Tag: Vakilabad prison

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.

Najmeh Amini Faces Death Sentence and Over 12 Years in Prison Following Arrest During January Protests

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Executions, Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
January 2026 Protests, Mashhad, Najmeh Amini, Vakilabad prison, نجمه امینی

HRANA – Najmeh Amini, arrested during the January 2026 protests, remains incarcerated in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. The 23-year-old student has been sentenced to more than 12 years in prison and death in two separate cases heard by the Revolutionary Court and the Criminal Court in Mashhad.

According to HRANA, Najmeh Amini is currently being held in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

A source close to Amini’s family confirmed this information and told HRANA about the judicial proceedings in her cases: “Following her arrest, she faced two separate legal cases, one heard by the Mashhad Revolutionary Court and the other by Criminal Court One. In the case heard by Criminal Court One, she was sentenced to death on charges of ‘insulting the Prophet.’ Initially, the charge against Ms. Amini in this case was described as ‘insulting the Imams,’ but the charge was subsequently changed during the judicial proceedings.”

The source added: “In a separate case, Branch One of the Mashhad Revolutionary Court sentenced Ms. Amini to a total of 12 years, six months, and one day in prison on charges including ‘acting against national security’ and ‘propaganda against the regime.'”

Recently, in an audio message from Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, Ms. Amini announced that the judiciary had issued her death sentence on September 16, 2026. In the message, she called on the United Nations, lawyers, human rights activists, and human rights organizations to review her case and demanded her right to a fair trial.

A court hearing concerning Ms. Amini’s charges was held in August of this year at the Mashhad Revolutionary Court. She was tried on charges of “assembly and collusion” and “insulting religious sanctities and the Imams.”

On January 31, 2026, Najmeh Amini was arrested by security forces at Ferdowsi Shopping Center in Mashhad during the January protests. She was subsequently transferred to Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

Najmeh Amini, 23, is an accounting student and a resident of Mashhad.

Background on the 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.

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Najmeh Amini from Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad: “I Have Been Sentenced to Death”

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Executions, News, Prisoners
HRANA, Mashhad, Najmeh Amini, Vakilabad prison

HRANA – Najmeh Amini, one of those arrested during the January 2026 protests, announced in an audio message from Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, which was circulated on social media, that the judiciary has sentenced her to death.

According to HRANA, one of those arrested during last year’s January protests, has reported that she has been sentenced to death.

In an audio message from Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, Ms. Amini stated that the judiciary issued her death sentence on September 16, 2026.

The prisoner has called on the United Nations, lawyers, activists, and human rights organizations to review her case so that she may exercise her right to a fair trial.

HRANA is unable to independently verify Najmeh Amini’s statements.

A court hearing to address the charges against Ms. Amini was held in August of this year at the Mashhad Revolutionary Court. She was tried on charges of “assembly and collusion against national security” and “insulting sacred beliefs and the Imams.”

On January 31, 2026, Najmeh Amini was arrested by security forces at Ferdowsi Shopping Center in Mashhad during the January protests. She was subsequently transferred to Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

Najmeh Amini, 23, is an accounting student and a resident of Mashhad.

January 2026 Protests: Hossein Rasouli Nasab Sentenced to Death

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Freedom of Expression, News, Religious Minorities
Hossein Rasouli Nasab, January 2026 Protests, Mashhad, moharebeh, Shandiz, Vakilabad prison, حسین رسولی نسب

HRANA  – Hossein Rasouli Nasab, arrested during the January 2026 protests in Shandiz, has been sentenced to death by the Mashhad Revolutionary Court on the charge of “moharebeh” (enmity against God). He is currently being held in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

According to HRANA, Hossein Rasouli Nasab has been sentenced to death.

According to information received by HRANA, the Mashhad Revolutionary Court sentenced Hossein Rasouli Nasab to death on charges including “moharebeh through participation in the destruction of public property and the setting fire to religious centers, as well as assembly and collusion against national security.”

An informed source close to his family confirmed the news to HRANA, saying: “During the protests on January 8 and 9, 2026, in Shandiz, a mosque and a Dar al-Quran (Quranic center) caught fire, and Hossein’s case was opened in connection with these incidents.”

Hossein Rasouli Nasab, who is married and the father of two children, was arrested along with several other citizens during the protests in Shandiz. After some time, he was transferred to Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, where he remains in custody.

January 2026 Protests: Report on the Latest Condition of Mojtaba Azhadi in Mashhad’s Vakilabad Prison

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News, Prisoners
HRANA, Joweyn, Mojtaba Azhadi, Vakilabad prison, مجتبی ازهدی

HRANA – Mojtaba Azhadi, a resident of Joweyn and one of those arrested in connection with the January 2026 protests, remains in legal limbo in Mashhad’s Vakilabad Prison nearly eight months after his arrest. Azhadi, who was struck by pellet gunfire in the face and neck during the protests, continues to be denied medical treatment to remove several pellets still lodged in his forehead and behind his eye.

According to HRANA, Mojtaba Azhadi remains incarcerated in Mashhad’s Vakilabad Prison.

