Category: Freedom of Expression

2026 Protests: Supreme Court Upholds 10-Year Prison Sentence for Masoud Payahu

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Freedom of Expression, News
2026 protests, Masoud Payahu, Masoud Peyahu

HRANA – The prison sentence of Masoud Payahu, one of those arrested during the nationwide protests of January 2026, has been fully upheld by Branch 9 of the Supreme Court. He had previously been sentenced to 10 years in prison by Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

According to HRANA, citing Emtedad, Masoud Payahu, a detainee from the January protests, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.

According to the report, Branch 9 of the Supreme Court upheld Mr. Peyahu’s conviction in its entirety. He had previously been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment by Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court under the Law on Intensifying Punishments for Espionage and Cooperation with Israel.

Hassan Aghakhani, Masoud Payahu’s attorney, stated that his client was arrested during protests in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, prior to the events of January 8 and 9.

He added: “My client was working in a marketplace overlooking Jomhouri Street. At one point, an individual sat down in front of law enforcement officers, and Masoud unconsciously recorded a short video of the scene. He had absolutely no intention of publicly sharing the footage and, in fact, only posted it to a private Instagram story. Another person subsequently obtained and published the video. The Ministry of Intelligence then summoned my client. He voluntarily presented himself to the judicial authorities, but was unfortunately arrested.”

According to the attorney, Branch 23 of the Revolutionary Court disregarded Mr. Payahu’s defense that he had no intention of widely disseminating the video and nevertheless imposed a lengthy prison sentence.

The report further states that a request for judicial review has been filed on behalf of Masoud Payahu. Hassan Aghakhani noted that the case has been forwarded to the sentence enforcement branch and that his client is required to report to prison.

Masoud Payahu was among those arrested during the nationwide protests in Tehran in January 2026.

Mehdi Ansari, Attorney-at-Law, Sentenced to Five Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Mehdi Ansari, Shiraz

HRANA – Mehdi Ansari, a member of the Fars Bar Association and one of those arrested during the January 2026 protests, has been sentenced by the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz to five years in prison and a two-year travel ban.

Based on information received by HRANA, a branch of the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz sentenced Mr. Ansari to five years in prison and a two-year ban on leaving the country on the charge of “assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security.”

Mehdi Ansari, an attorney and member of the Fars Bar Association, had previously been arrested in Shiraz in connection with the January protests. He was eventually released from prison after posting bail set at 5 billion tomans.

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 Protests: Three Detainees Sentenced to a Total of 9 Years and 3 Months in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Amir Amraei, Kamyar Amraei, Mohammad-Amin Shamsi

HRANA News Agency – Mohammad-Amin Shamsi, Amir Amraei, and Kamyar Amraei, three individuals arrested during the nationwide protests of 2026, have been sentenced by judicial authorities to a total of 9 years and 3 months of discretionary imprisonment.

According to HRANA, citing Kurdpa, three more detainees of the 2026 protests have been sentenced to prison terms.

According to the report, Mohammad-Amin Shamsi, Amir Amraei, and Kamyar Amraei, three residents of Karaj, have each been sentenced to three years and one month of discretionary imprisonment. They are currently being held in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

In this regard, Mohammad-Amin Shamsi has appealed the verdict, and his case has been referred to the Court of Appeals for review.

The report states that precise details regarding the court branch that issued the sentences have not been disclosed. However, it is believed that the rulings were issued by one of the Revolutionary Courts in Karaj on charges such as “assembly and collusion against national security.”

The three prisoners were reportedly subjected to repeated beatings during their detention and were held for ten days in solitary confinement at an undisclosed location. During this period, they were denied access to legal counsel and family visits. Their physical and psychological condition was reported to be poor.

These individuals originally from Dareh Shahr in Ilam Province and residing in Karaj, were arrested by security forces on January 8 and 9, 2026, in connection with the nationwide 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 Protests: Benjamin Naghdi Sentenced to Death

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Executions, Freedom of Expression, News
Benjamin Naghdi, HRANA, moharebeh, Mostafa Nili, بنیامین نقدی

HRANA – Benjamin Naghdi, arrested during the nationwide protests of 2026, has been sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz on the charge of “spreading corruption on earth” (efsad-e fel-arz). His attorney, Mostafa Nili, has announced that he will appeal the verdict before the Supreme Court.

According to HRANA, citing Emtedad, Benjamin Naghdi, who was arrested during the nationwide protests in January 2026, has been sentenced to death.

