Category: Freedom of Expression

Suran Yousefi Arrested by Security Forces in Bukan

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Freedom of Expression, News
Bukan, Suran Yousefi, سوران یوسفی

Suran Yousefi, a resident of Bukan, was arrested by security forces today, December 4, 2024, and transferred to an undisclosed location.

HRANA has identified the individual as Suran Yousefi, 36 years old, married, and the father of a young child, from the village of Salamat in the Bukan region.

A source close to Yousefi’s family confirmed the news, telling HRANA, “He was arrested at his home this morning by security forces without a warrant and taken to an unknown location. The lack of information about his whereabouts has caused concern among his family.”

As of the time of this report, no information is available regarding the reasons for his arrest or the charges against him.

Teacher Azad Khadem Detained in Saqqez, Whereabouts Unknown

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
Azad Khadem, HRANA, Saqqez

Azad Khadem, a teacher residing in Saqqez, has been detained by security forces for ten days, with no information available about his place of detention.

A source close to the teacher’s family told HRANA, “Mr. Khadem was arrested by security forces in Saqqez on Monday, November 25. Since then, no details have emerged about his location, exacerbating concerns among his family and loved ones.”

As of the time this report was prepared, no information is available regarding the reasons for his arrest or the charges against him.

Azad Khadem is a teacher, a father of one, and a resident of Saqqez.

Four Individuals Arrested by Ministry of Intelligence Forces in Pakdasht

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Freedom of Expression, News
Pakdasht

The Prosecutor General of Pakdasht has announced the arrest of four individuals in the city, accusing them of being “operational elements of the Monafeqin group” and engaging in “sabotage and espionage activities.” The arrests were reportedly carried out by the Ministry of Intelligence forces.

According to HRANA, citing IRNA, these four individuals were apprehended in Pakdasht County, Tehran Province.

Prosecutor Mohammad Hassanpour stated that the detainees were identified and arrested by the Ministry of Intelligence. He alleged that they were involved in activities linked to the “Monafeqin group,” a term used by the Islamic Republic to refer to the Mojahedin-e Khalq Organization (MEK), an opposition group.

No details about the identities of the detainees or their current location have been provided in the report.

This incident raises further concerns about the lack of transparency regarding detainees’ conditions and rights.

Roshanak Molaei Flogged in Qarchak Prison for Violating Hijab Laws

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Freedom of Expression, News, Women
compulsory hijab, HRANA, Qarchak Prison, Roshanak Molaei, Tehran, Varamin, روشنک مولایی

Roshanak Molaei Alishah, a 26-year-old Tehran resident, was released from Qarchak Prison in Varamin on Saturday, November 23, 2024, following the execution of a 14-lash sentence. Her case has drawn attention as she was initially subjected to street harassment but was instead arrested and prosecuted for non-compliance with mandatory hijab laws.

Ms. Molaei had previously been sentenced by Branch 1097 of the Ershad Court to 74 lashes and a two-year travel ban for “damaging public chastity.” Her sentence was reduced under a judicial provision deducting three lashes for each day of detention.

HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, reported that her trial was held via video conference on November 19. After the court issued its ruling, Ms. Molaei’s sentence was partially served during her time in detention. The remaining 14 lashes were carried out at the Qarchak Prison Execution Office before her release.

The case dates back to October 31, when a video circulated on social media showing a male motorcyclist harassing Ms. Molaei in the street. She confronted her harasser in the incident, which went viral. Instead of receiving support, Ms. Molaei was summoned by judicial authorities for violating hijab laws. Authorities reportedly filed a case against the motorcyclist for harassment as well.

A source close to Ms. Molaei told HRANA that she was first arrested on November 2 and taken to the Duty Branch of District 38 Prosecutor’s Office. She was briefly released that evening but was summoned again the following day. On November 4, she was re-arrested and transferred to Qarchak Prison.

