Author: . .

Death Sentence of Yaghoub Karimpour Upheld by the Supreme Court

Posted on by . .
Executions, News, Religious Minorities
Maragheh, Yaghoub Karimpour, Yarsan

HRANA – The death sentence of Yaghoub Karimpour, a Yarsan follower and prisoner held in Urmia Prison, has been upheld by Branch 9 of the Supreme Court.

Based on information received by HRANA, Branch 9 of the Supreme Court upheld the death sentence of Mr. Karimpour, a citizen adhering to the Yarsan faith. The ruling was formally communicated to him in Urmia Prison on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. In December of this year, Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Urmia, presided over by Judge Sajjad Doosti, had sentenced him to death on the charge of “corruption on earth” (efsad-e fel-arz) through espionage in favor of Israel. His trial was held via videoconference.

Mr. Karimpour was arrested by security forces in Miandoab in June 2025 and transferred for interrogation to The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility in Urmia. According to an informed source, he was subjected to security pressures for approximately two months in order to extract forced confessions regarding alleged cooperation with Israel.

From the time of his arrest until his case was referred to Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Urmia, Mr. Karimpour was denied access to legal counsel and was also not permitted family visits throughout his detention.

Yaghoub Karimpour, aged approximately 41, is married and a graduate in law from Maragheh University.

At Least 13 Prisoners Executed on Murder and Drug-Related Charges in Various Prisons

Posted on by . .
Executions, News
Aghapour, Amirhossein Ghadami, Arash Davari, Darvish Ali Emami, Hassan Kamare’i, Karim Garaei, Keyhan Rouzi, Kiarash Lashkari, Mohammadreza Abdollahi, Panj Ali Ebrahimi, Peyman Khani, Reza Barati, Saeed Adineh

HRANA – At dawn today, February 12, the death sentences of at least 13 prisoners were carried out in the prisons of multiple cities. These prisoners had previously been sentenced to death on charges related to drug offenses and murder.

HRANA has confirmed the identities of the prisoners as: Darvish Ali Emami, Arash Davari, Saeed Adineh, Reza Barati, Hassan Kamare’i, Keyhan Rouzi, Kiarash Lashkari, Amirhossein Ghadami, Karim Garaei, (first name unknown) Aghapour, Panj Ali Ebrahimi, Peyman Khani, and Mohammadreza Abdollahi.

According to information received by HRANA, Arash Davari was executed in Bushehr Prison; Saeed Adineh in Shahrekord Prison; Keyhan Rouzi in Esfarayen Prison; Kiarash Lashkari in Bukan Prison; Amirhossein Ghadami in Behbahan Prison; Mr. Aghapour in Bojnord Prison; Panj Ali Ebrahimi in Mahshahr Prison; Peyman Khani in Ferdows Prison; and Mohammadreza Abdollahi in Sari Prison. These prisoners had previously been arrested on murder charges and sentenced to death by criminal courts.

Meanwhile, the executions of Darvish Ali Emami in Mashhad Prison, Reza Barati in Kashmar Prison, Hassan Kamare’i in Gonabad Prison, and Karim Garaei in Taybad Prison were carried out on charges related to drug offenses.

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

According to HRA’s annual report, at least 2,063 individuals were executed in Iran during the one-year period from January 1, 2025, to January 1, 2026. This represents a 119% increase in executions compared to 2024. In many of these cases, due to secrecy, prisoners were even deprived of the right to a final visit with their families.

Nationwide Protests: Report on the Arrest of 5 Citizens in Various Cities Across the Country

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News
Ali Nazarzadeh, Aria Adavi, Hamzeh Dadyar, Musa Dadyar, Naser Dadyar

HRANA – Ali Nazarzadeh in Abdanan, Musa Dadyar, Hamzeh Dadyar, and Naser Dadyar in Bukan, and Aria Adavi in Qarchak have been arrested by security forces and transferred to unknown locations.

