Tag: Shahriar Bayat

After Death Sentence Overturned by Supreme Court, Political Prisoner Shahriar Bayat Sentenced to Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Saeed Sharafati, Shahriar Bayat, شهریار بیات

HRANA News Agency – Following the Supreme Court’s overturning of Shahriar Bayat’s death sentence, the political prisoner has been resentenced by a parallel court to five years in prison and one year of unpaid service at the Kahrizak Charity Institute.

Based on information received by HRANA, the judge of Branch 10 of the Criminal Court One in Tehran Province ruled that Bayat deserved a sentence above the minimum for the charge of “blasphemy,” sentencing him to five years in prison. As a complementary punishment, Bayat was also ordered to perform one year of unpaid service at the Kahrizak Charity Institute.

The court session addressing Bayat’s charges was held on May 14 of this year.

Earlier, in April, Branch 39 of the Supreme Court overturned Bayat’s death sentence and referred the case to a parallel court for retrial.

On February 14, 2024, Bayat was sentenced to death by Branch 13 of Tehran’s Criminal Court One, with judges Saeed Sherafati and Ali Taghian issuing the majority verdict. The charges included sabb al-nabi (insulting the Prophet of Islam), insulting holy figures, and blasphemy—allegedly through sharing images and posts on social media.

However, at the same time, a minority opinion was issued by Judge Abolghasem Morad-Talab, who ruled in favor of a reduced sentence of six months in prison, citing Bayat’s expression of remorse.

It’s worth noting that an earlier decision by the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Shahriar had initially dismissed the sabb al-nabi charge against Bayat. However, following an appeal by the Shahriar Prosecutor, the case was referred to the city’s Revolutionary Court. That court ultimately declined jurisdiction over the charge, leading the case to be transferred to Tehran’s Criminal Court One.

The issuance of a death sentence and the overall judicial process have raised serious concerns about inconsistencies and irregularities in Bayat’s case. The sentence was handed down just weeks after Bayat had been granted furlough.

Bayat, a political prisoner, was arrested at 4 a.m. on September 25, 2022, at his home in Shahriar by security forces amid the nationwide protests. He was initially transferred to the Greater Tehran Penitentiary and later moved to Ward 6 of Evin Prison.

On March 1, 2023, in a separate case, Bayat was sentenced by Branch 1 of the Shahriar Revolutionary Court to a total of 18 years in prison: One year for propaganda against the regime, two years for insulting the founder of the Islamic Republic and the Supreme Leader, five years for assembly and collusion against national security, ten years for forming and running an unlawful (virtual) group aimed at disturbing national security.

Of these, the ten-year sentence was deemed enforceable as the most severe, but following a request for sentence reduction, it was lowered to eight years and six months.

Shahriar Bayat, aged about 64, is a retired government employee, married, and a resident of Shahriar.

Death Sentence of Shahriar Bayat Overturned by Supreme Court

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Executions, News, Prisoners
Elaheh Bayat, Evin Prison, sabb al-nabi, Shahriar Bayat, شهریار بیات

HRANA News Agency – The death sentence of Shahriar Bayat, a 64-year-old political prisoner held in Evin Prison, has been overturned by Branch 39 of the Supreme Court. His case has been sent to a parallel branch of the Tehran Criminal Court for a retrial.

Amin Adel Ahmadian, Bayat’s attorney, announced on social media that the death sentence previously issued against Bayat for sabb al-nabi (insulting the Prophet) was overturned by Branch 39 of the Supreme Court. The case has now been referred to Branch 10 of Tehran Province’s Criminal Court One for reconsideration.

In January 2025, Bayat’s daughter, Elaheh Bayat, told HRANA that his request for appeal had been registered and the case was under review by the Supreme Court.

On February 14, 2024, Bayat was sentenced to death by Branch 13 of Tehran’s Criminal Court One, with judges Saeed Sharafati and Ali Toghian issuing the majority verdict. The charges included sabb al-nabi (insulting the Prophet of Islam), insulting holy figures, and blasphemy—allegedly through sharing images and posts on social media.

However, at the same time, a minority opinion was issued by Judge Abolghasem Morad-Talab, who ruled in favor of a reduced sentence of six months in prison, citing Bayat’s expression of remorse.

It’s worth noting that an earlier decision by the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Shahriar had initially dismissed the sabb al-nabi charge against Bayat. However, following an appeal by the Shahriar Prosecutor, the case was referred to the city’s Revolutionary Court. That court ultimately declined jurisdiction over the charge, leading the case to be transferred to Tehran’s Criminal Court One.

The issuance of a death sentence and the overall judicial process have raised serious concerns about inconsistencies and irregularities in Bayat’s case. The sentence was handed down just weeks after Bayat had been granted furlough.

Bayat, a political prisoner, was arrested at 4 a.m. on September 25, 2022, at his home in Shahriar by security forces amid the nationwide protests. He was initially transferred to the Greater Tehran Penitentiary and later moved to Ward 6 of Evin Prison.

On March 1, 2023, in a separate case, Bayat was sentenced by Branch 1 of the Shahriar Revolutionary Court to a total of 18 years in prison: One year for propaganda against the regime, two years for insulting the founder of the Islamic Republic and the Supreme Leader, five years for assembly and collusion against national security, ten years for forming and running an unlawful (virtual) group aimed at disturbing national security.

Of these, the ten-year sentence was deemed enforceable as the most severe, but following a request for sentence reduction, it was lowered to eight years and six months.

Shahriar Bayat, aged about 64, is a retired government employee, married, and a resident of Shahriar.

