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Three Citizens Arrested by Security Forces in Bukan

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
Bukan, Fardin Shiri, Peyman Shiri, Sarveh Shiri

On September 25, 2024, Sarveh Shiri and Peyman Shiri, siblings from Bukan, along with their cousin Fardin Shiri, were arrested by security forces and transferred to a security detention facility in Urmia.

Kurdpa has confirmed the identities of the detainees: Sarveh Shiri, 22, Peyman Shiri, 19, and their cousin Fardin Shiri, all residents of Tarqeh village in Bukan.

Security forces arrested the three citizens at their residence in Targheh village without presenting a judicial warrant. They were subsequently transferred to a security detention facility in Urmia.

As of this report, the reasons for their arrests and the charges against them remain unknown.

Retrial of 15 Baha’i Women in Isfahan Revolutionary Court on Charges of Educational and Promotional Activities Against Islamic Law

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News, Religious Minorities
Azita Rezvani-Khah, Baha'i citizens, Baharestan, Bashra Motahar, Farkhandeh Rezvan Pay, Firoozeh Rastinejad, Isfahan, Maryam Khorsandi, Mojdeh Bahamin, Mojgan Pourshafe Ardestani, Nasrin Khademi Qahfarrokh, Nooshin Hemmat, Roya Azad Khosh, Samira Shakib, Sanaz Rasteh, Sara Shakib, Sholeh Ashouri, Shurangiz Bahamin

Fifteen Baha’i citizens from Baharestan, Isfahan, have once again been tried in the First Branch of the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan. Previously, this case had been returned from the Isfahan Court of Appeals to the Revolutionary Court for correction of deficiencies.

The retrial session took place today, Wednesday, September 25, 2024, in the First Branch of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court. Those on trial include Mojgan Pourshafe Ardestani, Nasrin Khademi Qahfarrokh, Azita Rezvani-Khah, Sholeh Ashouri, Mojdeh Bahamin, Bashra Motahar, Sara Shakib, Samira Shakib, Roya Azad Khosh, Nooshin Hemmat, Shurangiz Bahamin, Sanaz Rasteh, Maryam Khorsandi, Farkhandeh Rezvan Pay, and Firoozeh Rastinejad, all of whom are Baha’i citizens residing in Isfahan. They are facing charges of “educational/promotional activities against Islamic law.”

This case was initially sent to the Court of Appeals after a verdict was issued in the First Branch of the Revolutionary Court a few weeks ago. However, the Court of Appeals identified flaws and returned the case to the Revolutionary Court for corrections.

In late May 2024, these fifteen Baha’i women were sentenced by the same branch to five years of imprisonment, paying a fine, five years of deprivation from social services, and a two-year travel ban, all for the same charges of “educational/promotional activities against Islamic law.”

Among these individuals, Roya Azad Khosh, Azita Rezvani-Khah, Sara Shakib, Sanaz Rasteh, Sholeh Ashouri, Shurangiz Bahamin, Firoozeh Rastinejad, Maryam Khorsandi, Mojgan Pourshafe, Nasrin Khademi, and Nooshin Hemmat were arrested in 2021 and later released on bail.

Additionally, the homes of Bahamin, Rezvan Pay, Motahhar, and Samira Shakib had previously been searched by security forces.

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

The Baha’i faith is not recognized as a legitimate religion by Iranian authorities, leading to systematic and longstanding violations of the rights of Baha’is in the country. This includes the denial of their fundamental right to practice their religion, which constitutes a clear breach of both Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The United Nations covenant holds that every person has the right to freedom of religion, freedom of converting religion, as well as freedom of expression, individually or collectively; openly or secretly.

 

Javad Mohammadi-Fard Attempts Suicide in Urmia Prison

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News, Prisoners
HRANA, Javad Mohammadi-Fard, Urmia, Urmia prison

Javad Mohammadi-Fard, a political prisoner held in Urmia Prison, attempted suicide by hanging. He was transferred to a psychiatric facility and returned to prison hours later.

A source close to the political prisoner’s family told HRANA: “On Monday, September 23, Mr. Mohammadi-Fard attempted suicide by hanging due to severe stomach illness and the authorities’ refusal to grant him medical leave. Instead of being transferred to a hospital for proper medical treatment, he was sent to the Razi Psychiatric Hospital in Urmia and returned to prison just hours later.”

