Category: Freedom of Expression

Two Citizens Arrested in Tehran, Starlink Equipment Confiscated

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Starlink, Tehran

HRANA – Tehran’s Police Commander announced the arrest of two citizens in the western and northern parts of the city on charges described as “sending information and collaborating with anti-state networks.” During the operation, their Starlink satellite internet equipment was also confiscated.

According to Fars News Agency, two citizens were arrested in Tehran. Regarding the arrests, Tehran’s Police Commander claimed: “These individuals, under the cover of media activity, were collecting and transmitting classified information related to the country’s vital, sensitive military and intelligence centers to networks opposed to the regime.”

According to the police commander, the citizens’ communication channel with contacts outside the country was established through satellite internet and Starlink equipment, which was seized at the time of their arrest.

The report did not provide further details, including the date of arrest, the identities of the detainees, or their place of detention.

In recent months, amid the continuation of widespread internet restrictions in Iran, security agencies have increasingly linked the use of Starlink satellite internet to security-related accusations. In this context, reports have emerged from various parts of the country regarding arrests and judicial actions against users of such equipment.

Student Amirhossein Sheikh-Mohammadi Arrested in Karaj

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Freedom of Expression, News, Students
Amirhossein Sheikh-Mohammadi, HRANA, Karaj Islamic Azad University

HRANA – Amirhossein Sheikh-Mohammadi, a student at Karaj Islamic Azad University, was arrested by security forces in the city this morning.

According to HRANA, citing United Students, a student was arrested in Karaj. His identity has been reported as Amirhossein Sheikh-Mohammadi, a veterinary medicine student at Karaj Islamic Azad University.

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

13 Azerbaijani-Turk Activists Sentenced to Over 81 Years in Prison by Appeals Court

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Ethnic Minorities, Freedom of Expression, News
Ali Babaei, Amirhossein Aghaei, Araz Ebrahim-Nejad, Davoud Shiri, East Azerbaijan, Ebrahim Avaz-Zadeh, Hamed Yeganehpour, Hossein Azadi, HRANA, Javad Soodbar, Mehrdad Ghaderi, Mohammadreza Movahed, Morteza Nourmohammadi, Yoroush Mehrali Beiglou

HRANA – By order of the East Azerbaijan Province Court of Appeals, 13 Azerbaijani-Turk activists were collectively sentenced to 81 years and five months in prison.

According to HRANA, the ruling issued by the East Azerbaijan Province Court of Appeals has been formally communicated to the defendants’ attorney.

The verdict was delivered to the lawyer of these individuals on Saturday, May 16. According to the ruling, the defendants were collectively sentenced to 81 years and five months of imprisonment.

The details of the charges and final sentences issued against each defendant are as follows:

1. Yoroush Mehrali Beiglou was sentenced to 6 years and 2 months in prison on the charge of “forming an illegal group,” and to 3 years and 7 months on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security.”

2. Hamed Yeganehpour was sentenced to 2 years and 9 months in prison on the charge of “membership in an illegal group,” and to 3 years and 7 months on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security.”

3. Ebrahim Avaz-Zadeh was sentenced to 2 years and 9 months in prison on the charge of “membership in an illegal group,” and to 3 years and 7 months on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security.”

4. Araz Ebrahim-Nejad was sentenced to 2 years and 9 months in prison on the charge of “membership in an illegal group,” and to 3 years and 7 months on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security.”

5. Hossein Azadi was sentenced to 2 years and 9 months in prison on the charge of “membership in an illegal group,” and to 3 years and 7 months on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security.”

6. Amirhossein Aghaei was sentenced to 2 years and 9 months in prison on the charge of “membership in an illegal group,” and to 3 years and 7 months on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security.”

7. Naser Razmjou was sentenced to 2 years and 9 months in prison on the charge of “membership in an illegal group,” and to 3 years and 7 months on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security.”

8. Davoud Shiri was sentenced to 2 years and 9 months in prison on the charge of “membership in an illegal group,” and to 3 years and 7 months on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security.”

9. Javad Soudbar was sentenced to 2 years and 9 months in prison on the charge of “membership in an illegal group,” and to 3 years and 7 months on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security.”

10. Mehrdad Ghaderi was sentenced to 2 years and 9 months in prison on the charge of “membership in an illegal group,” and to 3 years and 7 months on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security.”

11. Ali Babaei was sentenced to 2 years and 9 months in prison on the charge of “membership in an illegal group,” and to 3 years and 7 months on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security.”

12. Mohammadreza Movahed was sentenced to 2 years and 9 months in prison on the charge of “membership in an illegal group,” and to 3 years and 7 months on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security.”

