Category: Freedom of Expression

Detained Civil Activist Abbas Vahedian Shahroudi Hospitalized

Posted on by A MN
Freedom of Expression, News
Abbas Vahedian Shahroudi, Khatam Publishing, Mashhad, prisoner hospitalized

On February 26, educator and civil activist Abbas Vahedian Shahroudi was hospitalized in critical condition in Mashhad City. However, on Monday, while he was in needed treatment, he was forcefully sent back to a detention centre by security forces. He has been held in a solitary confinement cell for six months in a detention centre in Mashhad.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights, a source close to his family reported that he was dispatched to a hospital following symptoms such as poisoning, shortness of breath and low heart rate leading to partial consciousness. Security forces did not allow visitation or let him inform his family. Monday, he was sent back to his cell despite uncompleted treatment.

Earlier, HRANA reported his poor health condition in a solitary confinement cell in a detention center at the disposal of the Ministry of Intelligence.

On September 1 of this year, intelligence agents arrested Vahedian in Rezvanshahr County. Two days later, in a phone call to his family, he informed them that a news case had been opened against him on a charge of “acting against national security”. Meanwhile, his daughter’s home in Mashhad was searched by security forces and some personal belongings were confiscated.

Vahedian has previously been arrested and convicted for his writings and civil activities. In one case, he was arrested in Mashhad in October 2018 and later charged by Branch 903 of the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad with “acting against national security”, and “attempting to overthrow the regime”. He was released on bail of 350 million tomans from Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad in December 2018.

Shortly after his interrogation, in August 2019, Vahedian was again arrested and transferred to Vakilabad Prison. He was one of the 14 signatories of a letter of request for the resignation of Ayatollah Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran. He was released on bail from Vakilabad Prison in July 2020.

Vahedian is an author of several books including “The Return of Genghis Khan”, published by Khatam Publishing in Mashhad.

Seven Behbahani Citizens Sentenced to a Total of Five Years and Six Months In Prison

Posted on by A MN
Freedom of Expression, News
Ali Kazemi, Bebhaban City, Ebrahim Armish, Farzad Ansarifar, Farzaneh Ansarifar, Jalal Jafari, Mahmood Dashtinia, Maryam Kazemi, Masoud Seddighnia, Mehrdad Dashinia, Mohammad Hashamdar, Mohammad Hossein Ghanavati, Morteza Vahdani, Narges Deram-Gozin, Vahb Ramin, Zeynab Alipour

The Revolutionary Court of Bandar Mahshahr issued prison sentences against seven Behbahani citizens who were arrested during the June 2020 protests in the city. Narges Deram-Gozin, Masoud Seddighnia, Ebrahim Armish, Morteza Vahdani, Zeynab Alipour, Vahb Ramin and Jalal Jafari have been sentenced to a total of 5 years and 6 months in prison. The conviction against Jafari has been suspended for 5 years.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, the people mentioned above were notified of their sentence on February 19. Deram-Gozin, Seddighnia, Armish and Alipour were sentenced to 1 year on the charge of “propaganda against the regime”. Vahdani, Ramin, and Jafari were sentenced to six months for the same charge. Jafari’s conviction has been suspended for 5 years.

Earlier, in another legal case, Farzaneh Ansarifar, who was also indicted in this case, was sentenced to four years and six months in prison. Two others Behbahan citizens, Ali and Maryam Kazemi, have also been sentenced to a combined two years in prison.

On July 16, 2020, Behbahan’s citizens protested in Banke Melli Square in Behbahan against “poor economic conditions” and “death sentences against those who were arrested during the protest of November 2019”. Many people were arrested during the protests or thereafter at their homes.

During the protest of November 2019 in Behbahan city, security forces used live ammunition against protestors which led to the death of several protestors including Mehrdad Dashinia, Mahmood Dashtinia, Farzad Ansarifar, Mohammad-Hossein Ghanavati and Mohammad Hashamdar.

Farzaneh Ansarifar Sentenced to 4 Years and 6 Months In Prison

Posted on by A MN
Freedom of Expression, News
Amin Ansarifar, Arman Ansarifar, Farzad Ansarifar, Farzaneh Ansarifar, Mahmood Dashtinia, Mehrdad Dashinia, Mohammad Hashamdar, Mohammad Hossein Ghanavati

Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Bandar Mahshahr sentenced Farzaneh Ansarifar to 4 years and 6 months in prison. Her brother, Farzad, was killed by regime forces during the 2019 nationwide protests in Behbahan City.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, Ansarifar, a resident of Behbahan City, was convicted for “assembly and collusion against national security” and “propaganda against the regime”. If the verdict is confirmed on appeal, three years and six months in prison on the charge of “assembly and collusion” will be enforced.

