Category: Freedom of Expression

Appeals Court Upholds Prison Sentence of Teachers’ Union Activist Mohammad Hassan Davoudi

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Freedom of Expression, Labor and Guilds, News
Miandoab, Mohammad Hassan Davoudi, Teachers union activist

HRANA – The prison sentence of Mohammad Hassan Davoudi, a teachers’ union activist, has been upheld in full by Branch 23 of the West Azerbaijan Province Appeals Court. He had previously been sentenced by the Miandoab Revolutionary Court to three years, four months, and two days in prison.

The ruling was issued on December 15 by Branch 23 of the West Azerbaijan Province Appeals Court and was recently communicated to him. Based on the verdict, Mr. Davoudi was sentenced to seven months and 16 days of discretionary imprisonment on the charge of “propaganda against the regime,” and to 32 months and 16 days in prison on the charge of “membership in anti-regime groups,” amounting in total to three years, four months, and two days of imprisonment. Pursuant to Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the harsher sentence, 32 months and 16 days of imprisonment, will be enforceable.

In November of this year, the initial ruling had been issued by Rasoul Hejbarzadeh, a judge of the Miandoab Revolutionary Court, stationed at Branch 103 of Criminal Court Two of the city.

Mr. Davoudi was arrested by security forces in Miandoab in October-November 2022. He was ultimately released on bail after two months in detention.

Mohammad Hassan Davoudi, a teachers’ union activist residing in Miandoab, has previously faced arrests and judicial actions due to his activities.

Sunni Cleric Mohammad Salehi Sentenced to Five Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News, Religious Minorities
Bukan, Mohammad Salehi, Urmia prison

HRANA – Mohammad Salehi, a Sunni cleric imprisoned in Urmia Prison, has been sentenced to five years of discretionary imprisonment by Branch Two of the Revolutionary Court of Urmia.

The ruling was recently issued by Branch Two of the Urmia Revolutionary Court and communicated to this Sunni cleric inside Urmia Prison. Based on the judge’s verdict, Mr. Salehi was sentenced to five years of discretionary imprisonment on the charge of membership in groups, associations, or organizations with the intent to disrupt national security.

Mohammad Salehi was arrested by security forces in Bukan in March 2025. After two months, he was transferred from The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility in Urmia to Urmia Prison. During his detention, this citizen was denied access to a lawyer and the right to family visits.

Mohammad Salehi is a Sunni cleric and the prayer leader of the mosque in the village of Kaldageh, Bukan.

Appeals Court: Mojtaba Maleki Sentenced to Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Mojtaba Maleki, Qom, مجتبی کلیری

HRANA – The prison sentence of Mojtaba Maleki Kaliri, a resident of Qom, was amended by Branch 11 of the provincial Appeals Court to 23 months and one day. He had previously been sentenced to 24 months in prison by the Revolutionary Court at the preliminary stage.

Based on the ruling issued by Branch 11 of the Qom Province Appeals Court and communicated to this citizen, he was sentenced to 15 months and one day in prison on charges of “insulting the founder of the Islamic Republic” and “insulting the Supreme Leader,” and to eight months in prison for “propaganda against the regime.” Pursuant to Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the harsher sentence, 15 months and one day of imprisonment, will be enforceable.

He had previously been sentenced at the preliminary stage by Branch 1 of the Qom Revolutionary Court, presided over by Ali Akbar Ansari, to 24 months in prison, including 16 months for insulting Imam Khomeini and the Supreme Leader, and eight months for propaganda against the regime. The case was opened against him due to content he published on his personal page.

On September 13 of 2025, he was summoned to Branch 11 of the Qom Prosecutor’s Office, arrested after an indictment was issued, and transferred to Qom Prison. He was ultimately released after one day upon posting bail.

Mojtaba Maleki Kaliri is 35 years old and a resident of Qom County.

Arrest of Morteza Keyvanlou and Mohammad Kargar Following Attendance at the Seventh-Day Memorial of Khosrow Alikordi

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Freedom of Expression, News
Khosrow Alikordi, Mashhad, Mohammad Kargar, Morteza Keyvanlou

HRANA – Mohammad Kargar and Morteza (Keyvan) Keyvanlou were arrested for attending the seventh-day memorial ceremony of Khosrow Alikordi, a lawyer. Mr. Kargar is currently being held in Sabzevar Prison, while no information has yet been obtained regarding the whereabouts of Mr. Keyvanlou, who was arrested in the city of Joghtay.