Based on this report by Kurdpa, the 26-year-old citizen was arrested yesterday, February 11, 2026, by security forces without the presentation of a judicial warrant.

Additionally, Kurdpa reported that on the same day, Naser Dadyar was arrested in the village of Dashband, a district of Bukan, and Musa Dadyar and Hamzeh Dadyar were arrested in the village of Qermusali, also in Bukan County. The arrest of these three brothers was carried out without a judicial warrant.

Meanwhile, the United Students Channel reported the arrest of Aria Adavi, a 20-year-old student of Metal Industries Engineering at the University of Sari. Mr. Adavi was arrested by security agents on January 10, 2026, in Qarchak, Tehran.

As of now, no information has been obtained regarding the whereabouts of these citizens or the charges brought against them.

It is worth noting that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025, and after two days, expanded beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests became one of the most widespread demonstrations in recent years. Following the crackdown on the protests by law enforcement and security forces, thousands of people have been killed or injured, and tens of thousands have also been arrested or summoned by security institutions. For more information, you may refer to HRANA’s detailed report published last night on the forty-sixth day since the beginning of the protests.

Day 46 of the Protests: Conditional Release with Mandatory Pledges, Arrest of Teachers, and European Parliament Session

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News
Ali Imani Motlagh, Ali Shamaili, Amir Rahimi, Azar Mansouri, Ebrahim Asgharzadeh, Farhad Rahmani, HRANA, IRGC Intelligence, Isfahan, Masoud Kiani, Mastoureh Narimani, Sattar Zarei, Shahin-Shahr

HRANA – According to HRANA’s latest aggregated data through the end of the forty-sixth day since the beginning of the protests, the total number of confirmed deaths has reached 7,002. Of these, 6,506 individuals have been registered under the category of “protesters,” including 216 persons under the age of 18. In addition, 214 individuals affiliated with government forces and 66 “non-protesters civilians” have been reported killed. Another 11,730 cases remain under investigation.

During the same period, the number of injured civilians has been recorded at 25,022, total arrests at 52,941 cases, student arrests at 136 cases, forced confessions at 337 cases, and summonses at 11,051 cases. A total of 676 protest locations have been documented across 210 cities in 31 provinces.

On the forty-sixth day, the following key developments are noteworthy: the continuation of targeted arrests among citizens and teachers, the imposition of new conditions for the release of detainees, and international reactions to the systematic crackdown on protesters.

Conditional Release of Some Detainees Tied to Signing a Pledge to Participate in a Pro-Regime Rally

In Shahin Shahr, Isfahan, the families of at least three recently detained individuals have announced that despite the issuance and posting of bail, the release of their loved ones has been halted. According to these families, judicial authorities have made their release contingent upon signing a written pledge requiring the detainees to participate in the February 11 rally, take photos and videos of their attendance, and submit them to the relevant authorities.

Families have been informed that failure to sign this pledge or to comply with its terms would expose the individuals to the risk of re-arrest. This conditional requirement has been imposed even though bail had already been secured and the legal procedures for its submission had
been completed.

Arrest of At Least 8 Teachers in Various Cities

Amid continued security crackdowns, at least eight teachers have been arrested in connection with the protests. The names of the detained teachers are: Mastoureh Narimani in Ahvaz, Amir Rahimi in Azna, Sattar Zarei in Khomeini Shahr, Ali Shamaili in Songhor, Shervin Hamideh in Karaj, Farhad Rahmani in Takestan, Ali Imani Motlagh in Lorestan, and Masoud Kiani in Shabad.

The arrest of these teachers, alongside the reported 136 student arrests, indicates the Iranian regime’s concentrated crackdown on the education sector.

European Parliament Session on Systematic Crackdown in Iran

Today, the European Parliament held a session on “systematic repression, inhumane conditions, and arbitrary detentions” in Iran. During the session, representatives discussed the intensification of the crackdown on protests, widespread arrests, poor detention conditions, and the denial of detainees’ access to medical care and legal counsel.

