Tag: Semnan

Execution of Four Prisoners in Saravan, Semnan, and Kerman

Posted on by . .
Executions, News
Bakhshan, Dastgir Sasuli, Kerman, Rashid Sepahi, Saravan, Semnan

At dawn today, October 1, the death sentences of two prisoners, who had previously been convicted on separate charges related to drug offenses, were carried out in Saravan and Semnan prisons, according to Haal Vsh.

Their identities have been reported as Dastgir Sasuli, 46, father of three, from Zahak County,” and “Rashid Sepahi, 33, from Jalq and residing in Bakhshan, Saravan County.

According to this report, Mr. Sasuli was arrested in 2019 in Semnan, and Mr. Sepahi was arrested in 2020 in Saravan, both on drug-related charges, and were later sentenced to death by the judiciary. These two prisoners had been transferred to solitary confinement on Sunday and Monday, respectively, in preparation for their executions.

At the time of this report, the executions had not yet been officially announced by prison authorities or related officials.

Additionally, citing the Judiciary’s news agency Mizan, without mentioning the identities of those executed, two prisoners were executed in Kerman prison. These individuals had previously been sentenced to death on charges of rape.

According to the Department of Statistics and Publication of Human Rights Activists in Iran, in 2023, at least 767 citizens, including 21 women and 2 juvenile offenders, were executed. Of these, the executions of 7 individuals were carried out in public. Additionally, during this period, 172 others were sentenced to death, with 5 of them sentenced to public execution. It is worth noting that during the same period, the initial death sentences of 49 other individuals were also upheld by the Supreme Court.

Women’s Rights Advocate Atefeh Rangriz Arrested

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News, Women
Atefeh Rangriz, Damghan, HRANA, Semnan, Shahroud

Atefeh Rangriz, a women’s rights activist, was arrested on Saturday, June 29th, after a court session addressing her charges and was transferred to Shahrud Prison.

A source close to the family of this women’s rights activist confirmed the news to HRANA, saying: “Ms. Rangriz was arrested after a court session addressing her charges in Branch 1 of the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Damghan and was transferred to Shahrud Prison.” She had recently been summoned to the mentioned branch to defend herself against charges of “forming a group aiming to disrupt national security,” “propaganda against the regime,” and “disseminating falsehoods on the Internet to disturb public opinion.”

Rangriz’s initial arrest dates back to September 10, 2023, when she was arrested by security forces in Damghan and transferred to The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility in Semnan. After completing the interrogation process, she was moved to Shahrud Prison. She was finally released on bail from Shahrud Prison on October 21, 2023.

Rangriz has previously been arrested and sentenced due to her activities.

Update on Baha’i Ardeshir Fanaeian in Semnan Prison

Posted on by . .
News, Prisoners, Religious Minorities
Ardeshir Fanaeian, Khash County, Mohammad-Ali Rostami, Semnan, اردشیر فنائیان, اردشیر فناییان

Baha’i Ardeshir Fanaeian is currently serving a six-year prison term in Semnan prison.

According to a source close to Fanaeian’s family, since his incarceration, prison officials have held him separated from other inmates resembling solitary confinement.

Fanaeian was arrested by the Ministry of Intelligence on April 30, 2019, and released on bail after 75 days.

Subsequently, the Revolutionary Court of Semnan, presided over by Judge Mohammad-Ali Rostami, sentenced Fanaeian to 11 years in prison, one year of exile to Khash County, and one year banned from Semnan for “assisting in forming and running an illegal group to act against national security in favor of anti-regime groups.” This verdict was later reduced to six years on appeal.

Notably, Fanaeian’s parents were incarcerated for their faith in the 1980s. He was born in prison and resided there until he was three months old. Also, he faced a prior arrest and conviction in 2013.

Baha’is are subjected to violations of their religious rights, comprising 82% of reports on infringements against religious minorities, according to HRA’s 2023 annual report.

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.

