Category: Freedom of Expression

Najmeh Amini Faces Death Sentence and Over 12 Years in Prison Following Arrest During January Protests

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Executions, Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
January 2026 Protests, Mashhad, Najmeh Amini, Vakilabad prison, نجمه امینی

HRANA – Najmeh Amini, arrested during the January 2026 protests, remains incarcerated in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. The 23-year-old student has been sentenced to more than 12 years in prison and death in two separate cases heard by the Revolutionary Court and the Criminal Court in Mashhad.

According to HRANA, Najmeh Amini is currently being held in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

A source close to Amini’s family confirmed this information and told HRANA about the judicial proceedings in her cases: “Following her arrest, she faced two separate legal cases, one heard by the Mashhad Revolutionary Court and the other by Criminal Court One. In the case heard by Criminal Court One, she was sentenced to death on charges of ‘insulting the Prophet.’ Initially, the charge against Ms. Amini in this case was described as ‘insulting the Imams,’ but the charge was subsequently changed during the judicial proceedings.”

The source added: “In a separate case, Branch One of the Mashhad Revolutionary Court sentenced Ms. Amini to a total of 12 years, six months, and one day in prison on charges including ‘acting against national security’ and ‘propaganda against the regime.'”

Recently, in an audio message from Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, Ms. Amini announced that the judiciary had issued her death sentence on September 16, 2026. In the message, she called on the United Nations, lawyers, human rights activists, and human rights organizations to review her case and demanded her right to a fair trial.

A court hearing concerning Ms. Amini’s charges was held in August of this year at the Mashhad Revolutionary Court. She was tried on charges of “assembly and collusion” and “insulting religious sanctities and the Imams.”

On January 31, 2026, Najmeh Amini was arrested by security forces at Ferdowsi Shopping Center in Mashhad during the January protests. She was subsequently transferred to Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

Najmeh Amini, 23, is an accounting student and a resident of Mashhad.

Background on the January 2026 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.

Mohammad Ahmadi Sentenced to 16 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Greater Tehran Prison, HRANA, Mohammad Ahmadi

HRANA – Mohammad Ahmadi, a political prisoner held in Greater Tehran Prison who was arrested amid war-related security developments, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison by Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

According to HRANA, Mohammad Ahmadi, a prisoner held in Greater Tehran Prison, has been sentenced to imprisonment.

Based on information received by HRANA, Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced Mr. Ahmadi to 16 years in prison on charges of “espionage.” The verdict was communicated to him in prison.

Ahmadi was arrested by security forces amid war-related security developments and subsequently transferred to Greater Tehran Prison.

HRANA is continuing its investigation into the details of his case, including the evidence cited by the court and whether he has had access to a lawyer of his choosing.

Mohammad Naderi Sentenced to Death

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Executions, Freedom of Expression, News
Greater Tehran Prison, HRANA, Mohammad Naderi

HRANA – Mohammad Naderi, a prisoner held in Greater Tehran Prison who was arrested amid war-related security developments, has been sentenced to death by Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court on charges of “espionage.”

According to HRANA, Mohammad Naderi, a prisoner held in Greater Tehran Prison, has been sentenced to death.

Based on information received by HRANA, Naderi was sentenced to death by Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court on charges of “espionage.”

He was arrested by security forces amid war-related security developments and transferred to Greater Tehran Prison.

HRANA’s investigation into the details of his case, including the evidence cited by the court and whether he has had access to a lawyer of his choosing, is ongoing.

Nine Attorneys in Gilan Sentenced to Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Gholamhossein Layeghi, Gilan province, Hesam Ahmadpour, HRANA, Kian Taherajaroud, Ladan Asefi-Rad, Masoumeh Pourshahrani, Mohammadreza Tak, Shadi Falahati, Tahereh Pour-Esmaeili

HRANA – Nine attorneys in Gilan Province have been sentenced by Branch 2 of the Rasht Revolutionary Court to a combined 14 years, seven months, and 15 days in prison.

According to HRANA, nine attorneys in Gilan Province have been sentenced to prison in connection with a joint case.

Masoumeh Pourshahrani, Tahereh Pour Esmaeili, Shadi Falahati, Gholamhossein Layeghi, Hesam Ahmadpour, Ladan Asefi-Rad, Mohammadreza Tak, Kian Taherajaroud, and Dalili (first name unknown) were each sentenced by Branch 2 of the Rasht Revolutionary Court to seven months and 15 days in prison on the charge of “propaganda against the regime” and 12 months in prison on the charge of “insulting the Supreme Leader and the founder of the Islamic Republic.”

