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Identity Confirmed: One of Two Detained American-Jewish Citizens in Iran Identified as Yehuda Hekmati

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News, Religious Minorities
Motahareh Goonehi, Yehuda Hekmati, یهودا حکمتی

HRANA – Amid a growing wave of summonses, arrests, and security pressure targeting Iran’s Jewish community, HRANA has confirmed the identity of one of the two American-Jewish citizens recently detained in Iran. The individual, Yehuda Hekmati, is over 70 years old and works in the jewelry and precious stones trade. His arrest is reportedly linked to a visit he made to Israel seven years ago.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, Hekmati is one of two American-Jewish citizens whose arrests were first reported by Israel’s Channel 11. The detentions came amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel following a 12-day conflict. The second detainee, an Iranian-American from Los Angeles, has reportedly been released on bail, while Mr. Hekmati remains in custody. Both men are believed to have traveled to Iran to visit relatives.

A source familiar with the case confirmed efforts to secure their release, telling Hebrew-language media: “These two Americans were in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

In recent weeks, at least 35 members of Iran’s Jewish community in Tehran and Shiraz have reportedly been summoned and interrogated by security agencies. These interrogations have focused mainly on their familial ties with relatives in Israel and included warnings against any phone or online contact with people outside the country.

In a related case, student activist Motahareh Goonehi (Gounei), who was recently released from the Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, mentioned a woman named Lida, whom she identified as a Jewish citizen. However, it remains unclear whether this individual is among the recently detained or connected to another security-related case.

Under Iranian law passed in 2011, travel to Israel by Iranian citizens can result in two to five years in prison and several years of passport suspension. This law has increasingly affected Iranian Jews with familial connections in Israel.

Despite the Iranian government’s official narrative about protecting the rights of religious minorities, including Jews, recent developments point to an unprecedented rise in security pressure on this community. Human rights experts warn that such actions could constitute “discrimination based on religion and ethnicity” and violate Iran’s international obligations.

Ghezel Hesar: Assault, Solitary Confinement, Exile, and Execution of Political Prisoners

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News, Prisoners
Allahkaram Azizi, Behrouz Ehsani Eslamlou, Mehdi Hasani, Saeed Masouri

HRANA – On the morning of July 27, more than 100 special forces officers from Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj, accompanied by Ministry of Intelligence agents, stormed the ward housing political prisoners. Dozens of inmates were beaten, phone lines were cut, and several prisoners were violently dragged in groups to solitary confinement. The raid was carried out to break resistance against two key actions: the forcible transfer of political prisoner Saeed Masouri to Zahedan Prison and the execution of fellow political prisoners Behrooz Ehsani Eslamlou and Mehdi Hasani.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, the assault occurred in Unit 4 of Ghezel Hesar. Sources estimate that around 100 special forces personnel took part. Prisoners were beaten, insulted, handcuffed, shackled, and hooded with sacks before being transferred to solitary cells. The operation was ordered by Warden Allahkaram Azizi and his deputies, Hassan Ghobadi and Esmaeil Farajnejad. Other officials involved included Hossein Kamarei, head of prison security, as well as security personnel Rahim Fayzi, Ahmad Shirazi, and Mohammad Sabzehmakan.

A source familiar with the prisoners’ situation, who spoke to HRANA on condition of anonymity, stated: “Since yesterday morning, phone access for this ward has been completely cut off, and inmates have been unable to contact their families.”

Reports indicate the raid was a prelude to two key actions: the execution of political prisoners Behrooz Ehsani Eslamlou and Mehdi Hasani, who had been sentenced to death for the charge of baghi (armed rebellion), and the forced transfer of Saeed Masouri, a political prisoner serving a life sentence, to Zahedan Prison. According to available information, Ehsani Eslamlou and Hasani were not granted a final visit with their families.

The father of one prisoner sent to solitary confinement told HRANA earlier today: “I and several other families stood outside the prison today trying to get information, but officials ignored us and refused to provide any answers. Where is my son? Why should he be subjected to such violent treatment by prison officers?”

As of the time of this report, the exact number of prisoners transferred to solitary confinement and the condition of those injured remain unknown.

These recent developments in Ghezel Hesar Prison—including the violent raid, severed communication with families, and secret executions—have raised serious concerns about the violation of prisoners’ rights, the lack of transparency in judicial proceedings, and the intensifying security pressure on political detainees.

Two Prisoners Executed in Minab Prison

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Executions, News
Amir Ghanbari, Fanuj, Isa Narooie, Minab Prison

HRANA – At dawn today, July 28, the death sentences of two prisoners previously convicted on drug-related charges were carried out in Minab Prison.

Haal Vsh has identified the individuals as Isa Narouyi (Naderi), 35 years old, from the village of Karahmat in Fanuj County, and Amir Ghanbari, 26 years old, a father of two, from Delgan — both in Sistan and Baluchestan Province.

