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Narges Mohammadi Faces Additional Penalties While Incarcerated

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Ebrahim Ketabdar, Evin Prison, Iman Afshari, Narges Mohammadi

Renowned human rights activist Narges Mohammadi has recently been handed down a sentence of imprisonment, exile, travel restrictions, and additional penalties by the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

Presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court imposed a 15-month prison term on Mohammadi for “propaganda against the regime.” Additionally, she received a two-year ban on residing in Tehran and neighboring provinces, a two-year travel restriction, a two-year prohibition from joining political/civil groups, and limitations on smartphone usage for the same duration.

The verdict was issued on December 19, 2023, during an in-absentia court session prompted by a complaint from the Ministry of Intelligence, according to Mrs. Mohammadi’s social media page.

Currently incarcerated in Evin Prison, Mohammadi continues to face additional penalties for her activism.

In October 2020, she was released from Zanjan Prison after enduring approximately five and a half years of imprisonment. However, her ordeal persisted as she faced another legal case, culminating in a sentence of 30 months of imprisonment, 80 lashes, and two fines.

On November 16, 2021, Mohammadi was arrested once again during a commemorative event honoring Ebrahim Ketabdar, who had lost his life during the November 2019 protests in Karaj. Subsequently, Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court handed down a staggering eight-year prison sentence, accompanied by seventy-four lashes, two years of exile, and various social restrictions.

Adding to her ordeal, Mohammadi received an additional one-year prison sentence in early August, stemming from a new case initiated during her incarceration.

Swedish National Johan Floderus Faces Fourth Court Session While in Detention

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News, Other
Iman Afshari, Johan Floderus, Mizan

On January 14, 2024, Mizan, the judiciary’s news agency, reported that Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, led by Judge Iman Afshari, conducted the fourth court session addressing the charges against detained Swedish citizen Johan Floderus.

The court session included the board of judges, the prosecutor’s representative, defense attorneys, an interpreter, and the Chargé d’affaires of the Swedish Embassy. Floderus is accused of various charges, including “spreading corruption on earth” and “espionage.”

After previously refuting the charges in the last session, Floderus responded to questions from the prosecutor’s representative during this court meeting.

Mizan reported that the proceedings focused on Floderus’ communications, including “documented” emails from his cell phone, his associations with the Swedish Ministry of Defense and Army, as well as his meetings with intelligence agents from several European countries. The defendant was also questioned about his motive for learning Farsi.

Furthermore, the prosecutor’s representative stated that no new charges or re-interrogations would be introduced.

In April 2022, Floderus visited Iran. As he was departing Iran on April 16, 2022, he was detained by the Ministry of Intelligence at the airport on charges of espionage.

In July, the Ministry of Intelligence issued a statement asserting that Floderus had made multiple trips to Iran. During his last visit, he was allegedly on a mission to uncover the identity of another spy who had been apprehended in Iran. Intelligence agents monitored his communications and, after accumulating evidence, arrested him under a warrant issued by the judiciary.

It is worth noting that on May 6, 2022, the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed his detention in Iran. The Swedish daily newspaper Aftonbladet described his arrest as a retaliatory move by Iran’s regime in response to the trial of Hamid Nouri, a prominent figure involved in the 1988 executions of Iranian political prisoners. Nouri had been arrested in November 2019 in Sweden and subsequently convicted of crimes against humanity.

Execution of at Least 11 Prisoners in Karaj Raises Concerns

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Executions, News
Ahmad Latifi, Akbar Taj, Central Prison of Karaj, Hamed Nazari, Hoajjat Miri

On January 14, 2024, the Central Prison of Karaj executed at least 11 death-row convicts, with five of them sentenced for drug-related offenses.

According to HRANA, individuals named Akbar Taj, Hoajjat Miri, Hamed Nazari, Ahmad Latifi, and Mohammad Ali (last name unknown) were among those hanged. HRANA is actively working to identify the remaining individuals.

No official sources or domestic media outlets within the country have provided coverage of these executions at the time of writing. In 2023, 66% of HRANA’s reports on executions lacked official announcements by judicial authorities and went unreported by media inside Iran, highlighting a troubling lack of transparency in due process.

In 2023, the Department of Statistics and Publication of Human Rights Activists in Iran registered the execution of  746 individuals. Out of these, 6 were carried out in public. Among the executed individuals whose genders were identified, 597 were male and 20 were female. Additionally, 2 juvenile offenders, defined as individuals under the age of 18 at the time of their alleged crimes, were also executed. For a comprehensive examination of the details and statistics surrounding the executions in Iran, refer to HRANA’s annual report.

 

Female Journalists Elahe Mohammadi and Niloofar Hamedi Released from Evin Prison

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News, Prisoners
Elahe Mohammadi, Ham-Mihan, Mahsa Amini, Niloofar Hamedi, Shargh

Journalists Elahe Mohammadi and Niloofar Hamedi were granted release on bail from Evin Prison on January 14, 2024. They were detained for reporting on news surrounding the tragic death of Mahsa Amini.

