Category: Freedom of Expression

Nationwide Protests: A Report on the Arrest of 17 Individuals in Various Cities

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ali Bashtani, Dana Motouri, Erfan Azizi, Esmail Sanaei, Esmail Soltanabadi, Farshad Mahdavi, Fatemeh Namani, Jaber Soltanian, Mohammad Javad Sanaei, Mohammad Mehdi Pirdeh, Nader Rabeh, Sabah Karimi

HRANA – This report covers the arrest of 17 individuals in connection with the recent protests by security forces. Among them, five have been released on bail.

Based on information received by HRANA, Esmail Sanaei and Mohammad Javad Sanaei were arrested in Mashhad; Fatemeh Namani, Ali Bashtani, and Esmail Soltanabadi in Sabzevar; and Dana Motavari in Abadan, in connection with recent protests. Among these citizens, Esmail Sanaei and his brother Mohammad Javad Sanaei were arrested on January 16, while Ali Bashtani and Fatemeh Namani were arrested on February 25.

On the other hand, five citizens who had previously been arrested in connection with the protests were released on bail. Moslem Norouzian and Ali Ansarifar were released from Mashhad Prison, while Saeed Kalateh Seifari and Ali Ehteshami-Rad were released from Sabzevar Prison. Mohammad Robatjazi, who had previously been arrested in Varamin, has also been released.

Furthermore, Kurdpa News Agency reported the arrest of six individuals in cities across Ilam Province. According to the report, Mohammad Mehdi Pirdeh, 18, from Dareh Shahr, was arrested on February 20; Jaber Soltanian from Chardavol on February 21; Erfan Azizi from Helilan on February 22; Sabah Karimi from Malekshahi on February 23; and Farshad Mahdavi, 25, along with Nader Rabeh, both from Malekshahi, on February 24, all by security forces.

The report states that Mr. Rabeh was suffering from severe thigh injuries at the time of his arrest, a matter that has heightened his relatives’ concerns about his physical condition and fate.

So far, no information has been obtained regarding the charges brought against these citizens or their place of detention.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025. After two days, the protests expanded beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these demonstrations became one of the most widespread protests in recent years. Following the suppression of the protests by law enforcement and security forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security institutions. For further information, refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “The Crimson Winter: A 50 Day Record of Iran’s 2025–2026 Nationwide Protests.”

Nationwide Protests: Report on the Arrest of 12 Teachers in Various Cities

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Freedom of Expression, Labor and Guilds, News
Ahanali Jahandideh, Amin Brizi, Firooz Brizi, Foruzan Yektaei, Hossein Khaleghi, Mehrdad Faribarzi, Moslem Parvizi, Rahmatollah Khodavandi, Shokrallah Ahmadi

HRANA – Foruzan Yektaei in Rasht; Hossein Khaleghi and Ahanali Jahandideh in Darab; Shokrallah Ahmadi in Nurabad Mamasani; Rahmatollah Khodavandi, Moslem Parvizi, Firooz Brizi, Mehrdad Faribarzi, and Amin Brizi in Zarin Dasht; and Hadi Monfared, Hassan Jafari, and Jafar Taheri in Qir and Karzin were arrested by security forces on January 8 and 9 in connection with nationwide protests. Of these 12 employed and retired teachers, Foruzan Yektaei, Hossein Khaleghi, and Ahanali Jahandideh remain in detention, while the other nine have been released on bail.

Based on this report, on January 8 and 9, Hossein Khaleghi and Ahanali Jahandideh, both retired teachers in Darab; Shokrallah Ahmadi, a teachers’ union activist in Nurabad Mamasani; Rahmatollah Khodavandi (retired teacher), Moslem Parvizi, Firooz Brizi, Mehrdad Faribarzi, and Amin Brizi (teachers) in Zarin Dasht; Hadi Monfared (teacher); and Hassan Jafari and Jafar Taheri (both retired teachers) in Qir and Karzin were arrested by security forces in connection with the January protests. Among these 11 teachers, Hossein Khaleghi and Ahanali Jahandideh remain in detention, while the other nine have been released on bail.

Additionally, Foruzan Yektaei, a teacher residing in Rasht, was arrested by security forces in the city on January 9. Following her arrest, she was transferred to Lakan Prison in Rasht and remains there in a state of uncertainty. Despite the family’s follow-ups with security and judicial authorities, officials have so far refused to grant her release on bail.

As of now, no information has been obtained regarding the charges brought against these teachers or the place of detention of Hossein Khaleghi and Ahanali Jahandideh.

