Category: Freedom of Expression

Media Activist Hossein Razzagh Sentenced to 74 Lashes on Appeal

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
Hossein Razzagh, HRANA, Tehran Revolutionary Court, حسین رزاق

The lashing sentence for Hossein Razzagh, a media activist, has been upheld by the Tehran Province Court of Appeals. He was initially sentenced by the Tehran Revolutionary Court to 74 lashes for “absence and failure to report to Amol Prison.”

In April this year, while Razzagh was serving his sentence in Ward 209 of Evin Prison, he was sentenced to 74 lashes by the Tehran Revolutionary Court. A source close to Mr. Razzagh’s family told HRANA that the reason for this sentence was “absence and failure to report to Amol Prison.”

Razzagh was released from Evin Prison on June 10. Emtedad Online, which reported his release, did not provide any details about the manner and conditions of his release.

On August 22, 2022, Razzagh was arrested by security forces in Amol concerning his previous case. In September of 2022, he was charged with a new case against him and was sentenced to four years and three months in prison by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court in April 2023. Additionally, he was charged in June 2023 in another case.

Hossein Razzagh has previously faced arrest and judicial actions for his activities.

Maryam Mehrabi Arrested by Security Forces in Isfahan

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Freedom of Expression, News
Dolatabad Prison, Isfahan, Mahmoud Mehrabi, Maryam Mehrabi, مریم مهرابی

Maryam Mehrabi, a teacher residing in Isfahan, was arrested by security forces today, June 18, and taken to an unknown location. Her brother, Mahmoud Mehrabi, a political prisoner, has been sentenced to death for political charges.

Mahan Mehrabi, Ms. Mehrabi’s brother, posted an update: “Today, my sister Maryam was arrested by security forces. Additionally, the security forces confiscated all electronic devices, including laptops and mobile phones.”
So far, there is no information on the reasons for her arrest or the whereabouts of Ms. Mehrabi and her children.

Mehrabi was previously arrested in March 2023 while pursuing her brother Mahmoud Mehrabi’s case. She was detained by security forces at the Mobarakeh County Prosecutor’s Office and transferred to Dolatabad Prison in Isfahan. This citizen was released on bail three days later. Last September, she was sentenced by Branch 102 of the Criminal Court Two of Mobarakeh City to seventy-four lashes and three months in prison, which was later converted to a fine.

Mahmoud Toorang Sentenced to Imprisonment and Flogging

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Freedom of Expression, News
Dehdasht, HRANA, Mahmoud Toorang, Yasuj, محمد تورنگ

Following the rejection of his appeal request, Mahmoud Toorang, a resident of Yasuj, was sentenced by Branch 2 of the Yasuj Criminal Court to one year in prison and seventy-four lashes.

Based on the verdict issued on June 11 by Branch 105 of the Yasuj Criminal Court, Toorang was sentenced to one year in prison and 74 lashes for the charge of “disturbing public order by causing unrest and participating in protests on December 7, 2022.”

A source close to the family confirmed this news to HRANA, stating: “Mr. Toorang’s case was previously closed following the issuance of an amnesty directive. However, the case was reopened, and after the rejection of the appeal request, he was summoned to start serving his sentence.”

Toorang, aged around 29, was initially arrested by security forces in Dehdasht on December 26, 2022. He was released on bail from Yasuj Prison on February 2, 2023. He was re-arrested by security forces in Yasuj on September 15, 2023, coinciding with the first anniversary of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini’s death, and was released on bail after 11 days.

 

Shahab Mohammadian Arrested in Yasuj

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Kourosh Jalil, Shahab Mohammadian, شهاب محمدیان

On June 16, 202, Shahab Mohammadian, a resident of Yasuj, was arrested by security forces in this city and transferred to an unknown location.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mohammadian’s arrest took place on Sunday, June 16, by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence. Mohammadian is a relative of Kourosh Jalil, a detained citizen from Yasuj who is currently being held by the Ministry of Intelligence’s office in this city.