According to the report, Mr. Narouyi was arrested in 2020, and Amir Ghanbari around six years ago, in separate cases involving drug-related offenses. Both were sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court and were transferred to solitary confinement on Saturday, July 26, for the implementation of their sentences. Their families had their final visits with them on Sunday evening.

As of the time this report was compiled, the executions had not been officially announced by prison authorities or responsible institutions.

According to HRANA reports, in 2024, only 6% of executions were announced by official bodies or domestic media outlets. Over the past five years, 77% of executions have gone unreported—commonly referred to as secret executions. In some of these cases, the lack of transparency is so severe that the death-row prisoners are denied even the chance for a final visit with their families.

Four Prisoners Executed in Ghezel Hesar Prison

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Executions, News
Behrooz Ehsani Eslamlou, Ghezel Hesar prison, Mehdi Hasani, Naser Nazari Tehrani, Saeed Kashani

HRANA – On July 27, alongside the executions of political prisoners Behrooz Ehsani Eslamlou and Mehdi Hasani in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj, two other inmates previously sentenced to death for murder were also executed.

HRANA has identified these two hanged prisoners as Saeed Kashani and Naser Nazari Tehrani.

According to information received by HRANA, Kashani and Nazari Tehrani had both been arrested on murder charges and sentenced to death by judicial authorities.

As of the time this report was compiled, the executions of these two individuals had not been officially announced by prison authorities or relevant institutions.

According to HRANA’s statistics, Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj carried out the highest number of executions among all Iranian prisons, with 150 inmates hanged. This figure has nearly doubled compared to the previous year — a deeply alarming increase that underscores the escalating use of capital punishment in Iran.

Arrest and Incommunicado Detention of Pouya Ahmadi in Tehran

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Pouya Ahmadi, Tehran

HRANA– Pouya Ahmadi, a resident of Tehran, has been held in detention for six days following his arrest by security forces, with no information available regarding his fate or whereabouts.

A source close to the family confirmed to HRANA that on July 22, 2025, security forces violently arrested Mr. Ahmadi at his home in Tehran and transferred him to an undisclosed location. During the arrest, agents searched the home and confiscated several personal belongings, including his phone, computer, printer, and identification documents.

The source added that Ahmadi’s family has received no information about his location or condition, which has caused them significant concern.

As of the time of this report, the reasons for his arrest and the charges against him remain unknown.

Arbitrary arrests, transferring detainees to undisclosed locations, and leaving families in the dark about the fate of their loved ones are routine practices of the Iranian regime’s security agencies, such as the Ministry of Intelligence and the IRGC Intelligence Unit. This pattern of behavior stands in clear violation of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, known as the Nelson Mandela Rules.

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Naser Hemmati Sentenced to over 5 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abdanan, HRANA, Ilam, Naser Hemmati

HRANA – Naser Hemmati, a resident of Abdanan, has been sentenced in absentia to more than five years in prison by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court in Ilam.

According to HRANA, quoting Kurdpa, the verdict was recently delivered to Mr. Hemmati, sentencing him to five years, three months, and two days in prison. The charges leading to his conviction include “supporting and legitimizing Israel,” “insulting the Supreme Leader,” and “communication with a Telegram channel.”

Mr. Hemmati only learned of the case details when summoned to receive a copy of the verdict.

He was previously arrested in December 2023 after being summoned by Branch 1 of the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Abdanan and was later released on bail of one billion tomans. The charges brought against him at that time included “sabb al-nabi (insulting the Prophet of Islam),” “propaganda against the regime,” “insulting the Supreme Leader,” “spreading falsehoods online,” and “supporting and legitimizing the Zionist regime.”

Mr. Hemmati has a history of previous arrests and convictions related to his activism.

Researcher Navid Kalahrudi Arrested

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Mohammad Ahmadi, Navid Kalahrudi, نوید کلهرودی

HRANA – On Friday, July 25, Navid Kalahrudi, a researcher, was arrested by security forces and taken to an undisclosed location.

According to HRANA, quoting Etemad Online, Kalahrudi was arrested on the evening of Friday, July 25, by security agents who also searched his home and confiscated several personal items, including his laptop. The report does not specify where he is being held.

As of the time of this report, no information is available regarding his whereabouts, the reasons for his arrest, or the charges against him.

It is worth noting that a recent interview with Kalahrudi on the program Dialogue Iran, which focuses on political and social issues, has been widely viewed on social media. The program’s producer, Mohammad Ahmadi, is also currently in detention.

Arbitrary arrests, transferring detainees to undisclosed locations, and leaving families in the dark about the fate of their loved ones are routine practices of the Iranian regime’s security agencies, such as the Ministry of Intelligence and the IRGC Intelligence Unit. This pattern of behavior stands in clear violation of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, known as the Nelson Mandela Rules.

