Category: Freedom of Expression

Afshin Heyratian Sentenced to 31 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Afshin Heyratian, Evin Prison, HRANA, افشین حیرتیان

HRANA – Afshin Heyratian, a children’s rights activist imprisoned in Evin Prison, has been sentenced by the Revolutionary Court of Tehran to a total of 31 years in prison and financial penalties. Under Iran’s sentencing rules for multiple offenses, 12 years of his prison sentence, as the most severe punishment, will be enforceable.

According to HRANA, children’s rights activist Afshin Heyratian has been sentenced to prison.

According to the verdict issued by Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, Mr. Heyratian was sentenced to:

• 12 years in prison for forming an illegal group;

• 11 years in prison for propaganda activities contrary to the sacred law of Islam;

• 6 years in prison and a fine of 330 million tomans for assembly and collusion against national security.

Under the legal provisions governing multiple convictions, if the verdict is upheld on appeal, only the most severe sentence, 12 years in prison, will be enforceable.

He was also sentenced to 2 years in prison and a fine equal to twice the amount received (US$2,000) on the charge of obtaining illicit property, in connection with receiving US$1,000.

Mr. Heyratian’s trial was held on July 18, 2026, before Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari. At the time of the hearing, he had spent more than 250 days in detention without a final legal determination of his case.

Afshin Heyratian was arrested by security forces at his mother’s home in Tehran on November 11, 2025. During the arrest, agents searched the residence and confiscated a number of his personal belongings as well as items belonging to his family members. He was subsequently transferred to Evin Prison.

Afshin Heyratian, an approximately 46-year-old single Baha’i resident of Tehran, is a member of the Society for Protecting the Rights of Child Laborers and Street Children. He has previously faced arrest and judicial prosecution because of his activities and religious beliefs.

According to HRA’s annual reports, over the past three years, an average of 72% of all reported violations of the rights of religious minorities in Iran have involved Baha’i citizens.

January 2026 Protests: Saeed Mohammadyari Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison and Exile

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, January 2026 Protests, Saeed Mohammadyari, سعید محمدیاری

HRANA – Saeed Mohammadyari, a resident of Kuhdasht and one of those arrested during the nationwide protests in January 2026, has been sentenced by the Revolutionary Court of Khorramabad to eight years in prison and two years of internal exile.

According to HRANA, Saeed Mohammadyari has been sentenced to imprisonment and internal exile.

According to the ruling issued by the Revolutionary Court of Khorramabad, he was sentenced to a total of eight years in prison and two years of internal exile to the city of Khoy on charges of “assembly and collusion to commit crimes against national security,” “propaganda against the regime,” and “insulting the Supreme Leader.”

A source familiar with the case confirmed the news to HRANA, stating: “The verdict was formally served on Mr. Mohammadyari today.”

Saeed Mohammadyari, 36, was arrested during the 2026 nationwide protests and was later released on bail. He works as a farmer in Kuhdasht.

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.

January 2026 Protests: Seyed Alireza Seyedi Sentenced to Prison and Flogging

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Freedom of Expression, News
Alireza Seyedi, Ashkhaneh, Bojnurd

HRANA – Seyed Alireza Seyedi, arrested during the January 2026 protests, has been sentenced by the Revolutionary Court of Bojnurd to three years in prison and flogging.

According to a report by HRANA, citing Kurdpa, Seyed Alireza Seyedi has been sentenced to imprisonment and flogging.

Based on the report, Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Bojnurd convicted him on the charge of “assembly and collusion to commit crimes against national security,” sentencing him to three years of discretionary imprisonment and flogging.

Mr. Seyedi was tried before the same branch on July 13, 2026.

On January 10, 2026, he was arrested by security forces in connection with the nationwide protests. After spending 10 days in custody, he was released on bail.

Seyed Alireza Seyedi, 26, is a resident of Ashkhaneh in North Khorasan Province.

Mehdi Rostami Sentenced to Two Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ashkhaneh, HRANA, مهدی رستمی

HRANA – Mehdi Rostami, a resident of Ashkhaneh who had previously been arrested in connection with the January 2026 protests, has been sentenced to two years in prison by Branch 2 of the Revolutionary Court of Bojnurd.

According to a report by HRANA, citing Kurdpa, Mehdi Rostami, a 25-year-old resident of Ashkhaneh in North Khorasan Province, was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment in July 2026 by Branch 2 of the Revolutionary Court of Bojnurd.

According to the report, the charges brought against him were “assembly and collusion against national security” and “propaganda against the regime.”

Mehdi Rostami was arrested by security forces in  January 2026 without the presentation of a judicial warrant and transferred to an undisclosed location. After several days, he was released temporarily upon posting bail.

January 2026 Protests: Khashayar Rezvani’s Conviction Upheld on Appeal

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Freedom of Expression, News
Evin Prison, Gachsaran, HRANA, Khashayar Rezvani

HRANA – The prison sentence of Khashayar Rezvani, arrested during Iran’s nationwide January 2026 protests, has been upheld in full by the Tehran Province Court of Appeals. He had previously been sentenced in the lower court to four years and three months in prison, along with additional penalties.

According to HRANA, Mr. Rezvani’s conviction was affirmed without modification by the Court of Appeals.

According to information received by HRANA, the Tehran Province Court of Appeals sentenced Mr. Rezvani to three years and seven months of discretionary imprisonment on the charge of “assembly and collusion against the country’s internal and external security,” and eight months of discretionary imprisonment on the charge of “propaganda against the regime.” As additional punishments, he was also sentenced to a two-year ban on leaving the country and a two-year ban on online activities.

