Category: Freedom of Expression

Report on the Arrest of Azam Mohebbi by the IRGC Intelligence Organization

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Freedom of Expression, News
Azam Mohebbi, IRGC Intelligence, Urmia

HRANA – Azam Mohebbi, a journalist and the editor-in-chief of the news website “Madar-e Sharghi”, who had traveled to Kurdistan Province about 20 days ago to prepare a report, has been arrested by the IRGC Intelligence Organization in Urmia and transferred to one of this institution’s security detention centers.

According to HRANA News Agency, citing BBC Persian, Azam Mohebbi was arrested by the IRGC Intelligence Organization in Urmia. Based on the report, Ms. Mohebbi had traveled to Kurdistan Province about 20 days ago to prepare a report and was subsequently arrested by the IRGC Intelligence Organization in Urmia. The report states that the arrest of this journalist was carried out on suspicion of cooperation with opposition groups.

The report also states, quoting one of Ms. Mohebbi’s close colleagues, that she has gone on a hunger strike due to being held unlawfully in the IRGC detention facility in Urmia.

Azam Mohebbi is a social affairs journalist and has a history of collaboration with newspapers such as “Iran” and “Shargh.”

Fate Unknown: Continued Detention of Executed Prisoner’s Brother Raises Concern

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Babak Alipour, HRANA, Maryam Alipour, Omolbanin Dehghan, Roozbeh Alipour

HRANA – Roozbeh Alipour, the brother of Babak Alipour, an executed political prisoner, remains in a state of uncertainty 87 days after his arrest. The lack of information about his fate has heightened his family’s concerns.

An informed source close to Mr. Alipour’s family confirmed this in a conversation with HRANA, stating: “During this period, Roozbeh has only made two brief phone calls to his family, each lasting about one minute. Nearly two months have passed since his last call, and since then, he has had no contact with his family. His father’s follow-ups with judicial authorities have also gone unanswered, and the prosecutor’s office has so far provided no information regarding his situation.”

On January 26, 2026, Roozbeh Alipour was arrested along with his mother, Omolbanin Dehghan, and his sister, Maryam Alipour, while returning from a visit with Babak Alipour. Maryam Alipour and Ommolbanin Dehghan were transferred to Qarchak Varamin Prison, while Mr. Alipour was initially taken to The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, known as Ward 209 of Evin Prison. After some time, he was transferred from this security detention facility to an undisclosed location.

The lack of information about his condition continues while, on March 31, his brother’s execution was carried out without prior notice to the family. Following this event, the family, while enduring grief, has also expressed serious concern about Roozbeh Alipour’s fate.

As of the time of this report, no independent information is available regarding the charges against this individual or his health condition.

Roozbeh Alipour, a resident of Rasht, had previously been arrested in 2018 and was sentenced to two years in prison on charges of “insulting the Supreme Leader.” He was released in 2019 after serving his sentence.

Ardestan: Four Citizens Arrested in Connection with January Protests

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ardestan, HRANA, Isfahan

HRANA – The Law Enforcement Command of Isfahan Province has announced the arrest of four citizens in Ardestan County in connection with the December–January protests.

According to Mehr, four citizens have been arrested in Ardestan. The Law Enforcement Command of Isfahan Province stated that the arrests were carried out in connection with the January protests. No details were provided regarding the charges against the detainees.

The report does not mention the exact time of the arrests or the identities of the detained citizens.

t 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.

Sentences Issued for 22 Defendants to Long-Term Imprisonment in Two Provinces

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, January Protests

HRANA – The Judiciary’s Media Center has announced the issuance of long-term prison sentences for 22 defendants in two provinces of the country. According to the report, eight of them have been sentenced to more than 10 years in prison, while 14 others have received sentences of less than 10 years, along with additional penalties. However, no details have been published regarding the identities of the convicted individuals or the exact charges against them.

According to Mizan, 22 defendants in several cases across two provinces have been sentenced to long-term imprisonment. Based on the report, eight of the defendants received sentences exceeding 10 years in prison, while 14 others were sentenced to less than 10 years, accompanied by supplementary punishments.

The Judiciary’s Media Center stated that these individuals were prosecuted on charges of “cooperation with an enemy,” and the mentioned sentences were issued following proceedings in competent courts.

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.

Report on the Arrest of a Citizen in Malard County

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Malard

HRANA – A citizen in Malard County has been arrested on charges of “propaganda against the regime on social media and cooperation with anti-government groups.”

According to Mehr News Agency, a citizen has been arrested in Malard, Tehran Province. Judicial authorities in the county announced that a man, approximately 33 years old, was arrested on charges of “propaganda against the system on social media and cooperation with anti-government groups.”

Based on the report, the social media accounts belonging to this citizen have also been deleted, and he has been handed over to judicial authorities.

The report does not mention the identity of the arrested individual or his place of detention.

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Police Commander Announces Arrest of At Least 1,800 People

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
Ahmadreza Radan, HRANA

HRANA – The Commander-in-Chief of Iran’s Law Enforcement Force has announced the arrest of at least 1,800 individuals as part of a crackdown on what he described as “hostile elements, espionage, and disruptive actors.”

Ahmadreza Radan stated that these individuals were detained in connection with activities such as alleged “criminal” actions in cyberspace, publishing images of sensitive locations, communication with opposition groups, and participation in protests. According to Ahmadreza Radan, more than 900 others have also been “identified or dealt with.”

According to Fars News Agency, Radan discussed a series of security and policing measures in recent months during a televised interview last night. Based on  his statements, more than 700 individuals identified as “monarchist elements and affiliated online networks” have been arrested. Additionally, over 400 people were detained on charges of “collecting and publishing images and information from strike locations and transferring operational data.”