Shahriar Bayat, 64-Year-Old Death-Row Political Prisoner, Denied Medical Care Amid Supreme Court Case Review

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News, Prisoners
Elahe Bayat, Evin Prison, HRANA, Shahriar, Shahriar Bayat, شهریار بیات

HRANA News Agency – Shahriar Bayat, a 64-year-old political prisoner on death row and held in Evin Prison, is suffering from numerous health problems, including prostate disease, gout, gastrointestinal issues, and colitis. Despite the severity of his condition, he has been denied access to specialized medical care and external treatment facilities. Meanwhile, his case remains under review by the Supreme Court.

According to information obtained by HRANA, Mr. Bayat’s health has significantly deteriorated. In addition to his existing ailments, he is experiencing gum sores caused by incomplete dental treatments. Despite his repeated requests, he has only been sent to the prison’s infirmary a handful of times, where officials have provided nothing more than non-specialized medications. Prison authorities continue to block his access to specialist consultations or transfers to outside medical centers. Moreover, medication provided by his family last week has yet to be delivered to him.

Elahe Bayat, Mr. Bayat’s daughter, confirmed this information to HRANA. She revealed that her father had been beaten on the head during interrogations, resulting in chronic headaches. She also expressed concern about his drastic weight loss, declining mental health, and the toll his medical conditions have taken on his well-being. Elahe further noted that while an appeal against her father’s death sentence has been submitted to the Supreme Court, no progress has been made. Authorities have claimed that cases are processed based on their registration numbers, leaving his case in limbo.

Background on Shahriar Bayat’s Arrest and Sentencing
Shahriar Bayat was arrested on September 25, 2022, during nationwide protests. Security forces detained him at his home in Shahriar and transferred him to the Greater Tehran Prison before moving him to Evin Prison.

On March 1, 2023, Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Shahriar sentenced Mr. Bayat in his first case. He received:

  • 1 year imprisonment for “propaganda against the regime,”
  • 2 years imprisonment for “insulting the founder of the Islamic Republic and the Supreme Leader,”
  • 5 years imprisonment for “assembly and collusion to commit crimes against national security,”
  • 10 years imprisonment for “forming and managing illegal (virtual) groups to disrupt national security.”
    This totaled 18 years of imprisonment, of which 10 years were enforceable. Following a request for sentence reduction, his prison term was reduced to 8 years and 6 months.

In late February 2023, in a separate case, the 13th Branch of the Criminal Court of Tehran Province, presided over by Saeed Sherafati and Ali Taghian, sentenced Mr. Bayat to death for blasphemy against the Prophet of Islam, insulting other Islamic figures, and desecrating Islamic sanctities through posts on social media. This verdict contradicted the earlier decision by a minority panel, which commuted Bayat’s sentence to six months in prison after he expressed remorse.

It is noteworthy that the Shahriar Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office had previously issued a non-prosecution order for Mr. Bayat on the same charge. However, following an appeal by the Shahriar Prosecutor’s Office, the case was reviewed by the Shahriar Revolutionary Court. Since the Revolutionary Court lacked jurisdiction over blasphemy charges, the case was referred to the Criminal Court of Tehran Province.

The issued rulings and the legal proceedings so far highlight significant ambiguities in Mr. Bayat’s case.

Shahriar Bayat is a retired employee, married, and a resident of Shahriar, Tehran province.

The Latest Comprehensive List of 54 Political and Security Prisoners Sentenced to Death in Iran

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Executions, Freedom of Expression, News
Abbas Deris, Abbas Korkor, Abdolhakim Azim Gorgij, Abdolrahim Ghanbarzahi, Abdolrahman Gorgij, Adham Naroui, Adnan Ghabishavi, Ahmadreza Jalali, Akbar Daneshvarkar, Ali Mojdam, Ali Obeidavi, Alireza Barmerzpournak, Alireza Kafaei, Amir-Mohammad Khosh Eghbal, Azad Shojaei, Babak Alipour, Behrouz Ehsani, Edris Ali, Eido Shah-Bakhsh, Farhad Shakri, Farshid Hassanzahi, Gorgij Abdolghani Shah-Bakhsh, Habib Deris, Hamid Hossein-Nezhad Heidaranlou, Hatam Ozdemir, Hossein Nemati, Isa Eidmohammadi, Malek Ali Fadaei Nasab, Malek Davarshenas, Mehdi Hassani, Milad Armon, Moein Khenafri, Mohammad Amin Mahdavi Shayesteh, Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani, Mohammad Mehdi Soleimani, Mohammad Reza Moghadam, Mohammad Zeynaldini, Naser Bakirzadeh, Navid Najaran, Pakhshan Azizi, Pouya Ghabadi Biston, Rasoul Ahmad Mohammad, Salem Mousavi, Saman Mohammadi Khiyareh, Seyed Abolhasan Montazer, Seyed Mohammad Taghavi Sangdehi, Shahin Vasaf, Shahriar Bayat, Soleiman Shah-Bakhsh, Taj Mohammad Khormal, Vahid Bani-Amirian, Varisheh Moradi, Yousef Ahmadi

HRANA News Agency –Recent investigations by HRANA reveal that at least 54 prisoners across Iran have been sentenced to death on political or security-related charges. The findings show that some of these sentences have been upheld by the Supreme Court and forwarded to execution branches. Of these, at least 24 were sentenced to death by Tehran’s Revolutionary and Criminal Courts, while the remaining 30 are concentrated in provinces such as Khuzestan, Razavi Khorasan, West Azerbaijan, Sistan and Baluchestan, and Kurdistan.