The source added, “Prison officials did not allow all family members to visit Mohammadi-Fard, and only his brother was granted access. His health condition remains poor.”

Despite suffering from stomach pain and bleeding, suspected by a doctor to be cancer, Mohammadi-Fard has been denied specialized treatment and medical leave.

Javad Mohammadi-Fard was arrested in July 2022 in Urmia and released on bail. In July 2023, he was sentenced by the Urmia Revolutionary Court on national security charges. His sentence was upheld in February 2024, and he was sentenced to four years in prison. He was transferred to Urmia Prison in April 2024 to serve his sentence.

Prisoner Executed in Jiroft Prison

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Executions, News
Citizen executed, HRANA, Jiroft Prison, Yaser Balandeh, یاسر بالنده

A prisoner sentenced to death for murder has been executed in Jiroft Prison, Kerman Province, according to HRANA.

The prisoner has been identified as Yaser Balandeh, who was previously convicted on murder charges.

At the time of this report, prison authorities and relevant institutions have yet to officially confirm the execution.

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

Baha’is Shahin Mavaddat and Soodabeh Mahdinzhad Arrested in Gorgan

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News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i faith, Bahais, Gorgan, HRANA, Shahin Mavaddat, Soodabeh Mahdinzhad, Soodabeh Mehdinejad

On Monday, September 23, 2024, Baháʼí couple Shahin Mavaddat and Soodabeh Mahdinzhad, residents of Gorgan, were arrested by security forces at their home and taken to an undisclosed location. The agents also conducted a thorough search of their residence, seizing multiple electronic devices and religious books.

A source close to the family confirmed to HRANA: “On Monday, 10 Ministry of Intelligence agents arrived at the home of Shahin Mavaddat and Soodabeh Mahdinzhad with a search and arrest warrant. They detained the couple following a two-hour search, during which they confiscated mobile phones, personal electronic devices, Baháʼí religious texts, and the home’s CCTV system.”

The source added that security forces also examined the electronic devices of other family members. During the entire search, the agents recorded the events using three cameras.

As of now, no information has been released regarding the reasons for their arrest or their current whereabouts.

Soodabeh Mahdinzhad has a prior history of arrest and sentencing due to her religious beliefs.

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

The Baha’i faith is not recognized as a legitimate religion by Iranian authorities, leading to systematic and longstanding violations of the rights of Baha’is in the country. This includes the denial of their fundamental right to practice their religion, which constitutes a clear breach of both Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The United Nations covenant holds that every person has the right to freedom of religion, freedom of converting religion, as well as freedom of expression, individually or collectively; openly or secretly.

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Execution of Three Inmates in Lahijan and Qazvin Prisons

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Executions, News
Lahijan, Mohammad Ghasaban, Qazvin, Saeed Alimardani

Three prisoners sentenced to death on charges of drug offenses and murder were executed in Lahijan and Qazvin prisons, as reported by Iran Human Rights Organization.

The inmates have been identified as Ali Afrooz, 31, from Sari; Saeed Alimardani, 45, from Tabriz; and Mohammad Ghasaban, 40, from Qazvin.

According to the report, Alimardani and Ghasaban were arrested in 2022 on the Qazvin-Tehran highway while transporting 150 kilograms of crystal meth and heroin. Both were subsequently sentenced to death, with their executions carried out on the morning of Monday, September 23, 2024, in Qazvin Prison.

Ali Afrooz was arrested in April-May 2021 for the murder of a family member and was also sentenced to death. His execution took place on Sunday, September 22, 2024, in Lahijan Prison.

At the time of this report, prison authorities and relevant institutions have not officially confirmed the executions.

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

A Prisoner Executed in Ezbaram Prison

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Executions, News
Amir Hosseini Boroumand, Citizen executed, Lahijan

On September 24, the execution of a prisoner previously sentenced to death on charges of murder was carried out in Ezbaram Prison, Lahijan, according to a report by Hirkani.

The prisoner has been identified as Seyed Amir Hosseini Boroumand, a resident of Lahijan.

According to the report, he was arrested in March 2020 on charges of murder during a confrontation and was sentenced to death after judicial proceedings. His execution was carried out without notifying his family or granting a final visit.