As of the time of this report, no information is available about the location where Shahab Mohammadian is being held or the reasons for his arrest.

Iman Dastyar Arrested in Yasuj

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Freedom of Expression, News
Iman Dastyar, Yasuj

On June 16, Iman Dastyar, a resident of Yasuj, was arrested by security forces in this city and transferred to an unknown location.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mr. Dastyar’s arrest took place on Sunday, June 16, by agents of the Intelligence Department. A source close to the family confirmed this news to HRANA, stating: “We do not know the charges against Iman Dastyar, but it is likely that his arrest is due to posts on his Instagram page.”

As of the time of this report, no information is available about the location where this citizen is being held.

On September 21, 2022, this citizen was also arrested by security forces in one of the squares of Yasuj during the nationwide protests and was released on bail after twelve days. Dastyar was re-arrested on January 14, 2023, after being summoned to Branch 7 of the Yasuj Prosecutor’s Office. He was eventually released on bond from Yasuj Prison after seven days of detention.

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200 Citizens Facing Legal Charges in Isfahan Over Comments on Raeisi’s Death

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ebrahim Raeisi, Hossein amir-Abdollahian, Isfahan, Jolfa, Varzaqan

The Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor of Isfahan has announced the initiation of legal proceedings against 200 citizens for posting remarks concerning the helicopter crash that resulted in the death of Ebrahim Raeisi.

The prosecutor stated, “More than 200 individuals who spread false news and offensive remarks regarding the helicopter crash incident involving Ebrahim Raeisi have been identified.” Seyed Mohammad Mousavian elaborated that these individuals would face legal actions as per the directives of the country’s Prosecutor-General and the emphatic instructions of the head of Isfahan’s Judiciary.

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

The incident occurred on the afternoon of Sunday, May 19th, when a helicopter transporting President Raisi, along with several officials including Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, crashed in the Dizmar forest between Varzaqan and Jolfa. Official media confirmed the deaths of Raisi and his companions the following morning after the crash site and wreckage were located. Numerous citizens have since been arrested or subjected to legal proceedings for expressing their opinions on the incident, which the authorities have deemed inappropriate.

Civil Rights Activist Mehdi Mahmoudian Faces Legal Action for Criticizing Discrimination Against Baha’i Community

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Freedom of Expression, News
Baha’i community, Mehdi Mahmoudian, مهدی محمودیان

Civil rights activist Mehdi Mahmoudian faces a new legal challenge with the initiation of a case against him in the Cyber Crimes Court.

This civil activist announced that a new case has been initiated against him in the District 31 Cyber Crimes Court. This case was filed following a complaint by the officials of Behesht-e Zahra Cemetery, due to Mr. Mahmoudian’s interview regarding the burial issues faced by the Baha’i community in burying their deceased.

Further complicating his legal battles, one of Mahmoudian’s previous cases has been escalated to Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

Mahmoudian was detained on May 19, 2024, following his appearance at the Culture and Media Court, but was released on bail the subsequent day.

Prior to this incident, he disclosed that he was summoned to court on charges of “propaganda against the regime.”

With a history of convictions and imprisonment for his advocacy, Mahmoudian continues to confront significant legal pressures.

Sentences of Four Workers’ Rights Advocates Reduced After Retrial

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Freedom of Expression, News
Anisha Asadollahi, Hassan Saeedi, Keyvan Mohtadi, Reza Shahabi

Four workers’ rights activists, Keyvan Mohtadi, Anisha Asadollahi, Hassan Saeedi, and Reza Shahabi, have had their prison sentences reduced to three years and seven months following a retrial, reports Shargh Newspaper.

Originally sentenced to six years, the activists appealed for a retrial, which was granted and subsequently heard by a different court branch, leading to the reduction, their attorney Hossein Taj confirmed.

On May 9, 2022, security forces arrested Mohtadi and Asadollahi at their home and detained them at Ward 209 of Evin Prison in Tehran. Mohtadi was later transferred to Ward 4. In January 2023, Tehran’s Revolutionary Court initially sentenced Mohtadi to five years for “assembly and collusion against national security” and an additional year for “propaganda against the regime.” Both verdicts were affirmed upon appeal.