HRANA’s research highlights serious due process violations in many of these cases. Prisoners were frequently denied fair trials, including restricted or outright denial of access to legal representation and a lack of transparency in judicial proceedings. Some were denied access to their chosen attorneys, while in other instances, judicial authorities blocked meetings between prisoners and their lawyers. A significant number of these individuals, who denied the charges against them, were sentenced to death following opaque and unjust trials. Reports further indicate that some of these prisoners are currently held in solitary confinement, awaiting execution.

Investigations show that judges in Tehran courts have issued the majority of death sentences for these prisoners. The main charge against them is cited as “Baghi” (armed rebellion or uprising against the government). Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, and Branch 26, led by Judge Iman Afshari, have played significant roles in issuing these sentences. In Urmia, sentences against prisoners, including porters accused of espionage for Israel, have been issued by Branch 3 of the Urmia Revolutionary Court.

Some death sentences were reissued in equivalent-level courts after being overturned by the Supreme Court. For example, Hatem Özdemir and Abbas (Mojahid) Korkor (Korkori) were resentenced to death in equivalent courts following the annulment of their initial sentences. Similarly, Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani was sentenced to death for the third time during judicial proceedings.

While certain individuals have been accused of espionage, the Iranian government’s track record of leveraging such charges as a political tool against dissidents raises serious doubts about these allegations. The use of the death penalty in cases shrouded in secrecy and lacking transparency only exacerbates concerns.

Lawyers for some of these prisoners have repeatedly asserted that their clients were sentenced to death in unfair judicial processes that failed to meet fair trial standards. For instance, in the case of Pakhshan Azizi, her lawyers stated that the evidence presented to the Supreme Court demonstrated that she had no involvement in military activities and was solely engaged in humanitarian efforts in refugee camps for those displaced by ISIS. They expressed concern over the potential rushed handling of the case and called for a thorough and fair review of the evidence.

This report focuses on the human consequences of these cases, identifying the names and examining the latest legal statuses of 54 prisoners sentenced to death on political and security-related charges.

 

1. Varisheh Moradi

  • Prison: Evin Prison
  • Main Charge: Baghi (armed rebellion)
  • Court: Branch 15, Tehran Revolutionary Court
  • Case Status: Initial death sentence issued
Varisheh Moradi was arrested by security forces in the suburbs of Sanandaj on August 1, 2023. She was transferred to the women’s ward of Evin Prison on December 26. In November, 2024, she was sentenced to death by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, on charges including membership in an opposition group and Baghi.

 

2. Pakhshan Azizi

  • Prison: Evin Prison
  • Main Charge: Baghi
  • Court: Branch 26, Tehran Revolutionary Court
  • Case Status: Death sentence issued and upheld by the Supreme Court
Pakhshan Azizi, a resident of Mahabad, was arrested in Tehran on August 4, 2023, and transferred to Ward 209 of Evin Prison. After four months of interrogation, she was moved to the women’s ward. On July 24, 2023, Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, sentenced her to death and four years of imprisonment on charges of Baghi through membership in opposition groups. Her case has been recently upheld by the Supreme Court.

 

 

3. Akbar Daneshvar-Kar

  • Prison: Evin Prison
  • Main Charge: Baghi
  • Court: Branch 26, Tehran Revolutionary Court
  • Case Status: Initial death sentence issued
4. Seyed Mohammad Taghavi Sangdehi

  • Prison: Evin Prison
  • Main Charge: Baghi
  • Court: Branch 26, Tehran Revolutionary Court
  • Case Status: Initial death sentence issued
5. Babak Alipour

  • Prison: Evin Prison
  • Main Charge: Baghi
  • Court: Branch 26, Tehran Revolutionary Court
  • Case Status: Initial death sentence issued
6. Pouya Ghobadi Bistoni

  • Prison: Evin Prison
  • Main Charge: Baghi
  • Court: Branch 26, Tehran Revolutionary Court
  • Case Status: Initial death sentence issued
7. Vahid Bani-Amerian

  • Prison: Evin Prison
  • Main Charge: Baghi
  • Court: Branch 26, Tehran Revolutionary Court
  • Case Status: Initial death sentence issued
8. Seyed Abolhasan Montazer

  • Prison: Evin Prison
  • Main Charge: Baghi
  • Court: Branch 26, Tehran Revolutionary Court
  • Case Status: Initial death sentence issued
Vahid Bani-Amerian and Seyed Abolhasan Montazer were arrested in December 2022, and Babak Alipour was detained in autumn 2023 in Tehran. Pouya Ghobadi and Seyed Mohammad Taghavi were arrested in Chaldoran, and Akbar Daneshvar-Kar was detained on February 23, 2024, by security forces and transferred to Evin Prison.

In December 2024, Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, sentenced these six political prisoners to death on charges including Baghi (armed rebellion) through membership in opposition groups, conspiracy to disrupt national security, formation of illegal groups, destruction of public property, and illegal border crossing.

Additionally, they received supplementary sentences:

  • Akbar Daneshvarkar and Seyed Mohammad Taghavi Sangdehi: 15 years imprisonment each.
  • Babak Alipour: 5 years imprisonment and 20 years exile in Khash.
  • Pouya Ghobadi Bistoni: 1 year imprisonment.
  • Vahid Bani-Amerian: 5 years imprisonment.
  • Seyed Abolhasan Montazer: 5 years imprisonment.

