Lawyer Elham Zeraatpisheh Sentenced to Prison and Additional Punishments

HRANA – Elham Zeraatpisheh, a lawyer, has been sentenced by Branch One of the Shiraz Revolutionary Court to six years in prison, a two-year travel ban, and the revocation of her passport.

According to HRANA, Elham Zeraatpisheh has been sentenced to imprisonment and additional punishments.

Under the ruling issued by Branch One of the Shiraz Revolutionary Court, Ms. Zeraatpisheh was sentenced to five years in prison on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security” and one year in prison for “propaganda against the regime.” The court also imposed a two-year ban on leaving the country and ordered the revocation of her passport for the same period.

The lawyer was arrested on May 4, 2026, near the Shiraz Office for the Enforcement of Judgments.

Elham Zeraatpisheh is a lawyer and a member of the Fars Bar Association. She has previously faced judicial action and arrest in connection with her professional activities.

Photographer Negin Kiani Sentenced to Prison

HRANA – Negin Kiani, a photographer and photography instructor based in Tehran, has been sentenced to one year in prison by the Revolutionary Court of Babol.

According to HRANA, Negin Kiani has been convicted and sentenced to imprisonment.

Under a ruling issued by Branch One of the Babol Revolutionary Court on June 27, 2026, and formally served on Ms. Kiani, she was sentenced to one year in prison on the charge of “propaganda against the regime.” Her trial was held before the same branch on June 15, 2026.

Ms. Kiani was arrested by security forces at her family home in Babol on April 8, 2026, and was released one day later after posting bail.

She has previously faced multiple summonses and judicial actions due to her civil activities.

Negin Kiani, aged approximately 37, is a Tehran-based documentary social photographer who has also worked as a photography instructor.

Appeals Court Upholds Prison Sentences of Five Christian Converts

HRANA – The Tehran Province Court of Appeals has upheld the prison sentences of five Christian converts, four of whom have been identified as Aida Najaflou, Nasser Navard Gol-Tappeh, Joseph Shahbazian, and Lida Alexsani (Alek-Sani). The five had previously been sentenced by the Tehran Revolutionary Court to a combined total of 55 years in prison.

According to a report by Article 18, the Tehran Province Court of Appeals recently issued its ruling, fully affirming the original verdicts. The decision was officially communicated to the defendants on June 22, 2026.

In December 2025, the Tehran Revolutionary Court had sentenced the defendants. Under the ruling, Nasser Navard Gol-Tappeh, Joseph Shahbazian, and another Christian convert involved in the case were each sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, while Lida Alexsani received eight years in prison. Aida Najaflou was sentenced to a total of 17 years’ imprisonment. However, under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, which provides for the enforcement of only the most severe sentence in cases involving multiple convictions, she will serve 10 years, the longest of her sentences.

The first hearing in the case against Aida Najaflou, Nasser Navard Gol-Tappeh, and Joseph Shahbazian was held on September 6, 2025, in Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Abolghasem Salavati. They defended themselves against charges of “propaganda against the regime” and “acting against national security.”

The indictment was issued by the Evin Prosecutor’s Office on June 10, 2025. According to the final indictment, the charges were based on establishing, organizing, and leading a house church, conducting evangelical Christian house gatherings, and performing religious ceremonies such as baptism and Holy Communion.

Lida Alexsani was arrested at her home by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence on April 13, 2025. On May 13, 2025, she was released from Evin Prison after posting bail.

Aida Najaflou was also released from Evin Prison on bail on December 21, 2025. She had previously been transferred on April 13, 2025, from The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, known as Ward 209 of Evin Prison, to the prison’s women’s ward. She had originally been arrested by security forces on February 6, 2025.

Nasser Navard Gol-Tappeh and Joseph Shahbazian, who were arrested on the same date and transferred to Evin Prison, remain in custody.

Both Nasser Navard Gol-Tappeh and Joseph Shahbazian, Christian converts residing in Tehran, have previously been arrested and imprisoned because of their religious activities.

January 2026 Protests: Vahid Khan Sanami Sentenced to Death

HRANA – Vahid Khan Sanami, arrested during the nationwide protests of January 2026 and currently imprisoned in Greater Tehran Prison, has been sentenced to death by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court on the charge of moharebeh (enmity against God).

According to HRANA, Vahid Khan Sanami, who was arrested during the January 2026 nationwide protests, has been sentenced to death.

Based on information received by HRANA, Vahid Khan Sanami was sentenced to death by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, on the charge of moharebeh.

A source familiar with the case and close to Sanami’s family confirmed the news in an interview with HRANA, stating that his trial was held in May of this year.

Vahid Khan Sanami was arrested in March of last year in connection with the January 2026 nationwide protests and is currently being held in Greater Tehran Prison.

Political Prisoner Arghavan Fallahi Sentenced to Death

HRANA – Arghavan Fallahi, a 24-year-old political prisoner held in Evin Prison, has been sentenced to death by Judge Abolghasem Salavati on the charge of baghi (armed rebellion).

