Iranian Singer Shervin Hajipour Sentenced to Three Years and Eight Months in Prison with Additional Penalties

Renowned singer Shervin Hajipour has been handed a three-year, eight-month prison sentence and additional penalties by the Revolutionary Court.

The verdict, disclosed by Hajipour, outlines a three-year term for “inciting people to cause unrest against national security,” including the detention period, and an additional eight months for “spreading propaganda against the regime.” Pursuant to Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, he will serve three years for the first charge.

In addition to the prison term, the verdict imposes further restrictions. As the court deems the penalties specified in the Islamic Penal Code insufficient, Hajipour is prohibited from leaving the country for two years. He is mandated to compile and share the achievements of the Islamic Revolution in culture, science, and art on his internet platform. Furthermore, he is required to prepare a summary of two books regarding women’s status in Islam, produce a song addressing “USA’s atrocities against humanity,” collect cases of human rights violations by U.S. governments over the past century, and participate in behavior and knowledge skills training courses in the field of art.

Hajipour’s arrest by security forces during the 2022 nationwide protests, specifically for the song “Baraye” (For…), led to his detention in the Ministry of Intelligence detention facility in Sari, Mazandaran Province.
Hajipour was released on bail on October 4, 2023, but subsequent legal proceedings resulted in this verdict.
Notably, Hajipour was honored with the Special Merit Award for Best Song for Social Change for “Baraye” at the 2023 GRAMMYs.

Government Seizes Baha’i Lands in Sari County

On January 1, 2024, police agents and forest rangers carried out the confiscation of approximately 60 hectares of Baha’i-owned land in the Ahmadabad Village, adjacent to Sari in Mazandaran Province.

Acting on the orders of the Sari Prosecutor, the agents blocked access to the village and took possession of the lands. Ahmadabad Village is predominantly inhabited by Baha’is, and according to a resident who spoke to HRANA, the police have cordoned off the confiscated lands with barbed wire. Of these lands, 25 are already under wheat cultivation, a practice maintained by Baha’is for decades.

In an interview with IRNA, the Representative of the Mazandaran governor attempted to justify the seizure, citing unauthorized use and construction on the lands. However, HRANA’s sources dispute this claim, asserting that there has been no illegal construction, and the landowners have been cultivating these plots since 1947.

A villager shared with HRANA that a few years ago, a dam construction plan near the village was approved, and the landowners were supposed to receive alternative plots in exchange for the lands submerged by the dam construction. Following this recent confiscation, it appears they will receive no compensation.

This incident is part of a pattern of the government confiscating Baha’i lands and properties. In a similar occurrence in 2021 and 2022, the government seized cultivating lands belonging to Baha’is in Ivel, Roshan Kouh, Sari County.

Three Baha’i Citizens Receive Prison Sentences and Social Sanctions in Sari

The Sari Revolutionary Court has recently issued a 33-month prison sentence along with additional penalties to Baha’i citizen Saha Sabeti. Two other Baha’i individuals, Behrooz Rahmani and Sanaz Alizadeh Rooshankoohi, have also been fined and subjected to bans on educational and cultural activities.

As per the verdicts issued on November 28, 2023, Saha Sabeti has been sentenced to 33 months in prison for charges of”membership in groups acting against national security” and “engaging in educational activities and propaganda against Islamic Sharia.” Additionally, she faces a fine and a 13-year prohibition from participating in educational and cultural pursuits.

Behrooz Rahmani has been fined and sentenced to a ten-year ban on educational and cultural activities for similar charges. Likewise, Alizadeh Rooshankoohi, found guilty of “engaging in educational activities and propaganda against Islamic Sharia,” has received a parallel punishment to Behrooz Rahmani.

These individuals were indicted in August-September of this year and granted release on bail.
Saha Sabeti, who was arrested by security forces in Sari on July 31, 2022, spent 14 days in detention before being released on bail. In late July of this year, security forces conducted searches of the residences belonging to these citizens.

HRANA’s annual report has highlighted a concerning trend where, in 2022, 64.63% of reported human rights violations against religious minorities are directed toward the Baha’i community.

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

Mahsa Yazdani Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison

Masoumeh (Mahsa) Yazdani, the mother of Mohammad-Javad Zahedi, who lost his life during the 2022 nationwide protests at the hands of regime forces, has received a 13-year prison sentence from the Sari Revolutionary Court.

Yazdani’s attorney, Meysam Mousavi, has publicly disclosed the details of her sentencing. She was given a five-year term for  “blasphemy”, an additional five years of “incitement against national security,” two years for “insulting the Supreme Leader of Iran,” and one more year for “spreading propaganda against the regime,” culminating in a total of 13 years, with five years to be served without parole.

Mousavi has confirmed that Yazdani was acquitted of the charge of “disseminating false information on the Internet” by the Sari Crimiinal Court.

On August 22, 2023, Yazdani was taken into custody by security forces in Sari. She was granted release on bail after spending 45 days in detention.

Her son, Zahedi, tragically lost his life during the protests on September 22, 2022.

Mehdi Mohammadi Fard Sentenced to Six Years and Six Months

Mehdi Mohammadi Fard has been handed a six-year and six-month prison sentence by the Sari Revolutionary Court. His arrest dates back to the 2022 nationwide protests.

HRANA received this information through a source with close ties to his family. The court convened on October 1, 2023.