13. Morteza Nourmohammadi was sentenced to 2 years in prison on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security.”

These individuals had previously been sentenced in late-December 2025 by Branch Two of the Tabriz Revolutionary Court to a total of 85 years and 9 months in prison at the preliminary trial stage.

According to HRA’s annual report, a total of 302 individuals were arrested in 2025 on the basis of their ethnic status or national minority identity. In addition, arrests of citizens belonging to ethnic minorities increased by 15.2% compared to the previous one-year period. At least 186 of these arrests were carried out without judicial warrants. Although in many cases the specific charges and reasons for arrest were not disclosed, given the previous conduct of security institutions, it is likely that these individuals were detained due to their activities related to ethnic rights.

At Least 32 People Arrested on Security-Related Charges in Several Provinces

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, HRANA, irgc, IRGC Intelligence, Kerman, Qazvin

HRANA  – The IRGC Intelligence Organization has announced the arrest of at least 32 individuals in the provinces of Qazvin, Kerman, and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari. The agency stated that the charges against these individuals include “espionage, links to anti-regime groups, terrorist activities, and sabotage.”

According to a report by Mehr News Agency, the IRGC Intelligence Organization announced the identification and arrest of several citizens in multiple provinces across the country.

According to the report, in Qazvin Province, two citizens were arrested on accusations described as “spying for the Zionist regime.” Authorities in the province also announced the dismantling of a network distributing military-grade weapons and the seizure of quantities of arms and ammunition. Another section of the report claimed that 1,400 tons of petrochemical raw materials allegedly stockpiled with the aim of “disrupting the market” had been discovered.

The report further stated that in Kerman Province, eight individuals were arrested as “main agents of terrorist activities.” Allegations against them include “shooting at a vehicle carrying security forces, attacking law enforcement officers, setting fire to the Sirjan Governor’s Office, spying for Israel, and maintaining ties with anti-regime groups.”

In addition, the IRGC Intelligence Organization in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province announced the identification and arrest of 22 individuals as part of several networks allegedly linked to anti-regime groups. The report claimed that these individuals, through contact with “foreign-based coordinators,” were seeking to “procure weapons, create insecurity, and carry out sabotage operations.”

The report did not provide any information regarding the identities of those arrested, the timing and manner of their arrests, or the locations where they are being held.

In recent weeks, authorities have reported numerous arrests across several Iranian provinces on similar security-related charges. In many cases, security agencies have accused detainees of “espionage” or ties to foreign-based media outlets and opposition groups without providing supporting evidence or detailed information. The absence of transparency surrounding these arrests and subsequent legal proceedings has fueled concerns over the status and treatment of those detained.

Assets of 129 Citizens Seized in West Azerbaijan Province

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, West Azerbaijan

HRANA – The Chief Justice of West Azerbaijan Province announced the seizure of the assets of 129 citizens in the province, describing them as “agents of the enemy.” This action follows a previously issued order for the confiscation of these citizens’ assets.

According to IRIB News, Nasser Atabati, the Chief Justice of West Azerbaijan Province, stated that the assets of 129 individuals had been confiscated in the interest of public rights based on accusations including “anti-security activities” and cooperation with “hostile countries.”

He claimed that some of these individuals are among the “main operatives and key members” of groups opposed to the Islamic Republic.

The Chief Justice of West Azerbaijan Province also referred to these individuals as “terrorists” and accused them of collaborating with the United States and Israel. He emphasized that the process of asset seizure and judicial action against what he described as “traitors and those who sell out the homeland” would continue forcefully.

The published report did not provide any information regarding the identities of these individuals, their whereabouts, or details of their judicial cases.

Previously, reports had also been published regarding the issuance of orders to confiscate the assets of these 129 citizens. At that time, judicial authorities stated that the decision had been made as part of measures against individuals allegedly cooperating with the “enemy.”

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Habib Mehri Sentenced to Prison by Tabriz Revolutionary Court

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Freedom of Expression, News
Habib Mehri, HRANA, Tabriz Revolutionary Court

HRANA – Habib Mehri, a resident of Tabriz, has been sentenced to six months in prison by Branch 1 of the Tabriz Revolutionary Court.

Branch 1 of the Tabriz Revolutionary Court sentenced Mr. Mehri to six months of discretionary imprisonment on the charge of “propaganda against the regime.”

This resident of Tabriz had been arrested by security forces in October 2025 and was later released on bail after a period of detention.

Additionally, in October of last year, security agents searched Mr. Mehri’s home and confiscated his mobile phone and several personal belongings.

