charges of “assembly and collusion against national security.”

He was first arrested on February 6, 2024, in Urmia and later transferred to Ward 209 of Evin Prison. He was released on February 28, 2024, on bail.

Court of Appeals: 10 Political Defendants Sentenced to a Total of 81 Years in Prison

Posted on January 20, 2025 by . .

Freedom of Expression, News

Abolghasem Salavati, Araz Aman Zeynabad, Ayaz Seyfkhah, Baqer Haji Zadeh, Fatemeh Atash, Hassan Ebrahimi, Karam Mardaneh, Morteza Parvin, Saeed Minaei Gheshlagh, Salar Taher Afshar, Taher Naghavi

HRANA News Agency – Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeals upheld the sentences against nine Azerbaijani-Turk activists and attorney Taher Naghavi. Judge Abolghasem Salavati had originally sentenced these individuals in the preliminary trial to a total of 81 years in prison and additional penalties.

Summary of the Sentences:

According to the ruling, issued by Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeals on January 15, 2025, and recently communicated to the defendants:

Ayaz Seyfkhah: 14 years in prison (9 years for espionage and 5 years for conspiracy, with the 9-year sentence enforceable under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code).
Araz Aman Zeynabad and Baqer Haji Zadeh Mazraeh: Each sentenced to 13 years (8 years for espionage and 5 years for assembly and collusion against national security, with the 8-year sentence enforceable).
Karam Mardaneh Mostamali Beiglou: 11 years (6 years for espionage and 5 years for assembly and collusion against national security, with the 6-year sentence enforceable).
Taher Naghavi and Morteza Parvin Joda: Each sentenced to 6 years (5 years for assembly and collusion against national security and 1 year for propaganda against the regime, with the 5-year sentence enforceable). Additional penalties for Naghavi include a two-year travel ban and deprivation of social and political rights.
Salar Taher Afshar, Saeed Minaei Gheshlagh, and Fatemeh Atash Khiavi: Each sentenced to 5 years for “assembly and collusion against national security”. (Atash Khiavi’s and Minaei Gheshlagh’s sentences include partial suspensions).
Hassan Ebrahimi: 3 years for conspiracy, with a two-year suspension for part of the term.

Arrest and Detention Background:

These individuals were arrested on February 6-7, 2024, in various cities, including Tabriz, Karaj, Ardabil, and Urmia, by security forces.

Taher Naghavi was detained in Karaj on February 6, 2024.
Activists Araz Aman, Baqer Haji Zadeh, and Ayaz Seyfkhah were arrested in Tabriz and later transferred to Evin Prison.
Karam Mardaneh was detained in Ardabil on February 6, 2024.
Salar Taher Afshar was arrested in Urmia and transferred to Ward 209 of Evin Prison. He was released on bail on February 28, 2024.
Saeed Minaei was detained after appearing at the Ministry of Intelligence office in Bonab and later released on bail on March 13, 2024.

Legal Process:

The initial verdicts were issued by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Salavati, known for his harsh rulings against political and civil rights activists.

This case highlights ongoing pressures on political activists and their legal representatives in Iran.

Vadood Asadi Sentenced to Five Years and Six Months in Prison

Posted on October 31, 2024 by . .

Ethnic Minorities, Freedom of Expression, News

Rasht, Salar Taher Afshar, Vadood Asadi

After his appeal was accepted and a retrial held, Azerbaijani-Turk activist Vadood Asadi has been sentenced to five years and six months in prison by Branch 3 of the Revolutionary Court in Rasht.

Asadi was originally sentenced in absentia by the same court. He had received a one-year sentence for “propaganda against the regime,” three years and six months for “membership in opposition groups,” and an additional one year for “insulting the Supreme Leader.” Following Asadi’s appeal, the court reconvened on Sunday, October 27, ultimately reissuing a verdict of five years and six months in prison.

In a separate case, Asadi was recently sentenced to four years in prison by the Revolutionary Court in Tehran, following a hearing held on May 21, 2024.

Asadi’s recent detainment history began in February 2024, when he was arrested by security forces in Rasht. He was transferred to Evin Prison in March, where he remained briefly before being released on bail.

Asadi has faced previous legal action due to his activism, adding to a history of judicial confrontations related to his advocacy work.

Vadood Asadi Sentenced to Four Years in Prison

Posted on October 28, 2024October 28, 2024 by . .

Ethnic Minorities, News

Azerbaijani Turk activist, ehran Revolutionary Court, Salar Taher Afshar, Salavati, Vadood Asadi

Azerbaijani-Turk activist Vadood Asadi has been sentenced to four years in prison by Tehran’s Revolutionary Court on charges of “assembly and collusion to disrupt national security.” This sentence was issued by Branch 15 of the Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Salavati, and was recently communicated to Mr. Asadi.

In a separate case, the Rasht Revolutionary Court previously sentenced Mr. Asadi to five years and six months in prison. This verdict was based on charges of “propaganda against the regime, membership in anti-regime groups, and insulting the Supreme Leader.” Most recently, on October 27, an appeal session for his Rasht sentence was held.

Mr. Asadi was initially detained by security forces in Rasht in February 2024. He was transferred to Evin Prison in March and subsequently released on bail a few days later. His court hearing, conducted alongside fellow activist Salar Taher Afshar, was held on May 21, 2024.