Based on information received by HRANA, on December 23, 2025, Morteza Keyvanlou, a resident of Joghtay, Razavi Khorasan Province, was arrested by security forces at his private residence and transferred to an undisclosed location. During the arrest, officers confiscated the mobile phones of his wife and his 13-year-old daughter. In recent days, he had also been summoned by phone to the Police Intelligence and Security Office of Joghtay County.

Additionally, Mohammad Kargar was arrested by security forces in Mashhad on Friday, December 12, during the seventh-day memorial ceremony for Khosrow Alikordi. He was initially transferred to Vakil Abad Prison in Mashhad and later moved to Sabzevar Prison. Thirteen days after his arrest, no bail has yet been set for his temporary release.

As of now, no information is available regarding the charges brought against these two citizens or the location of Mr. Keyvanlou’s detention.

Morteza (Keyvan) Keyvanlou Shahrestanaki, aged approximately 42, is the father of two daughters. He has previously served a prison sentence due to his activities.
Mohammad Kargar is a resident of Sabzevar.

Azerbaijani-Turk Activist Salar Taher Afshar Sentenced to One-Year Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Evin Prison, Salar Taher Afshar, Sharifeh Mohammadi, Varisheh Moradi

HRANA – Salar Taher Afshar, an Azerbaijani-Turk activist currently imprisoned in Evin Prison, has been sentenced to one year in prison by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court in connection with a new case opened against him during his incarceration.

Based on a verdict issued and served on December 20, 2025 by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, Mr. Taher Afshar was sentenced to one year of imprisonment on the charge of “propaganda against the regime.”

This case was opened following his signing of a statement protesting the issuance of death sentences against Sharifeh Mohammadi, Varisheh Moradi, and Pakhshan Azizi, as well as protesting the death of Somayeh Rashidi in Qarchak Prison in Varamin during her incarceration.

On February 18, 2025, this Azerbaijani-Turk activist was arrested by Intelligence Department forces in Urmia and transferred to the IRGC Intelligence detention facility in Tabriz. A few days later, Branch 36 of the Tehran Province Court of Appeal sentenced him to five years in prison on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security.” He was ultimately released on bail from Tabriz Prison on March 2025.
On April 6, this Azerbaijani-Turk activist was arrested after appearing at the Enforcement of Judgments Branch of the Evin Prosecutor’s Office and was transferred to Evin Prison to serve his sentence.

Salar Taher Afshar, an Azerbaijani-Turk activist, has previously faced arrests and convictions due to his activities.

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Mehdi Sadr Hafez Arrested in Mashhad

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Khosrow Alikordi, Mashhad, Seyed Mehdi Sadr Hafez

HRANA – Seyed Mehdi Sadr Hafez, a resident of Mashhad, was arrested by security forces on Tuesday, December 23, and transferred to Soroush Detention Center.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mr. Sadr Hafez was arrested yesterday by agents of the Mashhad Ministry of Intelligence and transferred to Soroush Detention Center. A source close to his family, confirming the arrest, told HRANA: “The arrest of this civil activist followed his participation in the seventh-day memorial ceremony for Khosrow Alikordi. His case is open at Branch 905 of the Mashhad Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office. Mr. Sadr Hafez is facing charges including propaganda against the regime and assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security.”

Seyed Mehdi Sadr Hafez is a resident of Mashhad and the father of two children. Prior to his arrest, he was working in the taxi transportation sector. He has previously been arrested and served prison time due to his activities.

It is worth noting that the seventh-day memorial ceremony for Khosrow Alikordi was held on December 12, at Ghadir Mosque in Mashhad with a large public turnout. Participants chanted protest slogans during the ceremony. Following the intervention of law enforcement forces, the gathering turned violent and multiple confrontations occurred with those present. On the same day, the Mashhad prosecutor stated that a total of 50 people were arrested in connection with the ceremony, adding that 19 of them have so far been released.

Kamal Ja’fari Yazdi Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison on Political Charges

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Freedom of Expression, News
Kamal Jafari Yazdi, Mashhad, Vakilabad

HRANA – Kamal Ja’fari Yazdi, a political defendant, has been sentenced by Branch Two of the Mashhad Revolutionary Court to a total of 18 years in prison.

