Category: Freedom of Expression

Iranian–Swedish Dual National Arrested in Karaj on Espionage Charges

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
Dual national, Espionage, Karaj

HRANA – The spokesperson of Iran’s Judiciary announced the arrest of an Iranian-Swedish dual national in Karaj, stating that the individual has been charged with espionage for Israel during the 12-day war with Iran, according to Mehr News Agency. According to him, the case is under review in Branch 2 of the Karaj Revolutionary Court, and a verdict will be issued soon.

Speaking at a press conference today, the Judiciary spokesperson said: “The defendant is a dual national who obtained Swedish citizenship in 2020 and had been residing in that country. In 2023, he was recruited by Israeli intelligence services and, after receiving training in six European countries, most recently traveled to Israel two weeks before entering Iran.”

Asghar Jahangir added: “He entered Iran one month before the start of the war and was staying in a villa on the outskirts of Karaj. He was carrying electronic espionage equipment, which was identified by security agents, and he was arrested during the 12-day war. After his arrest, the defendant confessed during interrogations to spying for Israel.”

He concluded by stating: “The defendant’s case is under review in Branch Two of the Karaj Revolutionary Court, and a verdict will be issued soon.”

Jahangir did not disclose the identity or place of detention of the arrested individual.

While combating espionage is not, in itself, considered a violation of human rights, given the Iranian government’s record of instrumentalizing such charges to target political opponents, claims of this nature, especially when details and judicial procedures remain unclear—are consistently met with skepticism.

Four Individuals Arrested in Piranshahr by Security Forces

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
Hejar Touraji, Piranshahr, Siamand Esmaili, Taher Bapiran, پیرانشهر

HRANA – On Monday, December 15, four residents of Piranshahr were arrested by security forces.

According to Kurdpa, in addition to the previously reported arrest of Taher Bapiran (Baram) and Siamand Esmaili, two other residents of Piranshahr, Hejar Touraji, and Rezgar Khanpaye, were also arrested by security forces.

Based on this report, the arrests of Mr. Touraji and Mr. Khanpaye were carried out at their private homes without the presentation of a judicial warrant.

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

Arbitrary arrests, transferring detainees to undisclosed locations, and leaving families in the dark about the fate of their loved ones are routine practices of the Iranian regime’s security agencies, such as the Ministry of Intelligence and the IRGC Intelligence Unit. This pattern of behavior stands in clear violation of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, known as the Nelson Mandela Rules.

Dehdasht; Five Citizens Sentenced to a Total of 48 Years in Prison in a Joint Case

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Freedom of Expression, News
Amirhossein Mohseni-Pour, Feyzollah Azarnoush, Hamid Dastvaneh, Mehdi Karami, Milad Karimi-Nasab

HRANA – Five citizens, identified as Feyzollah Azarnoush, Milad Karimi-Nasab, Amirhossein Mohseni-Pour, Hamid Dastvaneh, and Mehdi Karami, have been sentenced to a total of 48 years in prison in a joint case by Branch 102 of Criminal Court No. 2 of Kohgiluyeh County.

Based on the court ruling:

• Feyzollah Azarnoush was sentenced to 23 years in prison

• Milad Karimi-Nasab to 11 years in prison

• Amirhossein Mohseni-Pour to 8 years in prison

• Mehdi Karami to 5 years in prison

• Hamid Dastvaneh to 1 year of discretionary imprisonment

The charges brought against these individuals include forming a group and procuring weapons with the intent to confront the regime, insulting religious sanctities and the Supreme Leader, money laundering through crimes against the state, illegal possession of weapons, communication with hostile governments with the aim of acting against the regime, cooperation with opposition groups based abroad, encouraging citizens and military and security forces to rebel, and planning an armed attack on the capital with the support of foreign groups.

Mr. Azarnoush was arrested on June 18, 2025, in Yasuj and was released after a period of detention. He was also summoned by the IRGC Intelligence Organization in Yasuj on November 9, 2025, where he was interrogated for several hours after appearing at the security body.

Milad Karimi-Nasab was arrested by security forces on June 11, 2025, and Mehdi Karami was arrested on June 18, 2025, in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province.

Amirhossein Mohseni was arrested by security forces on June 23, 2025, and transferred to The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility in Dehdasht. After completing interrogation procedures, he was transferred to Dehdasht Prison and was ultimately released on August 20, 2025.

Hamid Dastvaneh has also previously faced security-related actions due to his activities.