Based on information received by HRANA, the sentences were issued against the attorneys recently. Another part of their case, concerning the charge of “insulting the sacred,” is also under review by Branch 2 of the Rasht Criminal Court.

Hesam Pourahmadi, Masoumeh Pourshahrani, and Tahereh Pour Esmaeili were arrested by security forces in Rasht during the second week of September 2025 and transferred to Lakan Prison in the city. The three attorneys were released on bail several days later.

Mohammadreza Tak was also arrested by security forces on August 30, 2025, and was released from Lakan Prison in Rasht in the second half of October that year.

Shadi Falahati was arrested by security forces on August 26, 2025, along with several other attorneys in Rasht, and was released sometime later.

HRANA recently published a detailed report titled “A Year of Pressure on Lawyers: At Least 135 Targeted by Judicial and Security Authorities” examining actions taken against attorneys between September 2025 and September 2026. According to data compiled in the report, at least 135 attorneys in Iran faced measures including arrests, summonses, prosecution, prison sentences, bans from practicing law, and travel bans.

Teachers’ Union Activist Hossein Salami Sentenced to One Year in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, Labor and Guilds, News
Hossein Salami, HRANA, Teachers union activist, حسین سلامی

HRANA – Hossein Salami, a teachers’ union activist in Mazandaran Province, has been sentenced to one year in prison by judicial authorities.

According to HRANA, citing the Coordinating Council of Iranian Teachers’ Trade Associations, Hossein Salami has been sentenced to prison.

According to the report, Salami was sentenced to one year in prison on charges of “propaganda against the regime” and “disturbing public opinion.”

The report states that the charges stem, in part, from Salami’s union and social activities, as well as certain statements he made regarding events related to the 2022 protests and the poisoning of school students.

Hossein Salami, a teachers’ union activist residing in Mazandaran Province, has previously faced security-related measures and arrest.

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Attorney Hamid Rahmani Manshadi Remains in Detention After Two Weeks in Yazd

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Freedom of Expression, News
Hamid Rahmani Manshadi, HRANA, Yazd University, حمید رحمانی

HRANA – Hamid Rahmani Manshadi, an attorney and law professor at Yazd University, was arrested by security forces in Yazd approximately two weeks ago after being summoned to and appearing in court.

According to HRANA, Hamid Rahmani Manshadi, an attorney and law professor at Yazd University, remains in detention.

Based on information received by HRANA, Rahmani was arrested by security forces in Yazd approximately two weeks ago, following a court summons and his subsequent appearance in court. His whereabouts remain unknown. Throughout his detention, he has been denied visits with his family and access to legal counsel.

At the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the reasons for his arrest or the charges brought against him.

Hamid Rahmani Manshadi, 45, is an attorney and law professor at Yazd University.

Attorney Hassan Younesi Sentenced to Prison and Additional Punishments

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Freedom of Expression, News
Hassan Younesi, HRANA, حسن یونسی

HRANA – Hassan Younesi, an attorney, was sentenced by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court to three years in prison, a ban on online activity, confiscation of his mobile phone, and a fine.

According to HRANA, Hassan Younesi has been sentenced to prison and additional punishments.

According to the verdict issued by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, he was sentenced to one year in prison on the charge of “propaganda against the regime” and two years in prison on the charge of “spreading falsehoods.” He was also ordered to pay a fine of 50 million tomans and was sentenced to a ban on online activity and confiscation of his mobile phone.

Mr. Younesi also wrote that his statements regarding the events of January 7 and 8, in connection with the January 2026 protests, were among the grounds for the charges against him.

A hearing on Mr. Younesi’s charges was held before the aforementioned branch on August 10, 2026.

Previously, an interrogation session for the attorney had been held at the Culture and Media Prosecutor’s Office. According to Mr. Younesi, the case was opened following a complaint filed against him by a security agency.

Hassan Younesi, an attorney and one of those arrested during the nationwide protests of 2022, has previously been summoned and arrested in connection with his activities.