Mr. Rezvani had previously received the same sentence from Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari. According to the court ruling, a copy of which was obtained by HRANA, the charges against him were based on allegations including writing poems in support of those killed during the protests, communicating with foreign media outlets, and maintaining contact with groups opposed to the government.

Mr. Rezvani was arrested during the nationwide protests in January 2026. He was held for a period in Evin Prison before being transferred to Greater Tehran Penitentiary. He was ultimately released on March 16, 2026, after posting 5 billion tomans in bail.

Khashayar Rezvani, approximately 41 years old, is a married poet and writer originally from Gachsaran who resides in Tehran. Prior to his arrest, he worked in the real estate sector.

Background: 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.

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Ali Barati Sentenced to Prison by the Revolutionary Court of Bojnurd

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ali Barati, Bojnurd, HRANA, علی براتی

HRANA – Ali Barati, one of the individuals arrested during the January protests, has been sentenced to three years and eight months of discretionary imprisonment by the Revolutionary Court of Bojnurd.

According to a report by HRANA, citing Kurdpa, Ali Barati has been sentenced to prison.

Based on the report, in late June, a branch of the Revolutionary Court of Bojnurd, presided over by Judge Lajevardi, sentenced Mr. Barati to three years and eight months of discretionary imprisonment on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security.” The verdict was issued despite the fact that he was denied access to legal counsel throughout the proceedings.

Ali Barati was arrested by security forces on January 9, 2026, in connection with the nationwide protests. He was temporarily released on bail on January 15, 2026, after posting bail set at 30 billion tomans.

During his detention, Mr. Barati was denied access to a lawyer, as well as the right to family visits and telephone contact with his family.

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.

Arash Mirzaei Sentenced to Three Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Arash Mirzaei, Bojnord, Bojnurd, HRANA, آرش میرزایی

HRANA – Arash Mirzaei, a resident of Bojnurd who was arrested during the January 2026 protests, has been sentenced to three years in prison by the Revolutionary Court of Bojnurd.

According to HRANA, Arash Mirzaei has been sentenced to imprisonment.

Based on information received by HRANA, the Revolutionary Court of Bojnurd sentenced Mr. Mirzaei to three years in prison on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security.” The verdict was issued in absentia in June 2026.

A source close to Mr. Mirzaei’s family confirmed the news, stating: “Mr. Mirzaei had gone to the Bojnurd courthouse to follow up on another legal case when he learned that the Revolutionary Court had convicted him.”

Mr. Mirzaei was arrested by security forces on January 4, 2026, in connection with the nationwide protests. After spending six days in detention, he was released on bail.

Arash Mirzaei, 19, is a resident of Bojnurd County, North Khorasan province.

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.

Ali Musa-Nejad Farkoush Arrested in Taleqan

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ali Musa-Nejad Farkoush, irgc, Taleqan, موسی نژاد فرکوش

HRANA – On Friday, July 24, 2026, civil activist Ali Musa-Nejad Farkoush was arrested by security forces in Taleqan and taken to an undisclosed location.

According to HRANA, Ali Musa-Nejad Farkoush has been arrested.

Based on information received by HRANA, the activist was arrested on the evening of Friday, July 24, 2026, in Taleqan by the IRGC Intelligence forces.

As of the time of publication, no information has been obtained regarding the reasons for his arrest or his place of detention.

Ali Mousa Nejad Farkoush has previously been arrested and imprisoned due to his civil activism.

January 2026 Protests: Hadiseh Morvaridi Sentenced to Three Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Hadiseh Morvaridi, HRANA, Mashhad, حدیثه مرواریدی

HRANA – Hadiseh Morvaridi, who was arrested during the nationwide protests in January 2026 and is currently imprisoned in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, has been sentenced to a total of three years in prison in two separate cases.

According to HRANA, Hadiseh Morvaridi has been sentenced to prison in two separate judicial cases.

Based on information received by HRANA, judicial authorities in Mashhad sentenced Ms. Morvaridi to two years in prison on the charge of “insulting the Supreme Leader” and one year in prison in a separate case on the charge of “propaganda against the regime.”

Hadiseh Morvaridi, 24, was arrested on January 8, 2026, in Fariman in connection with the nationwide protests of 2026.

HRANA is continuing to investigate further details, including the branch of the court that issued the sentences.

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.

Saeed Lashani Arrested by Security Forces in Dorud

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Freedom of Expression, News
Dorud, HRANA, Nasrollah Lashani, Saeed Lashani, سعید لشنی

HRANA – Saeed Lashani, a resident of Dorud, was arrested today by Ministry of Intelligence agents, who reportedly used violence and beat him during the arrest.

According to HRANA, Saeed Lashani has been arrested in Dorud, Lorestan province.

A source close to Lashani’s family told HRANA that he was arrested on Saturday, July 25, 2026, by Ministry of Intelligence agents at his family home without the presentation of a judicial warrant. The agents also confiscated several of his electronic devices, including his mobile phone and laptop.

The source further stated: “Mr. Lashani was beaten by the agents both during his arrest and afterward while in detention. Due to injuries sustained from the assault, emergency medical personnel were called to provide him with treatment.”

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

Saeed Lashani is a resident of Dorud and the brother of former political prisoner Nasrollah Lashani.