Category: Freedom of Expression

Mehdi Mahmoudian Sentenced to Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Judge Taghizadeh, Mehdi Mahmoudian, مهدی محمودیان

HRANA – Mehdi Mahmoudian, a civil rights activist, has been sentenced to eight months in prison by Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

According to HRANA, Mehdi Mahmoudian has been sentenced to imprisonment.

Under a ruling issued by Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Taghizadeh, and communicated to Mahmoudian, he was sentenced to eight months in prison on the charge of “propaganda against the regime.” The ruling was issued in absentia.

The acts cited as the basis for the charge include writings he authored while in prison and their subsequent publication.

In a separate case, Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, has scheduled a hearing for September 27, 2026.

Mahmoudian was arrested on January 31, 2026, for signing a statement. He was subsequently released from Bushehr Prison on February 17, 2026, after posting bail of 6.5 billion tomans.

In 2024, Mahmoudian was tried by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari. He was subsequently sentenced to eight months in prison on the charge of “propaganda against the regime,” as well as a two-year ban on membership in political parties and groups, a two-year ban on using a smartphone, and a two-year travel ban. After completing his prison sentence, he was released from Evin Prison on September 15, 2025.

Mehdi Mahmoudian has previously faced arrest and judicial proceedings in connection with his activities.

Citizen Arrested in Baharestan Over Instagram Comments, Forced Confession Aired

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Freedom of Expression, News
Baharestan, Forced confession, HRANA

HRANA – A citizen in Baharestan was arrested by the county’s Security Police over what authorities described as posting comments on Instagram containing propaganda against the regime. At the same time, a video of the citizen’s forced confession was released, though the circumstances under which it was recorded remain unclear.

According to HRANA, citing Fars News Agency, a citizen has been arrested in Baharestan County.

The report alleges that the citizen was a supporter of one of the groups opposed to the regime and, along with members of their family, posted comments and engaged in propaganda activities on Instagram.

The citizen was identified and arrested by officers from the Public Security Police of the Baharestan County Police Command and was subsequently referred to judicial authorities.

A video showing the citizen’s forced confession has also been released. It is unclear under what circumstances the video was recorded.

The report did not provide further details, including the identity of the arrested individual, the date of the arrest, or their current place of detention.

January 2026 Protests: Tara Farhangian Sentenced to Prison, Flogging, and Exile

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, January 2026 Protests, Qorveh, Tara Farhangian, تارا فرهنگیان, قروه

HRANA – Tara Farhangian, a student from Qorveh and one of those arrested during the January 2026 protests, has been sentenced by judicial authorities in the county to one year in prison, 31 lashes, a fine of 120 million tomans, and two years of exile in Zabol.

According to HRANA, citing Kolbar News, Tara Farhangian has been sentenced to imprisonment, flogging, and exile.

According to the report, Branch 102 of the Qorveh Criminal Court sentenced Ms. Farhangian to one year of imprisonment and 31 lashes on charges of “disrupting public peace and order” and “resisting officers in the performance of their duties.” As an additional punishment, she was also sentenced to two years of exile in Zabol.

In another part of her case, the Qorveh Revolutionary Court sentenced her to pay a fine of 120 million tomans on charges of “propaganda against the regime” and “assembly and collusion to commit a crime against national security.”

Tara Farhangian, 21, is from Qorveh and studies physical education at Hamedan University. She was arrested during the January 2026 protests and was released after some time upon posting bail.

Homa Teymouri and Yaser Azadeh Sentenced to a Total of 10 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abolghasem Salavati, Homa Teymouri, HRANA, Yaser Azadeh, هما تیموری, یاسر آزاده

HRANA – Homa Teymouri and her husband, Yaser Azadeh, both master’s graduates of Tarbiat Modares University and Shahid Beheshti University who were arrested during the January 2026 protests, have each been sentenced by the Revolutionary Court to five years in prison.