According to information received by HRANA, Azhadi remains in legal limbo at Vakilabad Prison. Despite 238 days having passed since his arrest, no trial has yet been held, nor has he been granted the possibility of temporary release on bail.

An informed source close to his family confirmed the situation to HRANA, stating: “During the protests in January of last year, he was struck by pellet gunfire in the face and neck. Despite undergoing surgery, several pellets remain lodged in his forehead, with another pellet behind his eye. Azhadi requires medical treatment and surgery to remove the pellets from his face, but due to obstruction by the relevant authorities, he has been denied transfer to a hospital outside the prison.”

The informed source further stated: “A hearing on the charges against Azhadi is scheduled for September 28, 2026, before Branch 1 of the Sabzevar Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Mohammad Gholami. Following his arrest, Mojtaba Azhadi was initially taken to Joweyn Prison and, three days later, transferred to Sabzevar Prison. Five days after his transfer to Sabzevar Prison, he was taken to Mashhad for surgery and was held for a period at Vakilabad Prison. After undergoing surgery, he was returned to Joweyn Prison. While there, he went on a four-day hunger strike in protest against his situation and was held in solitary confinement. Azhadi was later transferred to Mashhad’s Vakilabad Prison.”

Mojtaba Azhadi was arrested by security forces in Joweyn on January 15, 2026, in connection with the nationwide protests.

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the charges brought against Azhadi. HRANA’s efforts to obtain further information in this regard are ongoing.

Mojtaba Azhadi, 45, is the father of one child, holds a master’s degree in accounting, and is from Joweyn County.

Baha’i Citizen Vafa Kashefi Sentenced to Six Years in Prison

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News, Prisoners, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizen, HRANA, Vafa Kashefi, Vakilabad prison, وفا کاشفی

HRANA – Vafa Kashefi, a Baha’i citizen currently held in Vakilabad Prison, was sentenced by the Mashhad Revolutionary Court to six years in prison, two years and six months of which have been suspended.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, Vafa Kashefi has been sentenced to prison.

According to a ruling issued by the Mashhad Revolutionary Court and communicated to Kashefi, he was sentenced to five years in prison on the charge of “assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt social security” and one year in prison on the charge of “propaganda against the regime.”

Two and a half years of the total sentence have been suspended. Under the ruling, if the verdict is upheld, the most severe applicable punishment, two and a half years in prison, will be enforced against this Baha’i citizen. He was also acquitted of the charges of insulting the Supreme Leader and inciting people to participate in unrest.

Kashefi’s court hearing was held on August 29, 2026, at the Mashhad Revolutionary Court. He remains incarcerated in Vakilabad Prison.

Vafa Kashefi was arrested on April 21, 2026, after reporting to the Mashhad Prosecutor’s Office and was transferred to Vakilabad Prison.

The approximately 32-year-old Baha’i citizen had previously been arrested at his home on January 11, 2026, and was released on bail after approximately one week.

Over the past decade, Iran’s Baha’i community has faced more security and judicial actions than any other religious minority in the country. A review of HRA’s annual reports, over the past year, an average of 62.41% of reports concerning religious minorities involved violations of the rights of Baha’i citizens.

Four Prisoners Executed in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad and Gorgan Prison

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Executions, News
Ahmad Haji-Hassani, Ansar Nami, Gorgan Prison, HRANA, Mashhad, Nazif Rasoul Khandeh, Omid Rakhshani, Vakilabad prison

HRANA – At dawn on Wednesday, September 2, four prisoners, including two Afghan nationals, who had previously been sentenced to death on charges related to drug offenses and murder, were executed in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad and Gorgan Prison.

According to HRANA, citing Iran Human Rights Organization, four prisoners were executed in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad and Gorgan Prison at dawn on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

The prisoners have been identified as Ahmad Haji-Hassani, 50, married, a father of four, and a resident of Gonbad-e Kavus; Omid Rakhshani, 22, from Mashhad; and Ansar Nami, 52, and Nazif Rasoul Khandeh, 46, both from Taloqan, Afghanistan.

According to the report, Ahmad Haji-Hassani was hanged in Gorgan Prison. He had previously been arrested on drug-related charges for “transporting eight kilograms and 700 grams of methamphetamine” and was subsequently sentenced to death by a Revolutionary Court.

Omid Rakhshani, Ansar Nami, and Nazif Rasoul Khandeh were executed in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. Rakhshani had been arrested approximately three years earlier on a murder charge and was subsequently sentenced to death by the judiciary.

Ansar Nami and Nazif Rasoul Khandeh, both Afghan nationals, were arrested two years ago on a murder charge in a joint case and were later sentenced to death by the judiciary.

The two Afghan nationals were executed without being granted a final visit with their families.

As of the time of this report, prison officials and relevant authorities have not publicly announced these executions.
According to HRA’s Annual Report, in 2025 at least 2,063 citizens, including 61 women and 2 juvenile offenders, were executed. Of these, the sentences of 11 individuals were carried out in public. During the same period, 172 other individuals were sentenced to death.