On December 8, 2025, a verdict was issued by Branch Two of the Mashhad Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Hassan Vaziri, and it was communicated to Mr. Ja’fari Yazdi today, December 24. Based on the ruling, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison on the charge of “forming a group with the intent to disrupt national security,” five years in prison for “membership in opposition groups,” two years in prison for “insulting the Supreme Leader,” and one year in prison on the charge of “propaganda against the regime.”

With the application of Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the severest punishment, 10 years of imprisonment, will be enforceable for this political defendant. The verdict is subject to appeal within 20 days of notification.

Mr. Ja’fari Yazdi was arrested on December 10, 2024, by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence in Mashhad and transferred to Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. He was later released from Vakilabad Prison on November 15 of 2025, after posting bail.

Kamal Ja’fari Yazdi has previously faced arrest and judicial action due to his activities.

Yahya Landarani Arrested in Sabzevar

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Khosrow Alikordi, Sabzevar, Yahya Landarani

HRANA – Yesterday, Yahya Landarani, a resident of Sabzevar, was arrested by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence in the city and transferred to an unknown location.

A source close to this citizen’s family, confirming the news, told HRANA: “On Tuesday, December 23, Mr. Landarani was arrested at his workplace in Sabzevar by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence and taken to an unknown location.”

Based on information received by HRANA, the arrest followed his participation in the seventh-day memorial ceremony for Khosrow Alikordi.

As of the time of this report, no information is available regarding his place of detention, the reasons for his arrest, or the charges brought against Mr. Landarani.

Yahya Landarani is a resident of Sabzevar and the father of two children.

It is worth noting that on Friday, December 12, the seventh-day memorial ceremony for Khosrow Alikordi, a lawyer and human rights defender, was held at Ghadir Mosque in Mashhad with a large public turnout. The ceremony was accompanied by protest chants from participants and ultimately turned violent following the intervention of law enforcement forces. During the incident, dozens of participants were arrested by security forces.

Mohsen Parish Sentenced to Prison and Additional Punishments

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
HRANA, Karaj Central Penitentiary, Mohsen Parish, محسن پریش

HRANA – Mohsen Parish, a political prisoner held in Karaj Central Penitentiary, has been sentenced by Branch Two of the Karaj Revolutionary Court to three years in prison along with additional punishments.

Based on the ruling issued by Branch Two of the Karaj Revolutionary Court, Mohsen Parish has been sentenced to a total of three years’ imprisonment. In addition, as supplementary punishments, he has been sentenced to a two-year travel ban, a two-year ban on membership in social groups and associations, and a two-year deprivation and dismissal from all government and public employment and services. This verdict was issued in connection with the charges of propaganda against the regime and insulting the Supreme Leader.

A court session addressing another part of the charges against Mohsen Parish was held on 20 December via video conference at Branch 103 of Criminal Court Two of Fardis County. Mr. Parish defended himself against the charges of insulting officers and disobeying law enforcement agents, and his defense lawyer was present at the hearing.

Mohsen Parish was arrested on October 21, by security forces in front of his home and transferred to Karaj Central Penitentiary. Following his arrest, officers prevented his family from being present at the prosecutor’s office. At the time of his transfer to prison, signs of injury to his elbow and neck were visible, and his mobile phone was confiscated by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence.

Mohsen Parish has previously faced arrest and judicial action due to his activities. He is among those injured during the November 2019 protests and was arrested in 2020. In a two-part case, he had been sentenced to imprisonment and flogging on charges including “insulting the Prophet, insulting religious sanctities, insulting the Supreme Leader, propaganda against the regime, and acting against national security through calling for demonstrations against the regime.” He was ultimately granted amnesty and released from prison in late 2022.

Qarchak Prosecutor Announces Arrest by IRGC Intelligence Forces

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
irgc, IRGC Intelligence, Qarchak

HRANA – The Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor of Qarchak County announced the arrest of an individual in the county by forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Intelligence Organization.

According to Mehr News Agency, the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor of Qarchak, Tehran province, claimed that the detainee was among “destabilizing elements affiliated with overseas-based currents and groups” and had engaged in “anti-security actions” within the county.

He added that the identification and arrest of this individual were carried out by IRGC intelligence forces.

The report does not mention the identity of the arrested person or the exact time of the arrest. Additionally, no information is available regarding the detainee’s place of custody or whether they have access to a lawyer or contact with family members.