Attorney Bahar Sahraeian Arrested, Charged

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Freedom of Expression, Labor and Guilds, News
Adelabad Prison, Bahar Sahraeian, HRANA, Shiraz

HRANA – Bahar Sahraeian, an attorney in Shiraz, was arrested on May 16, 2026. Yesterday, after being formally charged, she was transferred to Adelabad Prison in Shiraz.

According to Emtedad, Bahar Sahraeian was arrested and formally charged. Based on the report, on the morning of Sunday, May 17, 2026, Ms. Sahraeian was formally charged at the Shiraz Prosecutor’s Office with “assembly and collusion with the intent to act against national security,” “propaganda against the regime,” and “spreading falsehoods.”

The attorney was arrested yesterday after appearing before the Shiraz Revolutionary Court to follow up on matters related to her legal practice.

At the time of this report, no information had been obtained regarding her place of detention.

Bahar Sahraeian, an attorney and member of the Fars Province Bar Association, has previously faced arrest due to her activities.

Reza Kooshki-Nejad Sentenced to Imprisonment and Other Punishments

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Freedom of Expression, News
Birjand, Reza Kooshki Nejad, رضا کوشکی نژاد

HRANA – Reza Kooshki-Nejad has been sentenced by Branch 1 of the Khorramabad Revolutionary Court to one year in prison, two years of internal exile to the city of Birjand, and additional supplementary punishments.

Branch 1 of the Khorramabad Revolutionary Court sentenced Mr. Kooshki-Nejad on charges of “propaganda against the regime” and “publishing photos, images, and content deemed contrary to public morality through sharing images and inciting people to disrupt public security in cyberspace” to one year in prison and two years of exile to the city of Birjand. As a supplementary punishment, he was also ordered to study and review documents related to SAVAK records and submit a handwritten report to the Khorramabad sentence enforcement branch. The verdict was issued and formally communicated to him on May 2, 2026.

This citizen was arrested in late September 2025 by judicial order and was released from Khorramabad Central Prison on October 7, 2025.

Reza Kooshki-Nejad, aged approximately 35, and one of the detainees of the 2022 nationwide protests, has previously faced arrest and convictions due to his activities.

Hadi Abbasian Arrested by Security Forces in Shirvan

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Freedom of Expression, News
Hadi Abbasian, HRANA, Shirvan

HRANA – Hadi Abbasian, a resident of Shirvan County, was arrested by security forces and transferred to the city’s prison.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mr. Abbasian was arrested on Wednesday, May 13, in Shirvan, North Khorasan province, and, after one day, was transferred to the city prison.

According to informed sources, “During the protests of January 2026, this citizen had published videos supporting protesters. He was likely arrested in connection with these videos.”

So far, no information has been obtained regarding the charges brought against this citizen.

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.

Assets of 48 Citizens Confiscated in Hamedan Province

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Freedom of Expression, News
Hamedan, HRANA, Property Confiscation

HRANA – The assets and properties of 48 citizens in Hamedan Province have been seized. The judiciary has accused these individuals of “collaboration with the enemy.” Forty-two of these citizens reside abroad.

According to a report by Fars News Agency, the assets of 48 citizens in Hamedan Province have been confiscated. Based on the report, judicial authorities claimed that these individuals were active in a “network of collaborators with the enemy” and that their actions fall under the law intensifying punishment for espionage and cooperation with the Israeli regime against national security and interests.

Fars also claimed that the measure was carried out under orders from judicial authorities and that the confiscated assets are intended to be used for rebuilding sites damaged by the war.

Among these individuals, six reside in the United Kingdom, two in Switzerland, one in Russia, eight in Germany, six in Turkey, eight in Iraq, four in the United States, one in Italy, one in Oman, one in Canada, one in Saudi Arabia, one in Armenia, two in Ghana, and six in Iran.

The report did not disclose the identities of these citizens or provide details regarding the judicial proceedings in their cases.

Previously, the assets and properties of dozens of other individuals in Hamedan had also been confiscated under similar accusations by order of judicial authorities.

Following the start of military attacks on Iran, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, head of the judiciary, announced that judicial orders had been issued for the seizure and confiscation of assets linked to what he described as “elements collaborating with the enemy inside and outside the country.” He also threatened these individuals with execution, stating: “One of the punishments prescribed in this matter is execution, and following investigations, one of the legal punishments will be applied to those subject to these charges.”

Following the issuance of this directive by the judiciary, the “Saham” smart financial inquiry system was launched. With the activation of this system, prosecutor’s offices and courts across the country are able to identify citizens’ assets and properties online in the shortest possible time and take the necessary measures to seize them.