Elnaz Mohammadi disclosed that her sister secured bail with 10 billion tomans, equivalent to approximately 200,000 dollars.

Hamedi, a correspondent for the daily newspaper Shargh, was apprehended at her residence in Tehran by security forces on September 22, 2022. She gained notoriety for being the first journalist to publish a photograph of Mahsa Amini in a coma. In December 2022, she was transferred to Qarchak Prison in Varamin.

Mohammadi, a reporter for the daily newspaper Ham-Mihan, faced arrest on September 29, 2022, following her coverage of the funeral of Mahsa Amini in Saqqez.

Following their arrests, Hamedi and Mohammadi were handed down sentences of 13 and 12 years, respectively, by the Tehran Revolutionary Court. Moreover, both journalists were prohibited from affiliating with political parties and groups, as well as engaging in journalism across media and the Internet.

Death Sentence and Imprisonment for Officers in Mohammad Jameh Bozorg Murder Case

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Executions, News
Mohammad Jameh Bozorg, Qisas

Emtedad News reports that a security police officer has been sentenced to death for the murder of Mohammad Jameh Bozorg during the 2022 nationwide protests. Three other officers received sentences of imprisonment and fines.

According to the verdict from branch 5 of Tehran’s Military Court, the officer who shot and committed the murder has been sentenced to death under the Islamic rules of Qisas (reprisal).

Payam Derafshan, the lawyer for the Bozorg family, stated, “The second-row defendant, a field commander and team leader, responsible for the illegal violent home invasion, has been sentenced to imprisonment. The court ruled without considering any reduction in punishment. The third-row defendant, showing remorse and having a good record, received a fine.”

Derafshan added, “The tenth defendant, charged with spreading false news and inciting overreaction among the forces, was sentenced to imprisonment. Mitigating sentence regulations were not deemed applicable by the court. The eleventh defendant, who assisted in disseminating fake news, was acquitted due to lack of proof of intent.”

Other defendants were acquitted of the charge of an illegal break-in as they were under the belief that a warrant had been issued.

Regarding the unit commander’s case, Derafshan mentioned, “Negligence and failure to follow regulations led to the tragedy. The unit commander’s complete negligence, from uniform provision to recruiting untrained forces with criminal records, arming them, facilitating midnight operations without judicial warrants, and violating citizens’ rights, is evident.”

Derafshan cited Article 54 of the Penal Code for Armed Forces Crimes, stating, “Whenever carelessness, negligence, or failure to observe regulations by commanders and officials of various ranks of the armed forces lead to loss of life or bodily harm, the perpetrator shall be sentenced to imprisonment from one to three years.”

This case underscores the crucial role of adhering to laws and regulations in preventing tragedies and safeguarding citizens’ rights. Mohammad Jameh Bozorg, a carpet retailer in Malard, Karaj, was murdered in his home by security law enforcement forces during the 2022 nationwide protests on September 25, 2022.

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Arrests of Azerbaijani-Turk Activists in Jolfa Raise Concerns

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Ethnic Minorities, News
Ebrahim Asemani, Habib Negahban, Hamed Yeganeh Pour, HRANA, Mohsen Ganji, Mokhtar Ebrahimi, Seyed Mohammad-Reza Movahed, Siamak Kooshi, Younes Zareioun, Yourush Mehrali Baygloo, Yourush Mehrali Baygloo. Karim Esmaeilzadeh

On January 12, 2024, a group of Azerbaijani-Turk activists en route to Jolfa to visit the family of imprisoned Yourush Mehrali Baygloo were arrested. The detainees include Karim Esmaeilzadeh, Ebrahim Asemani, Seyed Mohammad-Reza Movahed, Younes Zareioun, Siamak Kooshi, Habib Negahban, Mohsen Ganji, Mokhtar Ebrahimi, and Hamed Yeganeh Pour, as reported by a source close to one of the detainee’s families.

The motive behind these arrests and the current location of the detainees remain unknown.

Notably, Esmaeilzadeh, Asemani, Zareioun, Kooshi, Negahban, Ebrahimi, and Yeganeh Pour have previously experienced arrests and legal challenges due to their activism.

On November 7, 2023, Azerbaijani-Turk activist Yourush Mehrali Baygloo was apprehended by security forces in Jolfa County and subsequently transferred to the Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility in Tabriz. The situation is developing, and concerns over the well-being of the activists persist.

Twelve Arrested in South Khorasan for Alleged Misinformation and Insults

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Freedom of Expression, Labor and Guilds, News
Iranian Cyber Police, Kerman, Qasem Soleimani, South Khorasan

Fars news agency reports that the Iranian Cyber Police in South Khorasan Province have identified 27 social media channels, leading to the arrest of 12 citizens for disseminating what authorities label as “misinformation and insulting content.” Additionally, a business unit has been closed in connection with these activities.

