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One Person Arrested on Espionage Charges in Robat Karim

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News, Other
IRGC Intelligence, Robat-Karim

HRANA – One individual in Robat Karim, Tehran Province, has been arrested by IRGC Intelligence forces on charges of “espionage by sending images of the country’s sensitive centers to opposition groups and foreign media outlets.”

According to Khabar Fori, Robat Karim security officials claimed that the individual was detained on the charge of “espionage through sending images of sensitive national sites to groups opposed to the regime and foreign media.”

It adds that the person was transferred to prison after the arrest.
The report does not provide further details, including the identity of the citizen.

Human Rights Activist Nasrin Sotoudeh Remains in Intelligence Detention

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News, Prisoners
HRANA, Mehraveh Khadem, Nasrin Sotoudeh, نسرین ستوده

HRANA – Nasrin Sotoudeh, a lawyer and human rights activist, has been in detention for 18 days after being arrested by agents of the Intelligence Department in Tehran, and is being held in a state of uncertainty in one of The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility.

Mehraveh Khadem, Ms. Sotoudeh’s child, stated in a post that her mother, during a phone call on Saturday, April 18, said she is being held in one of The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility. Khadem added: “Apparently, she was either not allowed to disclose her exact place of detention or did not know it herself. Therefore, we still do not know where she is being held, but the Ministry of Intelligence bears responsibility for any harm that may come to her.”

So far, no information has been obtained regarding the reasons for her arrest or the charges against Nasrin Sotoudeh.

Ms. Sotoudeh was arrested on the evening of Wednesday, April 1, at her home in Tehran. At the time of her arrest, electronic devices including her laptop and mobile phones, as well as those of her spouse, were confiscated by agents.

Nasrin Sotoudeh, a lawyer and human rights activist, has previously been arrested and convicted due to her activities.

Police Commander Announces Arrest of At Least 1,800 People

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
Ahmadreza Radan, HRANA

HRANA – The Commander-in-Chief of Iran’s Law Enforcement Force has announced the arrest of at least 1,800 individuals as part of a crackdown on what he described as “hostile elements, espionage, and disruptive actors.”

Ahmadreza Radan stated that these individuals were detained in connection with activities such as alleged “criminal” actions in cyberspace, publishing images of sensitive locations, communication with opposition groups, and participation in protests. According to Ahmadreza Radan, more than 900 others have also been “identified or dealt with.”

According to Fars News Agency, Radan discussed a series of security and policing measures in recent months during a televised interview last night. Based on  his statements, more than 700 individuals identified as “monarchist elements and affiliated online networks” have been arrested. Additionally, over 400 people were detained on charges of “collecting and publishing images and information from strike locations and transferring operational data.”

In another part of the report, Radan stated that more than 200 individuals were arrested for using “technical and network tools for destructive activities.” Furthermore, over 400 people were detained in connection with protests, and at least 100 others were arrested for alleged links to what he described as “terrorist groups and services.”

He also reported that more than 900 individuals in the field of cyberspace have been “identified or dealt with,” claiming that they were involved in “disturbing public opinion or supporting disruptive actions.” No precise details have been provided regarding the nature of these actions or how many of these individuals were actually arrested.

The Commander-in-Chief further claimed the discovery of more than 3,000 firearms and the seizure of over 6,000 pieces of what he described as “espionage equipment,” presenting these as outcomes of law enforcement and security operations.

As of the time of this report, no independent information has been released regarding the geographic distribution of these arrests, the identities of those detained, their places of detention, the legal process of their cases, or their access to legal counsel. Additional details about the alleged activities and supporting evidence have also not been made available.

Two Defendants Executed Over Alleged Cooperation with Mossad and Security Charges

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Executions, News
Hamed Validi, Mohammad Masoum Shahi, حامد ولیدی, محمد معصوم شاهی

HRANA – the Judiciary’s media center announced that at dawn today, April 20, two defendants named Mohammad Masoum Shahi and Hamed Validi were executed. These individuals had been sentenced to death by the Karaj Revolutionary Court on charges of “enmity against God” (moharebeh) and “cooperation with Mossad.”

