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Nationwide Protests: A Report on the Arrest of 17 Individuals in Various Cities

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ali Bashtani, Dana Motouri, Erfan Azizi, Esmail Sanaei, Esmail Soltanabadi, Farshad Mahdavi, Fatemeh Namani, Jaber Soltanian, Mohammad Javad Sanaei, Mohammad Mehdi Pirdeh, Nader Rabeh, Sabah Karimi

HRANA – This report covers the arrest of 17 individuals in connection with the recent protests by security forces. Among them, five have been released on bail.

Based on information received by HRANA, Esmail Sanaei and Mohammad Javad Sanaei were arrested in Mashhad; Fatemeh Namani, Ali Bashtani, and Esmail Soltanabadi in Sabzevar; and Dana Motavari in Abadan, in connection with recent protests. Among these citizens, Esmail Sanaei and his brother Mohammad Javad Sanaei were arrested on January 16, while Ali Bashtani and Fatemeh Namani were arrested on February 25.

On the other hand, five citizens who had previously been arrested in connection with the protests were released on bail. Moslem Norouzian and Ali Ansarifar were released from Mashhad Prison, while Saeed Kalateh Seifari and Ali Ehteshami-Rad were released from Sabzevar Prison. Mohammad Robatjazi, who had previously been arrested in Varamin, has also been released.

Furthermore, Kurdpa News Agency reported the arrest of six individuals in cities across Ilam Province. According to the report, Mohammad Mehdi Pirdeh, 18, from Dareh Shahr, was arrested on February 20; Jaber Soltanian from Chardavol on February 21; Erfan Azizi from Helilan on February 22; Sabah Karimi from Malekshahi on February 23; and Farshad Mahdavi, 25, along with Nader Rabeh, both from Malekshahi, on February 24, all by security forces.

The report states that Mr. Rabeh was suffering from severe thigh injuries at the time of his arrest, a matter that has heightened his relatives’ concerns about his physical condition and fate.

So far, no information has been obtained regarding the charges brought against these citizens or their place of detention.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025. After two days, the protests expanded beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these demonstrations became one of the most widespread protests in recent years. Following the suppression of the protests by law enforcement and security forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security institutions. For further information, refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “The Crimson Winter: A 50 Day Record of Iran’s 2025–2026 Nationwide Protests.”

Four Prisoners Executed in Prisons on Murder and Drug-Related Charges

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Executions, News
Behbahan, Ferdows, HRANA, Sari, Taybad, Yasuj

HRANA – Today, Thursday, February 26, the death sentences of four prisoners previously convicted of murder in separate cases were carried out in the prisons of Behbahan, Taybad, Ferdows, and Sari.

The identities of three of the prisoners have been confirmed by HRANA as Reza Azarang from Yasuj; Ahmad Ali Jamshidi; and Naser Mazloom, from Sari. The identity of the fourth executed prisoner, an Afghan national, is currently under investigation.

According to information received by HRANA, Reza Azarang committed murder in 2020 during a dispute over financial matters in Behbahan and was subsequently arrested. He was sentenced to death by a criminal court, and his sentence was carried out today in Behbahan Prison.

Ahmad Ali Jamshidi had also previously been arrested and sentenced to death on murder charges. His execution was carried out in Ferdows Prison. Another prisoner, Naser Mazloom, committed murder in 2021. After his arrest and trial before a criminal court, he was sentenced to death, and his sentence was carried out in Sari Prison.

An Afghan national was also executed today in Taybad Prison. His identity, previously sentenced to death on murder charges, is currently being verified by HRANA.

As of the time of this report, prison authorities and relevant institutions have not officially announced these executions.

According to HRA’s annual report, in 2025, at least 2,063 people were executed in Iran. This represents a 119% increase in executions compared to the year 2024. In many of these cases, due to secrecy surrounding the executions, prisoners were even deprived of the right to a final visit with their families.

Nationwide Protests: Report on the Arrest of 12 Teachers in Various Cities

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Freedom of Expression, Labor and Guilds, News
Ahanali Jahandideh, Amin Brizi, Firooz Brizi, Foruzan Yektaei, Hossein Khaleghi, Mehrdad Faribarzi, Moslem Parvizi, Rahmatollah Khodavandi, Shokrallah Ahmadi

HRANA – Foruzan Yektaei in Rasht; Hossein Khaleghi and Ahanali Jahandideh in Darab; Shokrallah Ahmadi in Nurabad Mamasani; Rahmatollah Khodavandi, Moslem Parvizi, Firooz Brizi, Mehrdad Faribarzi, and Amin Brizi in Zarin Dasht; and Hadi Monfared, Hassan Jafari, and Jafar Taheri in Qir and Karzin were arrested by security forces on January 8 and 9 in connection with nationwide protests. Of these 12 employed and retired teachers, Foruzan Yektaei, Hossein Khaleghi, and Ahanali Jahandideh remain in detention, while the other nine have been released on bail.

