Tag: Shiraz

Poet Farnaz Jafarzadegan Sentenced to Electronic Monitoring and Travel Ban

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Freedom of Expression, News
Adelabad Prison, Farnaz Jafarzadegan, HRANA, Shiraz

HRANA – Farnaz Jafarzadegan, a poet based in Shiraz, has been sentenced by a judicial authority to imprisonment under electronic monitoring (electronic ankle bracelet) and a two-year ban on leaving the country.

Based on the issued verdict, Ms. Jafarzadegan was sentenced to imprisonment under an electronic monitoring system and a two-year travel ban due to activities including participation in a campaign opposing violence against women, appearing without the mandatory hijab, opposing compulsory hijab, and opposing the death penalty. The ruling also characterizes portions of her poetry, writings, and literary criticism as instances of “spreading falsehoods” and “disturbing public opinion,” including works that had previously been published with official authorization from the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance.

Further details, including the length of her sentence under electronic monitoring, are currently being investigated by HRANA.

According to information received by HRANA, Farnaz Jafarzadegan was arrested at her home in Shiraz by security forces in the early hours of January 15, 2026. After being held in solitary confinement at an undisclosed location for five days, she was transferred to Adelabad Prison in Shiraz. She was ultimately released from the prison after approximately fifteen days upon posting bail.

This citizen has previously faced security and judicial actions due to her activities.

Three Attorneys Sentenced to Prison and Additional Punishments

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Mahmoud Taravat Rouy, Masoud Ahmadian, Nazanin Salari, Shiraz

HRANA – Nazanin Salari, Mahmoud Taravat Rouy, and Masoud Ahmadian, three defense attorneys, have each been sentenced by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz to three years in prison and a two-year ban on leaving the country.

According to HRANA, citing Emtedad, three defense attorneys in Shiraz have been sentenced to imprisonment and supplementary punishments.

A recent ruling issued by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz found Nazanin Salari, Mahmoud Taravat Rouy, and Masoud Ahmadian guilty. Under the verdict, each attorney was sentenced to two years in prison on charges of “assembly and collusion with the intent to commit crimes against national security,” and one year in prison for “propaganda activities against the regime.” As an additional punishment, they were also sentenced to a two-year travel ban accompanied by the invalidation of their passports.

The court acquitted the three attorneys of the charge of cooperating with a hostile government.

The report further states: “While the head of Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz had been handling the case during previous hearings, the case was suddenly reassigned to one of the court’s associate judges during the final session. Despite existing procedural flaws, the associate judge took the defendants’ final defense statements and subsequently issued the conviction ruling.”

According to the report, the judicial case against these attorneys stems from their participation in seminars on children’s and women’s rights, their advocacy for legal reforms concerning domestic violence, and other efforts aimed at combating violence against women and child marriage.

The trial session addressing the charges against these attorneys was held on January 6, 2026, at Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz.

The ruling is related to a case opened against them in 2020 on the aforementioned charges. In 2022, during proceedings before the same branch of the Revolutionary Court, the case was returned to the prosecutor’s office due to deficiencies in the investigation and ambiguities in the indictment. A new court session was subsequently held on May 31, 2023, before the same branch. The case was later referred back to the prosecutor’s office once again for further investigation.

The three attorneys were first summoned in connection with this case in November 2020 by the Ministry of Intelligence. Summonses and interrogations continued for more than ten sessions without formal charges being presented. Ultimately, in the summer of 2021, they were summoned to the Shiraz Prosecutor’s Office, formally charged, and released on bail of 1 billion tomans each.

The attorneys are additionally facing charges before Branch 112 of the Criminal Court, including encouraging immodesty and appearing in public without the mandatory hijab.

Mehdi Ansari, Attorney-at-Law, Sentenced to Five Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Mehdi Ansari, Shiraz

HRANA – Mehdi Ansari, a member of the Fars Bar Association and one of those arrested during the January 2026 protests, has been sentenced by the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz to five years in prison and a two-year travel ban.