According to HRANA, citing United Students, Homa Teymouri and her husband, Yaser Azadeh, have been sentenced to prison.

According to the report, Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, sentenced Ms. Teymouri to five years in prison on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security.” She was also sentenced to a two-year travel ban and prohibited from engaging in social media activity. Her mobile phone was also confiscated.

The report states that Mr. Azadeh was likewise sentenced to five years in prison, without specifying the court branch that issued the verdict or the charges brought against him.

Yaser Azadeh and his wife, Homa Teymouri, were arrested by security forces at their private residence during the January 2026 protests in January.

The published report provides no information regarding the current status of the two individuals.

Homa Teymouri holds a master’s degree in Political Thought from Tarbiat Modares University, while Yaser Azadeh holds a master’s degree in Western Philosophy from Shahid Beheshti University.

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.

Mahmoud Ghanbari-Rad Sentenced to Two Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Evin Prison, HRANA, Mahmoud Ghanbari-Rad

HRANA – Mahmoud Ghanbari-Rad, a political prisoner held in Greater Tehran Prison, has been sentenced to two years in prison by Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

According to HRANA, Mahmoud Ghanbari-Rad has been sentenced to imprisonment.

Under a ruling issued by Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Mohammad-Mehdi Shahmirzadi, and subsequently communicated to Ghanbari-Rad, he was sentenced to two years in prison on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security.”

Ghanbari-Rad was arrested by security forces at his home in Tehran in May 2026 and transferred to Evin Prison. After being held there for approximately one month, he was transferred to Greater Tehran Prison.

During part of his detention, he was denied access to legal counsel. In a phone call from prison, he rejected the case brought against him and reported that he had been subjected to pressure to accept the charges.

Mahmoud Ghanbari-Rad, 40, is married and had been working as a network security specialist at a company in Tehran.

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Shahriar Shams Arrested by Security Forces

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Freedom of Expression, News
Evin Prison, Shahriar Shams, شهریار شمس

HRANA – Shahriar Shams, a student expelled from Islamic Azad University, North Tehran Branch, was arrested by security forces at his family home yesterday and transferred to an undisclosed location.

According to HRANA, Shahriar Shams has been arrested.

Based on information received by HRANA, on the morning of Monday, August 10, 2026, security forces went to Mr. Shams’ family home and arrested him. The agents also confiscated several of his personal belongings, including his mobile phone and laptop.

His arrest was reportedly carried out by officers from the Security Police.

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the reasons for his arrest, the charges against him, or his place of detention.

In 2023, while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in management at Islamic Azad University, North Tehran Branch, Mr. Shams was expelled and barred from continuing his education following a decision by the university’s disciplinary committee.

During the nationwide protests of 2022, he was arrested by security forces on September 27 and released on bail on October 16. Mr. Shams was arrested again on November 5 of the same year and was released from Evin Prison after 10 days.

Shahriar Shams, aged approximately 27, has previously faced arrest and judicial action in connection with his activities.

Avat Karami Arrested by Security Forces in Sanandaj

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Freedom of Expression, News
Avat Karami, Sanandaj, آوات کرمی

HRANA – On Sunday, August 9, Avat Karami, an environmental activist and resident of Sanandaj, was arrested by security forces at his private residence and taken to an undisclosed location.

According to information received by HRANA, on the evening of Sunday, August 9, security forces raided Avat Karami’s home in Negel village, Sanandaj County, and arrested him.

An informed source close to Karami’s family told HRANA that the arrest took place in the presence of his elderly mother and several village residents. According to the source, after arresting Karami, the agents removed him from his home with his hands and feet bound and took him away.

According to information received by HRANA, Karami has been involved in efforts to protect the environment and the Zagros oak forests in recent years. At his own expense, he has also purchased medicine, equipment, and first-aid supplies to assist animals and wildlife in the region.

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

Avat Karami has previously faced judicial action and been convicted in connection with his activities.