The court session was held on February 2 at Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Bandar Mahshahr.

In recent days, her brother and father, Arman and Amin Ansarifar were arrested by security forces.

On December 25, 2021, the first court session for another legal case against her and several others was held at Branch 103 of the Criminal Court of Behbahan city. The second court session was held on February 16, 2022.

During the protest of November 2019 in Behbahan City, security forces used live ammunition against protestors, leading to the death of several protestors including Mehrdad Dashinia, Mahmood Dashtinia, Farzad Ansarifar, Mohammad-Hossein Ghanavati and Mohammad Hashamdar.

Final Verdict of 8 years and 74 Lashes Issued Against Narges Mohammadi

Posted on by A MN
Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Narges Mohammadi, Taghi Rahmani

On February 20, Taghi Rahmani, husband of Narges Mohammadi, was informed that Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court issued their definitive verdict of eight years imprisonment, 74 lashes and other social deprivations against his wife. From her eight year sentence, Mohammadi will be imprisoned in exile for two years.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, Mohammadi is a human rights activist and spokesperson of the Defenders of Human Rights Center. Rahmani commented to HRANA that following Mohammadi’s refusal to request for appeal, the initial verdict was upheld definitively.

In recent days, she was hospitalized for a few days due to respiratory problems and then sent back to jail.

On November 16, 2021, she was arrested by security forces during her attendance at a ceremony honouring Ebrahim Ketabdar, who was killed by security forces in Karaj during the November 2019 protests. She was detained in a solitary confinement cell in Ward 209 of Evin Prison. On November 22, 2021, she was notified about the charges in Evin Courthouse.

On December 29, 2021, security agents raided and searched her house and confiscated some of her personal belongings.

She has already faced other arrests and convictions and was imprisoned from May 5, 2015, until October of last year, Mohammadi was imprisoned.

In January of this year, she was transferred from Ward 209 of Evin Prison to Qarchak Prison in Varamin City.

Meysam Kazemi Sentenced to 22 Months In Prison

Posted on by A MN
Freedom of Expression, News
Behbahan City, Farzad Ansarifar, Mahmood Dashtinia, Mehrdad Dashinia, Mohammad Hashamdar, Mohammad Hossein Ghanavati

Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Bandar Mahshahr sentenced Meysam Kazemi to 22 months in prison. From this sentence, 7 months and 2 weeks have been suspended. If upheld on appeal, grounded on Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, one year and three months imprisonment is enforceable.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, Kazemi, a resident of Behbahan City, was charged with “propaganda against the regime in favour of anti-regime groups and offensive statements against the Supreme Leader of Iran”.

His lawyer, Iman Soleymani, was notified of the verdict. Seven and a half months of Kazemi’s sentence is suspended. His court session was held on February 14, 2022, by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Bandar Mahshahr.

On July 26, 2020, hundreds of Behbahan’s citizens gathered at Bank-Melli Square to protest against “poor economic conditions” and “death sentences against those who were arrested during the protest of November 2019”. Many citizens were arrested for their participation in the protests, both during the events and in the period following.

During the November 2019 protest, security forces in Behbahan City used live ammunition against protestors, leading to the death of several protestors including Mehrdad Dashinia, Mahmood Dashtinia, Farzad Ansarifar, Mohammad-Hossein Ghanavati and Mohammad Hashamdar.

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Kamran Takook Sentenced to Two Years and Four Months In Prison

Posted on by A MN
Freedom of Expression, News

Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Kermanshah sentenced Kamran Takook to two years and four months in prison.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, quoting Kurdpa, was sentenced to one year on the charge of “propaganda against the regime” and 16 months on the charge of “offensive statements against the Supreme Leader of Iran.” Grounded in Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the severest punishment of 16 months is enforceable.

Last Saturday, he was notified about the verdict after his appearance at the Revolutionary Court of Kermanshah.

On January 12, 2022, he was arrested by IRGC’s forces and transferred to a detention centre. After five days of detention, he was released on bail of 500 million tomans from Dizel-Abad Prison until the end of the legal proceedings.

 

Father and Son Amin and Arman Ansarifar Arrested in Bebahan City

Posted on by A MN
Freedom of Expression, News
Amin Ansarifar, Arman Ansarifar, Behbahan prison, Farzad Ansarifar, Mahmood Dashtinia, Mehrdad Dashinia, Mohammad Hashamdar, Mohammad Hossein Ghanavati

On February 20, Arman Ansarifar was arrested by intelligence agents in Behbahan at his home. Ansarifar is a resident of Behbahan City. His brother, Farzad, was killed by regime forces during the 2019 nationwide protests.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, his father, Amin Ansarifar, was summoned by Branch 4 of Behbahan’s Public and Revolutionary Court the day before. He was indicted for the charge of “advocating and promoting anti-regime groups or organizations”. He was arrested in the courthouse and transferred to Behbahan Prison.

