Tag: Vakilabad prison

January 2026 Protests: Amir Delshad Sentenced to Death

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Executions, News, Prisoners
Amir Delshad, Hossein Yazdankhah, January 2026 Protests, Mashhad, Vakilabad prison, امیر دلشاد

HRANA – Amir Delshad, who was arrested during the January 2026 protests and is currently held in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, has been sentenced to death by Branch 5 of the Mashhad Revolutionary Court. His appeal has been filed and referred to the Supreme Court.

According to HRANA, Amir Delshad, one of those arrested during the January 2026 protests, has been sentenced to death.

Based on information received by HRANA, Branch 5 of the Mashhad Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Hossein Yazdankhah, with Seyed Reza Javad Mousavi serving as an advisory judge, sentenced Delshad to death on charges including carrying out operations detrimental to national security and interests on behalf of an opposition group through active participation in the January 2026 protests, as well as setting fire to and destroying public property.

An informed source told HRANA regarding the latest developments in Delshad’s case: “Amir Delshad’s appeal has been registered with the Supreme Court.”

Amir Delshad was arrested by security forces during the January 2026 protests and is currently held in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

Background of the January 2026 Protests

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.

January Protests: Another Protester Sentenced to Death Identified in Mashhad

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Executions, Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Matin Farnian, Vahid Khodrikhah, Vakilabad prison

HRANA – Three individuals arrested during the January 2026 protests in Mashhad have been sentenced to death. HRANA has identified one of them as Vahid Khodrikhah. Another individual sentenced to death in the same case is Matin Farnian, whose identity had previously been confirmed by HRANA. Efforts to establish the identity of the third individual are ongoing.

According to HRANA, Vahid Khodrikhah, 34, a resident of Mashhad, has been identified as another of the three individuals sentenced to death in connection with the January 2026 protests in the city.

Vahid Khodrikhah, along with Matin Farnian, 23, and another individual, was sentenced to death in a joint case by Branch 5 of the Mashhad Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Hossein Yazdankhah, on the charge of “moharebeh” (enmity against God).

HRANA had previously reported the issuance of death sentences against these three individuals. However, at that time, only Matin Farnian’s identity had been confirmed. With the identification of Vahid Khodrikhah, the identities of two defendants in the case have now been established, while efforts to identify the third individual are ongoing.

An informed source told HRANA regarding Khodrikhah’s physical condition: “Before his arrest, he was wounded by gunfire during the January protests. The bullet has since been removed from his body, and the necessary follow-up medical care has been provided during his imprisonment.”

According to information previously published by HRANA, the three individuals were arrested by security forces in Mashhad on January 18 and 19, 2026, in connection with the nationwide protests. Following their arrests, they were transferred to Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, where they are being held in different wards. Vahid Khodrikhah is currently held in Ward 6/1 of Vakilabad Prison.

HRANA continues its investigations to obtain further information about the details of the case, the judicial proceedings, and the identity of the third individual sentenced to death.

Five Prisoners Executed in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad

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Executions, News
Alireza Afagh, Habibollah Davoodi, Mashhad, Vakilabad prison

HRANA – Five prisoners were executed at dawn on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. At least three of these prisoners had previously been sentenced to death on drug-related charges.

According to HRANA, citing Haal Vsh, at least five prisoners were executed in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.

Three of the prisoners have been identified as Habibollah Davoodi, 26, a married father of four young children from Zahedan; Alireza Afagh, approximately 26, single, and a resident of Khalqabad village near Mashhad; and Rasoul Irak (Brahui), 67, a father of seven residing in Galikesh County, Golestan Province, and originally from Sistan and Baluchestan Province.

According to the report, Mr. Davoodi was arrested in Mashhad in 2023 and transferred to Vakilabad Prison in the city. He was subsequently sentenced to death by the Mashhad Revolutionary Court on drug-related charges.

On Monday, October 26, Mr. Davoodi was transferred to solitary confinement in preparation for his execution. He was hanged at dawn on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, without prior notification to his family or the opportunity for a final visit.

Mr. Afagh was arrested in 2021 and subsequently sentenced to death by the Mashhad Revolutionary Court on drug-related charges. Notably, his two brothers, Javad Afagh and Jalal Afagh, were also executed on drug-related charges in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad over the past two years.

Rasoul Irak (Brahui) was arrested in Mashhad approximately three years ago and subsequently sentenced to death by the city’s Revolutionary Court on drug-related charges. His execution was carried out without prior notification to his family and without allowing them a final visit.