According to a police official, these 27 websites allegedly published “fake news and insulting content against the martyrs who lost their lives during the terrorist attack in Kerman.” The 12 individuals arrested in relation to this matter will face legal action. The identities of the detainees and the location of their detention remain undisclosed.

Following the tragic explosions in Kerman during the commemoration ceremony for Qasem Soleimani, which claimed numerous lives and caused injuries, security forces and affiliated individuals on social media have been actively pursuing those expressing opinions about the incident. Consequently, dozens of individuals have been summoned, arrested, and had their social media pages removed.

Execution of Three Death-Row Convicts Across Yazd, Qazvin, and Kermanshah

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Executions, News
Choobindar Prison, Falit Abedi, Meysam Habibi, Nezam Dhamarde, Qazvin

On January 11, 2024, three inmates convicted of murder and drug-related crimes were executed in Yazd, Qazvin, and Kermanshah.

Kurdpa reported the execution of Falit Abedi, a 55-year-old inmate in Choobindar Prison, Qazvin. Abedi had been convicted of drug offenses three years ago.

Simultaneously, in Kermanshah Province, Meysam Habibi, 37, was executed on the same day for a murder conviction dating back seven years, according to Kurdpa.

Haal Vsh reported the execution of Nezam Dhamarde, a 48-year-old father of four, on January 11, in Yazd Prison. Dhamarde had been sentenced to death for drug offenses two years ago.

No official sources or domestic media outlets within the country have provided coverage of these executions at the time of writing. The lack of official information raises concerns about transparency and accountability in the execution process.

In 2023, the Department of Statistics and Publication of Human Rights Activists in Iran registered the execution of  746 individuals. Out of these, 6 were carried out in public. Among the executed individuals whose genders were identified, 597 were male and 20 were female. Additionally, 2 juvenile offenders, defined as individuals under the age of 18 at the time of their alleged crimes, were also executed. For a comprehensive examination of the details and statistics surrounding the executions in Iran, refer to HRANA’s annual report.

 

Baha’i Family Receives Prison Sentences in Bojnurd

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News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizens, Bojnurd, Faran Senaei, Shayan Senaei, Sholeh Shahidi

The Revolutionary Court of Bojnurd handed down prison sentences to Sholeh Shahidi and her two sons, Faran and Shayan Senaei, on January 9, 2024.

As per the recent ruling, Shayan Senaei has been sentenced to two years and two months, coupled with a fine, while Faran Senaei has received a two-year and six-month prison term, and Sholeh Shahidi is required to pay a fine.

In addition to imprisonment, the court imposed ten years of deprivation from certain social public services and the confiscation of some of their assets.

The charges leading to their conviction include “engaging in educational activities and propaganda against Islamic Sharia.” The court cited activities such as publishing posts on social media as examples of this charge.

Security forces arrested these Baha’i citizens at their Bojnurd residence on July 13, 2022. They were released on bail on August 4, 2022.

Notably, Sholeh Shahidi has previously faced legal challenges.

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.

Political Prisoner Manoochehr Bakhtiari Faces Extended Incarceration and Corporal Punishment

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News, Prisoners
Manoochehr Bakhtiari, Mousavi Asef-Al-Hosseini, Pouya Bakhtiari, Tehran, منوچهر بختیاری

Manoochehr Bakhtiari, a political prisoner held in Qazvin Prison, has recently been handed an additional 18-year prison term and 74 lashes as part of a legal case initiated against him while in prison.

Presiding over Branch 1 of the Karaj Revolutionary Court, Judge Seyyed Mousavi Asef-Al-Hosseini sentenced Bakhtiari to ten years for “assembly and collusion to act against national security, and forming and running groups on the Internet to disturb national security.” Additionally, he received five years for “collaboration with anti-regime groups,” two years for “propaganda against the regime and disturbing public opinions,” and one year along with 74 lashes for “disseminating false information.”

Bakhtiari conveyed this latest sentence to his family in a phone call on January 9, as reported by his wife, Sara Abbasi.

On November 1, 2023, Bakhtiari was also handed an additional six-month prison term for “insulting the Supreme Leader of Iran.”

Currently serving a three-year, six-month sentence in Qazvin Prison, Bakhtiari’s wife has raised concerns about his health, citing multiple ailments, and alleges that he is being denied access to medical treatment and furlough. She explained, “He endured a toothache for four months with infections spreading to his ears and eyes. Prison officials delayed his dispatch to a dentist every day until he had to extract his upper row teeth to alleviate the pain.”

Bakhtiari’s legal troubles began on April 29, 2021, when security forces forcibly arrested him at his residence in Tehran. Subsequently, the Revolutionary Court sentenced him to three years and six months in prison, along with a two-year, six-month exile and a two-year travel ban. Bakhtiari began serving this sentence in July 2021.

In a tragic and interconnected series of events, Bakhtiari’s son, Pouya, at the age of 27, was fatally shot by regime forces during the 2019 protests, also known as the Aban Protests, in Karaj. According to his sister and mother, Pouya succumbed to his injuries in the hospital after being shot in the head during the second day of the protest’s eruption.