Initially, Mohammadi Fard faced dual death sentences on charges of “spreading corruption on earth” and “enmity against God.” However, this ruling was subsequently overturned, leading to the case being referred to another court branch for review.

Additionally, Mohammadi Fard received a six-month sentence for “propaganda against the regime,” two years for “incitement of people to engage in hostilities,” one year for “insulting the Supreme Leader of Iran,” and four years for “participation in activities that undermine national security.”

Mehdi Mohammadi Fard, who is approximately 20 years old, was detained by the Iranian Public Security Police in Nowshahr during the protests.

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Mohammad Moradi Kia-pey Sentenced to Six Years in Prison

The Court of Appeal in Mazandaran Province has confirmed the initial six-year prison sentence and travel ban imposed on Mohammad Moradi Kia-pey, a resident of Sari.

Initially, Moradi Kia-pay was sentenced to five years for “inciting actions against national security through activities on social media” and an additional year for “repeatedly promoting anti-regime propaganda.”

Among the items seized were technical and telecommunications equipment, as well as SIM cards. Additionally, he is prohibited from traveling abroad for two years, engaging in information technology-related work, and using the Internet and social media without restrictions.

On June 25, 2023, IRGC intelligence agents apprehended Moradi Kia-Pey in Sari. Subsequently, he was detained in a facility located in Tir Kola Village. After 16 days of detention, he was released on bail.

Moradi Kia-Pey had a prior encounter with the law during the nationwide protests of 2022. He was granted amnesty through a general “commutation and pardon” directive, leading to his release after approximately 30 days of confinement.

Mohammad Moradi Kia-Pey Receives Six-Year Prison Sentence

Mohammad Moradi Kia-Pey, a resident of Sari, has been sentenced to six years in prison by the Sari Revolutionary Court. The verdict includes the forfeiture of particular possessions, a travel prohibition, and other social restrictions.

The court’s ruling specifies that Moradi Kia-Pey will serve five years for “inciting actions against national security by disseminating false accusations against the regime” and an additional year for “repeatedly promoting anti-regime propaganda.” Among the items seized are technical and telecommunications equipment, along with SIM cards. Furthermore, he is prohibited from traveling abroad for two years, engaging in information technology-related work, and using the Internet and social media without limitations.

If the verdict is upheld on appeal, based on Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, five years in prison will be enforceable.

On June 25, 2023, IRGC intelligence agents apprehended Moradi Kia-Pey in Sari. He was subsequently confined in a detention facility located in Tir Kola Village. After 16 days of detention, he was released on bail.

Moradi Kia-Pey had a previous encounter with the law during the nationwide protests of 2022. He was granted clemency through a general “commutation and pardon” directive, leading to his release after roughly 30 days of confinement.

Mohammad Moradi Arrested in Sari

Mohammad Moradi, a resident of Sari, was apprehended by security forces on June 25, 2023, and subsequently taken to a detention facility operated by the intelligence branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

According to a reliable source close to Moradi’s family, who spoke with HRANA, the arrest took place as IRGC intelligence agents intercepted Moradi while he was leaving his residence. He was detained in a detention facility in a nearby village.

“Moradi was arrested following publishing a post on social media,” the source added.
The exact grounds for Moradi’s arrest remain undisclosed at this time, and the allegation against him is yet to be revealed.

It is worth noting that Moradi had previously been arrested during the nationwide protests in 2022. Following a period of 30 days in custody, he was released after receiving amnesty in accordance with the “pardon and commutation” directive.

 

Abbas Sharifi Arrested in Behshahr

On April 11, Abbas Sharifi, a resident of Behshahr, was arrested by IRGC Intelligence agents and taken to a detention facility in Sari. He was previously arrested amid the 2022 nationwide protests.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, on April 11, 2023, Abbas Sharifi was arrested by IRGC intelligence agents.

Abbas Sharifi’s brother, Mohammad Sharifi, stated, “IRGC intelligence agents arrested my brother at his home and took him to a detention facility in Sari.”

On October 1, 2022, security forces arrested Sharifi violently in Sari and transferred him to Sari Prison after seven days of holding him in a detention facility.

On November 13, 2022, the Sari Revolutionary Court sentenced Sharifi to 43 months in prison. On March 1, he was released on bail.

About the 2022 Nationwide Protests

The arrest of Mahsa Amini by Tehran Morality Police for her improper hejab and her suspicious death on September 16 sparked protests sweeping across Iran. During the nationwide protests, about 19600 people, including journalists, artists, lawyers, teachers, students and civil rights activists, were arrested.

 

Iran Protests: Yasin Moghadam Still in Detention for Over Four Months

Yasin Moghadam, arrested at the 2022 nationwide protests, is still detained for over four months in Sari Prison with an unclear status of due process.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, Yasin Moghadam has been detained for over four months in Sari Prison, Mazandaran Province.

An informed source told HRANA, “Moghadam is held in a ward of prisoners of violent crimes in Tirkala Prison, Sari, for 133 days, with an unclear status of due process.”

On November 29, 2022, 20-year-old Moghadam was arrested by security forces. After 26 days, he was transferred from a detention facility to Sari Prison.

About the 2022 Nationwide Protests

The arrest of Mahsa Amini by Tehran Morality Police for her improper hejab and her suspicious death on September 16 sparked protests sweeping across Iran. During the nationwide protests, about 19600 people, including journalists, artists, lawyers, teachers, students and civil rights activists, were arrested.