 

9. Eido Shah-Bakhsh

  • Prison: Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj
  • Main Charge: Baghi (armed rebellion)
  • Court: Branch 28, Tehran Revolutionary Court
  • Case Status: Sentence upheld by the Supreme Court; referred to the execution branch
10. Abdolghani Shah-Bakhsh

  • Prison: Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj
  • Main Charge: Baghi
  • Court: Branch 28, Tehran Revolutionary Court
  • Case Status: Sentence upheld by the Supreme Court; referred to the execution branch
11. Abdolrahim Ghanbarzahi Gorgij (Rahim Mirbaloch)

  • Prison: Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj
  • Main Charge: Baghi
  • Court: Branch 28, Tehran Revolutionary Court
  • Case Status: Sentence upheld by the Supreme Court; referred to the execution branch
12. Soleiman Shah-Bakhsh

  • Prison: Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj
  • Main Charge: Baghi
  • Court: Branch 28, Tehran Revolutionary Court
  • Case Status: Sentence upheld by the Supreme Court; referred to the execution branch
These individuals were arrested in 2012. Many of their court sessions were irregular, and some defendants, such as Eido Shah-Bakhsh and Abdolghani Shah-Bakhsh, were acquitted by Branch 1 of the Zahedan Revolutionary Court but were rearrested in 2016 following objections from security agencies. On February 4, 2024, Branch 28 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Mohammad Reza Amozad Khalili, sentenced them to death for Baghi through membership in opposition groups and armed rebellion against the regime. The Supreme Court’s Branch 32 upheld their death sentences, and the cases were referred to the first branch of the Tehran Security Prosecutor’s Execution Office.

 

13. Milad Armoun

  • Prison: Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj
  • Main Charge: Participation in murder and intentional assault
  • Court: Branch 13, Tehran Criminal Court One
  • Case Status: Initial death sentence issued
14. Alireza Kafaei

  • Prison: Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj
  • Main Charge: Participation in murder and intentional assault
  • Court: Branch 13, Tehran Criminal Court One
  • Case Status: Initial death sentence issued
15. Amir Mohammad Khosh-Eghbal

  • Prison: Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj
  • Main Charge: Participation in murder and intentional assault
  • Court: Branch 13, Tehran Criminal Court One
  • Case Status: Initial death sentence issued
16. Navid Najaran

  • Prison: Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj
  • Main Charge: Participation in murder and intentional assault
  • Court: Branch 13, Tehran Criminal Court One
  • Case Status: Initial death sentence issued
17. Hossein Nemati

  • Prison: Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj
  • Main Charge: Participation in murder and intentional assault
  • Court: Branch 13, Tehran Criminal Court One
  • Case Status: Initial death sentence issued
18. Alireza Barmarz Pournak

  • Prison: Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj
  • Main Charge: Participation in murder and intentional assault
  • Court: Branch 13, Tehran Criminal Court One
  • Case Status: Initial death sentence issued
Milad Armoun, Alireza Kafaei, Amir Mohammad Khosh-Eghbal, Navid Najaran, Hossein Nemati, and Alireza Barmerz Pournak are defendants in the so-called “Ekbatan Complex” case. They were arrested in 2022 during nationwide protests after the killing of a Basij militia member named Arman Ali Vardi in Ekbatan Complex. In November 2024, Branch 13 of Tehran Criminal Court One sentenced each of them to death for “participation in murder and intentional assault.”

 

19. Edris Ali

  • Prison: Urmia Prison
  • Main Charge: Espionage
  • Court: Branch 3, Urmia Revolutionary Court
  • Case Status: Initial death sentence issued
20. Azad Shojaei

  • Prison: Urmia Prison
  • Main Charge: Espionage
  • Court: Branch 3, Urmia Revolutionary Court
  • Case Status: Initial death sentence issued
21. Rasoul Ahmad Mohammad

  • Prison: Urmia Prison
  • Main Charge: Espionage
  • Court: Branch 3, Urmia Revolutionary Court
  • Case Status: Initial death sentence issued
Edris (Idris) Ali, Azad Shojaei, and Rasoul Ahmad Mohammad were arrested earlier this year and transferred to Urmia Prison. In November, 2024, the judiciary spokesperson announced their death sentences, claiming they were involved in espionage and, under the guise of alcohol smuggling, transported “assassination equipment” intended for a senior official of Iran’s nuclear program. The sentences were issued by Branch 3 of the Urmia Revolutionary Court.

 

22. Behrooz Ehsani

  • Prison: Evin Prison
  • Main Charge: Baghi (armed rebellion)
  • Court: Branch 26, Tehran Revolutionary Court
  • Case Status: death sentence upheld by the Supreme Court
23. Mehdi Hassani

  • Prison: Evin Prison
  • Main Charge: Baghi
  • Court: Branch 26, Tehran Revolutionary Court
  • Case Status: death sentence upheld by the Supreme Court
Behrooz Ehsani was arrested on November 28, 2022, at his home in Tehran and transferred to Ward 209 of Evin Prison. Mehdi Hassani was arrested on September 9, 2022, while attempting to leave the country in Zanjan and later transferred to Evin Prison. In September 2024, Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, sentenced them to death. The charges included “Baghi, Moharebeh (enmity against God), spreading corruption on earth, membership in opposition groups, gathering classified information, and collusion against national security.” On January 8, 2025, the Supreme Court upheld their death sentences.

 

24. Hamid Hossein-Nezhad Heidaranlou

  • Prison: Urmia Prison
  • Main Charge: Baghi
  • Court: Branch 1, Urmia Revolutionary Court
  • Case Status: Death sentence issued, referred to the Supreme Court
Hamid Hossein-Nezhad Heidaranlou was arrested in April 2023 at the Chaldoran border by border guards. He was reportedly subjected to physical and psychological torture in the detention center of the Urmia Intelligence Office to extract a forced confession regarding participation in armed clashes between opposition parties and border forces. He was later transferred to Urmia Prison. In July 2024, Branch 1 of the Urmia Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Najafzadeh, sentenced him to death for Baghi through membership in opposition parties. His case has been referred to the Supreme Court.