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

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

Sarvenaz Ahmadi on 17th Day of Hunger Strike in Evin Prison Over Denial of Medical Leave

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News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, Hunger Strike, Sarvenaz Ahmadi, Sarvnaz Ahmadi, سروناز احمدی

Sarvenaz Ahmadi, a children’s rights activist imprisoned in Evin Prison who suffers from mental health issues, has entered the 17th day of her hunger strike in protest against the denial of her request for medical leave.

A source close to the case confirmed to HRANA: “Ms. Ahmadi, who recently suffered another nervous breakdown, is now on the 17th day of her medication strike. Despite her deteriorating physical and mental condition, she has refused to take her prescribed medication, including sedatives. This has caused constant headaches, insomnia, and muscle spasms, and there is a risk of further nervous attacks.”

Ahmadi previously experienced a “panic attack” during a raid by security forces on the women’s ward of Evin Prison and was transferred to a hospital. Doctors had earlier suggested that Ms. Ahmadi’s condition could be linked to epilepsy and recommended that she receive proper medical attention outside the prison.

This children’s rights activist began her hunger strike on Saturday, September 7, in protest against the denial of her medical leave request and delays in receiving her necessary medication.

Ahmadi was arrested on April 28, 2023, ahead of International Workers’ Day, along with several labor and union activists, at the home of Mohammad Habibi, a teachers’ union activist, and was transferred to Evin Prison.

Ms. Ahmadi was sentenced by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court to five years in prison for “assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security” and one year for “propaganda against the regime,” totaling six years. However, this sentence was later reduced to three years and six months by Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeals.

She had also been arrested during the 2022 nationwide protests and was released on bail on December 7 of the same year.

Ahmadi holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences in Tehran and is a dedicated children’s rights activist.

Growing Concern Over Detained Izeh Resident Hojjat Al-Mohammadi

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News, Prisoners
ahvaz, Hojjat Al-Mohammadi, HRANA, Izeh, حجت آل محمدی

Hojjat Al-Mohammadi, a resident of Izeh, has been detained for over eight days with no information on his current location, sparking growing concerns among his family and loved ones.

A source close to the family confirmed to HRANA that security forces arrested Mr. Al-Mohammadi at his home in Izeh on Monday, September 16. Despite repeated efforts by his family and lawyer to inquire with security and judicial authorities, officials have refused to disclose any details regarding his whereabouts or condition, further intensifying the family’s anxiety.

This is not Al-Mohammadi’s first encounter with security forces. On August 13 of this year, he was also arrested and later released from Sheiban Prison in Ahvaz. Prior to that, on May 23, 2023, he was detained by security agents in Izeh and subsequently transferred to the same prison. He was later sentenced by the Revolutionary Court to nine months in prison on charges of “propaganda against the regime.” After serving his sentence, Al-Mohammadi was released on January 29, 2023.

Hojjat Al-Mohammadi, 39, is a father of a young child and a resident of Izeh, a city increasingly under scrutiny for its political and social unrest.

Amir Hossein Haghjooyan Arrested by Security Forces

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Freedom of Expression, News, Religious Minorities
Amir Hossein Haghjooyan, Dizelabad Prison, HRANA, Kermanshah, Reza Rasaei, Sahneh

On September 23, 2024, Amir Hossein Haghjooyan, a relative of Reza Rasaei, an executed protester, was arrested by security forces in Sahneh County, Kermanshah province, and transferred to an undisclosed location.

A source close to the family confirmed to HRANA: “Mr. Haghjooyan was detained by several members of IRGC Intelligence in Sahneh and moved to an unknown location.”

As of now, no details have emerged regarding the reasons for his arrest or the charges he may face.

Haghjooyan is the son of Kheirallah Haghjooyan, a member of the Yarsan Civil Activists Consultative Assembly, and a cousin and close companion of Reza Rasaei, who was executed in August 2023.

It’s important to note that Reza (Gholamreza) Rasaei, arrested during the 2022 nationwide protests, was secretly executed at dawn on August 6, 2023, in Dizelabad Prison, Kermanshah, without prior notice to his family or a final meeting with them.

Yarsanism, also known as Ahl-e Haqq, is a syncretic faith founded in western Iran during the 14th century by Sultan Sahak. As a religious minority, followers of Yarsan often face systemic persecution and harassment by Iranian authorities.