Baha’i Citizen Shabnam Tebyanian Receives Sentence and Additional Penalties

Posted on by . .
News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizen, Semnan, Shabnam Tebyanian, شبنم تبیانیان

Shabnam Tebyanian (TebIanian), a Baha’i citizen, has been sentenced by the Revolutionary Court of Semnan to six months imprisonment along with supplementary punishments. However, the prison term has been commuted to a fine.

Tebyanian was found guilty of “engaging in educational activities and propagating against Sharia Islam,” resulting in a two-year prohibition from affiliating with civil or political organizations and groups. Additionally, she has been mandated to attend “Cult Therapy” courses organized by the Islamic Development Organization.

The incident stems from Tebyanian’s arrest by security forces on August 21, 2023, in Semnan. During the arrest, her residence was searched, and some of her possessions were confiscated. She was subsequently released on bail in September 2023 pending further legal proceedings.

Shabnam Tebyanian, a mother of two and a Semnan resident, now faces financial penalties instead of imprisonment following the court’s decision.

Baha’is are subjected to violations of their religious rights, comprising 82% of reports on infringements against religious minorities, according to HRA’s 2023 annual report.

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.

Baha’i Anisa Fanaeian Receives Lengthy 16-Year Prison Sentence and Additional Penalties

Posted on by . .
News, Religious Minorities
Ali Isari, Anisa Fanaeian, Semnan, Semnan Revolutionary Court

The Revolutionary Court of Semnan has issued a harsh sentence of 16 years in prison, coupled with additional penalties, for Baha’i citizen Anisa Fanaeian.

Presiding over Branch 1 of the Semnan Revolutionary Court, Judge Ali Isari sentenced Fanaeian to ten years for “forming groups to act against national security.” In addition, she received a five-year sentence, a fine, and deprivation from social rights for her involvement in “educational activities and propagating against Sharia Islam.” Furthermore, Fanaeian was given a one-year sentence for “propaganda against the regime.” The court also mandated the confiscation of $4,350 from her family’s assets, which had been seized during a search of her daughter’s room.

According to Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, if the verdict is upheld on appeal, the ten-year prison term for the first count will be enforceable.

Fanaeian was arrested by security forces in Semnan on August 21, 2023, and was released on bail pending the conclusion of legal proceedings in early September 2023.

It is worth noting that Fanaeian has faced previous convictions and incarceration due to her religious convictions.

Baha’is are subjected to violations of their religious rights, comprising 82% of reports on infringements against religious minorities, according to HRA’s 2023 annual report.

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.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Now is definitely not the time to stop reading!

Baha’i Citizen Shahdokht Khanjani Faces Eleven-Year Sentence Upheld on Appeal

Posted on by . .
News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizen, Semnan, Shahdokht Khanjani

The Semnan Court of Appeal has affirmed an eleven-year sentence and additional penalties for Baha’i citizen Shahdokht Khanjani.

In the ruling issued on January 27, 2024, Khanjani was sentenced to ten years for “forming groups to act against national security” and one year for “propaganda against the regime.” She is also prohibited from joining political/civil/cultural groups and parties, with restrictions on social media activities for two years.

According to Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the ten-year term for the first charge is enforceable.

Initially, the Revolutionary Court of Semnan had sentenced Khanjani to 11 years for the mentioned charges, along with five years for “propagating the Baha’i sect.” On appeal, the latter charge was dropped, as it was deemed inseparable from the charge of “forming groups to act against national security.” Additionally, a fine and a 15-year deprivation of social rights were annulled.

On May 29, 2023, security forces apprehended Khanjani at her Semnan residence. Following a search and confiscation of some belongings, she was later released on bond.

At the age of around 47, Khanjani is a Semnan resident and a mother of two.

Baha’is are subjected to violations of their religious rights, comprising 82% of reports on infringements against religious minorities, according to HRA’s 2023 annual report.

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.

Baha’i Citizen Anisa Fanaeian Detained in Semnan

Posted on by . .
News, Religious Minorities
Anisa Fanaeian, Baha'i arrest, Baha'i citizen, Semnan

Semnan, August 21 – Anisa Fanaeian, a member of the Baha’i community and a resident of Semnan, has been apprehended by security forces and transported to an undisclosed location.