Asadollahi faced similar charges, receiving five years for “assembly and collusion against national security” and eight months for “propaganda against the regime.” Her sentences were also upheld by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari. The couple had faced arrests and convictions previously for their civil rights activities.

Hassan Saeedi, affiliated with the Syndicate of Workers of Tehran Bus Company, was arrested on May 18, 2022. He was sentenced to six years for “propaganda against the regime” and “assembly and collusion to undermine national security,” along with facing a travel ban and restrictions on political activities and social media usage. Additionally, he was prohibited from residing in Tehran Province and its neighboring provinces for two years.

Reza Shahabi, a board member of the same syndicate, received a six-year sentence for analogous charges, along with similar bans and restrictions. His verdict was upheld in January 2023. Shahabi has a history of previous arrests and convictions due to his activism.

Sepehri Siblings Receive Lengthy Sentences from Mashhad Revolutionary Court

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Freedom of Expression, News
Fatemeh Sepehri, Hossein Sepehri, Hossein Yazdankhah, Mohammad Hossein Sepehri

Branch 5 of the Revolutionary Court in Mashhad has imposed lengthy prison sentences on three members of the Sepehri family.

Asghar Sepehri, the brother of these convicted siblings, revealed on his social media that during the court session on June 6, 2024, presided over by Hossein Yazdankhah, Fatemeh Sepehri received an 18-year and six-month sentence, Mohammad-Hossein Sepehri eight years, and Hossein Sepehri five years and six months.
The siblings were found guilty of multiple charges including “assembly and collusion against national security,” “insulting the Supreme Leader of Iran,” and “propaganda against the regime.” Furthermore, Fatemeh Sepehri was also charged with “supporting the adversary country, Israel.”

Asghar noted significant ambiguities in the increased sentences for “assembly and collusion against national security” and “insulting the Supreme Leader,” as well as the specific examples cited by the court for these charges. HRANA will provide more information for further clarification on this matter in subsequent reports.

On September 28, 2023, Mohammad-Hossein Sepehri and Hossein Sepehri were arrested by security forces in Mashhad and subsequently detained at Vakilabad Prison. Hossein Sepehri was released on bail on January 1, 2024.

Their sister, Fateme Sepehri, already serving a sentence for a prior conviction in Vakilabad Prison, was granted medical leave for one week on October 16. However, she was re-arrested just three days later at her residence in Mashhad and returned to prison. Her prior convictions include ten years for “collaboration with hostile foreign governments,” five years for “assembly and collusion against national security,” two years for “insulting the Supreme Leader of Iran,” and one year for “propaganda against the regime.” Her ten-year sentence was upheld under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code after an unsuccessful appeal.

Moreover, Fatemeh Sepehri faced additional charges from the Mashhad Criminal Court for “disseminating false information to disturb public opinion on the Internet and having interviews with foreign media,” which resulted in one year of imprisonment and a fine.

Fatemeh Sepehri, known for her role as one of the signatories of a letter demanding the resignation of Ali Khamenei, has faced repeated arrests and convictions on similar grounds. Advocates are urgently calling for her release due to her deteriorating health and the need for appropriate medical care.

Appellate Court Upholds Six-Month Sentence for Propaganda Charges

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ali Pouyan Moghaddam, HRANA, Sabzevar, علی پویان مقدم

In Razavi Khorasan Province, the Appellate Court has confirmed a six-month prison sentence for Ali Pouyan Moghaddam, a resident of Sabzevar.

A family associate relayed to HRANA that the appellate decision upheld the initial ruling.
The Sabzevar Revolutionary Court, under the jurisdiction of Judge Gholami, had initially found Moghaddam guilty of “spreading propaganda against the regime.”

He was detained by security forces on May 4, 2023, and subsequently released on bail after 12 days, pending the outcome of his legal proceedings.