Their identities have been reported by Mizan as Mohammad Masoum Shahi and Hamed Validi. According to the Judiciary’s media center, the two were tried and sentenced to death by the Karaj Revolutionary Court on charges including “enmity against God,” “cooperation with a hostile state,” “assembly and collusion against national security,” and “membership in a group with the aim of disrupting national security.”

Mizan has claimed that these individuals had been active in connection with an intelligence network prior to their arrest.

The death sentences were carried out after their appeals were rejected and the verdicts were upheld by the Supreme Court.

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.

IRGC Intelligence Organization: At least 127 People Arrested in Three Provinces

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other, Religious Minorities
East Azerbaijan, HRANA, IRGC Intelligence, Kerman, Mazandaran

HRANA – The IRGC Intelligence Organization has announced the identification and arrest of at least 127 individuals in the provinces of East Azerbaijan, Kerman, and Mazandaran. The organization claims that these individuals, including media activists, Baha’i citizens, people affiliated with opposition groups, and “spy teams”, were involved in activities linked to what it described as “networks affiliated with foreign governments.”

According to a report by Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), the IRGC Intelligence Organization announced in a statement the arrest of dozens of individuals. The organization stated that “cells affiliated with the United States, Israel, and the United Kingdom” had been identified and “dismantled” in the provinces of East Azerbaijan, Kerman, and Mazandaran. In the statement, those arrested were accused of actions such as “network-building, espionage, market disruption, and planning unrest.”

According to the claims made, seven individuals were arrested in East Azerbaijan province for alleged connections with “monarchist” groups. In Mazandaran province, authorities reported the arrest of 69 individuals who, according to the organization, face accusations including ties to anti-government movements and so-called “economic mercenary” activities.

The report further states that the IRGC Intelligence Organization in Kerman province announced the identification and action taken against 51 individuals. It claimed that among them were three “spy teams” linked to foreign intelligence services, two groups of Baha’i citizens, a four-member “armed operational cell affiliated with monarchist groups,” and six media operatives connected to the “Iran International” network. According to the organization, these individuals were attempting to disrupt the market and organize unrest through contacts outside the country.

The statement also claimed that quantities of weapons and communication equipment were discovered at locations where these individuals were held.

As of the time of this report, no independent information has been released regarding the identities of those arrested, their place of detention, or the legal process of their cases. Additionally, despite the scale of the reported figures and the accusations made, no specific details have been provided regarding the evidence for these charges, the manner of the arrests, or the exact nature of their alleged connections.

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Two Teenagers Killed by IRGC Forces in Golshan County

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Children, News, Other
Ali Siahani, Golshan, irgc, Omran Siahani

HRANA – On Monday, April 13, 2026, two teenagers were killed after being targeted by indiscriminate gunfire from military forces in the Kalgān border region of Golshan County.

Haal Vsh has confirmed the identities of the victims as Ali Siahani, approximately 18 years old, and Omran Siahani, approximately 17 years old. Both were residents of Kalgān, a district of Golshan County, Sistan and Baluchestan Province.

According to the report, on Monday, April 13, the two teenagers had gone to the Kalgān border area to take their flock of sheep when they were shot at without prior warning by IRGC forces and lost their lives.

Omran Siahani died at the scene after being struck by two bullets to the heart. Ali Siahani, who was injured by gunfire, died later in hospital due to the severity of his injuries.

As of the time of this report, domestic media outlets have not commented on the incident.

According to HRA’s annual report on the human rights situation in Iran, in 1404 Hijri year, at least 32,820 citizens were targeted by gunfire from military or security forces. This figure includes the deaths of 15 Kolbars (border porters), 23 fuel carriers, and 6,784 citizens, as well as injuries to 22 Kolbars, 25,963 civilians, and 13 fuel carriers.