As of the time of this report, the executions of these prisoners have not been officially announced by prison authorities or other relevant institutions.

Between October 10, 2025, and October 8, 2026, HRANA documented at least 2,003 executions across Iran, based on 1,857 reports, representing an increase of approximately 29% compared to the previous reporting period. During the same period, HRANA also documented 230 death sentences. For more detailed statistics and analysis of executions in Iran, read HRANA’s latest comprehensive report.

Hassan Golshan-Nejad Sentenced to Death in Connection with January 2026 Protests

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Executions, News
Hassan Golshan-Nejad, HRANA, Mashhad, Vakilabad prison

HRANA – Hassan Golshan-Nejad, a detainee arrested in connection with the January 2026 protests and currently held in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, has been sentenced to death by Branch 5 of the city’s Revolutionary Court.

Based on information received by HRANA, Branch 5 of the Mashhad Revolutionary Court sentenced Hassan Golshan-Nejad to death on the charge of “carrying out operational activities in favor of Israel.” The death sentence was communicated to him today. The case against him was opened in connection with his participation in protest gatherings in January 2026.

Hassan Golshan-Nejad was arrested on February 24, 2026, while drinking coffee at a friend’s café. Following his arrest, agents took him to his home and confiscated a legally registered hunting rifle and his mobile phones.

After his arrest, Golshan-Nejad was held in solitary confinement for 10 days at The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility before being transferred to Ward 6/1 of Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. He has remained in this prison ever since.

Hassan Golshan-Nejad, 36, is self-employed and the father of an eight-year-old son.

Two Prisoners Executed in Mashhad Prison

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Executions, News
Abdollah Narouei, HRANA, Issa Narouei, Mashhad Prison, Vakilabad prison

HRANA – On Tuesday, October 20, 2026, two prisoners were executed in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad on drug-related charges.

According to HRANA, citing Haal Vsh, two prisoners were executed in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

The prisoners have been identified as Abdollah Narouei (Hashem Shavabzehi), approximately 43 years old, a father of five, originally from Zahedan and residing in Mashhad, and Issa Narouei (Lakzehi), 30 years old, son of Osman, unmarried, originally from Zahedan and residing in Mashhad.

According to the report, Abdollah Narouei was arrested by security forces at his home in Mashhad on November 3, 2023. He was subsequently sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad in December 2025–January 2026 on drug-related charges. His execution was carried out without allowing him a final visit with his family.

Issa Narouei was also arrested by security forces at his home in Mashhad in 2025–2026. He was subsequently sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad on drug-related charges.

As of the time of this report, the executions of these prisoners have not been officially announced by prison authorities or the relevant institutions.

Between October 10, 2025, and October 8, 2026, HRANA documented at least 2,003 executions across Iran, based on 1,857 reports, representing an increase of approximately 29% compared to the previous reporting period. During the same period, HRANA also documented 230 death sentences. For more detailed statistics and analysis of executions in Iran, read HRANA’s latest comprehensive report.

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Prisoner Executed in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad

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Executions, News
Abdullah Narouei, Hashem Shavabzahi, HRANA, Mashhad, Vakilabad prison, Zahedan

HRANA – Yesterday, a prisoner previously sentenced to death on drug-related charges was executed in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

According to HRANA, citing Haal Vsh, a prisoner was executed in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

The prisoner has been identified as Abdullah Narouei (Hashem Shavabzahi), approximately 43 years old, the father of five children. He was originally from Zahedan and resided in Mashhad.

According to the report, Abdullah Narouei was arrested by security forces at his home in Mashhad on November 3, 2023. He was subsequently sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad in January 2026 on drug-related charges.

On Monday, October 19, 2026, Narouei was transferred to the quarantine ward of Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. At dawn on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, he was executed by hanging at the prison without being granted a final visit with his family.

As of the time of this report, the execution has not been officially announced by prison authorities or other relevant institutions.

Between October 10, 2025, and October 8, 2026, HRANA documented at least 2,003 executions across Iran, based on 1,857 reports, representing an increase of approximately 29% compared to the previous reporting period. During the same period, HRANA also documented 230 death sentences. For more detailed statistics and analysis of executions in Iran, read HRANA’s latest comprehensive report.

Mousa-Alreza Zoghi Moghaddam Arrested in Mashhad

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Mousa-Alreza Zoghi Moghaddam, Vakilabad prison, موسی‌الرضا ذوقی مقدم

HRANA – Mousa-Alreza Zoghi Moghaddam, a 64-year-old resident of Mashhad, was arrested by security forces in the city yesterday and transferred to Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

Based on information received by HRANA, Zoghi Moghaddam was arrested by security forces at his residence on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. The arrest was reportedly carried out with violence.