In the draft resolution presented within this body, emphasis was placed on the immediate and unconditional release of political detainees and protesters, granting international bodies access to detention facilities, and holding perpetrators of serious human rights violations accountable.

Arrests and Crackdowns Continue

Arrest of Citizens in Several Provinces

In connection with the protests, Soroush Dabirmanesh and Khalil Rasouli in Bojnurd, Sajed Khabazi in Lahijan, Mehdi Haghjou (a 17-year-old student) in Langarud, and Milad Didar in Rasht were arrested by security forces.

In Dehdasht, Jamal Pourmandfar was arrested on January 10, 2026, and transferred to the city’s prison, where he remains in a state of uncertainty.

Arrest of Political and Reformist Activists

In Tehran, Mohsen Aminzadeh, a member of the Reform Front, was arrested on February 7, 2026, by IRGC Intelligence agents. His lawyer has stated that he is being held in solitary confinement and that the announced charges lack legal basis.

At the same time, Azar Mansouri, Ebrahim Asgharzadeh, Hossein Karroubi, and Ali Shokouhi-Rad have also been arrested. These arrests indicate an expansion of the crackdown to include political figures and long-standing activists.

Arrest of Labor Activists

Yaser Ahmadinejad, a labor activist and dismissed worker of the National Iranian Drilling Company, was arrested on February 5, 2026 (aligned with Europe time) and transferred to Dehdasht Prison. He had previously acted as an independent representative of workers, pursuing labor demands and criticizing oil sector management and contractors.

Pressure on the Media and Response to a Live Broadcast Incident

During the February 11 ceremony, a presenter on Hamoon Network mistakenly uttered the phrase “Death to Khamenei” during a live broadcast, which led to the broadcast being cut off. Following the incident, the network’s broadcast director was dismissed, the channel’s operator and supervisor were suspended, and other staff members were referred to a disciplinary committee.

Continuation of Judicial Threats

The First Deputy of the Judiciary announced that some protest-related cases are in the investigation phase, some have been sent to court with indictments issued, and others are at the appeals stage. He emphasized that those who have “committed rioting” will be dealt with without leniency.

Cumulative Statistics Through the End of Day 46

• Total recorded protest locations: 676

• Number of cities (without repetition): 210

• Number of provinces (without repetition): 31

• Injured civilians: 25,022

• Total arrests: 52,941

• Student arrests: 136

• Forced confessions: 337

• Summonses: 11,051

• Total protesters killed: 6,506

▪️ Including children: 216
▪️ Military/government forces: 214
▪️ Non-civilian, non-protesters: 66

• Total deaths: 7,002

• Cases under investigation: 11,730

It should be noted that the confirmed figures for fatalities represent the minimum number that can be verified, while estimates of the total number of those killed indicate significantly higher figures.

Summary

The forty-sixth day passed with arrests continuing at various levels, from school students and university students to teachers, labor activists, and political figures. Conditioning the release of some detainees in Shahin Shahr, the arrest of at least eight teachers across different cities, and the continuation of judicial proceedings accompanied by threatening rhetoric from officials were among the most notable developments of the day.

At the international level, the crackdown on protests and detention conditions has been raised in the European Parliament. Meanwhile, HRANA’s cumulative data indicate a continued rise in the number of deaths, injuries, and arrests—demonstrating that 46 days after the start of the protests, both the human and geographic scope of these events remains extensive, with their consequences continuing to accumulate.

At Least Eight Teachers Arrested in Connection with the Protests

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News
Ali Imani Motlagh, Ali Shamaili, Amir Rahimi, Farhad Rahmani, Masoud Kiani, Mastoureh Narimani, Sattar Zarei, Shervin Hamideh

HRANA – At least eight teachers, identified as Mastoureh Narimani in Ahvaz, Amir Rahimi in Azna, Sattar Zarei in Khomeini Shahr, Ali Shamaili in Songhor, Shervin Hamideh in Karaj, Farhad Rahmani in Takestan, Ali Imani Motlagh in Lorestan, and Masoud Kiani in Shabad, have been arrested in connection with the nationwide protests.