A source closely connected to her family has relayed to HRANA that on Monday, at noon, security forces executed a sudden raid on Fanaeian’s residence, culminating in her arrest. During the operation, a thorough search was conducted, leading to the confiscation of several items including her cell phone, laptop, and literature associated with the Baha’i faith.

At present, the motives that prompted Fanaeian’s detention remain obscure, and her present whereabouts are shrouded in uncertainty.

Fanaeian faced conviction and incarceration on prior occasions due to her religious convictions.

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.

Actress Leila Bolukat Receives Sentence for Violating Hijab Regulations

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News, Women
compulsory hijab, Ham-Mihan, Hijab, Leila Bolukat, Semnan

According to a report by Ham-Mihan Newspaper, actress Leila Bolukat has been sentenced to imprisonment by the criminal court of Tehran Province for non-compliance with Hijab regulations.

The court has imposed a ten-month sentence, with six months suspended for five years. Bolukat will serve the remaining sentence in a prison located in Semnan Province. In addition, she faces a five-year ban on media and online social activities, along with a two-year travel ban.

The charges against Bolukat, which were brought in June 2023, include allegations of insulting morality and public decency due to her failure to wear Hijab and the publication of allegedly immodest pictures on social media.

Civil Rights Activist Mohammad Nourizad Sentenced to Two Years in Prison

Posted on by . .
News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, Eyvanki, Mohammad Nourizad, Semnan, Tehran Revolutionary Court

Imprisoned civil rights activist Mohammad Nourizad has been handed a two-year prison sentence by the Tehran Revolutionary Court, following a new legal case opened against him while in prison. As per Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, one year of the sentence will be enforceable.

Judge Mohammadrezza Amoozad issued the verdict, sentencing Nourizad to one year for “propaganda against the regime” and another year for “destruction of property within the prison head’s office.” The court session pertaining to these charges took place on June 14, 2023.

The court session pertaining to these charges took place on June 14, 2023.

Nourizad’s legal ordeal began on August 11, 2019, when he was arrested by security forces for participating in the drafting of an open letter with 13 other civil rights activists, calling for the Supreme Leader of Iran to step down. In the initial case, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison, three years of exile in Izeh, and a two-year travel ban. Although the prison sentence was upheld on appeal, the duration of exile and travel ban were reduced to two years.

In late April 2020, Nourizad received an additional one-year imprisonment for expressing support for Baha’i citizens in Eyvanki, Semnan Province.

Concerning the second part of his legal case, the Mashhad Criminal Court sentenced Nourizad to 8 months in prison and 74 lashes, along with exile to Tabas, for “disturbance of public order.” He also received an additional 74 lashes for “spreading falsehood.” This verdict was upheld on appeal as well.

Nourizad was released from Evin Prison on November 17, 2021, based on an early release order. However, on January 23, 2022, he was summoned and re-incarcerated in Evin Prison to serve the remainder of his sentence.

Nourizad has a history of arrests and convictions linked to his peaceful activism. He is a prominent filmmaker, writer, director, and journalist from Iran. While previously known as an outspoken religious journalist, he has become an active critic of the Islamic Republic in recent years.

Baha’i Citizen Shahdokht Khanjani Arrested in Semnan

Posted on by . .
News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizen, Semnan, Shahdokht Khanjani

HHRANA, Human Rights Activists News Agency -On May 29, 2023, security forces apprehended Shahdokht Khanjani, a Baha’i woman, at her residence in Semnan and transported her to an undisclosed location.

According to a reliable source who spoke to HRANA, “Four agents raided her home and took her into custody. During the arrest, the agents conducted a search of her residence and confiscated some personal belongings belonging to her and her family.”

The reasons behind her arrest, her current whereabouts, and the specific charges against her remain undisclosed at this time. Khanjani, a mother of two children, is a resident of Semnan.

According to HRANA annual report, from the total human rights reports regarding the violation of religious minorities’ rights, 64.63% belonged to the violation of the rights of Baha’is.

The deprivation of the freedom to practice their religion is a breach of 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.