Category: Freedom of Expression

Revolutionary Court Sentences 8 Political Defendants to Over 42 Years in Prison, Flogging, and Exile

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ali Herati Mokhtari, Amin Sokhanvar, Amir Shah Velayati, Ehsan Ravazjiyan, Hamidreza Sahlabadi, Hossein Mohammad Hosseini, Iman Afshari, Nasim Gholami Simiyari, Shahin Zahmatkesh

Nasim Gholami Simiyari, Hamidreza Sahlabadi, Ehsan Ravazjiyan, Amin Sokhanvar, Amir Shah Velayati, Ali Herati Mokhtari, Shahin Zahmatkesh, and Hossein Mohammad Hosseini were sentenced to a total of 42 years and 3 months in prison, 25 years of exile, and 74 lashes by Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court presided over by Judge Iman Afshari. The prison sentences of Amir Shah Velayati and Hossein Mohammad Hosseini, each initially sentenced to two years, were converted to fines.

Detailed Sentences:

  1. Nasim Gholami Simiyari: aged around 40, she was sentenced to 20 years of exile in Angouran, Zanjan Province, where she is to live under judicial supervision without social interactions, 1 year in prison, 74 lashes for disrupting public order, and 5 years in prison for assembly and collusion against national security.
  2. Hamidreza Sahlabadi: aged around 38, he was sentenced to 5 years of exile in Shazand, Arak Province, under similar conditions, and 3 years and 7 months in prison for assembly and collusion against national security.
  3. Amin Sokhanvar: aged around 26, he was sentenced to 4 years in prison for membership in opposition groups and 3 years and 7 months in prison for assembly and collusion against national security.
  4. Ehsan Ravazjiyan: aged around 33, he received 3 years in prison for membership in opposition groups and 3 years and 7 months in prison for assembly and collusion against national security.
  5. Ali Herati Mokhtari: aged around 25, he was sentenced to 1 year and 6 months in prison for illegal possession of tear gas and 2 years for possessing six illegal bullets.
  6. Amir Shah Velayati: aged around 26, he was sentenced to 2 years in prison for assembly and collusion, converted to an 80 million toman fine.
  7. Hossein Mohammad Hosseini: aged around 37, he was sentenced to 2 years in prison for assembly and collusion, converted to a fine of 165 million tomans.
  8. Hossein Ardestani: aged 37, he was acquitted of all charges.
  9. Shahin Zahmatkesh: aged around 41, he was sentenced to 1 year in prison for anti-state propaganda, 5 years for assembly and collusion, and 5 years for inciting unrest. He currently resides outside of Iran.
  10. Siamak Tadayyon and Farid Golsheni: Their cases remain open, as they were charged with involvement in the so-called “Iranian People’s Army terrorist group” but have evaded capture.

Background of the Arrests:

  • Nasim Gholami Simiyari was arrested by IRGC Intelligence agents in Tehran on May 18, 2023, and later transferred to the women’s ward of Evin Prison on September 26, 2023.
  • Hamidreza Sahlabadi was detained at his residence on July 3, 2023, and later sentenced to 2 years for property damage by a criminal court in Tehran.
  • Ehsan Ravazjiyan was arrested in Malayer on August 8, 2023, and subsequently moved to Evin Prison.
  • Amin Sokhanvar was arrested at his home in Tehran in April 2023 and is currently held in Evin Prison.
  • Hossein Ardestani was detained on January 22, 2023, and released on bail after a period of detention.
  • Ali Herati Mokhtari and Hossein Mohammad Hosseini were also previously arrested and released on bail.
  • Amir Shah Velayati was summoned to Evin Court on January 23, 2024, charged with anti-state propaganda and other offenses, and released on bail on March 11, 2024.

 

Writer Arash Ramezani Arrested in Mashhad

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
Arash Ramezani, Fatemeh Noorani, Mashhad, آرش رمضانی

On Saturday, September 14, Arash Ramezani, a writer and social activist, was arrested after being summoned to the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Mashhad. He was then taken to an undisclosed location.

His wife, Fatemeh Noorani, reported the incident in a statement: “Yesterday, we went to the prosecutor’s office in response to a summons my husband had received. While we were still seeking information about the reason for his detention and the bail conditions, a security agency arrived and took him away. After 24 hours, he called us to inform us of his situation but did not know the reason for his arrest.”

There is still no information regarding Ramezani’s current location or the charges against him.

Mr. Ramezani has previously faced arrests and legal actions due to his activities.

Arash Ramezani has published two novels and is an active member of the literary community.

Father of Deceased Protester Mohammad Hassanzadeh Arrested

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ahmad Hassanzadeh, Bukan, Jina Amini, Mahsa Amini

On the second anniversary of Mahsa (Jina) Amini’s death, Ahmad Hassanzadeh, the father of Mohammad Hassanzadeh, who was killed during the 2022 nationwide protests, was arrested by security forces on September 25 in front of his home in Bukan. He was subsequently taken to an undisclosed location.

According to Kolbar News, Mr. Hassanzadeh was detained by security forces directly outside his residence. Approximately an hour after his arrest, he managed to call his family, confirming that he was in custody.

As of this report, there is no information available regarding the reasons for his arrest, his current location, or any charges that may have been brought against him.