Several Attendees Arrested During Seventh-Day Memorial for Khosrow Alikordi

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ali Adinehzadeh, Hassan Bagherinia, HRANA, Khosrow Alikordi, Narges Mohammadi, Nora Haghi, Pouran Nazemi, Sepideh Gholian

HRANA – Today, the seventh-day memorial ceremony for Khosrow Alikordi was held at Ghadir Mosque in Mashhad amid a heavy presence of law enforcement forces, during which several citizens were arrested. So far, the identities of Narges Mohammadi, Sepideh Gholian, Pouran Nazemi, Nora Haghi, Ali Adinehzadeh, and Hassan Bagherinia have been confirmed among those detained. The identities of other detainees are still under review.

The ceremony was held today, Friday, at Ghadir Mosque in Mashhad with the presence of a large number of law enforcement forces. Based on information received by HRANA, several attendees, including Narges Mohammadi, Sepideh Gholian (Qolian), Pouran Nazemi, Nora Haghi, Ali Adinehzadeh, and Hassan Bagherinia, were arrested. The identities of other possible detainees remain under investigation.

A knowledgeable source told HRANA: “The arrests of Ms. Mohammadi and Ms. Gholian were carried out violently. Officers also attempted to arrest Javad Alikordi, the brother of Khosrow Alikordi, but people attending the ceremony prevented his arrest. Streets surrounding Ghadir Mosque were blocked, and officers prevented individuals from entering the area.”

Participants chanted slogans such as “Long live Iran,” “We fight, we die, we will not accept humiliation,” and “Death to the dictator.” With the presence of security and law enforcement forces, the ceremony turned violent.

Khosrow Alikordi, a lawyer and human rights defender from Sabzevar and a resident of Mashhad, passed away on Friday evening, December 5, 2025. His funeral was held on Sunday, December 7, in Sabzevar and was accompanied by protest chants including “Woman, Life, Freedom” and “Long live Iran.” Following the funeral, a large number of lawyers across the country issued a statement, a copy of which was received by HRANA, expressing condolences and solidarity with Khosrow Alikordi’s family, emphasizing the need for a thorough, technical, and expert review of the circumstances surrounding his death, and calling for all related documents and information to be made available to his family as soon as possible.

Cultural Activist Ehsan Rostami Charged With “Armed Rebellion”

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Baghi, Ehsan Rostami, Evin Prison, احسان رستمی

HRANA – Branch Five of the Tehran Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office formally charged Ehsan Rostami with the offense of “baghi” (armed rebellion). He was subsequently transferred to the quarantine ward of Evin Prison. The charge of “baghi” can lead to severe sentences, including the death penalty.

Based on information received by HRANA, on December 10, Mr. Rostami was summoned to Branch Five of the Investigative Office of the Tehran Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office, presided over by Investigator Mr. Jalayer. He was charged with “baghi” on suspicion of membership in groups opposed to the regime. Following the session, he was transferred to the quarantine ward of Evin Prison.

This political defendant was arrested on August 19 at his personal residence in Tehran by security forces and transferred to The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, known as Ward 209 of Evin Prison.

Ehsan Rostami is a cultural activist working in the field of publishing and books.

It is worth noting that the charge of baghi may result in severe penalties including execution.

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Prison Sentence of Azerbaijani-Turk Activist Ata Karimi Upheld by the Supreme Court

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Ethnic Minorities, Freedom of Expression, News
Ata Karimi, Ghasem Mazinani, Urmia, عطا کریمی

HRANA – The prison sentence of Ata Karimi, an Azerbaijani-Turk activist, has been fully upheld by Branch 9 of the Supreme Court. He had previously been sentenced to two years in prison by Branch 3 of the Urmia Revolutionary Court.

Following the rejection of his request for appeal by Branch 9 of the Supreme Court, presided over by Judge Ghasem Mazinani, Karimi’s two-year sentence was confirmed without modification. In August, 2024, Branch 3 of the Urmia Revolutionary Court had sentenced this Azerbaijani-Turk activist to two years in prison.

Mr. Karimi was previously arrested by security forces in Urmia in June 2015 and was released about a week later.

Ata Karimi has also faced prior judicial actions due to his activism.

According to HRANA’s report, in 2024, 20 ethnic minority rights activists were sentenced to a total of 471 months (nearly 40 years) in prison. Over the past seven years, the total length of such prison sentences has reached 913 years.

Shabnam Hosseinzadeh Sentenced to Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Evin Prison, Shabnam Hosseinzadeh, شبنم حسین زاده

HRANA – Shabnam Hosseinzadeh, the wife of Amirhossein Mousavi, has been sentenced to five years in prison by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

Reza Shafakhah, her attorney, announced that on December 8, the court’s ruling was delivered to him verbally. Without specifying the charges brought against her, he added that Ms. Hosseinzadeh has been sentenced to five years in prison.

Further details, including the specific charges against this political defendant, are still under HRANA’s review.

Shabnam Hosseinzadeh is the wife of Amirhossein Mousavi, who remains detained in Evin Prison without due process nearly one year after his arrest.

