Author: . .

Attorney Hassan Younesi Sentenced to Prison and Additional Punishments

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News
Hassan Younesi, HRANA, حسن یونسی

HRANA – Hassan Younesi, an attorney, was sentenced by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court to three years in prison, a ban on online activity, confiscation of his mobile phone, and a fine.

According to HRANA, Hassan Younesi has been sentenced to prison and additional punishments.

According to the verdict issued by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, he was sentenced to one year in prison on the charge of “propaganda against the regime” and two years in prison on the charge of “spreading falsehoods.” He was also ordered to pay a fine of 50 million tomans and was sentenced to a ban on online activity and confiscation of his mobile phone.

Mr. Younesi also wrote that his statements regarding the events of January 7 and 8, in connection with the January 2026 protests, were among the grounds for the charges against him.

A hearing on Mr. Younesi’s charges was held before the aforementioned branch on August 10, 2026.

Previously, an interrogation session for the attorney had been held at the Culture and Media Prosecutor’s Office. According to Mr. Younesi, the case was opened following a complaint filed against him by a security agency.

Hassan Younesi, an attorney and one of those arrested during the nationwide protests of 2022, has previously been summoned and arrested in connection with his activities.

Baha’i Citizen Romina Goli Sentenced to Prison and Social Restrictions

Posted on by . .
News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizen, HRANA, Romina Goli

HRANA – Romina Goli, a Baha’i citizen residing in Sari, was sentenced by Branch 2 of the Sari Revolutionary Court to five years, seven months, and 16 days in prison, as well as 10 years of deprivation of social rights.

According to HRANA, Romina Goli, a Baha’i citizen, has been sentenced to prison and deprivation of social rights.

According to a verdict issued by Branch 2 of the Sari Revolutionary Court and communicated to Ms. Goli, she was sentenced to five years in prison and 10 years of deprivation of social rights on the charge of “deviant educational or proselytizing activity contrary to or disruptive of the sacred law of Islam,” under Article 500 bis of the Islamic Penal Code. She was also sentenced to seven months and 16 days in prison on the charge of “propaganda against the regime,” under Article 500 of the Islamic Penal Code.

Romina Goli was arrested by security forces in Sari on May 9, 2026. At the time of her arrest, her home was searched, and officers confiscated several personal digital devices and religious books related to the Baha’i Faith.

On May 10, Ms. Goli’s interrogation session was held at the Sari Prosecutor’s Office. She was subsequently released from prison on bail.

Over the past decade, Iran’s Baha’i community has faced more security and judicial actions than any other religious minority in the country. A review of HRA’s annual reports shows that, over the past three years, an average of 72% of reports concerning religious minorities have involved violations of the civil rights of Baha’is.

Turkish Aid Worker Residing in Germany, Serkan Eren, Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison in Iran

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
HRANA, Serkan Eren, سرکان ارن

HRANA – Serkan Eren, a 42-year-old aid worker and Turkish citizen residing in Germany who has been detained in Iran for more than a year, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison by an Iranian court.

According to HRANA, citing Deutsche Welle Persian, Serkan Eren, an aid worker and Turkish citizen residing in Germany, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison by a court in Iran.

STELP, a Stuttgart-based aid organization, said the sentence was issued against Mr. Eren in connection with the charge of “having ties with a hostile country.”

According to the report, Serkan Eren traveled to Iran on June 24, 2025, as a humanitarian aid worker to distribute donated supplies from Germany. He intended to leave Iran that same day, but contact with his family was cut off, and he has remained in detention ever since.

STELP protested the sentence, describing the punishment as disproportionate to the circumstances of the case. The organization said that, in order to protect the safety of Serkan Eren and others involved, it would not release further details about the case at this time.

The organization also said that, given Mr. Eren’s Turkish citizenship, it is in contact with Turkish authorities to follow up on his situation and secure his return.

According to Deutsche Welle Persian, before traveling to Iran, Mr. Eren told Germany’s ARD television network that, in order to avoid any misunderstandings, he was not carrying any communications or protective equipment, including a satellite phone, bulletproof vest, or helmet, and had entered Iran carrying only a backpack.

Serkan Eren began his humanitarian aid work in 2015, during the refugee crisis in Europe. In 2023, he received the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany from the country’s president.

Deutsche Welle has described Eren as a “Turkish-German citizen.” However, members of the STELP aid organization told HRANA that he does not hold German citizenship and is only a resident of Germany.

Report on the Execution of Four Prisoners at Sepidar Prison in Ahvaz

Posted on by . .
Executions, News
ahvaz, Hossein Ghazlavi, HRANA, Jalil Salamat, Karim Mojdam, Nemat Maghami, Sepidar Prison

HRANA – In recent days, the death sentences of four prisoners who had previously been sentenced to death on murder charges were carried out at Sepidar Prison in Ahvaz.