Ms. Molaei’s case has highlighted ongoing concerns about the treatment of women in Iran, particularly those who challenge or are accused of violating strict hijab laws.

Mostafa Tajzadeh Sentenced to Six Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Abolghasem Salavati, Evin Prison, Mostafa Tajzadeh

Mostafa Tajzadeh, a political prisoner held in Evin Prison, has been sentenced to six years in prison by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court on charges stemming from a new case opened against him during his incarceration.

A recent verdict issued by Judge Abolghasem Salavati of Branch 15 sentenced Tajzadeh to one year in prison for “propaganda against the regime” and five years for “assembly and collusion against national security,” totaling six years. Under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the most severe sentence—five years—will be enforceable.

Fakhrosadat Mohtashami-Pour, Tajzadeh’s wife, revealed that the case was filed by the IRGC Intelligence Organization. She also noted that this is the third time since 2009 that Judge Salavati has issued a new sentence against her husband.

In March 2024, a new case was opened against Tajzadeh while he was already imprisoned, and he was summoned to Evin Prosecutor’s Office. At the time, Tajzadeh stated: “As before, I refused to accept the summons and declared that I would not appear in court or the prosecutor’s office. The judiciary is free to convict me in absentia.”

Previously, Tajzadeh had criticized the revival of the the “Guidance Patrol” program known as “Noor Plan” by the Iranian police (FARAJA). In a letter from Evin Prison, he attributed the reinstatement of this program to the orders or approval of Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader, writing: “No authority other than the Leader can mandate directives for the police.” Tajzadeh, who served as the Deputy Interior Minister for Political Affairs for several years, emphasized in his letter that only the Supreme Leader has such authority over the police.

The prominent political activist was apprehended by security forces on July 8, 2022, and subsequently transferred to Ward 2-A in Evin Prison under the control of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). After months of legal uncertainty, Tajzadeh was sentenced to eight years in prison by Branch 15 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran, presided over by Judge Salavati. The charges included “assembly and collusion against national security,” “disseminating false information,” and “propaganda against the regime,” with five years of the verdict deemed enforceable.

Tajzadeh, who previously served as the deputy interior minister under President Mohammad Khatami, has a history of judicial confrontations and periods of incarceration stemming from his activism.

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Six Death Sentences and Over 54 Years of Imprisonment Issued for Eight Political Prisoners in Tehran

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Executions, Freedom of Expression, News
Abolhassan Montazer, Akbar Daneshvar, Ali Taghavi Sang-Dehi, Babak Alipour, Mohammad Taghavi, Mojtaba Taghavi Sang-Dehi, Pouya Ghobadi, Vahid Bani-Amerian

Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court has sentenced six political prisoners—Akbar Daneshvar Kar, Seyed Mohammad Taghavi Sang-Dehi, Babak Alipour, Pouya Ghobadi Bistoni, Vahid Bani-Amerian, and Seyed Abolhassan Montazer—to death on charges of armed rebellion (Baghi) through membership in anti-regime groups. Additionally, these individuals, along with Seyed Ali Taghavi Sang-Dehi and Seyed Mojtaba Taghavi Sang-Dehi, were collectively sentenced to over 54 years of imprisonment and 20 years of exile.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, Judge Iman Afshari of Branch 26 issued severe sentences for these eight political prisoners.

Details of the Sentences:

  1. Akbar Daneshvar Kar
    • Death sentence for Baghi through membership in anti-regime groups.
    • 5 years in prison for assembly and collusion with intent to disrupt national security.
    • 10 years in prison for forming illegal groups.
  2. Seyed Mohammad Taghavi Sang-Dehi
    • Death sentence for Baghi.
    • 5 years in prison for assembly and collusion.
    • 10 years in prison for forming illegal groups.
  3. Babak Alipour
    • Death sentence for Baghi.
    • 5 years in prison for assembly and collusion.
    • 20 years of exile to the city of Khash for destruction of public property.
  4. Pouya Ghobadi Bistoni
    • Death sentence for Baghi.
    • 1 year in prison for illegal border crossing.
  5. Vahid Bani-Amerian
    • Death sentence for Baghi.
    • 5 years in prison for assembly and collusion.
  6. Seyed Abolhassan Montazer
    • Death sentence for Baghi.
    • 5 years in prison for collusion with intent to disrupt national security.
  7. Seyed Ali Taghavi Sang-Dehi
    • 2 years in prison for membership in anti-regime groups.
  8. Seyed Mojtaba Taghavi Sang-Dehi
    • 3 years and 7 months in prison for assembly and collusion with intent to disrupt national security.
    • 3 years in prison for membership in groups opposing the regime.

 

The court sessions for these individuals, who share a common legal case, were held in mid-October this year.

Vahid Bani-Amerian and Abolhassan Montazer were arrested in December 2023, while Babak Alipour was detained in the fall of 2023 by security forces in Tehran.

On February 23, 2024, Pouya Ghobadi and Seyed Mohammad Taghavi were arrested in Chaldoran County and transferred to Maku Prison, seven days later, being moved to Evin Prison.

Akbar Daneshvar and Mojtaba Taghavi had previously been detained and transferred to Evin Prison. Ali Taghavi had also been arrested earlier but was released on bail.

These individuals were formally charged in late May 2024 at Branch 5 of the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Tehran.

Notably, Abolhassan Montazer and Seyed Mohammad Taghavi were political prisoners in the 1980s, while Vahid Bani-Amerian, Pouya Ghobadi, and Babak Alipour have prior records of imprisonment for their activism.

Behzad Dadkhah Arrested by Security Forces in Saqqez

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Freedom of Expression, News
Behzad Dadkhah, HRANA, Saqqez

On November 25, Behzad Dadkhah, a resident of Saqqez, was arrested by security forces in the city and transferred to an undisclosed location.

Behzad Dadkhah is a resident of Saqqez, and the father of a young child.

A source close to the family confirmed the news to HRANA, stating: “He was arrested by security forces at his workplace on Vahdat Boulevard in Saqqez and taken to an unknown location. The lack of information about his whereabouts has caused great concern among his family and loved ones.”

The reasons for his arrest and the charges against him remain unknown at this time.

Appeals Court Upholds Sentences of Mothers of November 2019 Protest Victims

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Freedom of Expression, News
Mahboubeh Ramazani, Navid Behboodi, Pejman Gholipour, Rahimeh Yousefzadeh, Shahriar, Tehran

The prison sentences of Mahboubeh Ramazani, mother of Pejman Gholipour, and Rahimeh Yousefzadeh, mother of Navid Behboodi—victims of the November 2019 protests—have been upheld by Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeals. Both were previously sentenced to 18 months and one day in prison by the Shahriar Revolutionary Court.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, the appeals court confirmed the verdict issued by Branch 2 of the Shahriar Revolutionary Court, rejecting the defendants’ appeals.

Reza Shafakhah, the women’s lawyer, stated that the upheld convictions include charges of “propaganda against the regime,” “membership in the Mothers of the November 2019 Victims group,” and “insulting the Supreme Leader.” The original sentence was handed down in September.

Both women have faced prior arrests and convictions for their activism. As mothers of victims killed during the November 2019 protests, they have become vocal advocates for justice.

The November 2019 protests, sparked by a sharp rise in fuel prices, erupted on November 15, 2019, and quickly spread across dozens of cities in Iran. The protests, which lasted several days, saw participation in 719 locations, according to Mohammad Javad Kolivand, an MP from Karaj. Seyed Hossein Naqavi Hosseini, spokesperson for the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission at the time, reported around 7,000 arrests. Human rights organizations estimate that hundreds were killed in the violent crackdown that followed.

This ruling underscores the ongoing suppression of dissent in Iran, particularly targeting those seeking accountability for the deaths of protesters during the November 2019 unrest.