An informed source close to his family confirmed the news to HRANA, stating that Zoghi Moghaddam was transferred to Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad following his arrest. He is facing a charge of “assembly and collusion against national security.” The source added that after his family made inquiries regarding his temporary release, they were informed that bail had been set at 400 million tomans.

According to the source, a summons had previously been issued to Zoghi Moghaddam, but he was unaware of it.

At the time of this report, no information was available regarding the specific acts underlying the charge against him.

Zoghi Moghaddam was previously arrested by security forces in Mashhad in late January 2026 and released on bail after one week. Following that arrest, he had multiple signs of physical assault, including extensive bruising on his arms and legs. He also reported being subjected to verbal abuse and insults during his arrest. His detention occurred after security agents confiscated his mobile phone and searched his Instagram account at a checkpoint.

January 2026 Protests: Abolfazl Damanjani Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abolfazl Damanjani, January 2026 Protests, Mashhad, Mashhad Revolutionary Court, Vakilabad prison

HRANA – Abolfazl Damanjani, who was arrested during the January 2026 protests and is currently held at Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison by the city’s Revolutionary Court.

According to HRANA, Abolfazl Damanjani, one of those arrested during the protests in January of last year, has been sentenced to imprisonment.

Based on information received by HRANA, Branch 5 of the Mashhad Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Yazdankhah, sentenced Damanjani to a total of 15 years in prison on charges of “assembly and collusion against national security, propaganda against the regime, and acting against national security.”

The verdict was issued and communicated to him some time ago.

Abolfazl Damanjani, a resident of Mashhad, was arrested by security agents at his workplace on January 10, 2026, and transferred to Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

At the time of this report, no information was available regarding the details of the verdict or the specific prison term imposed for each charge.

Background on January 2026 Protests:

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.

Mohsen Khalesi Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison

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News, Prisoners
HRANA, Mashhad, Mohsen Khalesi, Sabzevar, Vakilabad prison

HRANA – Mohsen Khalesi, a resident of Sabzevar who is currently incarcerated in the city’s prison, was sentenced to 15 years in prison by Branch 1 of the Sabzevar Revolutionary Court. Five years of the sentence have been suspended for five years.

According to HRANA, Mohsen Khalesi was sentenced to prison.

According to information obtained by HRANA, Mohsen Khalesi was sentenced to 15 years in prison by Branch 1 of the Sabzevar Revolutionary Court, presided over by judicial advisors Gholamreza Akbari-Moghadam and Hossein Yazdankhah, on charges of “cooperating with hostile states” and “intentionally setting fire to premises with the intent to confront the Islamic Republic.”

An informed source close to Mr. Khalesi’s family told HRANA that five years of the sentence have been suspended for a period of five years.

Previously, following the issuance of an indictment, his case was referred to the aforementioned judicial branch for review.

An informed source had also previously told HRANA that the prisoner, who has bipolar disorder and whose mental health had deteriorated, had made several unsuccessful suicide attempts in prison. During his detention in Sabzevar Prison, prison authorities also submitted five requests for his transfer and hospitalization, all of which were denied by the judge handling the case.

Mohsen Khalesi, 34, a resident of Sabzevar, was arrested on July 20, 2025, after the end of the 12-day war, on a street in Sabzevar and transferred to Sabzevar Prison. In late August 2025, Mr. Khalesi was transferred to Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad and was ultimately returned to Sabzevar Prison one month later.

January 2026 Protests: Mahboubeh Shabani Sentenced to Death

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Executions, News
HRANA, Mahboubeh Shabani, Mashhad, Vakilabad prison

HRANA – Mahboubeh Shabani, one of those arrested during the January 2026 protests who is currently held in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, has been sentenced to death by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad.

According to HRANA, Mahboubeh Shabani has been sentenced to death.

According to information received by HRANA, Branch 1 of the Mashhad Revolutionary Court sentenced Mahboubeh Shabani to death on the charge of “taking operational action to strengthen Israel, the United States, and individuals affiliated with opposition groups.”

The sentence was communicated on Saturday to the attorney representing Shabani, who remains incarcerated in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

The court hearing addressing the charges against Ms. Shabani was held on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, before the aforementioned judicial branch.

Mahboubeh Shabani was arrested by security forces in Mashhad on February 2, 2026, in connection with the nationwide protests and was subsequently transferred to Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

Background on January 2026 Protests:

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.