Vadood Asadi, an Azerbaijani-Turk activist, has previously faced judicial actions due to his activism.

Azerbaijani-Turk Activist Salar Taher Afshar Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison

Posted on October 21, 2024 by . .

Ethnic Minorities, News

Abolqasem Salavati, Azerbaijani Turk activist, Behnam Babashpour, Evin Prison, Saeed Jamalzadeh, Salar Taher Afshar, Vadud Asadi

Salar Taher Afshar, an Azerbaijani-Turk activist, has been sentenced to five years in prison by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court. The sentence was issued based on charges of “assembly and collusion to commit crimes against national security.”

In a recent post on his personal page, Mr. Taher Afshar confirmed that he was informed of his sentence in person.

His trial, along with that of fellow activist Vadud Asadi, took place on May 21, 2023, presided over by Judge Abolqasem Salavati. Both individuals faced charges in Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court. Earlier, on April 20, a preliminary hearing was held for Mr. Taher Afshar and three other Azerbaijani-Turk activists—Vadud Asadi, Saeed Jamalzadeh, and Behnam Babashpour—at Branch 5 of the Evin Prosecutor’s Office.

Mr. Taher Afshar was arrested by security forces in Urmia on February 6, 2024. He was then transferred to Ward 209 of Evin Prison, a section managed by the Ministry of Intelligence, where he remained in detention for 22 days before being released on bail.

In a previous case, he was sentenced to six months in prison by Branch 2 of the Tabriz Revolutionary Court. After serving part of that sentence, he has been under electronic monitoring with restrictions on his movement outside of prison. Recently, Mr. Taher Afshar was barred from employment with the Snapp platform due to a “disqualification” issued by Iran’s Law Enforcement Forces (NAJA).

Azerbaijani-Turk Activist Salar Taher Afshar and Rap Singer Milad Jalili Sentenced to a Total of 14 Months in Prison

Posted on February 19, 2024February 19, 2024 by . .

Ethnic Minorities, Freedom of Expression, News

Azerbaijani Turk activist, Evin Prison, Milad Jalili, Salar Taher Afshar, Tabriz, Tabriz Revolutionary Court

In a recent legal development, the Revolutionary Court in Tabriz has handed down a combined 14-month prison sentence to Salar Taher Afshar, an Azerbaijani-Turk activist, and Milad Jalili, a rap singer.

As per the verdict issued by Branch 2 of the Tabriz Revolutionary Court, Taher Afshar has been sentenced to six months for “assisting in spreading propaganda against the regime,” while Jalili has received eight months for “propaganda against the regime through performing a political rap music supporting convicted secessionists.” Notably, Jalili has been acquitted of the charge of “acting against national security through inciting people to violence and riots.”

Jalili was taken into custody on November 28, 2023, and Taher Afshar on December 19. They were both released on bond on January 29 and 22, 2024, respectively. However, Taher Afshar was re-arrested in Urmia on February 6 and subsequently transferred to Evin Prison in Tehran after four days.

In 2023, the Department of Statistics and Publications of the Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA) recorded 329 reports, citing the arrest of 324 citizens linked to ethnic and national rights. Notably, 156 of these arrests occurred without the issuance of a judicial warrant.

Azerbaijani-Turk Activist Salar Taher Afshar Detained in Urmia

Posted on February 6, 2024February 6, 2024 by . .

Ethnic Minorities, News

Azerbaijani Turk activist, Salar Taher Afshar, Tabriz Revolutionary Court, Urmia

On February 6, 2024, security forces arrested Salar Taher Afshar in Urmia and subsequently transferred him to an undisclosed facility. The news of Afshar’s apprehension was disclosed by his sister.

At present, the specific reasons behind his arrest, his current whereabouts, and the charges levied against him remain undisclosed.

This recent arrest comes after Taher Afshar was previously detained on December 19, 2023. A court hearing addressing the charge of “assisting in spreading propaganda against the regime” was conducted by the Tabriz Revolutionary Court on January 27, 2024.

In 2023, the Department of Statistics and Publications of the Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA) documented 324 cases of citizens being arrested by security forces for their advocacy of ethnic rights.

Azerbaijani-Turk Activist Salar Taher Afshar Arrested in Urmia

Posted on December 20, 2023 by . .

Ethnic Minorities, News

Azerbaijani Turk activist, Iran Cyber Police, Salar Taher Afshar, Tabriz, Urmia

Urmia, December 19, 2023 – Iran Cyber Police detained Azerbaijani-Turk activist Salar Taher Afshar in Urmia, subsequently placing him in custody at a police station in Tabriz.

A reliable source close to Afshar’s family revealed to HRANA that the activist was arrested at his father’s residence by Iran Cyber Police. According to the source, the agents exerted pressure on the family, warning them not to disclose details of their son’s arrest.

The grounds for Afshar’s arrest and the specific charges against him remain undisclosed at this time.

It is pertinent to note that Afshar has a history of previous arrests and judicial confrontations stemming from his activism.

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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Tag: Salar Taher Afshar

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:

Azerbaijani-Turk Activist Salar Taher Afshar Arrested in Urmia

HRANA News Agency – Salar Taher Afshar, an Azerbaijani-Turk activist, was arrested yesterday, February 18, in Urmia by the Ministry of Intelligence.