Based on this report, on January 8 and 9, Hossein Khaleghi and Ahanali Jahandideh, both retired teachers in Darab; Shokrallah Ahmadi, a teachers’ union activist in Nurabad Mamasani; Rahmatollah Khodavandi (retired teacher), Moslem Parvizi, Firooz Brizi, Mehrdad Faribarzi, and Amin Brizi (teachers) in Zarin Dasht; Hadi Monfared (teacher); and Hassan Jafari and Jafar Taheri (both retired teachers) in Qir and Karzin were arrested by security forces in connection with the January protests. Among these 11 teachers, Hossein Khaleghi and Ahanali Jahandideh remain in detention, while the other nine have been released on bail.

Additionally, Foruzan Yektaei, a teacher residing in Rasht, was arrested by security forces in the city on January 9. Following her arrest, she was transferred to Lakan Prison in Rasht and remains there in a state of uncertainty. Despite the family’s follow-ups with security and judicial authorities, officials have so far refused to grant her release on bail.

As of now, no information has been obtained regarding the charges brought against these teachers or the place of detention of Hossein Khaleghi and Ahanali Jahandideh.

Among them, Shokrallah Ahmadi, a teachers’ union activist, has previously faced judicial action due to his activities.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025. After two days, the protests expanded beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these demonstrations became one of the most widespread protests in recent years. Following the suppression of the protests by law enforcement and security forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security institutions. For further information, refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “The Crimson Winter: A 50 Day Record of Iran’s 2025–2026 Nationwide Protests.”

Death Sentence Issued for 19-Year-Old Protester Mohammad Amin Beiglari

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Executions, News
Ghezel Hesar, Hassan Aghakhani, Mohammad Amin Beiglari, Salavati

HRANA – According to a report by a domestic media outlet, Mohammad Amin Beiglari, a 19-year-old arrested during recent protests, has been sentenced to death. According to his lawyer, the ruling was issued by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, and the case is currently under review by the Supreme Court at the appeal stage.

Hassan Aghakhani, one of Beiglari’s privately retained attorneys, told Emtedad that his client’s case, along with those of six other defendants, was jointly reviewed in Branch 15 of the Revolutionary Court presided over by Judge Salavati. He stated that the “maximum punishment” was imposed on all defendants. He added that based on available information, the charge attributed to his client was likely “enmity against God” (moharebeh), although this has not been formally communicated to the defense attorneys, and they have not been granted full access to the case file.

According to this attorney, he and his colleague formally declared their representation at the appeal stage; however, they have not yet been permitted to review the case file or provide an effective defense. Aghakhani described this as a serious obstacle to exercising the right to defense, emphasizing that without access to the file’s contents, it is impossible to examine the evidence, assess the court’s reasoning, or prepare a supplementary defense brief.

He further stated that the court hearing was held on February 7, and the verdict was issued the following day. Mohammad Amin Beiglari has been held in Ghezel Hesar Prison for nearly a month. He holds a high school diploma and was employed in two jobs prior to his arrest. According to his lawyer, follow-up on the case has largely been handled by his uncle, as his father has been unable to pursue the matter consistently due to poor health.

Aghakhani also pointed to ambiguities surrounding the alleged “confession” attributed to his client. He said that a court-appointed attorney at the preliminary stage informed the family that the defendant had confessed; however, the content of this confession, the circumstances under which it was obtained, and the related documentation have not been clarified for the privately retained lawyers. Questioning the compatibility of relying on the confession of a 19-year-old obtained in detention with fair trial standards, he stressed that attributing such a confession to his client is subject to serious doubt.

According to the attorney, Beiglari’s family was also unaware of his whereabouts during the initial weeks following his arrest, and his father visited various centers in an effort to find information about his son. The defense attorneys have stated that they are attempting to approach the relevant branch of the Supreme Court to obtain access to the case file and submit a supplementary defense brief.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025. After two days, the protests expanded beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these demonstrations became one of the most widespread protests in recent years. Following the suppression of the protests by law enforcement and security forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security institutions. For further information, refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “The Crimson Winter: A 50 Day Record of Iran’s 2025–2026 Nationwide Protests.”