Six Political Prisoners Re-Sentenced to Death after Retrial

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Executions, Freedom of Expression, News
Akbar Daneshvar Kar, Babak Alipour, Iman Afshari, Pouya Ghobadi, Seyed Abolhassan Montazer, Seyed Mohammad Taghavi, Vahid Bani-Amerian

HRANA – Political prisoners Akbar Daneshvar Kar, Seyed Mohammad Taghavi Sang-Dehi, Babak Alipour, Pouya Ghobadi Bistouni, Vahid Bani-Amerian, and Seyed Abolhassan Montazer have once again been sentenced to death by Judge Iman Afshari.

The initial death sentences for Daneshvar Kar, Taghavi Sang-Dehi, Alipour, Ghobadi Bistouni, Bani-Amrian, and Montazer had been issued on the charge of baghi (armed rebellion) through alleged membership in anti-government groups. These sentences were overturned by the Supreme Court in August this year, and the case was sent back for reconsideration.

In November, the six prisoners were retried in Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari. Ultimately, on Sunday, December 7, their death sentences were issued once more and formally communicated to their lawyers.

In addition to the charge of baghi, the prisoners were also sentenced to prison terms and internal exile on charges including assembly and collusion to disrupt national security, property destruction, forming unlawful groups, and illegal border crossing.

Babak Alipour was arrested by security forces in Tehran in the fall of 2023, and Vahid Bani-Amerian was arrested in December 2023. On February 23, 2024, Pouya Ghobadi and Seyed Mohammad Taghavi were arrested in Chaldoran County and transferred to Maku Prison, before being moved to Evin Prison on March 1, 2024. Akbar Daneshvar had also been previously arrested by security forces and transferred to Evin Prison. These individuals were formally charged in May 2024 in Branch 5 of the Tehran Prosecutor’s Office and were subsequently transferred to Ghezel Hesar Prison in the summer of that year.

Seyed Mohammad Taghavi, a political prisoner from the 1980s, as well as Vahid Bani-Amerian, Pouya Ghobadi, and Babak Alipour, all have prior records of arrest and imprisonment related to their activities.

Two Kish Marathon Organizers Arrested Following Women’s Participation with Optional Hijab

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Cultural, Freedom of Expression, News, Women
Kish, Kish Marathon

HRANA – The Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor of Kish announced the arrest of two main organizers of the Kish Marathon.

According to Mehr News Agency, the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor of Kish stated that two of the main organizers of the event were detained under legal orders in connection with the staging of the two Kish marathons. He added that one of the detainees is an official from the Kish Free Zone Authority, while the second is from the private company responsible for organizing the race. For both individuals, after the charges were formally communicated, bail orders were issued.

The Kish prosecutor continued: in addition to the bail orders, temporary judicial oversight orders were issued for the defendants under Article 247 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Under these orders, the government official is prohibited from employment in government offices, while the private-sector organizer is barred from involvement in sports management and organizing sports events.

On Friday, the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor of Kish had announced the opening of a judicial case against the officials and organizers of the Kish Marathon, alleging “violations of regulations and law.”

On Friday morning, the Kish Island marathon was held with broad participation from women wearing optional hijab. Following the publication of videos and images from the race, media outlets aligned with security agencies reacted negatively.

Fars News Agency, which is close to security institutions, described the participation of women in the event as “non-compliance with Islamic norms” and “improper dress,” framing the marathon as an example of “immorality.” In its coverage, the agency used threatening language toward participating women and emphasized the need for judicial and administrative action.

Additionally, according to published reports, the Athletics Federation had attempted to prevent the event, citing “failure to observe religious standards,” but ultimately was unsuccessful in canceling it.

The identities of the arrested individuals have not been disclosed in this report.

Mazandaran: Eight Administrators of a Telegram Channel Arrested

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Freedom of Expression, News
Chalus, HRANA, Mazandaran

HRANA – The Chief Justice of Mazandaran Province has announced the arrest of eight citizens who administered a Telegram channel. The detainees are facing charges including “participation in forming and operating a network aimed at disrupting national security” and “propaganda activity against the regime.” After cases were opened against them in the Chalus Prosecutor’s Office, they were subsequently transferred to prison.

According to ILNA, the Chief Justice identified the detainees as core members of the Telegram channel “Shikar-e Mozdoor” (Mercenary Hunter) and reiterated the charges of “forming and managing a network allegedly intended to undermine national security and engaging in propaganda activities against the regime”.

Abbas Pouriani further stated that the Telegram channel attributed to these individuals has been blocked, and that investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest additional suspects. He noted that the arrests—carried out in Ramsar, Tonekabon, Chalus, Abbasabad, and Nowshahr—followed nearly ten months of surveillance, after which the individuals were transferred to prison under judicial orders.

No additional details, including the individuals’ identities or the precise dates of their arrests, have been disclosed.