According to information received by HRANA, the sentence was issued by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati. Ms. Fallahi was sentenced to death under Article 287 of the Islamic Penal Code on the charge of baghi (armed rebellion), based on allegations of membership in anti-government groups and involvement in armed action.

Following the Israeli strike on Evin Prison in June 2025, Ms. Fallahi was initially transferred to Greater Tehran Penitentiary and subsequently to Qarchak Prison in Varamin. She was later returned to Evin Prison.

Previously, an informed source told HRANA regarding her case: “Following her arrest, Ms. Fallahi was held for a period in Wards 209 and 241 of Evin Prison under the supervision of the Judiciary’s Intelligence Protection Organization. During this time, she was subjected to severe psychological torture, and efforts were made to extract forced confessions from her in connection with the killings of judges Mohammad Moghiseh and Ali Razini.”

Arghavan Fallahi was arrested by security forces in early January 2025 and transferred to Ward 209 of Evin Prison, The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility.

Ms. Fallahi had previously been arrested along with her father in November 2022 by security forces and was later transferred to Evin Prison. She was subsequently sentenced by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, to two years in prison on charges of assembly and collusion and propaganda against the regime. She was released from Evin Prison after completing her sentence.

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Woman and Several Others Arrested After Semi-Nude Appearance in Yazd

HRANA – The Public Relations Office of the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Yazd has announced the arrest of a woman who appeared semi-nude in the city, along with several individuals involved in recording and publishing a video of her, accusing them of what it described as “violating social norms.”

According to HRANA, citing IRIB News, several citizens, including a woman, have been arrested in Yazd.

The Public Relations Office of the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Yazd claimed that following the circulation of a video showing a semi-nude woman in Yazd’s Ghadir Park, where she allegedly engaged in “norm-breaking” behavior, the prosecutor’s office launched a special investigation into the case.

According to the authorities, following legal procedures and under a judicial order, the woman and several individuals who had recorded and shared the video were identified and arrested.

The report did not provide further details, including the identities of those arrested, the exact number of detainees, or where they are being held.

Lawyer Astareh Ansari Remains Detained Despite Urgent Medical Needs

HRANA – Astareh (Maryam) Ansari, a lawyer, has been held in a state of legal uncertainty for nearly two months in Adelabad Prison in Shiraz, without adherence to the principle of separation of prisoners based on the nature of their alleged offenses. She suffers from an autoimmune disease and requires regular treatment and urgent medical attention, raising growing concerns among her family and relatives about her physical condition.

According to information received by HRANA, Astareh Ansari, who suffers from an autoimmune disease, is currently being forced to sleep on the floor and is being held in Adelabad Prison in Shiraz without observance of the principle of separating prisoners according to the nature of their alleged offenses. She has also been denied access to adequate medical treatment and healthcare. Ms. Ansari’s detention order remains valid until July 5, and her family has expressed concern that it may be extended once again. Given her underlying medical condition and continued deprivation of specialized medical care, her ongoing detention has further intensified her family’s concerns about her health.

A source familiar with the matter confirmed the report to HRANA, stating: “This lawyer is facing the charge of ‘propaganda activity against the regime,’ based on Article 4 of the Law on Intensifying the Punishment for Espionage, and her case is currently under review by the judicial authorities in Fars Province.”

Ms. Ansari was arrested at her home in Shiraz by security forces on the evening of May 3, 2026.

Astareh (Maryam) Ansari, a lawyer, was previously arrested during the 2022 nationwide protests in Iran.

January 2026 Protests: Mahboubeh Shabani Remains Detained Without Charge Resolution in Mashhad Prison

HRANA – Mahboubeh Shabani, arrested during the January 2026 protests, has remained in legal limbo in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad for more than five months since her arrest.

Based on information received by HRANA, despite the passage of 160 days since her arrest, Mahboubeh Shabani continues to be held without charge resolution in the Aramesh Ward of Vakilabad Prison.

She is facing charges of operational action in support of Israel, the United States, and individuals affiliated with opposition groups. Her case is currently under review by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad.

Mahboubeh Shabani was arrested by security forces on February 2, 2026, in connection with the nationwide protests in Mashhad.

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.

Monthly Report – June 2026: Human Rights Situation in Iran

This report provides a statistical overview of human rights violations documented by HRANA during the month of June. Regarding inhuman punishments as a form of human rights violation, HRANA’s reports for this month indicate that at least eight individuals were sentenced to a total of 140 lashes.

Executions
During this month, at least 113 executions were carried out in Iranian prisons—more than double the number recorded in the previous month. Among those executed were two women and four Afghan nationals. The gender of 13 executed prisoners remains unknown, reflecting the Iranian judiciary’s lack of transparency and failure to provide adequate information.

Of the 113 prisoners executed, 55 had been sentenced on murder charges, 41 on drug-related charges, two on rape charges, and four on non-political charges of moharebeh (enmity against God). In addition to these cases, four other individuals, Javad Zamani, Abolfazl Saeedi, Mehrdad Mohammadinia, and Ashkan Maleki, were executed in connection with the January 2026 protests on political charges and/or charges of moharebeh. The charges against the remaining eight executed prisoners remain unknown.