Four Citizens Arrested in Separate Incidents Across Iran, Held in Uncertainty

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Freedom of Expression, News
Hamed Raisi, Iranshahr, Javad Ebrahimi, Mahsa Shafiei Moghaddam, Nooshin Manshadi, Yasuj

HRANA – Nooshin Manshadi, a resident of Yazd, and Hamed Raisi, a resident of Iranshahr, were recently arrested by security forces and transferred to an undisclosed location. Meanwhile, Mahsa Shafiei Moghaddam, a resident of Yasuj, and Javad Ebrahimi, a resident of Chaboksar, were arrested in January and remain in a state of uncertainty. Mahsa Shafiei Moghaddam is currently being held in Yasuj Prison.

Based on information received by HRANA, 40-year-old Nooshin Manshadi was arrested on February 22 at her residence in Yazd County by security forces and transferred to an undisclosed location. Hamed Raisi was also arrested by security forces on February 20 in Iranshahr and taken to an unknown location.

A source close to Mahsa Shafiei’s family confirmed to HRANA that she was arrested by security agents in Yasuj on January 8. She is currently being held in a state of uncertainty in Yasuj Prison.

Additionally, Hyrcani News reported that 18-year-old Javad Ebrahimi, a resident of Chaboksar, was arrested during the nationwide protests in January in the city. According to the report, there is still no information regarding his place of detention, and he has been subjected to pressure to obtain forced confessions.

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the charges brought against these individuals.

Mahsa Shafiei Moghaddam has previously been arrested and faced judicial action due to her activities.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025. After two days, the protests expanded beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these demonstrations became one of the most widespread protests in recent years. Following the suppression of the protests by law enforcement and security forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security institutions. For further information, refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “The Crimson Winter: A 50 Day Record of Iran’s 2025–2026 Nationwide Protests.”

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Amin Masouri Sentenced to Imprisonment and Exile

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Freedom of Expression, News
Amin Masouri, HRANA, Khorramabad

HRANA – Amin Masouri, a writer and researcher, has been sentenced by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Khorramabad to one year of discretionary imprisonment and two years of internal exile to the city of Sarakhs.

Based on information received by HRANA, Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Khorramabad convicted Mr. Masouri on the charge of propaganda activities in favor of groups and organizations opposed to the regime, sentencing him to one year of discretionary imprisonment and two years of exile to Sarakhs. The verdict has been formally served to him in person.

Amin Masouri was arrested in August of 2025 by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence in Khorramabad and was later transferred to Parsilon Prison in the city. He was ultimately released on September 15 after posting bail set at 5 billion rials.

Amin Masouri has previously faced arrest and judicial action due to his activities.

Execution of At Least Twelve Prisoners on Murder and Drug-Related Charges

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Executions, News
Bushehr, Chabahar, Damghan, Gonabad, Kashmar, Lahijan, Mahabad, Malayer, Mashhad, Sabzevar, Shahrekord, Shiraz

HRANA – At dawn today, the death sentences of at least 12 prisoners were carried out in the prisons of Mahabad, Shiraz, Malayer, Lahijan, Gonabad, Chabahar, Damghan, Bushehr, Shahrekord, Sabzevar, Kashmar, and Mashhad. These individuals had previously been sentenced to death on charges related to murder and drug offenses.

According to information received by HRANA, Kianoush Monavari was executed in Mahabad Prison; Ghader Mohammadi in Shiraz Prison; Nariman Zangeneh in Malayer Prison; Ali Asghar Oladi in Lahijan Prison; (first name unknown) Shateri in Gonabad Prison; Mostafa Kamali in Chabahar Prison; Aysan Rostami in Damghan Prison; Jahan Azadi in Bushehr Prison; and Farshid Ghasemi in Shahrekord Prison. These individuals had previously been arrested in separate cases on murder charges and sentenced to death by criminal courts.

Meanwhile, the death sentences of Taher Yousefi in Sabzevar Prison, Hamid Tajik in Kashmar Prison, and Adel Fereshteh in Mashhad Prison were carried out on drug-related charges.

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

According to HRA’s annual report on the human rights situation in Iran, in 2025, at least 2,063 individuals were executed in Iran between January 1, 2025, and January 1, 2026. This represents a 119% increase in the implementation of death sentences compared to 2024. In many of these cases, due to secrecy, prisoners were even denied the right to a final visit with their families.

Japanese Government Confirms Arrest of Its Citizen in Iran

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News, Prisoners
Japanese detainee, Masanao Ozaki, Shinnosuke Kawashima

HRANA – Japan’s Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary announced that one of the country’s citizens was arrested in Iran on January 20, 2026. He called on Iranian authorities to release the individual immediately.

Masanao Ozaki, Japan’s Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary, stated today, Wednesday, that the Japanese citizen was arrested on January 20, 2026 (30 Dey 1404). Without providing further details, he urged Iranian authorities to promptly release the individual.