On December 14, 2021, Arman Ansarifar was summoned by the same courthouse. According to an informed source, he was summoned once again via phone, but this time, he refused to appear at the court due to not receiving a summons letter.

During the protest of November 2019 in Behbahan City, security forces used live ammunition against protestors, leading to the death of several protestors including Mehrdad Dashinia, Mahmood Dashtinia, Farzad Ansarifar, Mohammad-Hossein Ghanavati and Mohammad Hashamdar.

At Least Six Teachers Arrested in Alborz Province During Nationwide Teacher’s Protests

Posted on by A MN
Freedom of Expression, Labor and Guilds, News
Alborz province, Azadeh Mokhtari, Education, Iranian Teachers Trade Association, Jamshidi, mohammad habibi, Ruhollah Mardani, Salemi, Shabnam Baharfar, Shahriari, teacher's rights, Zahra Ajorloo

On February 19, during the nationwide teacher’s protest, six people were arrested in Alborz Province. These protests have been held in dozens of cities across the country and were called by the Iranian Teacher’s Trade Association.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, the spokesperson of the Iranian Teacher’s Trade Association, Mohammad Habibi, informed the public of the arrest of Shabnam Baharfar, Azadeh Mokhtari, Zahra Ajorloo, Jamshidi, Salemi and Shahriari.

On the same day, teacher and union activist Ruhollah Mardani was arrested in Delfan County, Lorestan Province.

The teacher’s demands include the implementation of an already-enacted plan whereupon the incomes of teachers will be increased depending on rank to up to 80% of the salaries of faculty members, official employment of teachers with temporary job contracts, fulfilling severance pay for the year, improving living conditions of contracted teachers, enforcing Article 30 of Iran’s Constitution, free education, improving the quality of education, paying student’s insurance and creating a limit of 16 students per class.

Civil Activist Zartosht Ahmadi Ragheb Arrested

Posted on by A MN
Freedom of Expression, News
Zartosht Ahmadi Ragheb

On February 21, civil activist Zartosht Ahmadi Ragheb was arrested at his home and was transferred to an unidentified location. Agents searched the house and confiscated some of his personal belongings.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, Ragheb’s house was previously searched by security forces on July 7, 2021.

On June 15, 2020, Ragheb was arrested during an appearance at Branch 4 of Public and Revolutionary Court in Shahriar City to serve his nine month sentence in the Greater Tehran Prison. On January 15, 2021, he was released from jail after serving his sentence.

Following a complaint by the Ferdosiye City Municipality, a new legal case was opened against him by Branch 28 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court on the charge of “propaganda against the regime”. During the trial, a piece of evidence invoked to support this charge included proof that he had signed a petition asking the Supreme Leader of Iran to step down.

Ragheb has faced other arrests and convictions. He is a firefighter with 17 years of work experience who was fired from his work due to his civil activities.

Jailed Human Rights Activist Narges Mohammadi Hospitalized Due to Respiratory Problems

Posted on by A MN
Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Ebrahim Ketabdar, Narges Mohammadi, Taghi Rahmani

Narges Mohammadi, human rights activist and the spokesperson of the Defenders of Human Rights Center was hospitalized due to respiratory problems. Since November 16 of last year, she has been detained and held, first in a detention centre in Karaj City, and then in Ward 209 of Evin Prison. Ultimately, she was moved to Qrachak Prison in Varamin City.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, her husband Taghi Rahmani wrote in a social media post that, “she has been sent to a hospital due to respiratory problems. We do not any detailed information on her latest health condition”.

On November 16, 2021, she was arrested by security forces during her attendance at a ceremony honouring Ebrahim Ketabdar, who was killed by security forces in Karaj during the November 2019 protests. She was detained in a solitary confinement cell in Ward 209 of Evin Prison. On November 22, 2021, she was notified about the charges in Evin Courthouse.

On December 29, 2021, security agents raided and searched her house and confiscated some of her personal belongings.

She has already faced other arrests and convictions and was imprisoned from May 5, 2015, until October of last year, Narges Mohammadi was imprisoned.

In January of this year, she was transferred from Ward 209 of Evin prison to Qarchak prison in Varamin city. Recently, she was sentenced to eight years imprisonment, 74 lashes and two years being in exile and other social deprivations.