Among them, Shokrallah Ahmadi, a teachers’ union activist, has previously faced judicial action due to his activities.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025. After two days, the protests expanded beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these demonstrations became one of the most widespread protests in recent years. Following the suppression of the protests by law enforcement and security forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security institutions. For further information, refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “The Crimson Winter: A 50 Day Record of Iran’s 2025–2026 Nationwide Protests.”

Four Citizens Arrested in Separate Incidents Across Iran, Held in Uncertainty

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Freedom of Expression, News
Hamed Raisi, Iranshahr, Javad Ebrahimi, Mahsa Shafiei Moghaddam, Nooshin Manshadi, Yasuj

HRANA – Nooshin Manshadi, a resident of Yazd, and Hamed Raisi, a resident of Iranshahr, were recently arrested by security forces and transferred to an undisclosed location. Meanwhile, Mahsa Shafiei Moghaddam, a resident of Yasuj, and Javad Ebrahimi, a resident of Chaboksar, were arrested in January and remain in a state of uncertainty. Mahsa Shafiei Moghaddam is currently being held in Yasuj Prison.

Based on information received by HRANA, 40-year-old Nooshin Manshadi was arrested on February 22 at her residence in Yazd County by security forces and transferred to an undisclosed location. Hamed Raisi was also arrested by security forces on February 20 in Iranshahr and taken to an unknown location.

A source close to Mahsa Shafiei’s family confirmed to HRANA that she was arrested by security agents in Yasuj on January 8. She is currently being held in a state of uncertainty in Yasuj Prison.

Additionally, Hyrcani News reported that 18-year-old Javad Ebrahimi, a resident of Chaboksar, was arrested during the nationwide protests in January in the city. According to the report, there is still no information regarding his place of detention, and he has been subjected to pressure to obtain forced confessions.

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the charges brought against these individuals.

Mahsa Shafiei Moghaddam has previously been arrested and faced judicial action due to her activities.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025. After two days, the protests expanded beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these demonstrations became one of the most widespread protests in recent years. Following the suppression of the protests by law enforcement and security forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security institutions. For further information, refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “The Crimson Winter: A 50 Day Record of Iran’s 2025–2026 Nationwide Protests.”

Amin Masouri Sentenced to Imprisonment and Exile

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Freedom of Expression, News
Amin Masouri, HRANA, Khorramabad

HRANA – Amin Masouri, a writer and researcher, has been sentenced by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Khorramabad to one year of discretionary imprisonment and two years of internal exile to the city of Sarakhs.

Based on information received by HRANA, Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Khorramabad convicted Mr. Masouri on the charge of propaganda activities in favor of groups and organizations opposed to the regime, sentencing him to one year of discretionary imprisonment and two years of exile to Sarakhs. The verdict has been formally served to him in person.

Amin Masouri was arrested in August of 2025 by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence in Khorramabad and was later transferred to Parsilon Prison in the city. He was ultimately released on September 15 after posting bail set at 5 billion rials.

Amin Masouri has previously faced arrest and judicial action due to his activities.

Nationwide Protests: Report on the Arrest of 13 Citizens in Various Cities

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Ahmad Tamouei, Ali Ansari, Ali Sharifzadeh, Elias Jahannoush, Farhad Salari, Farshad Salari, IRGC Intelligence, Lakan prison, Leila Bakhshandehfar, Mohammad Kalmishi, Mousa al-Reza Meshkani, Raham Rahimi, Saeed Gharagholi, Vakilabad

HRANA – In connection with the recent nationwide protests, security forces have arrested 13 individuals. Some of those detained have since been released, while information regarding the charges against these individuals remains unclear.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mousa al-Reza Meshkani was arrested on January 10 in Meshkan, a district of Sabzevar, and is currently being held in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. Ali Sharifzadeh (Eizi), Saeed Gharagholi, and Mohammad Kalmishi were arrested in Sabzevar on January 8 (18 Dey), February 11, and January 9, respectively. Ali Sharifzadeh was transferred to Mashhad Prison, while Saeed Gharagholi and Mohammad Kalmishi are still being held in Sabzevar Prison. Reza Gerami was arrested on February 14 in Joghatai and is currently detained in the city’s prison.

Raham Rahimi, Elias Jahannoush, Ali Ansari, and Farshad and Farhad Salari, other residents of Sabzevar, were released on Tuesday, February 24, from Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad after posting bail.

Leila Bakhshandehfar, who had been arrested on January 3 by the Mashhad Intelligence Office, was also released yesterday from Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. She had previously been sentenced by a judicial authority to four years and six months of discretionary imprisonment. The sentence was initially converted to a fine of 140 million tomans in lieu of imprisonment. Ultimately, taking into account her detention period and submission to the verdict, the amount was reduced to 70 million tomans.