In another part of the report, Radan stated that more than 200 individuals were arrested for using “technical and network tools for destructive activities.” Furthermore, over 400 people were detained in connection with protests, and at least 100 others were arrested for alleged links to what he described as “terrorist groups and services.”

He also reported that more than 900 individuals in the field of cyberspace have been “identified or dealt with,” claiming that they were involved in “disturbing public opinion or supporting disruptive actions.” No precise details have been provided regarding the nature of these actions or how many of these individuals were actually arrested.

The Commander-in-Chief further claimed the discovery of more than 3,000 firearms and the seizure of over 6,000 pieces of what he described as “espionage equipment,” presenting these as outcomes of law enforcement and security operations.

As of the time of this report, no independent information has been released regarding the geographic distribution of these arrests, the identities of those detained, their places of detention, the legal process of their cases, or their access to legal counsel. Additional details about the alleged activities and supporting evidence have also not been made available.

IRGC Intelligence Organization: At least 127 People Arrested in Three Provinces

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other, Religious Minorities
East Azerbaijan, HRANA, IRGC Intelligence, Kerman, Mazandaran

HRANA – The IRGC Intelligence Organization has announced the identification and arrest of at least 127 individuals in the provinces of East Azerbaijan, Kerman, and Mazandaran. The organization claims that these individuals, including media activists, Baha’i citizens, people affiliated with opposition groups, and “spy teams”, were involved in activities linked to what it described as “networks affiliated with foreign governments.”

According to a report by Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), the IRGC Intelligence Organization announced in a statement the arrest of dozens of individuals. The organization stated that “cells affiliated with the United States, Israel, and the United Kingdom” had been identified and “dismantled” in the provinces of East Azerbaijan, Kerman, and Mazandaran. In the statement, those arrested were accused of actions such as “network-building, espionage, market disruption, and planning unrest.”

According to the claims made, seven individuals were arrested in East Azerbaijan province for alleged connections with “monarchist” groups. In Mazandaran province, authorities reported the arrest of 69 individuals who, according to the organization, face accusations including ties to anti-government movements and so-called “economic mercenary” activities.

The report further states that the IRGC Intelligence Organization in Kerman province announced the identification and action taken against 51 individuals. It claimed that among them were three “spy teams” linked to foreign intelligence services, two groups of Baha’i citizens, a four-member “armed operational cell affiliated with monarchist groups,” and six media operatives connected to the “Iran International” network. According to the organization, these individuals were attempting to disrupt the market and organize unrest through contacts outside the country.

The statement also claimed that quantities of weapons and communication equipment were discovered at locations where these individuals were held.

As of the time of this report, no independent information has been released regarding the identities of those arrested, their place of detention, or the legal process of their cases. Additionally, despite the scale of the reported figures and the accusations made, no specific details have been provided regarding the evidence for these charges, the manner of the arrests, or the exact nature of their alleged connections.

22 Citizens Arrested Over Alleged Connections with Foreign Media in Khuzestan

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Khuzestan

HRANA – The Khuzestan Police Information Center announced that 22 citizens have been arrested in the province for alleged connections with foreign media outlets.

According to ISNA, 22 citizens were arrested in Khuzestan Province. The Khuzestan Police Information Center described the detained individuals as “deceived elements and mercenaries affiliated with hostile media networks.”

According to the report, these citizens were arrested in various cities across the province with “judicial coordination.”

The report does not provide any information regarding the identities or place of detention of the arrested citizens.

It is worth noting that the U.S. and Israeli military attacks on Iran began on February 28, 2026, and on April 8, 2026, a two-week ceasefire between the parties was announced. Since the beginning of these attacks, HRANA has been documenting and recording related incidents across different parts of the country on a daily basis. For further information, readers may refer to HRANA’s detailed reports covering the forty days of the conflict.

Seven Citizens Arrested on Accusations of “Connections with Foreign Media and Disturbing Public Opinion”

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Freedom of Expression, News
Gilan, HRANA

HRANA – Gilan police announced the arrest of seven citizens in the province on charges described as “connections with foreign media outlets and disturbing public opinion.”

According to IRNA, the Gilan Police Information Center claimed that these individuals were affiliated with foreign media outlets and had been disturbing public opinion by publishing content and images on social media.

The report states that they were arrested over the past 48 hours and, after cases were filed, were referred to judicial authorities for legal proceedings.

As of the time of this report, no information is available regarding their identities or place of detention.

It is worth noting that the U.S. and Israeli military attacks on Iran began on February 28, 2026, and on April 8, 2026, a two-week ceasefire between the parties was announced. Since the beginning of these attacks, HRANA has been documenting and recording related incidents across different parts of the country on a daily basis. For further information, readers may refer to HRANA’s detailed reports covering the forty days of the conflict.

A Citizen Arrested in Marvdasht for Selling VPNs

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
Marvdasht

HRANA – The police commander of Marvdasht County announced the arrest of a 24-year-old man for selling VPNs on social media.

According to Fars News Agency, a citizen was arrested in Marvdasht. Colonel Fariborz Mardani, the police commander of Marvdasht, stated that following cyber police intelligence monitoring on social networks, an unidentified Telegram channel engaged in extensive advertising for VPN sales was identified.

According to him, investigations showed that the admin of this channel had been selling VPNs online through various methods.

He added that after technical and specialized measures, and in coordination with judicial authorities, the identity of one of the main suspects in this case, a 24-year-old resident of Marvdasht, was identified, and he was arrested. The individual’s bank accounts have also been frozen.