Freedom of Thought and Expression

During June, 778 individuals were arrested, primarily by security forces, for exercising their freedom of expression and belief. Reports indicate that at least seven arrests were carried out without a judicial warrant. In addition, seven individuals were summoned to security institutions and 13 others were summoned to court on similar grounds. Security forces also searched the homes of at least seven citizens and interrogated three others.

During the same month, six individuals stood trial on charges related to the exercise of freedom of expression and belief. The judiciary also issued rulings against 65 individuals in violation of their right to freedom of expression. In total, 2,685 months of imprisonment were handed down. Courts also imposed a combined 24 months of internal exile, 18 travel bans, 16 cases of deprivation of social rights, and 746 lashes.

Reports also documented the beating of two individuals by police and security forces. Additionally, the property of 415 citizens was confiscated because of the exercise of their freedom of expression and belief.

Prisoners’ Rights

HRANA’s reports documented numerous violations of prisoners’ rights during June, particularly affecting political and prisoners of conscience. These included 20 cases of denial of adequate medical care, three cases of denial of phone calls, two cases of denial of family visits, two cases of prisoners being held in poor conditions, and two cases of prisoners being beaten.

During the month, five prisoners launched hunger strikes in protest of their conditions. HRANA also reported one case of a death row prisoner attempting suicide at Qezel Hesar Prison.

Violations of the rights of detainees included 41 cases in which families were kept uninformed about the detainees’ situation, 32 cases of denial of access to legal counsel, four cases of forced confessions, and one case of physical torture.

Kolbars and Fuel Carriers

Each month, a number of citizens fall victim to the indiscriminate use of firearms by military and law enforcement forces. During the past month, these indiscriminate shootings resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to six others.

Three of the injured were kulbars, cross-border porters in Iran’s western regions who transport goods across the border to earn a living. These individuals are repeatedly subjected to shootings by military forces in the border areas.

Additionally, one individual suspected of fuel smuggling (transporting fuel to earn a livelihood) was killed, and another was injured.

Workers’ Rights

In June, HRANA documented 14 labor protests and 4 workers’ strikes. Workplace accidents also claimed the lives of 21 workers and injured 61 others. Among these incidents was the crash of a minibus transporting workers in Isfahan, which left 14 workers injured.

Trade associations and labor unions also organized 36 protest gatherings during June. In addition, one labor rights activist was arrested, while six other labor activists were collectively sentenced to 192 months of imprisonment.

Additionally, 17 business establishments were sealed by the authorities.

Women’s Rights

In June, the murders of 10 women were reported. Additionally, the honor killing of one man was recorded. HRANA also documented the self-immolation of a pregnant woman in Jask.

Furthermore, three business establishments were sealed by the authorities for failing to comply with the mandatory hijab regulations.

Children’s Rights

In June, two cases of child suicide and two cases of child murder were reported, including the killing of a young boy by his father. In two other reported incidents, children were subjected to violence. Additionally, three cases of children being arrested by security forces were documented.

Religious Minorities

In June, security forces arrested at least 15 members of religious minority communities. In addition, Baha’i citizen Barsa Maleki was sentenced to two years of imprisonment. There was also one reported case of physical assault, two house searches, and one court summons.

Ethnic Rights

During the past month, at least 19 civil rights activists and citizens belonging to Iran’s ethnic minority communities were arrested by security forces. In 13 cases, reports indicate that security forces failed to present arrest warrants. Two house searches and one case of physical assault were also reported. In addition, the sentence of Vadood Asadi, an Azerbaijani-Turk activist, was increased to eight years and one month following the consolidation of his sentences.

Inhuman Punishment

Regarding inhuman punishments as a form of human rights violation, HRANA’s reports for this month indicate that at least eight individuals were sentenced to a total of 140 lashes.

Environmental Activists Arrested by Security Forces in Tehran

HRANA – Yesterday, Wednesday, environmental activists Hooman Jokar and his wife, Sepideh Kashani, along with Sima Kashani, were arrested by security forces in Tehran. During the arrests, officers also confiscated their electronic devices.

According to a report by HRANA, citing Emtedad, Sepideh and Sima Kashani, along with Hooman Jokar, were arrested in Tehran.

According to the report, security forces arrested environmental activists Hooman Jokar and his wife, Sepideh Kashani, at their residence this afternoon. Sima Kashani, Sepideh Kashani’s sister, was also arrested by security forces. During the arrests, officers confiscated all of their electronic devices.

The report further quotes attorney Hojjat Kermani as saying: “Given the lengthy holiday ahead and the closure of judicial offices, these arrests have heightened concerns among the families of those detained.”

As of the time of this report, no information is available regarding the agency responsible for the arrests, the reasons for the detentions, or the whereabouts of the three individuals.

Hooman Jokar and Sepideh Kashani, both environmental activists, have previously been arrested and subjected to judicial prosecution in connection with their activism.