Report on the Arrest of Four Female Protesters During the January Protests

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News, Prisoners
Adelabad Prison, Ghazal Ghodrat, HRANA, Kamelia Nazari, Negin Azad, Saghar Ghodrat, Shiraz

HRANA – Negin Azad, Kamelia Nazari, Saghar Ghodrat, and Ghazal Ghodrat, four citizens who were arrested during the January protests in Shiraz, were released from Adelabad Prison in March under electronic ankle monitor supervision after going through detention, trial, and sentencing.

A source close to Negin Azad’s family told HRANA that at the time of arrest, the women were shot with paintball pellets in front of their home, causing physical injuries. The source also stated that “although no reports of physical mistreatment inside the prison have been raised, there has been psychological pressure, and in some cases, such as injury to one detainee’s ear, adequate medical care was not provided.”

Their arrests took place during the nationwide January protests in Shiraz. Following their detention, a joint case was opened against them, and judicial proceedings on the charges began.

In the initial trial, the judicial authority sentenced each of the four women to five years in prison on the charge of “disrupting public order.” After they appealed, the Fars Province Court of Appeals reviewed the case and ultimately reduced the sentence, sentencing each of them to two years of imprisonment to be served outside prison under electronic monitoring.

According to information received by HRANA, the four women were released from Adelabad Prison in late March 2026 under the new ruling, with electronic monitoring in place. Their release does not nullify their convictions, and the sentences will continue to be enforced in an alternative form outside prison.

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.

22 Citizens Arrested Over Alleged Connections with Foreign Media in Khuzestan

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Khuzestan

HRANA – The Khuzestan Police Information Center announced that 22 citizens have been arrested in the province for alleged connections with foreign media outlets.

According to ISNA, 22 citizens were arrested in Khuzestan Province. The Khuzestan Police Information Center described the detained individuals as “deceived elements and mercenaries affiliated with hostile media networks.”

According to the report, these citizens were arrested in various cities across the province with “judicial coordination.”

The report does not provide any information regarding the identities or place of detention of the arrested citizens.

It is worth noting that the U.S. and Israeli military attacks on Iran began on February 28, 2026, and on April 8, 2026, a two-week ceasefire between the parties was announced. Since the beginning of these attacks, HRANA has been documenting and recording related incidents across different parts of the country on a daily basis. For further information, readers may refer to HRANA’s detailed reports covering the forty days of the conflict.

Seven Citizens Arrested on Accusations of “Connections with Foreign Media and Disturbing Public Opinion”

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Freedom of Expression, News
Gilan, HRANA

HRANA – Gilan police announced the arrest of seven citizens in the province on charges described as “connections with foreign media outlets and disturbing public opinion.”

According to IRNA, the Gilan Police Information Center claimed that these individuals were affiliated with foreign media outlets and had been disturbing public opinion by publishing content and images on social media.

The report states that they were arrested over the past 48 hours and, after cases were filed, were referred to judicial authorities for legal proceedings.

As of the time of this report, no information is available regarding their identities or place of detention.

It is worth noting that the U.S. and Israeli military attacks on Iran began on February 28, 2026, and on April 8, 2026, a two-week ceasefire between the parties was announced. Since the beginning of these attacks, HRANA has been documenting and recording related incidents across different parts of the country on a daily basis. For further information, readers may refer to HRANA’s detailed reports covering the forty days of the conflict.

A Citizen Arrested in Marvdasht for Selling VPNs

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
Marvdasht

HRANA – The police commander of Marvdasht County announced the arrest of a 24-year-old man for selling VPNs on social media.

According to Fars News Agency, a citizen was arrested in Marvdasht. Colonel Fariborz Mardani, the police commander of Marvdasht, stated that following cyber police intelligence monitoring on social networks, an unidentified Telegram channel engaged in extensive advertising for VPN sales was identified.

According to him, investigations showed that the admin of this channel had been selling VPNs online through various methods.

He added that after technical and specialized measures, and in coordination with judicial authorities, the identity of one of the main suspects in this case, a 24-year-old resident of Marvdasht, was identified, and he was arrested. The individual’s bank accounts have also been frozen.