According to HRANA, at least four prisoners were executed at Sepidar Prison in Ahvaz.

On September 16, Nemat Maghami, a resident of Maragheh, and Hossein Ghazlavi, a resident of Ahvaz, both of whom had been sentenced to death on murder charges, were executed at this prison.

According to information received by HRANA, Karim Mojdam was also executed at this prison on Monday, September 21, and Jalil Salamat, a resident of Ahvaz, was executed there on Tuesday, September 22.

Mr. Salamat was arrested six years ago in connection with a murder case at a marketplace in Ahvaz’s Hasirabad neighborhood and was ultimately sentenced to death. Mr. Mojdam was also arrested approximately four years ago on a murder charge and sentenced to death.

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

According to HRA’s Annual Report, in 2025 at least 2,063 citizens, including 61 women and 2 juvenile offenders, were executed. Of these, the sentences of 11 individuals were carried out in public. During the same period, 172 other individuals were sentenced to death.

Amanj Mohammadpour Arrested in Bukan

Posted on by . .
News, Other
Amanj Mohammadpour, Bukan, آمانج محمدپور

HRANA – On Sunday, September 20, Amanj Mohammadpour, a 33-year-old resident of Bukan, was arrested by Ministry of Intelligence agents in the city and transferred to an undisclosed location.

According to HRANA, citing Kolbar News, Amanj Mohammadpour was arrested in Bukan.

According to the report, Mr. Mohammadpour was arrested on the evening of Sunday, September 20, 2026, by Ministry of Intelligence agents at his family home without the presentation of a judicial warrant. The agents also searched the residence and confiscated his laptop and mobile phone.

As of the time of this report, no information is available regarding the place of detention, the charges against him, or the status of this 33-year-old Bukan resident.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Now is definitely not the time to stop reading!

January 2026 Protests: Death Sentences of Mehdi Nazer and Mahnaz Chardouli Overturned by Supreme Court

Posted on by . .
Executions, News, Prisoners
January 2026 Protests, Mahnaz Chardouli, Mehdi Nazer

HRANA – The death sentences of Mehdi Nazer and Mahnaz Chardouli, who were arrested in connection with the January 2026 protests, have been overturned by the Supreme Court. The two political prisoners had previously been sentenced to death by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati.

According to HRANA, the death sentences of Mehdi Nazer and Mahnaz Chardouli have been overturned by the country’s highest judicial authority.

Based on information received by HRANA, the Supreme Court has overturned the death sentences of Mehdi Nazer and Mahnaz Chardouli, who were arrested in connection with the nationwide protests of January 2026. Mehdi Nazer is currently incarcerated in Greater Tehran Prison, while Mahnaz Chardouli is being held in Qarchak Prison in Varamin.

The two prisoners were previously tried in a joint case by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, and sentenced to death on charges including destruction of public property, participation in illegal gatherings, and assembly and collusion against national security. The same judicial branch also sentenced the two political prisoners, along with another defendant in the case, Atefeh Nazer, to 10 years in prison each.

Mehdi Nazer and Mahnaz Chardouli were arrested in Tehran on January 11, 2026, in connection with the nationwide protests.

Background on the January 2026 Protests

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.

Armin Robber, Rapper and Organizer of Music Meetups, Arrested

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News
Armin Robber, HRANA, Iranian Rapper, آرمین رابر

HRANA – Armin, known as “Armin Robber,” a rapper, was arrested by security forces and transferred to an undisclosed location. In recent years, he has been involved in organizing a number of gatherings related to rap music in various cities across the country.

According to HRANA, Armin, known as “Armin Robber,” a rapper, was arrested by security forces.

Following his arrest, the singer was transferred to an undisclosed location.

He also recently attended a rap-related gathering, known as a “rap meetup,” in one of the country’s cities. A review of his activities indicates that in recent years he has played a role in organizing and overseeing such gatherings in various cities, including Tehran, Karaj, Gilan, and Kermanshah.

Numerous videos of these gatherings and rap performances have been published on pages and channels associated with Armin Robber’s activities. Among them, videos from an “Armin Robber meetup” were published in April 2026. Images from similar events attended by him in Kermanshah and several other locations across the country had also previously been published.

As of the time of this report, no precise information has been obtained regarding the location or circumstances of his arrest or the charges brought against him.

Meanwhile, a media outlet covering music reported on the singer’s arrest and, citing people close to him, stated that Armin Robber had previously been subject to judicial restrictions and required to wear an electronic ankle monitor. Details regarding the previous case, the duration for which he wore the ankle monitor, the charge, or any sentence issued in connection with the matter have not yet been independently verified by HRANA and remain under review.