Additionally, the Kurdpa news outlet reported that in the early hours of Monday, February 23, Ahmad Tamouei, a former political prisoner from Salmas County, was arrested by security forces in Tehran and taken to an undisclosed location. Mr. Tamouei has previously served prison sentences due to his activities.

Hyrcani media also reported that Sohrab Kolthoumi, 32, a resident of Rasht, was arrested by security forces at his home in the city on January 25.

According to the report, following his arrest, he was held for 26 days at an IRGC Intelligence detention facility, where he was interrogated and beaten. He was then transferred for a short time to the triage ward of Lakan Prison in Rasht. He was subsequently removed from the prison and transferred back to the IRGC Intelligence detention facility. Concerns have increased regarding continued pressure to extract a forced confession and about his physical condition.

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the charges brought against these individuals.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025. After two days, the protests expanded beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these demonstrations became one of the most widespread protests in recent years. Following the suppression of the protests by law enforcement and security forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security institutions. For further information, refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “The Crimson Winter: A 50 Day Record of Iran’s 2025–2026 Nationwide Protests.”

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Nationwide Protests: Two Citizens Each Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison and Additional Penalties

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Amir Mehdi Raki Salimi, Armin Hassani Moghaddam, HRANA, Izeh, Sheyban Prison

HRANA – Armin Hassani Moghaddam and Amir Mehdi Raki Salimi, detainees of recent nationwide protests currently held in Sheyban Prison in Ahvaz, have each been sentenced by Branch One of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court to 10 years in prison, a two-year travel ban, and one year of mandatory attendance at the Headquarters for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.

Hossein Ali Hatami, the defense attorney of Mr. Hassani Moghaddam, told HRANA that previously the prosecutor’s office had issued an indictment against the two citizens on charges of “disrupting public order and peace through participation in protests.” However, Branch One of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court, without regard to the issued indictment and citing the Law on Intensifying the Punishment for Espionage and Cooperation with the State of Israel, sentenced each of them to 10 years in prison, a two-year ban on leaving the country, and one year of mandatory attendance at the Headquarters for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice in Izeh.

The verdict was issued on February 17. This attorney added that in the case of Armin Hosseini Moghaddam, upon formally declaring his representation, in addition to objecting to the detention order, he has also filed an appeal request.

Mr. Hassani Moghaddam and Mr. Raki Salimi were arrested on February 8 during the nationwide protests in the Koshtargah district of Izeh by security forces and were transferred to Sheyban Prison in Ahvaz.

Hassani Moghaddam, is the father of one child. Both were employed in the field of manufacturing and installing wooden products (MDF) prior to their arrest.

Milad Bakhtiari Receives 20-Month Prison Term

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Freedom of Expression, News
Hourieh Farajzadeh Tarani, HRANA, Karaj, Milad Bakhtiari, Shahram Farajzadeh

HRANA – Milad Bakhtiari, a resident of Karaj, has been sentenced to 20 months in prison by Branch Two of the Revolutionary Court of this city.

Based on information received by HRANA, Branch Two of the Karaj Revolutionary Court sentenced him to a total of 20 months in prison on charges of “propaganda against the regime” and “assembly and collusion.”

An informed source close to Mr. Bakhtiari’s family confirmed the news to HRANA and stated: “Milad Bakhtiari has objected to the verdict issued by the Revolutionary Court, and the case is currently under review for reconsideration. He is presently being held in Ward Two of Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.”

Mr. Bakhtiari was arrested on Friday, January 9, on one of the streets of Karaj and was transferred to an undisclosed location. He was ultimately transferred to Ghezel Hesar Prison on January 11.

Milad Bakhtiari, 29, is the son of Hourieh Farajzadeh Tarani and the nephew of Shahram Farajzadeh, who was killed during the violent events following the tenth presidential election on Ashura in 2009.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began on Sunday, December 28, 2025, in Tehran. After two days, the protests expanded beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these demonstrations became one of the most widespread protests in 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 institutions. For more information about these protests, refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report.

Report on the Arrest of Six Citizens by Security Forces in Sari

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Freedom of Expression, News
Hoda Fori, irgc, Maryam Mirzaei, Meysam Yazdani, Nika Mahmoudi, Omid Zabihi, Sanaz Jahantigh, Sari

HRANA – Hoda Fori, Maryam Mirzaei, Nika Mahmoudi, and Meysam Yazdani were arrested on Sunday, February 22, and Omid Zabihi was arrested on Saturday, February 21, by IRGC Intelligence agents in Sari and transferred to undisclosed locations. Meanwhile, Sanaz Jahantigh, another resident of Sari, has been in detention for more than a month, and no information has been obtained regarding her fate or place of detention.