According to ILNA, members of the Teachers’ Trade Association announced that these individuals were arrested after January 8, 2026, in connection with the protests. Teachers’ union activists have called for the immediate release of the detained teachers.

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

It is worth noting that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and market 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 crackdown by law enforcement and security forces, thousands have been killed or injured, and tens of thousands have been arrested or summoned by security institutions. For further information, readers may refer to HRANA’s detailed report published last night on the forty-fifth day since the protests began.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Now is definitely not the time to stop reading!

Nationwide Protests: Five Citizens, Including a Minor, Arrested

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News
Khalil Rasouli, Mehdi Haghjou, Sajed Khabazi, Soroush Dabirmansh

HRANA – In connection with the January protests, Soroush Dabirmansh and Khalil Rasouli in Bojnurd, Sajed Khabazi in Lahijan, Mehdi Haghjou, a 17-year-old student in Langarud, and Milad Didar in Rasht have been arrested by security forces.

Based on this report by Kurdpa, Soroush Dabirmansh was detained on Saturday, February 7, without the presentation of a judicial warrant.

Kolbar News also reported the arrest of Khalil Rasouli, another resident of Bojnurd. According to that report, Mr. Rasouli was arrested on January 8 by security forces without a judicial warrant.

Meanwhile, Hyrcani News Outlet reported that three citizens, including a minor, were arrested in different cities. The individuals have been identified as Sajed Khabazi, 33, from Lahijan, married and father of one son; Milad Didar, 27, a resident of Rasht; and Mehdi Haghjou, a 17-year-old student from Langarud.

According to this outlet, Mehdi Haghjou and Milad Didar were transferred to Lakan Prison in Rasht on January 11, 2026 (aligned with Europe time). Mr. Khabazi has reportedly been placed under pressure to extract forced confessions.

At the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the charges brought against the three detainees or the location where they are being held.

It is worth noting that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and market 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 crackdown by law enforcement and security forces, thousands have been killed or injured, and tens of thousands have been arrested or summoned by security institutions. For further information, readers may refer to HRANA’s detailed report published last night on the forty-fifth day since the protests began.

Baha’i Citizen Pouyan Gholami Arrested by Security Forces

Posted on by . .
News, Religious Minorities
Bahais, Kerman, Pouyan Gholami

HRANA – Pouyan Gholami, a Baha’i citizen residing in Kerman, was arrested today by security forces and transferred to an undisclosed location.

The arrest of this Baha’i citizen took place yesterday February 10, at his workplace. During the arrest, security agents also searched his home.

As of now, no information has been obtained regarding the reasons for his arrest or the charges brought against him.

Over the past decade, the Baha’i community in Iran has faced more security and judicial harassment than any other religious minority. A review of the annual reports published by the Statistics, Publications and Works Center of the Human Rights Activists in Iran indicates that over the past year, an average of 62.41% of reports concerning religious minorities were related to violations of the rights of Baha’i citizens.

Day 45 the Protests: Nighttime Chants and Intensified Police Presence

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News
Akam Zandi, Fardin Seyedeh, HRANA, IRGC Intelligence, Mohammad Hossein Khorshidvand, Mohammad Javidan, Mohammadreza Ghobadi, Sajad Mohammadi

HRANA – Based on the latest verified aggregated data from HRANA up to the end of the forty-fifth day since the start of the protests, a total of 676 protest-related incidents have been recorded. These incidents were reported in 210 cities across 31 provinces nationwide. According to these figures, the total number of confirmed fatalities stands at 6,984, of whom 6,490 are categorized as protesters.