 

25. Hatem Özdemir

  • Prison: Urmia Prison
  • Main Charge: Moharebeh (waging war against God)
  • Court: Branch 3, Urmia Revolutionary Court
  • Case Status: Death sentence upheld by the Supreme Court
Hatem Özdemir was arrested in Maku in early summer 2019 by security forces and transferred to the political ward of Urmia Prison after two months. Initially sentenced to death for Baghi by the Khoy Revolutionary Court in late winter 2021, his sentence was overturned by the Supreme Court and sent for retrial. In May 2024, he was resentenced to death for Moharebeh by Branch 3 of the Urmia Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Najafzadeh. The sentence was upheld by the Supreme Court in September 2023.

 

26. Mehrab (Mehran) Abdollahzadeh

  • Prison: Urmia Prison
  • Main Charge: Baghi
  • Court: Urmia Revolutionary Court
  • Case Status: Initial death sentence issued
Mehrab (Mehran) Abdollahzadeh was arrested during the nationwide protests of 2022 and transferred to Urmia Prison. He was later sentenced to death by the Urmia Revolutionary Court, accused of killing a Basij militia member, leading to charges of Baghi and his death sentence.

 

27. Naser Bekrzadeh

  • Prison: Urmia Prison
  • Main Charge: Espionage
  • Court: Branch 3, Urmia Revolutionary Court
  • Case Status: Initial death sentence issued
Naser Bekrzadeh, 25, a resident of Urmia, was arrested in January 2024 by security forces and transferred to the city’s prison. In mid-November 2024, Branch 3 of the Urmia Revolutionary Court sentenced him to death. The judiciary media center claimed he was charged with “espionage for Israel and collaboration with Mossad.”

 

28. Shahin Vasaf

  • Prison: Urmia Prison
  • Main Charge: Espionage
  • Court: Branch 3, Urmia Revolutionary Court
  • Case Status: Initial death sentence issued
Shahin Vasaf, 28, a resident of Salmas and Urmia, was arrested in September 2022 by security forces. After completing his interrogation at the Urmia Intelligence Office, he was transferred to Urmia Prison. In October 2023, he was sentenced to death by Branch 3 of the Urmia Revolutionary Court for “espionage for Israel.”

 

29. Shahriar Bayat

  • Prison: Evin Prison
  • Main Charge: Sab-al-Nabi (blasphemy against the Prophet)
  • Court: Branch 13, Tehran Criminal Court One
  • Case Status: Initial death sentence issued
Shahriar Bayat, 64, was arrested at his home in Shahriar on September 25, 2022, during nationwide protests. Initially transferred to Greater Tehran Prison and later to Evin Prison, he faced multiple charges in two cases. On March 1, 2023, Branch 1 of the Shahriar Revolutionary Court sentenced him to a total of 18 years imprisonment for charges including “propaganda against the regime,” “insulting the founder of the Islamic Republic,” “collusion against national security,” and “forming and managing illegal groups.” On March, 2024, Branch 13 of Tehran Criminal Court One sentenced him to death for “insulting the prophet of Islam and Islamic sanctities” through online posts and content.

 

30. Farshid Hassan Zahi

  • Prison: Ward 9, Zahedan Prison
  • Main Charge: Moharebeh (waging war against God)
  • Court: Branch 1, Zahedan Criminal Court
  • Case Status: Death sentence issued, referred to Branch 32 of the Supreme Court
Farshid Hassan Zahi, son of Hanif, was arrested on November 24, 2022, in the village of Cheshmeh Ziarat, Zahedan, by security forces. He was accused of “shooting at a police vehicle in Cheshmeh Ziarat, killing soldier Behzad Barahouyi, and injuring lieutenant Mehdi Hashem Zehi.” He is currently held in Ward 9 of Zahedan Prison. The court session that led to his death sentence was conducted online, without the presence of his defense attorney.

 

31. Mohammad Zeyneddini

  • Prison: Ward 9, Zahedan Prison
  • Main Charge: Moharebeh
  • Court: Branch 1, Zahedan Criminal Court
  • Case Status: Death sentence upheld by the Supreme Court
32. Adham Naroui

  • Prison: Ward 9, Zahedan Prison
  • Main Charge: Moharebeh
  • Court: Branch 1, Zahedan Criminal Court
  • Case Status: Death sentence upheld by the Supreme Court
Mohammad Zeyneddini was arrested in October 2020, and Adham Naroui was detained on May 25, 2021, in Lashar, Espakeh County, by security forces. Their cases, initially investigated by Branch 6 of the Zahedan Prosecutor’s Office, were later referred to Branch 1 of Zahedan Criminal Court for the killing of three security forces. In early 2023, both were sentenced to death by the court for “Moharebeh through armed action.” Their sentences were upheld by the Supreme Court on November 19, 2023.

 

33. Mohammad Javad Vafaei Thani

  • Prison: Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad
  • Main Charge: Corruption on Earth through arson and deliberate destruction of specific sites
  • Court: Branch 2, Mashhad Revolutionary Court
  • Case Status: Initial death sentence issued
Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani, a 28-year-old boxing coach, was arrested in March 2020 in Mashhad by security forces and transferred to Vakilabad Prison. In January 2022, he was sentenced to death by Branch 4 of Mashhad Revolutionary Court for “corruption on earth through arson and deliberate destruction of specific sites, including a government building.” The sentence was overturned by the Supreme Court, and the case was sent for retrial. In August 2023, Branch 2 of Mashhad Revolutionary Court reissued the death sentence. This was again overturned by the Supreme Court, but in September 2023, Branch 3 of Mashhad Revolutionary Court sentenced him to death for a third time. His lawyer, Babak Paknia, criticized the decision, stating the court ignored the Supreme Court’s reasoning.