Mr. Ozaki added that the government is in contact with the detained person and their family and is providing the necessary support. However, Japanese officials have not been granted permission for an in-person visit.

Fars News Agency, citing certain media outlets, also reported that the detained individual may be Shinnosuke Kawashima, head of the Tehran bureau of Japan’s public broadcaster. This claim has not yet been confirmed by official authorities.

Nationwide Protests: Report on the Arrest of 13 Citizens in Various Cities

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Ahmad Tamouei, Ali Ansari, Ali Sharifzadeh, Elias Jahannoush, Farhad Salari, Farshad Salari, IRGC Intelligence, Lakan prison, Leila Bakhshandehfar, Mohammad Kalmishi, Mousa al-Reza Meshkani, Raham Rahimi, Saeed Gharagholi, Vakilabad

HRANA – In connection with the recent nationwide protests, security forces have arrested 13 individuals. Some of those detained have since been released, while information regarding the charges against these individuals remains unclear.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mousa al-Reza Meshkani was arrested on January 10 in Meshkan, a district of Sabzevar, and is currently being held in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. Ali Sharifzadeh (Eizi), Saeed Gharagholi, and Mohammad Kalmishi were arrested in Sabzevar on January 8 (18 Dey), February 11, and January 9, respectively. Ali Sharifzadeh was transferred to Mashhad Prison, while Saeed Gharagholi and Mohammad Kalmishi are still being held in Sabzevar Prison. Reza Gerami was arrested on February 14 in Joghatai and is currently detained in the city’s prison.

Raham Rahimi, Elias Jahannoush, Ali Ansari, and Farshad and Farhad Salari, other residents of Sabzevar, were released on Tuesday, February 24, from Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad after posting bail.

Leila Bakhshandehfar, who had been arrested on January 3 by the Mashhad Intelligence Office, was also released yesterday from Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. She had previously been sentenced by a judicial authority to four years and six months of discretionary imprisonment. The sentence was initially converted to a fine of 140 million tomans in lieu of imprisonment. Ultimately, taking into account her detention period and submission to the verdict, the amount was reduced to 70 million tomans.

Additionally, the Kurdpa news outlet reported that in the early hours of Monday, February 23, Ahmad Tamouei, a former political prisoner from Salmas County, was arrested by security forces in Tehran and taken to an undisclosed location. Mr. Tamouei has previously served prison sentences due to his activities.

Hyrcani media also reported that Sohrab Kolthoumi, 32, a resident of Rasht, was arrested by security forces at his home in the city on January 25.

According to the report, following his arrest, he was held for 26 days at an IRGC Intelligence detention facility, where he was interrogated and beaten. He was then transferred for a short time to the triage ward of Lakan Prison in Rasht. He was subsequently removed from the prison and transferred back to the IRGC Intelligence detention facility. Concerns have increased regarding continued pressure to extract a forced confession and about his physical condition.

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the charges brought against these individuals.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025. After two days, the protests expanded beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these demonstrations became one of the most widespread protests in recent years. Following the suppression of the protests by law enforcement and security forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security institutions. For further information, refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “The Crimson Winter: A 50 Day Record of Iran’s 2025–2026 Nationwide Protests.”

Nationwide Protests: Two Citizens Each Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison and Additional Penalties

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Amir Mehdi Raki Salimi, Armin Hassani Moghaddam, HRANA, Izeh, Sheyban Prison

HRANA – Armin Hassani Moghaddam and Amir Mehdi Raki Salimi, detainees of recent nationwide protests currently held in Sheyban Prison in Ahvaz, have each been sentenced by Branch One of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court to 10 years in prison, a two-year travel ban, and one year of mandatory attendance at the Headquarters for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.

Hossein Ali Hatami, the defense attorney of Mr. Hassani Moghaddam, told HRANA that previously the prosecutor’s office had issued an indictment against the two citizens on charges of “disrupting public order and peace through participation in protests.” However, Branch One of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court, without regard to the issued indictment and citing the Law on Intensifying the Punishment for Espionage and Cooperation with the State of Israel, sentenced each of them to 10 years in prison, a two-year ban on leaving the country, and one year of mandatory attendance at the Headquarters for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice in Izeh.

The verdict was issued on February 17. This attorney added that in the case of Armin Hosseini Moghaddam, upon formally declaring his representation, in addition to objecting to the detention order, he has also filed an appeal request.

Mr. Hassani Moghaddam and Mr. Raki Salimi were arrested on February 8 during the nationwide protests in the Koshtargah district of Izeh by security forces and were transferred to Sheyban Prison in Ahvaz.

Hassani Moghaddam, is the father of one child. Both were employed in the field of manufacturing and installing wooden products (MDF) prior to their arrest.