Armin Robber’s activities related to “rap meetups” date back at least to the early 2010s. Archived pages associated with him also contain videos of rap gatherings held in 2014–2015. At one gathering held in Tehran’s Niavaran neighborhood in previous years, organizers reported the presence of police and a change in the event’s location.

Armin, known as “Armin Robber,” aged approximately 33, is a rapper and an active figure in organizing gatherings and performances related to rap music.

Further information regarding the exact time of his arrest, his place of detention, the arresting authority, and his legal status remains under review.

January 2026 Protests: Alireza Nami Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News
Alireza Nami, Greater Tehran Prison, HRANA, January 2026 Protests, علیرضا نامی

HRANA – Alireza Nami, arrested in connection with the January 2026 protests who is currently incarcerated in Greater Tehran Prison, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

Based on information received by HRANA, Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, sentenced Mr. Alireza Nami to 30 years in prison on the charge of carrying out operational activities for Israel. The sentence was recently communicated to him in prison.

An informed source close to the family of this political prisoner confirmed the matter to HRANA and said: “Following the notification of the sentence, Mr. Nami appealed the ruling.”

Alireza Nami was arrested by security forces in January 2026 and has been held in Greater Tehran Prison since his arrest.

Background on the January 2026 Protests

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.

Political Prisoner Ali Zarei, Sentenced to Death, Transferred to Solitary Confinement

Posted on by . .
Executions, News
Ali Zarei Doozdarrehsi, Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, علی زارعی

HRANA – Ali Zarei Doozdarrehsi, a political prisoner sentenced to death, was transferred today, Monday, September 21, from Ward 37 of Unit 3 at Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj to solitary confinement. The reason for the transfer remains unknown.

According to HRANA, political prisoner Ali Zarei Douzdarresi has been transferred to solitary confinement.

The transfer of this political prisoner from Ward 37 of Unit 3 at Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj to solitary confinement took place today, Monday, September 21.

As of the time of this report, no further details have been obtained regarding the reason for Mr. Zarei Douzdarresi’s transfer to solitary confinement.

He recently announced in an audio message from Ghezel Hesar Prison, which was circulated on social media, that his death sentence had been upheld.

Earlier this month, Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced this political prisoner to death on the charge of “corruption on earth through extensive involvement in political activities, creating the appearance of fabricated damages, producing false reports, propaganda against the regime, disrupting security, and illegally entering and leaving the country.”

Mr. Zarei, who had previously been living in Germany, was arrested by Ministry of Intelligence agents on April 28, 2026, after entering Iran. He was subsequently transferred to Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj on June 30. He had been held in Ward 37 of Unit 3 at the prison.

Ali Zarei , approximately 27 years old and a resident of Tehran, sustained an injury to one of his eyes after being struck by pellet fire during the 2022 nationwide protests. He also has a prior history of arrest and judicial proceedings.

Vahideh Haghparast Sentenced to Prison by Mashhad Revolutionary Court

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News
Khosrow Alikordi, Noura Haghi, Vahideh Haghparast, وحیده حق پرست

HRANA – Vahideh Haghparast (Noura Haghi), one of those arrested at the seventh-day memorial ceremony for Khosrow Alikordi, was sentenced by Branch 1 of the Mashhad Revolutionary Court to a total of four years and four months in prison.

According to HRANA, Vahideh Haghparast has been sentenced to prison.

Under a ruling issued by Branch 1 of the Mashhad Revolutionary Court, Ms. Haghparast was sentenced to three years and seven months in prison on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security” and nine months on the charge of “propaganda against the regime.”

An informed source told HRANA that the hearing on the charges against Ms. Haghparast was held on September 1, 2026, in the absence of both her and her defense attorney. The source said that Haghparast was unable to attend the court session due to illness and had filed a formal request to reschedule the hearing.

Haghparast was arrested on December 12, 2025, during the seventh-day memorial ceremony for Khosrow Alikordi in Mashhad. She was released one month later after posting bail.

Vahideh Haghparast, also known as Noura Haghi, holds a doctoral degree in veterinary medicine.

Khosrow Alikordi, an attorney and human rights defender from Sabzevar who resided in Mashhad, died on the evening of Friday, December 5, 2025. His funeral was held in Sabzevar on Sunday, December 7, during which attendees chanted protest slogans, including “Woman, Life, Freedom” and “Long Live Iran.” On Friday, December 12, his seventh-day memorial ceremony was held at Ghadir Mosque in Mashhad with a large number of citizens in attendance. Participants chanted protest slogans during the ceremony. Following the intervention of law enforcement forces, the gathering turned violent. At least 27 people were arrested.