 

34. Abbas Deris

  • Prison: Mahshahr Prison
  • Main Charge: Moharebeh
  • Court: Branch 1, Mahshahr Revolutionary Court
  • Case Status: Death sentence upheld by the Supreme Court; retrial request denied
Abbas Deris was arrested on December 8, 2019, alongside his brother Mohsen by intelligence agents. In October 2022, he was sentenced to death for Moharebeh by Branch 1 of Mahshahr Revolutionary Court. This was upheld by the Supreme Court in July 2023. After a retrial request in July 2023, the Supreme Court temporarily suspended the sentence but ultimately rejected the request in February 2024. His lawyer has filed for judicial review under Article 477. In another case, he was sentenced to 14 years for murder and weapons possession. Abbas Deris, a father of three, has denied involvement in arson and road blockades during protests in November 2019.

 

35. Ahmadreza Jalali (Djalali) 

  • Prison: Evin Prison
  • Main Charge: Espionage
  • Court: Not specified
  • Case Status: Death sentence upheld by the Supreme Court
Ahmadreza Jalali, a dual-national academic, was arrested in April 2016 during a visit to Iran upon the invitation of Tehran University. He was later sentenced to death for espionage. The Supreme Court upheld his sentence in December 2017. The judiciary spokesperson, Zabihollah Khodaian, confirmed in May 10, 2023, that the sentence is final and enforceable.

 

36. Yousef Ahmadi

  • Prison: Sanandaj Prison
  • Main Charge: Baghi (armed rebellion)
  • Court: Branch 1, Sanandaj Revolutionary Court
  • Case Status: Death sentence upheld by the Supreme Court
Yousef Ahmadi, along with three co-defendants in a joint case, was arrested in April 2020 on suspicion of “collaborating with a Kurdish opposition party.” In September 2023, Branch 1 of the Sanandaj Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Saeedi, sentenced Ahmadi to death for Baghi and sentenced the other three co-defendants to long prison terms for complicity. The Supreme Court upheld Ahmadi’s death sentence in February 2024.

 

37. Mohammad Mehdi Soleimani

  • Prison: Ward 1, Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad
  • Main Charge: Killing a Basij member
  • Court: Branch 5, Khorasan Razavi Criminal Court One
  • Case Status: Initial death sentence issued
State media reported that an individual identified as “Mohammad Mehdi-S” was sentenced to death by Branch 5 of the Khorasan Razavi Criminal Court for the killing of Basij member Rasoul Doost Mohammadi during the 2022 nationwide protests. He was also sentenced to flogging (74 lashes) and imprisonment for possession of explosives and incendiary materials. HRANA confirmed his identity as Mohammad Mehdi Soleimani, currently held in Ward 1 of Vakilabad Prison.

 

38. Ali Mojdam

  • Prison: Sepidar Prison, Ahvaz
  • Main Charge: Leadership and membership in a Baghi group
  • Court: Ahvaz Revolutionary Court
  • Case Status: Death sentence under review by the Supreme Court
39. Mohammadreza Moghadam

  • Prison: Sepidar Prison, Ahvaz
  • Main Charge: Leadership and membership in a Baghi group
  • Court: Ahvaz Revolutionary Court
  • Case Status: Death sentence under review by the Supreme Court
40. Moein Khanfari

  • Prison: Sepidar Prison, Ahvaz
  • Main Charge: Membership in a Baghi group
  • Court: Ahvaz Revolutionary Court
  • Case Status: Death sentence under review by the Supreme Court
41. Adnan Ghobeishavi

  • Prison: Sepidar Prison, Ahvaz
  • Main Charge: Membership in a Baghi group
  • Court: Ahvaz Revolutionary Court
  • Case Status: Death sentence under review by the Supreme Court
42. Salem Mousavi

  • Prison: Sheiban Prison, Ahvaz
  • Main Charge: Membership in a Baghi group
  • Court: Ahvaz Revolutionary Court
  • Case Status: Death sentence under review by the Supreme Court
43. Habib Deris

  • Prison: Sheiban Prison, Ahvaz
  • Main Charge: Membership in a Baghi group
  • Court: Ahvaz Revolutionary Court
  • Case Status: Death sentence under review by the Supreme Court
Ali Mojdam, Mohammadreza Moghadam, Moein Khanfari, Habib Deris, Adnan Ghobeishavi, and Salem Mousavi were arrested in February 2019 by security forces in Khuzestan. In March 2023, Mojdam and Moghadam were sentenced to death for leadership and membership in the “armed branch of Harakat al-Nazal al-Arabi,” accused of armed opposition to the Islamic Republic. The others were sentenced to death for membership in the same group. Their cases are currently under review by the Supreme Court. In late October 2024, Mojdam, Moghadam, Khanfari, and Ghobeishavi were transferred from Sheiban Prison to Sepidar Prison in Ahvaz.