Photojournalist Yalda Moayeri Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Tehran Revolutionary Court, Yalda Moayeri, یلدا معیری

HRANA – Yalda Moayeri, a photojournalist, has been sentenced in absentia by Branch 29 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court to 15 years in prison, the confiscation and seizure of electronic devices, including her cameras, a ban on cultural and artistic activities, and dismissal from any form of government service.

According to HRANA, photojournalist Yalda Moayeri has been sentenced to imprisonment.

In a post, Ms. Moayeri announced that she had been sentenced to 15 years in prison. Her court hearing was held in her absence in July of this year before Branch 29 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

According to Ms. Moayeri, the sentence was issued in connection with the charge of “activities in furtherance of the interests of the Zionist regime and the United States.” She was also sentenced to the confiscation and seizure of her cameras, photography equipment, and mobile phone, a ban on cultural and artistic activities, and dismissal from any form of government service.

“I have been sentenced to 15 years in prison, the confiscation and seizure of my cameras, photography equipment, and mobile phone, a ban on cultural and artistic activities, and dismissal from any form of government service, for the crime of engaging in activities in furtherance of the interests of the Zionist regime and the United States!”

The photojournalist did not provide further details, including other charges brought against her or the alleged conduct cited as the basis for these charges.

In January-February of 2026, her home was searched by security forces, who also confiscated a number of her electronic devices.

Yalda Moayeri, a photojournalist and member of the Association of Photojournalists, was previously sentenced by the Tehran Revolutionary Court in January 2023 to imprisonment and additional penalties, including performing unpaid public service as a street cleaner.

Moayeri has previously faced arrest and judicial proceedings in connection with her activities.

January 2026 Protests: Azadeh Yaghoubi Sentenced to Over Three Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Aramesh ward, Azadeh Yaghoubi, January 2026 Protests, Masoumeh Yaghoubi, Vakilabad prison, آزاده یعقوبی

HRANA – Azadeh (Masoumeh) Yaghoubi, arrested during the 2026 nationwide protests and currently held in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, has been sentenced to three years and six months’ imprisonment by the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad.

According to HRANA, Azadeh (Masoumeh) Yaghoubi has been sentenced to prison.

According to a ruling issued by the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad and recently served on Ms. Yaghoubi, she was sentenced to three years and six months’ imprisonment on the charge of assembly and collusion to act against national security.

Yaghoubi suffers from Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Due to inadequate access to medication, poor detention conditions, and the low quality of prison food, her physical health has deteriorated. She also requires specialized medical care, including a colonoscopy.

Masoumeh Yaghoubi, who is also known by the name Azadeh, was arrested by security forces in Mashhad on January 24, 2026.

She spent a period in solitary confinement at The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility before being transferred to Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

HRANA previously reported on the conditions of women held in the Aramesh and Quarantine wards of Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. These wards suffer from severe shortages of basic facilities, including adequate ventilation, standard toilets and bathing facilities, beds, and appropriate access to medical care.

Six Citizens Arrested by Security Forces in Marivan

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Freedom of Expression, News
Arya Maroufi, Havari Parvazeh, HRANA, Marivan, Pashtivan Tatar, Saman Khosravi, Saro Roshani, Zanyar Asvar, مریوان

HRANA – Today, August 6, six residents of the village of Ney in Marivan County, were arrested by security forces in the village and taken to an undisclosed location.

According to HRANA, citing Kurdpa, six citizens were arrested in the village of Ney, located in Marivan County.

The identities of the detainees have been reported as Zanyar Asvar, Arya Maroufi, Pashtivan Tatar, Saman Khosravi, Havari Parvazeh, and Saro Roshani. All are residents of the village of Ney in Marivan County.

According to the report, the arrests were carried out in a coordinated operation by security forces in the village early this morning.

As of the time of publication, no information is available regarding the reasons for their arrests, their whereabouts, or the charges brought against them.