Based on information received by HRANA, Sanaz Jahantigh has been detained in Sari for over a month, and no information has yet been obtained about her place of detention. Omid Zabihi was arrested on Saturday, February 21. In addition, Hoda Fori, Maryam Mirzaei, Nika Mahmoudi, and Meysam Yazdani were arrested yesterday. These individuals were detained by IRGC Intelligence agents in Sari. The reason for their arrest has been reported as their activities on social media and participation in ceremonies commemorating those killed during the January protests.

It should be noted that Meysam Yazdani is the maternal uncle of Mohammad Javad Zahedi, one of those killed during the 2022 protests.

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the charges brought against these six citizens or their place of detention.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began on Sunday, December 28, 2025, in Tehran. After two days, the protests expanded beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these demonstrations became one of the most widespread protests in 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 institutions. For more information about these protests, refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report.

Nationwide Protests: Nima Hassankhani Sentenced to Imprisonment and Other Penalties

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Izeh, Nima Hassankhani, Sheiban Prison

HRANA – Nima Hassankhani, one of those arrested during recent nationwide protests, has been sentenced by Branch One of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court to two years of imprisonment, a two-year travel ban, and one year of mandatory attendance at the Headquarters for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.

Based on the ruling issued by Branch One of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court, Mr. Hassankhani was sentenced to two years in prison, a two-year ban on leaving the country, and one year of mandatory presence at the Headquarters for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice on charges of “propaganda against the regime” and “disrupting public order and peace through participation in protests.”

Hossein-Ali Hatami, an attorney-at-law, told HRANA that in Nima Hassankhani’s case, upon formally declaring his representation, he has not only objected to the detention order but has also filed an appeal request.

Nima Hassankhani, a bodybuilding athlete and a shopkeeper in the city of Izeh, was arrested on February 7, 2026, during protests in the city and was subsequently transferred to Sheiban Prison in Ahvaz.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began on Sunday, December 28, 2025, in Tehran. After two days, the protests expanded beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these demonstrations became one of the most widespread protests in 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 institutions. For more information about these protests, refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report.

Charge of “Enmity Against God” Brought Against 18-Year-Old Protester Danial Niazi in Shirvan

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Freedom of Expression, News
Danial Niazi, HRANA, Shirvan County

HRANA – The Criminal Court Two of Shirvan County has rejected the appeal filed by 18-year-old protester Danial Niazi against his temporary detention order and upheld his continued detention in a case that includes charges such as moharebeh (“enmity against God”), an accusation that, if proven, can carry severe punishments, including the death penalty.

The case was initially opened at Branch Two of the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Shirvan, North Khorasan province, where a temporary detention order was issued against him. According to available documents, the investigating judge has charged Mr. Niazi with offenses including “enmity against God” (moharebeh), “complicity in attempted intentional murder,” “complicity in intentional assault and battery,” “membership in a gathering of more than three persons against public order,” “disrupting public order,” and “propaganda against the regime.” These charges were brought based on a private complaint and a report by law enforcement authorities.

Following the defendant’s objection to his detention, the case was reviewed by Branch 103 of the Criminal Court Two of Shirvan. Citing Articles 241 and 242 of the Criminal Procedure Code, the court rejected the appeal and fully upheld the detention order.

In its ruling, the court referred to the “severity of the charges,” the “degree of punishment associated with the alleged crimes,” the “necessity of ensuring security and public order,” the “report of judicial officers,” the “severity of injuries inflicted on the complainants,” and the “risk of flight by the defendant,” and deemed the continued detention of the 18-year-old protester justified on these grounds.

However, at this stage, only serious charges have been brought against this protester, and the court has rejected his appeal against detention based on the gravity of these accusations and their potential penalties. A substantive hearing and final judgment on the charges have not yet taken place.

According to information received by HRANA, during his detention this citizen has been subjected to pressure in order to obtain forced confessions. HRANA’s findings indicate that these confessions were extracted under circumstances in which the young protester did not have free access to a lawyer of his choosing.

Danial Niazi, a resident of Shirvan, was arrested with the use of violence by security forces at his family home on January 12, 2026. As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding his current place of detention.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began on Sunday, December 28, 2025, in Tehran. After two days, the protests expanded beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these demonstrations became one of the most widespread protests in 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 institutions. For more information about these protests, refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report.