 

44. Farhad Shakeri

  • Prison: Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad
  • Main Charge: Baghi (armed rebellion) through membership in a Salafi group
  • Court: Branch 4, Mashhad Revolutionary Court
  • Case Status: Death sentence upheld by the Supreme Court
45. Isa Eidmohammadi

  • Prison: Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad
  • Main Charge: Baghi through membership in a Salafi group
  • Court: Branch 4, Mashhad Revolutionary Court
  • Case Status: Death sentence upheld by the Supreme Court
46. Abdolrahman Gorgij

  • Prison: Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad
  • Main Charge: Baghi through membership in a Salafi group
  • Court: Branch 4, Mashhad Revolutionary Court
  • Case Status: Death sentence upheld by the Supreme Court
47. Abdolhakim Azim Gorgij

  • Prison: Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad
  • Main Charge: Baghi through membership in a Salafi group
  • Court: Branch 4, Mashhad Revolutionary Court
  • Case Status: Death sentence upheld by the Supreme Court
48. Taj Mohammad Khormali

  • Prison: Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad
  • Main Charge: Baghi through membership in a Salafi group
  • Court: Branch 4, Mashhad Revolutionary Court
  • Case Status: Death sentence upheld by the Supreme Court
49. Malek Ali Fadaei Nasab

  • Prison: Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad
  • Main Charge: Baghi through membership in a Salafi group
  • Court: Branch 4, Mashhad Revolutionary Court
  • Case Status: Death sentence upheld by the Supreme Court
Malek Ali Fadaei Nasab (a Shia Muslim), Isa Eidmohammadi, Farhad Shakeri, Abdolhakim Azim Gorgij, Abdolrahman Gorgij, Taj Mohammad Khormal (Sunni Muslims), and others were arrested in 2015 by the Intelligence Ministry. They were transferred to Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad a year later. In 2019, Branch 1 of the Mashhad Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Mahmoud Davoodabadi, sentenced several of them to death for “Baghi through membership in the Salafi group Al-Furqan and the National Solidarity Front of Sunni Muslims in Iran.”

In December 31, 2020, the death sentences for Hamid Rast Bala, Kabir Saadat Jahani, and Mohammad Ali Arayesh were carried out. The Supreme Court later overturned the sentences of six others and referred the cases for retrial. In August 2023, Branch 4 of the Mashhad Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Ahmadian Salami, resentenced them to death. The Supreme Court upheld the death sentences in August 2024.

 

50. Malek Davarshenas (Seyed Malek Mousavi)

  • Prison: Sheiban Prison, Ahvaz
  • Main Charge: Baghi through setting fire to a Basij base
  • Court: Branch 2, Dezful Revolutionary Court
  • Case Status: Initial death sentence issued
Malek Davarshenas (Seyed Malek Mousavi) was arrested in May 2021 along with another individual by security forces. Following interrogations, Branch 2 of Dezful Revolutionary Court sentenced Davarshenas to death for “Baghi,” while the co-defendant was sentenced to 10 years in prison for “participation in disrupting order.” The charges against Davarshenas include “attacking and setting fire to the Shavoor Basij Resistance Base.”

 

51. Ali Obeidavi

  • Prison: Mahshahr Prison
  • Main Charge: Attack on a Basij base
  • Court: Mahshahr Revolutionary Court
  • Case Status: Initial death sentence issued
Ali Obeidavi was arrested in 2019 along with his brother, Hossein Obeidavi, on charges of “attacking a Basij base.” After four years, the Mahshahr Revolutionary Court sentenced Ali to death and his brother to 13 years in prison.

 

52. Saman Mohammadi Kheyareh

  • Prison: Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj
  • Main Charge: Moharebeh (waging war against God)
  • Court: Branch 15, Tehran Revolutionary Court
  • Case Status: Initial death sentence issued
Saman Mohammadi Kheyareh, a 34-year-old from Sanandaj, was arrested in February 2010 on charges of Moharebeh. A few months later, he was sentenced to death by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati. Due to insufficient evidence, the Supreme Court overturned the sentence, and the case was referred for retrial, resulting in a 15-year prison sentence for membership in opposition groups. However, under pressure from security agencies, the previous ruling was annulled, and he was again sentenced to death on the same charges.

 

53. Mohammad Amin Mahdavi Shayesteh

  • Prison: Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj
  • Main Charge: Collaboration with a hostile government
  • Court: Branch 15, Tehran Revolutionary Court
  • Case Status: Initial death sentence issued
Mohammad Amin Mahdavi Shayesteh, 26, was arrested in the fall of the previous year and sentenced to death by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, for alleged collaboration with Israel. His appeal is currently pending in the Supreme Court

 

54. Abbas (Mojahed) Korkor (Korkouri)

  • Prison: Sheiban Prison, Ahvaz
  • Main Charge: Moharebeh
  • Court: Ahvaz Revolutionary Court
  • Case Status: Initial death sentence issued
Mojahed Korkouri was sentenced to death in April 2023 for “Moharebeh through armed action, corruption on earth by shooting with a military weapon, causing the death of seven people, and forming a Baghi group.” The Supreme Court overturned this ruling in the fall of the same year, and the case was sent for retrial. After the retrial in the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court, he was once again sentenced to death.

 

This report highlights the widespread violations of human rights and justice in Iran. Many of the individuals sentenced to death are accused of political offenses such as “Baghi” and “Moharebeh,” while some were engaged in non-violent activities or were arrested solely for political or ideological reasons. Many have been denied fair trials, including access to independent legal representation and transparent judicial processes.

The death penalty, as a form of punishment, stands in complete contradiction to the fundamental right to life and universal principles of human rights. Its use, particularly against political prisoners, is often accompanied by blatant violations of defendants’ rights, including forced confessions obtained under torture, denial of fair trials, and its application as a tool to suppress dissenting views and activities. Such actions not only violate human dignity but also lack any moral or legal justification under human rights principles and must be halted immediately.