Lawyer Behnam Nezadi Sentenced to One Year in Prison and Two-Year Ban on Practicing Law

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Freedom of Expression, News
Behnam Nezadi, HRANA, Tehran, بهنام نزادی

Behnam Nezadi, a member of the Central Bar Association, has been sentenced to one year in prison and a two-year ban on practicing law by Branch 2 of the Revolutionary Court in Arak.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, Mr. Nezadi was convicted on charges of “propaganda against the regime.” As an additional penalty, he has been prohibited from practicing law for two years.

Another part of Mr. Nezadi’s case, involving charges of “spreading falsehoods” and “disclosing confidential information,” is still pending review at the Criminal Court No. 2 in Arak, awaiting assignment to a branch.

Mr. Nezadi’s preliminary interrogation took place in late July at the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in District 23 of Tehran (special jurisdiction for interprovincial cases). During the session, he was charged with “propaganda against the regime,” “spreading falsehoods via cyberspace,” and “disclosing confidential investigative materials.” The authorities also cited actions such as “undermining the judiciary, eroding judges’ confidence, and attempting to overthrow the Islamic Republic” as examples of these allegations.

At the end of the interrogation, Mr. Nezadi was released on bail pending further proceedings. During the preliminary stages of the case, the investigating judge issued an order barring him from practicing law in Tehran.

Behnam Nezadi is the administrator of an Instagram page titled “Judicial Misconduct by Judges.” On this platform, he recently shared documents addressing the Disciplinary Prosecutor’s Office for Judges, arguing: “Filing complaints against judges is legally sanctioned, and encouraging people to seek legal recourse cannot be deemed a crime. Moreover, equating the judiciary as an institution with the entire regime is incorrect.”

Mr. Nezadi, a native of Arak and resident of Tehran, is a prominent lawyer and member of the Central Bar Association. His case is one of many highlighting the increasing restrictions imposed on lawyers and legal activists in Iran.

In 2023, the Department of Statistics and Publications of the Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA) documented 2,380 cases in which citizens, including journalists and civil rights activists, faced legal and security consequences for exercising their freedom of expression and thought. These incidents resulted in the arrest of 3,130 individuals.

Revolutionary Court Sentences Four Political Defendants to Over 14 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
and Mehdi Touhidi, Azam Ahooghalander, Hossein Jafari, Karaj, Kiana Dalvand, Mahsa Amini, Mostafa Narimani, Nematollah Afshar

Azam Ahooghalander, Hossein Jafari, Nematollah Afshar, and Mehdi Touhidi, political defendants, have been collectively sentenced to 14 years and 10 months in prison and additional penalties by Branch 3 of the Revolutionary Court in Karaj. Another defendant in the case, Mohammad Azizi, was acquitted of the charges against him.

On November 26, Branch 3 of the Revolutionary Court in Karaj, presided over by Judge Mostafa Narimani, issued its verdict. Azam Ahooghalander was sentenced to six years and two months in prison for “forming and leading a criminal group aimed at disrupting national security.” The other three defendants were convicted of “membership in a group with the same objective: Nematollah Afshar received three years and six months, Mehdi Touhidi-Asl was sentenced to three years and two months, and Hossein Jafari to two years in prison.

In addition, all four were sentenced to two years of travel bans and a two-year prohibition on online activities as supplementary punishments.

Mohammad Azizi, another defendant in the case, was acquitted of all charges.

The trial for these political defendants was held on November 9, 2023, in Branch 3 of the Revolutionary Court in Karaj.

These individuals were arrested on September 16, 2023, coinciding with the first anniversary of Mahsa (Jina) Amini’s death, during a gathering at Azam Ahooghalander’s home. They were later released temporarily on bail.

Kiana Dalvand, the 16-year-old daughter of Azam Ahooghalander, was also arrested alongside the other defendants. She was detained in Kachouei Prison in Karaj and released after 20 days upon providing a written pledge.