Based on information received by HRANA, a branch of the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz sentenced Mr. Ansari to five years in prison and a two-year ban on leaving the country on the charge of “assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security.”

Mehdi Ansari, an attorney and member of the Fars Bar Association, had previously been arrested in Shiraz in connection with the January protests. He was eventually released from prison after posting bail set at 5 billion tomans.

It should be noted that protests and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025, and within two days spread beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests became one of the largest protest movements of recent years. Following the crackdown by security and law enforcement forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security agencies. For more information, readers may refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “Crimson Winter,” documenting the first fifty days following the outbreak of Iran’s nationwide protests.

Attorney Bahar Sahraeian Arrested, Charged

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Freedom of Expression, Labor and Guilds, News
Adelabad Prison, Bahar Sahraeian, HRANA, Shiraz

HRANA – Bahar Sahraeian, an attorney in Shiraz, was arrested on May 16, 2026. Yesterday, after being formally charged, she was transferred to Adelabad Prison in Shiraz.

According to Emtedad, Bahar Sahraeian was arrested and formally charged. Based on the report, on the morning of Sunday, May 17, 2026, Ms. Sahraeian was formally charged at the Shiraz Prosecutor’s Office with “assembly and collusion with the intent to act against national security,” “propaganda against the regime,” and “spreading falsehoods.”

The attorney was arrested yesterday after appearing before the Shiraz Revolutionary Court to follow up on matters related to her legal practice.

At the time of this report, no information had been obtained regarding her place of detention.

Bahar Sahraeian, an attorney and member of the Fars Province Bar Association, has previously faced arrest due to her activities.

Attorney Elham Zeraatpisheh Arrested in Shiraz

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Freedom of Expression, News
Elham Zeraatpisheh, HRANA, Shiraz

HRANA – Elham Zeraatpisheh, a lawyer, was arrested yesterday in Shiraz and transferred to an undisclosed location.

The arrest took place on Monday, May 4, 2026, in the vicinity of the Shiraz Prosecutor’s Office for the Enforcement of Judgments. As of the time of this report, no information is available regarding her place of detention, the reasons for her arrest, or the charges brought against her.

Elham Zeraatpisheh is an attorney and a member of the Fars Province Bar Association. She has previously faced judicial actions and arrest due to her professional activities.

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Attorney-at-Law Astareh Ansari Arrested in Shiraz

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Freedom of Expression, News
Astareh Ansari, Maryam Ansari, Shiraz, آستاره انصاری

HRANA – Astareh (Maryam) Ansari, an attorney-at-law, was arrested last night at her home in Shiraz and transferred to an undisclosed location.

She was arrested on the evening of Sunday, May 3, 2026, at her private residence in Shiraz by security agents. No information is currently available regarding the reasons for her arrest or her whereabouts.

Astareh (Maryam) Ansari, a practicing lawyer, had previously been arrested during the 2022 protests.

Baha’i Couple Still Detained Without Charges in Shiraz

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Freedom of Expression, News
Behzad Yazdani, irgc, IRGC Intelligence, Romina Khazali, Shiraz

HRANA – Nearly one month after the arrest of Romina Khazali and her husband, Behzad Yazdani, this Baha’i couple residing in Shiraz remains in a state of uncertainty in Adel-Abad Prison in the city. Ms. Khazali, who suffers from multiple medical conditions, has been deprived of access to her necessary medications.

A source close to the couple’s family, confirming the news, told HRANA: “Before her arrest, Ms. Khazali had undergone stomach surgery and also suffered from conditions such as severe migraines, eye pressure, and back pain. In a recent brief call with her family, she said that her essential medications have run out. However, the medications sent by her family have not been accepted by prison authorities, which has heightened concerns about her health. Romina Khazali is only allowed a 30-second phone call with her family per week. She still does not have access to a phone card and has not been allowed to purchase items from the prison store.”

The source further added: “No interrogation session has been held for these individuals so far, and they remain unaware of the charges against them and the reasons for their arrest.”