Turkish Aid Worker Residing in Germany, Serkan Eren, Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison in Iran

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
HRANA, Serkan Eren, سرکان ارن

HRANA – Serkan Eren, a 42-year-old aid worker and Turkish citizen residing in Germany who has been detained in Iran for more than a year, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison by an Iranian court.

According to HRANA, citing Deutsche Welle Persian, Serkan Eren, an aid worker and Turkish citizen residing in Germany, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison by a court in Iran.

STELP, a Stuttgart-based aid organization, said the sentence was issued against Mr. Eren in connection with the charge of “having ties with a hostile country.”

According to the report, Serkan Eren traveled to Iran on June 24, 2025, as a humanitarian aid worker to distribute donated supplies from Germany. He intended to leave Iran that same day, but contact with his family was cut off, and he has remained in detention ever since.

STELP protested the sentence, describing the punishment as disproportionate to the circumstances of the case. The organization said that, in order to protect the safety of Serkan Eren and others involved, it would not release further details about the case at this time.

The organization also said that, given Mr. Eren’s Turkish citizenship, it is in contact with Turkish authorities to follow up on his situation and secure his return.

According to Deutsche Welle Persian, before traveling to Iran, Mr. Eren told Germany’s ARD television network that, in order to avoid any misunderstandings, he was not carrying any communications or protective equipment, including a satellite phone, bulletproof vest, or helmet, and had entered Iran carrying only a backpack.

Serkan Eren began his humanitarian aid work in 2015, during the refugee crisis in Europe. In 2023, he received the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany from the country’s president.

Deutsche Welle has described Eren as a “Turkish-German citizen.” However, members of the STELP aid organization told HRANA that he does not hold German citizenship and is only a resident of Germany.

Armin Robber, Rapper and Organizer of Music Meetups, Arrested

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Freedom of Expression, News
Armin Robber, HRANA, Iranian Rapper, آرمین رابر

HRANA – Armin, known as “Armin Robber,” a rapper, was arrested by security forces and transferred to an undisclosed location. In recent years, he has been involved in organizing a number of gatherings related to rap music in various cities across the country.

According to HRANA, Armin, known as “Armin Robber,” a rapper, was arrested by security forces.

Following his arrest, the singer was transferred to an undisclosed location.

He also recently attended a rap-related gathering, known as a “rap meetup,” in one of the country’s cities. A review of his activities indicates that in recent years he has played a role in organizing and overseeing such gatherings in various cities, including Tehran, Karaj, Gilan, and Kermanshah.

Numerous videos of these gatherings and rap performances have been published on pages and channels associated with Armin Robber’s activities. Among them, videos from an “Armin Robber meetup” were published in April 2026. Images from similar events attended by him in Kermanshah and several other locations across the country had also previously been published.

As of the time of this report, no precise information has been obtained regarding the location or circumstances of his arrest or the charges brought against him.

Meanwhile, a media outlet covering music reported on the singer’s arrest and, citing people close to him, stated that Armin Robber had previously been subject to judicial restrictions and required to wear an electronic ankle monitor. Details regarding the previous case, the duration for which he wore the ankle monitor, the charge, or any sentence issued in connection with the matter have not yet been independently verified by HRANA and remain under review.

Armin Robber’s activities related to “rap meetups” date back at least to the early 2010s. Archived pages associated with him also contain videos of rap gatherings held in 2014–2015. At one gathering held in Tehran’s Niavaran neighborhood in previous years, organizers reported the presence of police and a change in the event’s location.

Armin, known as “Armin Robber,” aged approximately 33, is a rapper and an active figure in organizing gatherings and performances related to rap music.

Further information regarding the exact time of his arrest, his place of detention, the arresting authority, and his legal status remains under review.

January 2026 Protests: Alireza Nami Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Alireza Nami, Greater Tehran Prison, HRANA, January 2026 Protests, علیرضا نامی

HRANA – Alireza Nami, arrested in connection with the January 2026 protests who is currently incarcerated in Greater Tehran Prison, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

Based on information received by HRANA, Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, sentenced Mr. Alireza Nami to 30 years in prison on the charge of carrying out operational activities for Israel. The sentence was recently communicated to him in prison.

An informed source close to the family of this political prisoner confirmed the matter to HRANA and said: “Following the notification of the sentence, Mr. Nami appealed the ruling.”

Alireza Nami was arrested by security forces in January 2026 and has been held in Greater Tehran Prison since his arrest.

Background on the January 2026 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.