According to Mr. Naghdi’s lawyer, Mostafa Nili, he was initially charged with “attempted murder,” but the charge was later changed to “enmity against God” (moharebeh). Following the completion of the preliminary investigation, an indictment was issued against him on charges including “enmity against God,” “membership in groups disrupting national security,” “assembly and collusion against national security,” and “propaganda against the regime.” At the same time, the charges of “causing bodily harm to law enforcement officers” and “carrying a cold weapon” were dismissed, and no prosecution was pursued on those counts.

Mr. Nili further stated that the court judges determined that all of the alleged offenses constituted “spreading corruption on earth” and, on that basis, issued a death sentence for his client.

The attorney also said that he and his colleagues will file an appeal within the legal deadline. He expressed hope that, given that no individuals were injured during the incident, the Supreme Court would overturn the sentence.

According to the defense lawyer, Mr. Naghdi was arrested in Shiraz on January 3, 2026, for “igniting a fire extinguisher and directing it toward law enforcement officers.”

Before his arrest, Benjamin Naghdi was active in kickboxing and Muay Thai and had won championship titles in competitions in those disciplines.

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: Khashayar Rezvani Sentenced to Over 4 Years in Prison

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

HRANA – Khashayar Rezvani, one of those arrested during the nationwide protests of 2026, has been sentenced by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court to four years and three months in prison, along with a two-year ban on leaving the country and engaging in online activities.

According to HRANA, Khashayar Rezvani has been sentenced to imprisonment and additional punitive measures.

The verdict was recently issued by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court. Judge Iman Afshari sentenced Mr. Rezvani to three years and seven months of discretionary imprisonment on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security,” and an additional eight months of discretionary imprisonment for “propaganda against the regime.” Under the ruling, he was also sentenced to a two-year ban on leaving Iran and participating in online activities as supplementary punishments.

According to the court ruling, a copy of which has been obtained by HRANA, allegations cited against him include “composing poems in support of those killed during the protests, communicating with foreign media outlets, and maintaining contacts with groups opposed to the government.”

Mr. Rezvani was arrested during the nationwide protests in January 2026. He spent a period of detention in Evin Prison and was later transferred to Greater Tehran Penitentiary. He was ultimately released on March 16, 2026, after posting bail set at 5 billion tomans.

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

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Report on the Arrest of Homeyra and Shalir Aminpour in Bukan

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Freedom of Expression, News
Bukan, Homeyra Aminpour, Shalir Aminpour

HRANA – Homeyra Aminpour and Shalir Aminpour, two sisters residing in Bukan, were arrested by security forces on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, and transferred to an undisclosed location.

According to Kolbar News, Homeyra Aminpour and Shiler Aminpour were arrested in Bukan. Based on the report, the two sisters were arrested by security forces at their homes on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Security agents also searched their residences and confiscated a number of their personal belongings.

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

Homeyra Aminpour, 50, and Shalir Aminpour are both residents of Bukan.

Judicial Cases Opened Against 40 Citizens in Shemiranat for Using Starlink Internet

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Starlink

HRANA – The commander of the Al-Ghadir Basij District in Shemiranat, Tehran province, announced that since March 21, 2026, 40 Starlink satellite internet devices have been discovered in the county, and judicial cases have been opened against their owners.

According to HRANA, citing IRNA, judicial cases have been opened against 40 citizens in Shemiranat for possessing Starlink satellite internet equipment.

The commander of the Al-Ghadir Basij Resistance District in Lavasan and Rudbar-e Qasran, Shemiranat, stated that since March 21, 2026, 40 Starlink satellite internet devices have been discovered in villas, recreational complexes, and eco-lodges located in Lavasan, Oushan, Fasham, and Meygun.

According to Hassan Pourqorban, judicial cases have been filed against the owners of the confiscated devices, and they have been referred to the judicial authorities.

Two Yarsan Followers Killed in Shooting by Security Forces

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
irgc, Kermanshah, Meysam Veisi, Mojtaba Veisi, Yarsan faith

HRANA – Meysam and Mojtaba Veisi, two citizens and followers of the Yarsan faith who had been pursued by security forces in connection with the January 2026 protests, were killed this morning after being targeted in a shooting by the IRGC Intelligence Organization in a village in Dalahoo County.

According to HRANA, two brothers were killed following a shooting by IRGC forces. The identities of the victims have been reported as Meysam Veisi and Mojtaba Veisi, two brothers and followers of the Yarsan faith, each of whom was the father of one child.

Since the protests of January 2026, the two brothers had been wanted by security forces for arrest and had been hiding in the village of Qal’eh Kahvash, located in Dalahoo County in Kermanshah Province. On the morning of yesterday, May 28, 2026, agents of the IRGC Intelligence Organization opened fire on their hiding place, resulting in the deaths of both men.