Additionally, 215 of those killed fall under the category of children under 18. A further 214 fatalities were reported among government-affiliated forces, and 65 in the category of non-protester civilians. The number of cases under review has been reported as 11,730. During the same period, 18,022 civilian injuries, 52,623 arrests, 135 student arrests, 335 forced confessions, and 11,051 summonses were recorded.

On this day, the following key incidents are noteworthy: the continued chanting of anti-government slogans coinciding with state-organized events ahead of the anniversary of the victory of the 1979 Revolution on February 11; an intensified police atmosphere marked by the continued presence of checkpoints and armed local patrols; ongoing internet disruptions and restrictions and their economic impact; the publication of a statement by university professors protesting educational repression; and the continuation of both mass and individual arrests across multiple provinces.

Chanting of Anti-Government Slogans; Nighttime Protests Concurrent with State Ceremonies

On the forty-fifth day, numerous reports were published of anti-government slogans being chanted at night, primarily from inside private homes. These chants were reported concurrently with the holding of state-organized programs and ceremonies ahead of February 11 (the anniversary of the victory of the 1979 Revolution) and were heard simultaneously in several cities.

According to field accounts, the slogans were explicit and direct in nature, demonstrating the continuation of the nationwide protests despite the prevailing security atmosphere and widespread control measures. The repetition of this pattern on consecutive nights, particularly during symbolically significant dates on the calendar, was highlighted in reports from this day as one of the enduring forms of civil disobedience.

Continued Checkpoints and Armed Local Patrols Ahead of February 11

Reports from the forty-fifth day point to the continued and intensified presence of security forces across urban areas. According to these accounts, checkpoints remained in place on both main thoroughfares and side streets, with vehicles stopped and, in some cases, citizens subjected to body searches.

Simultaneously, the deployment of armed local patrols and combined units of law enforcement and security forces in residential neighborhoods was reported. Local sources say these measures have contributed to an atmosphere of intimidation and constant surveillance ahead of February 11. As a result, opportunities for public gatherings, collective movement, and even routine daily activities have been significantly curtailed.

Continued Internet Disruptions and Restrictions; Communication and Economic Consequences

Today, reports indicated the continued disruption and restriction of internet access. Users reported severe slowdowns, intermittent outages, and unstable connections, conditions that have not only disrupted everyday communication and information-sharing but have also had tangible economic consequences.

Online business operators, internet-based sellers, and freelancers reported sharp declines in income, forced suspension of activities, or the accumulation of ongoing losses. Overall, internet restrictions, combined with other economic pressures, were assessed in reports from this day as a key factor contributing to heightened public dissatisfaction.

Statement by University Professors; Protest Against Educational Repression and the Securitization of Universities

Today, a group of university professors issued a statement protesting educational repression and the increasing securitization of university environments. The statement emphasizes students’ right to education, the preservation of academic independence, and opposition to suspensions, expulsions, and the denial of educational access.

The signatories warned that the closure or restriction of universities constitutes part of a broader effort to suppress protests and will carry long-term educational, social, and scientific consequences.

Mass Detentions and Judicial Case-Building Against Students and Minors

On the forty-fifth day, HRANA reports indicated mass arrests and security measures in various cities. According to published information, official media reported the arrest of at least 103 citizens in connection with the protests. These arrests included 100 citizens in Ardabil, one individual in Bandar Anzali, and two citizens in Masjed Soleyman. In most of these cases, no details were provided regarding the identities of those detained, their place of detention, or the charges against them, and families were reported to be unaware of their relatives’ whereabouts.

At the same time, it was reported that at least 10 additional citizens, including a 15-year-old minor and several students, were arrested in different cities. Mohammad Hossein Khorshidvand, a 15-year-old, was arrested in Kahrizak, while Mohammad Javidan in Sirvan, Ebrahim Rostami in Kamyaran, Fardin Seyedeh in Piranshahr, and Anvar Chopani in Miandoab were detained by security forces. In Sanandaj, Akam Zandi was also arrested and transferred to an unknown location.