Behzad Yazdani was arrested on the evening of March 28, 2026, and his wife, Romina Khazali, was arrested on March 29, 2026, by IRGC intelligence agents at their home in Shiraz.

Romina Khazali, a painter, and Behzad Yazdani, a translator and editor, are a Baha’i couple living in Shiraz and the parents of two teenage children, a daughter and a son.

Report on the Arrest of Keyvan Ahmadi by the IRGC Intelligence

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, irgc, IRGC Intelligence, Keyvan Ahmadi, Shiraz

HRANA – Keyvan Ahmadi, a resident of Noorabad Mamasani, was arrested in late Match by agents of the IRGC Intelligence, and there is still no precise information available about his condition.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mr. Ahmadi was arrested in late March, 2026, by IRGC Intelligence agents in Shiraz. Despite nearly a month having passed since his arrest, there is still no clear information about his situation.
The reason for his arrest has been reported as accusations related to events that took place during the funeral of one of those killed in the January protests.

Keyvan Ahmadi had been working in a commercial unit in Noorabad Mamasani and was also active in the field of local music.

Maryam Derisi and Fariba Hosseini Sentenced to Imprisonment and Flogging

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Freedom of Expression, News
Fariba Hosseini, Kazerun, Maryam Derisi, Shiraz

HRANA – Maryam Derisi and Fariba Hosseini, residents of Kazerun and Shiraz respectively, have been sentenced by Branch 101 of the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz to a total of seven years in prison and 74 lashes.

Based on a ruling recently issued by Branch 101 of the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz and communicated to these individuals, Maryam Derisi has been sentenced to one year in prison and 74 lashes on the charge of “disrupting public order.” Fariba Hosseini has been sentenced to five years in prison on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security,” and one additional year on the charge of “propaganda against the regime.” The court acquitted Ms. Hosseini of the charge of insulting the Supreme Leader.

According to information received by HRANA, Maryam Derisi also faces a charge of propaganda against the state; however, this charge has not yet been adjudicated in court.

Maryam Derisi was arrested on February 13, 2026, in Kazerun, and Fariba Hosseini was arrested on January 4, 2026, in Shiraz during nationwide protests. Both were released on bail on March 9, 2026.

Both have previously been arrested and convicted due to their activities.

Families in the Dark as Detention of Three Baha’i Residents Continues in Shiraz

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News, Prisoners, Religious Minorities
Baha'i, Behzad Basiri, Mahsa Sotoudeh, Mandana Sotoudeh, Shiraz

HRANA – Nearly three weeks after their arrests, Behzad Basiri and Mandana Sotoudeh, a Baha’i couple living in Shiraz, along with Mahsa Sotoudeh, another Baha’i resident of the city, remain in a state of uncertainty. The lack of information about their fate has caused growing concern among their families and relatives.

Based on information received by HRANA, 18 days have passed since the arrests of Behzad Basiri and Mandana Sotoudeh, and 21 days since the arrest of Mahsa Sotoudeh. Despite this, their families and relatives remain completely unaware of their condition. Efforts to obtain information about their place of detention and their situation have so far been unsuccessful. Additionally, lawyers have not yet been able to formally register representation or follow up on their legal cases.

At the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the reasons for their arrests or the charges brought against them.

Mahsa Sotoudeh was arrested on Sunday, March 29, by IRGC intelligence forces at her home in Shiraz. Behzad Basiri and Mandana Sotoudeh were also arrested on Wednesday, April 1, by forces affiliated with the IRGC. Their arrests were accompanied by searches of their homes, during which agents confiscated their electronic devices.

Over the past decade, the Baha’i community in Iran has been subjected to security and judicial measures more than any other religious minority. A review of the annual reports published by the Statistics, Publications, and Works Center of the Human Rights Activists in Iran shows that over the past year, an average of 62% of reports concerning religious minorities were dedicated to violations of the civil rights of Baha’is.