It is worth noting that the crisis of executions extends beyond political and security prisoners. According to the annual statistics of the Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 930 prisoners, including 5 juvenile offenders, were executed in Iran between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024. This represents an increase of approximately 24.6% compared to the same period in the previous year. Among these, 4 executions were carried out publicly, 214 individuals were sentenced to death, and the Supreme Court upheld 54 other initial death sentences during the same period.

This report reveals that many individuals are sentenced to death not for committing violent crimes but for engaging in civic, political, or ideological activities. This raises serious concerns about the use of the death penalty as a tool to suppress political and ideological dissent.

The international community, human rights organizations, and the public must actively monitor these cases and apply pressure on the Iranian government to prevent the unjust execution of these sentences.

Political Prisoner Shahriar Bayat Sentenced to Death for Alleged Insult to Prophet of Islam

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Executions, News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, great tehran penitentiary, HRANA, Shahriar, Shahriar Bayat, شهریار بیات

Shahriar Bayat, a 64-year-old political prisoner currently held in Evin Prison, has been sentenced to death by the Tehran Criminal Court for allegedly “insulting the prophet of Islam.”

Confirming this conviction, a source close to Bayat’s family informed HRANA that Bayat received this sentence on March 24, 2024, the final day of his furlough from Evin Prison. This verdict was issued by Branch 13 of the Tehran Criminal Court. According to the source, Bayat’s wife, Nahid, is not in good health to inquire about her husband’s legal case.

Bayat faces legal proceedings in both the Criminal and Revolutionary Courts. Reports obtained by HRANA indicate that the majority of the board of judges in the Criminal Court convicted Bayat of “insulting the prophet of Islam, Shia Imams, and other Islamic sanctities through the publication of pictures and posts on social media.”

This verdict contradicts the earlier decision by a minority panel, which commuted Bayat’s sentence to six months in prison after he expressed remorse. The verdict can be appealed within 20 days of its issuance.

Notably, the Shahriar Public and Revolutionary Court initially had jurisdiction over this legal case and closed this case. However, due to the insistence of the Shahriar prosecutor, the court transferred the case to the Tehran Criminal Court.

Shahriar Bayat’s legal troubles began on September 25, 2022, when he was arrested by security forces during nationwide protests at his residence in the city of Shahriar and subsequently detained in the Great Tehran Penitentiary. He was later transferred to Evin Prison.

On March 1, 2023, the Shahriar Revolutionary Court sentenced Bayat to a total of 18 years in prison for various charges including “forming illegal groups to act against national security,” “assembly and collusion to act against national security,” “insulting the former and current Supreme Leader of Iran,” and “propaganda against the regime.” Pursuant to Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, which mandates the enforcement of the harshest punishment in cases of multiple charges, Bayat’s sentence was initially ten years, later reduced to eight years and six months following his request for a reduction in punishment.

In July-August 2023, in a letter addressed to the judiciary, Bayat wrote about his imprisonment at the age of 63, emphasizing his lack of prior political activism and attributing his incarceration solely to content found on his cell phone, much of which he claimed was commonplace on the internet. He also highlighted his denial of medical care for digestive diseases during his detention in the Great Tehran Penitentiary.

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Prisoners in the Great Tehran Penitentiary Facing Delay and Difficulties in Receiving Medical Care

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News, Prisoners
Amir-Hossein Ghena'atgar, Asadollah Hadi, Davood Razavi, great tehran penitentiary, Shahriar Bayat, Zartosht Ahmadi Ragheb

The Great Tehran Penitentiary officials regularly delay the issuance of permits for medical treatment, putting prisoners’ health at risk. This report sheds light on the violation of prisoners’ health-related rights in this prison and the negative impacts on inmates’ health conditions.

An inmate, recently freed from this prison, explained to HRANA the lengthy process of requesting a permit for medical care: “to receive a permit for medical care, the prison infirmary physician has to deliver a request letter to the Judgement Enforcement Unit. If approved, this unit sends a request letter to Judicial Deputy and the latter to the assistant prosecutor. This process takes a long time resulting in the exacerbation of inmates’ health condition and subsequent denial of medical treatment.”

“In addition to the long process, sometimes the request letters were missing, which frequently happens during the correspondence among prison officials,” another inmate stated.

Asadollah Hadi, Davood Razavi, Shahriar Bayat and Zartosht Ahmadi Ragheb are among the inmates who suffered medical issues due to the prison officials’ delays and impediments.

According to reports obtained by HRANA, in recent days, political prisoner Asadollah Hadi was taken to the prison infirmary. Despite that, only after many twists and turns did the prison officials agree to dispatch him to a hospital outside the prison. Hadi has 60% physical disability and underwent heart surgeries during the last few years. Nonetheless, prison officials still delay medical treatments.

Another inmate, 20-year-old Amir-Hossein Ghena’atgar, who was arrested during the nationwide protests, is in poor health condition and has been denied medical care. In this regard, an informed source told HRANA, “he has been injured in eyes, neck, arm and chest by pellet guns. Despite having an infection from the pellets still in his body, he has been denied adequate medical care.”

In 2022, the Department of Statistics of Human Rights Activists in Iran registered 4,322 deprivation of medical care and 20 deaths due to illness.

According to Articles 102 and 113 of the Executive Regulations of the Iranian Prisons Organization, the prison infirmary is obliged to perform the medical examination of prisoners at least once a month, which in practice happens rarely. Also, in a case where medical treatment is not possible inside prison, with permission from the head of the prison and supervising judge, the inmate can be dispatched to a hospital as soon as possible. The rules unfortunately do not exempt emergency cases from the judge’s permission, causing unnecessary delays and jeopardizing the inmate’s lives.