In the same context, Sajad Mohammadi and Mohammadreza Ghobadi, two students at Shahid Madani University of Tabriz; Sirus Satarnejad, a student at Shiraz University; and Ali Taheri-Kia, a student at the University of Tehran, were arrested.

In another series of arrests, HRANA reported the detention of five citizens in Tehran, Qazvin, Mashhad, and Isfahan. In this case, Zahra Irandoust was arrested in Tehran and later transferred to Chubindar Prison in Qazvin. Subsequently, her mother, Masoumeh Heydari, was arrested by IRGC Intelligence agents while attempting to follow up on her daughter’s case, and at the same time Mohammadreza Irandoust, another member of the family, was also arrested in Qazvin. Additionally, Reza Ghorbani Moghaddam was arrested in Mashhad, and Elaheh Shah Mirzaei was arrested in Isfahan and transferred to prison.

Further reports indicated that Afshin Hosseinpanahi and Khabat Dahdar, two residents of Sanandaj, were arrested by security forces and transferred to an unknown location. In another case, nine citizens were arrested on different dates in Tehran, Karaj, Kamyaran, and Rasht. Among them were Artin Parivash (Dolatabadi), Davoud Abbasi, a filmmaker based in Karaj, Milad Ebrahimi and Hamed Ebrahimi in Kamyaran, Yazdan Hashemi Khoshkbijari in Rasht, and Melika Kavandi and Mohammad Nosrati in Karaj. In addition, Fatemeh Golmohammadi in Karaj, Armin Sharifian, a 17-year-old minor, in Nishapur, Soroush Safari in Khoshkbijar, and Alireza Mirkhorsandi in Langarud were also arrested. In many of these cases, no clear information has been published regarding the charges, place of detention, or access to legal counsel.

Updated (Aggregated) Statistics Through the End of Day Forty-Five Since the Start of the Protests

• Total recorded protest-related incidents: 676

• Number of cities (non-duplicated): 210

• Number of provinces (non-duplicated): 31

• Civilian injuries: 18,022

• Total arrests: 52,623

• Student arrests: 135

• Forced confessions: 335

• Summonses: 11,051

• Total protesters killed: 6,490

▪️ Including children: 215
▪️ Military/government forces: 214
▪️ Non-civilian / non-protester: 65

• Total fatalities: 6,984

• Cases under review: 11,730

Summary

The forty-fifth day unfolded with the continued presence of nighttime protests, a further intensification of the police atmosphere ahead of February 11, and persistent restrictions on communication. At the same time, universities remained a central focus of security pressure and professional dissent, with the statement issued by university professors amplifying concerns over educational repression. On the ground, widespread arrests—ranging from mass detentions announced through official figures to targeted arrests of students, minors, and local citizens—underscored that a security-centered approach continues to be the authorities’ primary response to the protests. HRANA’s aggregated statistics through the end of the forty-fifth day offer a stark illustration of the scale and severity of the crackdown, highlighting the ongoing need for systematic documentation, monitoring, and follow-up.

At Least 19 Prisoners Executed on Murder and Drug-Related Charges

Posted on by . .
Executions, News
ahvaz, Bam, Birjand, Borazjan, Chabahar, Damghan, HRANA, Ilam, Jiroft, Khaf, Lahijan, Mahabad, Malayer, Rasht, Sabzevar, Shiraz, Sirjan, Yazd

HRANA – At dawn today, Tuesday, February 9, 2026, the death sentences of at least 19 prisoners were carried out in prisons across multiple cities. These individuals had previously been sentenced to death on charges related to drug offenses and murder.