In this regard, Kurdpa reported that the bodies of the two citizens have not yet been returned to their families. The report also states that Mojtaba Veisi had been summoned by security institutions via telephone in recent months; however, because he had not received a written summons, he had declined to appear before those authorities.

Mojtaba Veisi had previously been arrested due to his activities.

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.

Yasamin Dashtani, Defendant in the Case Known as Ekbatan Town, Sentenced to Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Yasamin Dashtani, یاسمین دشتانی

HRANA – Yasamin Dashtani, one of the defendants in the case known as “Ekbatan Town,” has been sentenced by Judge Salavati to five years in prison along with additional punishments.

According to HRANA, Yasamin Dashtani, one of the defendants in the so-called “Ekbatan Town” case, has been sentenced to imprisonment.

Based on a ruling issued by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, and formally communicated to Ms. Dashtani, she was sentenced to five years in prison on the charge of “assembly and collusion to commit crimes against national security.” She was also sentenced to a two-year ban on membership in political parties and groups, a two-year ban on residing in Tehran and Alborz provinces, and a two-year ban on online activities.

Yasamin Dashtani  was arrested by security forces on December 18, 2022. After the completion of interrogation procedures, she was released on bail on December 20 of the same year.

A Review of the “Ekbatan Town” Case and the Status of the Defendants

In early November 2022, during the nationwide protests and following the killing of a Basij member named Arman Aliverdi in Ekbatan Town, at least 50 young residents of the town were arrested by security and law enforcement forces. Among them, indictments were issued against 14 individuals: Milad Armoun, Seyed Mohammadmehdi Hosseini, Mehdi Imani, Alireza Kafaei, Amirmohammad Khosh-Eghbal, Alireza Barmarz Pournak, Hossein Nemati, Yasamin Dashtani, Amir Mehdi Rezaei, Erfan Rezaei, Gholamreza Nabi Gol, Sara Azhdari, Arya Pakzad, and Mohammadreza Eftekhar. Other detained youths were later released after cases against them were dismissed due to lack of evidence.

An informed source told HRANA: “During the prosecutor’s office stage, dismissal orders were issued for Amir Mehdi Rezaei, Erfan Rezaei, Gholamreza Nabi Gol, Sara Azhdari, Arya Pakzad, and Mohammadreza Eftekhar.”

In November 2024, Milad Armoun, Alireza Kafaei, Amirmohammad Khosh-Eghbal, Navid Najaran, Hossein Nemati, and Alireza Barmarz Pournak, defendants in the “Ekbatan Town” case, were each sentenced to death by Branch 13 of the Tehran Criminal Court. Later, in September 2025, the Supreme Court overturned these death sentences. In late May 2026, new rulings were issued for these defendants by Branch 13 of Tehran Province Criminal Court One. According to the new verdicts, Milad Armoun, Alireza Kafaei, and Amirmohammad Khosh-Eghbal were each sentenced to pay an equal share of the full blood money (diya) for one person and to serve five years in prison on charges of participation in intentional murder. Meanwhile, Alireza Barmarz Pournak, Hossein Nemati, and Navid Najaran were acquitted of participation in intentional murder due to lack of evidence proving they inflicted injuries on a specific part of Arman Aliverdi’s body.

Another part of the defendants’ cases was reviewed by the Revolutionary Court, and verdicts were issued by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati. On May 24, 2026, these verdicts were verbally communicated to the defendants. Milad Armoun, Navid Najaran, Mehdi Imani, and Seyed Mohammadmehdi Hosseini were sentenced to death on charges of “enmity against God” (moharebeh). In addition, Amirmohammad Khosh-Eghbal, Alireza Barmarz Pournak, Alireza Kafaei, and Hossein Nemati were each sentenced to five years in prison on charges of assembly and collusion, two years in prison for propaganda against the regime, a two-year ban on online activities, and a two-year ban on residing in Tehran and Alborz provinces.

Manizheh Khoshnoud Arrested by Security Forces in Bukan

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Freedom of Expression, News
Bukan, Manizheh Khoshnoud, منیژه خوشنود

HRANA  – Manizheh Khoshnoud, a resident of Bukan, was arrested by security forces on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, and transferred to an undisclosed location.

According to a report by Kurdpa, security forces arrested Ms. Khoshnoud at her home without presenting a judicial warrant. Agents also confiscated her laptop, mobile phone, and several of her books.

So far, no information has been obtained regarding the reasons for her arrest or her place of detention.

Manizheh Khoshnoud, 56, a resident of Bukan, had previously been sentenced in October 2024 by Branch 101 of the Second Criminal Court of Bukan County to 10 months in prison on the charge of “propaganda against the regime.” She had earlier been arrested by security forces on July 31, 2024, and was released from Bukan Prison after 37 days upon posting bail.