Political Prisoner Yaghoub Derakhshan Sentenced to Death

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Executions, News
Ahmad Darvish Goftar, Lakan prison, Manouchehr Fallah, Peyman Farah-Avar, Sharifeh Mohammadi, Yaghoub Derakhshan

HRANA– Yaghoub Derakhshan, a 50-year-old prisoner from Bandar Anzali, has been sentenced to death by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court in Rasht, presided over by Judge Ahmad Darvish-Goftar. The sentence was formally delivered to him on Thursday, July 24, 2025, in Lakan Prison in Rasht.

Sources familiar with the case told HRANA that during his first arrest in July 2024, Derakhshan was charged with “propaganda against the regime” and was released on bail after several weeks. However, during his second arrest, he was charged with the more serious offense of “armed rebellion (baghi).”

HRANA’s sources say the court proceedings were “unusually fast” and “lacked fair trial standards.” The trial was reportedly held via videoconference without the presence of his chosen defense lawyer, and his family was kept uninformed about the legal process.

These sources also reported that Derakhshan was subjected to intense physical and psychological pressure during interrogation, leading to coerced confessions which were later used as the primary basis for his death sentence.

A source close to the family stated: “The judicial process was neither transparent, nor fair, nor legal. Derakhshan was not given a chance to defend himself, and we were kept in the dark about the case.”

Lakan Prison, where Derakhshan is currently held, has been repeatedly criticized by human rights organizations for housing political prisoners alongside inmates convicted of violent crimes, its lack of access to medical services, and unsanitary conditions.

Due to a lack of transparency from the judiciary, specific details of Mr. Derakhshan’s charges remain unknown.

HRANA’s investigations also show that Judge Ahmad Darvish-Goftar, who presided over this court, has issued similar sentences for political prisoners in Gilan over the past year, including for Manouchehr Fallah, Peyman Farah-Avar and Sharifeh Mohammadi.

Currently, based on data collected by HRANA, at least 56 prisoners in Iran face the death penalty on political and security-related charges.

Seven Prisoners Executed in Yazd Prison

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Executions, News
HRANA, Yazd Prison

HRANA – On July 21, the death sentences of seven prisoners who had previously been convicted in separate cases on charges related to drug offenses and murder were carried out in Yazd Prison.

Four of the individuals were hanged on charges of murder, while the remaining three were executed for drug-related offenses.
According to information received by HRANA, one of the executed individuals was a resident of Bandar Abbas. All seven had been transferred to solitary confinement on Sunday in preparation for the implementation of their sentences.

Further details, including the identities of these individuals, are under investigation by HRANA.

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

According to HRANA reports, in 2024, only 6% of executions were announced by official bodies or domestic media outlets. Over the past five years, 77% of executions have gone unreported—commonly referred to as secret executions. In some of these cases, the lack of transparency is so severe that the death-row prisoners are denied even the chance for a final visit with their families.

Behrooz Ehsani Eslamlou and Mehdi Hasani Executed

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Executions, News
Behrooz Ehsani Eslamlou, Evin Prison, Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, Mehdi Hasani, Mojahedin-e-Khalq

HRANA– On Sunday, July 27, the Judiciary’s Media Center announced the execution of Behrooz Ehsani Eslamlou and Mehdi Hasani, two political prisoners accused of baghi (armed rebellion). Their death sentences had previously been upheld by the Supreme Court of Iran.

Mizan described them as “operational members” of the Mojahedin-e Khalq Organization (MEK) and claimed they were involved in activities such as “establishing a safe house in Tehran, building and launching mortars, attacking public places, promoting the MEK’s agenda, damaging public property, and transmitting information and images to the group’s overseas contacts.”

Mehdi Hasani’s requests for retrial were rejected multiple times by the Supreme Court — the fourth and final rejection came recently. His third and second retrial requests were also denied earlier in the spring of 2025, with the first rejection occurring on February 23, 2025.

Similarly, Behrooz Ehsani Eslamlou’s retrial request was also rejected by Branch 39 of the Supreme Court in February 2025.

On January 26, 2025, Hasani and Ehsani Eslamlou, both sentenced to death, were transferred from Evin Prison to Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj under the pretext of medical treatment. Their executions were temporarily halted after their retrial requests were submitted and accepted for review by the Supreme Court.

In late September 2024, both men were tried at Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari. They were convicted of charges including baghi, moharebeh (enmity against God), efsad-e-fel-arz (corruption on Earth), collecting classified information, and collusion against national security. The court sentenced them to death, and the verdicts were later upheld by Iran’s highest judicial authority and communicated to their lawyers.

Their membership in the Mojahedin-e Khalq Organization was one of the primary bases for the charges.

Mehdi Hasani, aged around 48, was married and the father of two. He was arrested on September 9, 2022, while attempting to leave the country through Zanjan Province and was later transferred to Evin Prison. Behrooz Ehsani Eslamlou, 64 years old and a resident of Tehran, was arrested in December 2022 and also taken to Evin Prison.