Based on information received by HRANA, Gholam Hassani was executed in Birjand Prison; Fariborz Saljoughi in Bam Prison; Mohammadkaram Jafari in Ilam Prison; Sina Maleki in Borazjan Prison; Javad Najjar in Ahvaz Prison; Morad Jahromi in Jiroft Prison; Taghi Zalpour in Mahabad Prison; Amin Torkaman in Malayer Prison; Mehrshad Alinia in Damghan Prison; Ali Bazargan in Chabahar Prison; Mojtaba Barani in Rasht Prison; Yadollah Mokhtari in Sirjan Prison; and Mahmoud Niazi in Lahijan Prison. These prisoners had previously been arrested on murder charges and sentenced to death by criminal courts.

Separately, the executions of Ayoub Soufi in Khaf Prison, Afshin Ghanbari in Yazd Prison, Rajabali Arya in Sabzevar Prison, and Parviz Pirovani in Shiraz Prison were carried out on charges related to drug offenses. At the same time, two other prisoners were executed in Yazd Prison on similar charges; their identities are currently under review by HRANA.

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

According to HRA’s annual report, at least 2,063 people were executed in Iran during 2025. Based on this report, executions increased by 119% compared to 2024. In many cases, due to secrecy, prisoners were even denied the right to a final visit with their families prior to execution.

Report on the Arrest of Nine Citizens in Various Cities

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News
Afsoon Alimoradian, Ali Sharifzadeh Ardakani, HRANA, Kamyaran, Melika Kavandi

HRANA  – Nine citizens were arrested by security forces on different dates in Tehran, Karaj, Kamyaran and Rasht.

Based on information received by HRANA, Artin Parivash (Dolatabadi) was arrested in Tehran on January 30, and transferred to an unknown location. In addition, Davoud Abbasi, a filmmaker born in 1981, was arrested in Karaj on January 10, and later transferred to Ghezel Hesar Prison.
Mr. Abbasi is facing security-related charges, and his case is under review at the Karaj Prosecutor’s Office. His arrest was carried out with violence, resulting in physical injuries, and he has been denied adequate medical care.

Meanwhile, Ali Sharifzadeh Ardakani, an attorney, told Shargh newspaper about the arrests of Afsoon Alimoradian and Vafa Salehi. Stating that the two civil activists are facing charges of propaganda against the regime and assembly and collusion, he added that Afsoon and Vafa were transferred to Tehran Greater Prison (Fashafuyeh) and Qarchak Prison (women’s prison), respectively, two facilities deemed unsuitable for political prisoners. They were able to contact their families only after 20 days.

According to Kolbar News, on the evening of February 1, security forces arrested Milad Ebrahimi at his family home in Kamyaran without presenting a judicial warrant. This arrest occurred despite the fact that he had been shot and injured during the Kamyaran protests on January 8. At the same time, his younger brother, Hamed Ebrahimi, was also arrested by security forces. No information has been obtained regarding their place of detention or the charges against them.

In another report by Kolbar News, on the evening of February 8, Melika Kavandi was arrested in Karaj by security forces based on a judicial order and delegation issued by the Bijar Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office. She was subsequently transferred to Sanandaj Central Prison. Security institutions have provided no clear explanation regarding the reasons for her arrest or the status of her case. Additionally, her husband, Mohammad Nosrati, has been under arrest since January 8. This couple had previously also faced security برخورد (measures) and arrests.

According to Hyrcani, Yazdan Hashemi Khoshkbijari, a 27-year-old resident of Khoshkbijar, was summoned by phone by the IRGC unit in Lasht-e Nesha, Rasht County, around 10 days ago. He reported to the institution and has been detained since then. Mr. Hashemi Khoshkbijari is currently being held in Lakan Prison in Rasht. No information is available regarding the charges against him.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on December 28, 2022, and after two days spread beyond bazaars and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests became among the most widespread in recent years. Following the crackdown by law-enforcement and security forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security bodies. For more information, readers can refer to HRANA’s detailed report published last night on the forty-fourth day since the start of the protests.