This is not the first time Mr. Hassanzadeh has been targeted by authorities. In late July, he and his daughter, Solmaz Hassanzadeh, were detained by security forces while attempting to hold a memorial ceremony for Mohammad’s birthday. He was released the following day on a four-billion-toman bail. Additionally, on September 4, 2023, both he and his daughter were summoned to the Ministry of Intelligence in Bukan and subjected to interrogation.

Mohammad Hassanzadeh, a 28-year-old resident of Bukan, was fatally shot by regime forces during the 2022 nationwide protests and died from his injuries on November 16 of that year.

Javad Azizi, Retiree Rights Activist, Arrested in Kermanshah

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Freedom of Expression, Labor and Guilds, News
Iranian Retirees Council, Javad Azizi, Kermanshah

On Sunday, September 8, Javad Azizi, a retired citizen and retiree rights activist in Kermanshah, was arrested by security forces and transferred to the Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, according to Iranian Retirees Council.

The report states that the arrest of the retiree rights activist took place at his private residence on Sunday, September 8, 2024, by security forces. During the arrest, the agents also confiscated Mr. Azizi’s mobile phone.

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

Poet Ali Jahanian Arrested by Security Forces in Nahavand

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ali Jahanian, Fereshteh Souri, Hamedan, HRANA, Nahavand

On September 9, Ali Jahanian, a poet and political activist, was arrested by Ministry of Intelligence agents in Nahavand and transferred to the Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility in Hamedan.

A source close to his family confirmed the news to HRANA, stating: “Mr. Jahanian and his wife, Mrs. Fereshteh Souri, were arrested by Ministry of Intelligence agents at their residence in Nahavand. His wife was released after several hours of interrogation on bail. Security agents also searched their home during the arrest and confiscated some of the couple’s personal belongings, including their mobile phones.”

The source added, “Ali Jahanian has been transferred to the Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility in Hamedan following his arrest.”

So far, the reasons for his arrest and the charges against him have not been disclosed.

Ali Jahanian, a poet and political activist residing in Nahavand, has previously been arrested due to his activities.

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Revolutionary Court Sentences Esmaeil Gerami to One Year in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Esmail Gerami, Evin Prison, Iman Afshari

Esmail Gerami, a workers’ rights advocate imprisoned in Evin Prison, has been sentenced to one year in prison by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, according to Iranian Retirees Council.

The verdict, issued by Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran and delivered to Mr. Gerami in prison today, convicts him of “propaganda against the regime” for participating in retirees’ protests, sentencing him to one year of imprisonment. The court session for reviewing his charges took place on August 27 of this year.

On August 7, security forces searched Mr. Gerami’s residence, confiscating personal items including his laptop, mobile phone, and national ID card, and summoned him to Shahid Moghaddas Court in Evin.

Four day later, Esmail Gerami was arrested after appearing at Evin Court and transferred to Evin Prison’s quarantine ward. He was later moved to Ward 4 of Evin Prison.

Earlier this year, in July, Esmail Gerami was fined by Branch 1027 of the Tehran Criminal Court 2.

Esmail (Esmaeil) Gerami has a history of arrests and judicial encounters due to his activism.

Reports from the Department of Statistics and Publication of HRA in 2023 indicate a total of 193 cases in which Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, has been involved in issuing verdicts that infringe upon the human rights of defendants.

Mina Soltani, Mother of a Victim of the 2022 Nationwide Protests, Arrested

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Freedom of Expression, News
Bukan, Mina Soltani, Shahryar Mohammadi, شهریار محمدی, مینا سلطانی

Yesterday, September 11, Mina Soltani, the mother of Shahryar Mohammadi, one of the victims of the 2022 nationwide protests, was arrested by security forces in Bukan and taken to an undisclosed location.

Milad Mohammadi, her son, shared the news, stating: “Security forces violently raided my mother’s house. She is not answering her phone, and we have no information about her whereabouts.”

As of the time of this report, the reasons for her arrest, the charges against her, and her place of detention remain unknown.

Mina Soltani’s son, Shahryar Mohammadi, was killed by gunfire on November 18, 2022, during the nationwide protests in Bukan.

Omid Izadi Sadeghabadi Arrested and Transferred to Prison to Serve Sentence

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Omid Izadi Sadegh-Abadi, Shahrekord

Omid Izadi Sadegh Abadi, a citizen with disabilities, has been arrested and transferred to Shahrekord Prison to serve his prison sentence. This is despite the fact that he suffers from multiple physical health issues.

Based on information received by HRANA, this citizen had gone to court on August 26 to pay his fine, but was arrested and transferred to Ward 4 of Shahrekord Prison to serve his sentence.

A source close to the family confirmed the news and explained Mr. Izadi’s health condition: “He suffers from an illness similar to MS (Multiple Sclerosis), which has affected his nervous system, mobility, and speech. He cannot walk independently and has difficulty speaking.”

The source added that the prison sentence and fine were recently upheld by the Court of Appeals of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province.

In April of this year, Omid Izadi Sadeghabadi was sentenced by Branch 101 of the Second Criminal Court of Saman County to four years of imprisonment and a fine for charges of “propaganda against the Islamic Republic (media activities supporting the Zionist regime)” and “spreading false information with the intent to disturb public opinion.”

Omid Izadi Sadeghabadi, aged around 36, resides in Saman County.

Motahareh Goonehi’s One-Year Prison Sentence Upheld on Appeal

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Freedom of Expression, News
Evin Prison, IRGC Intelligence, Motahareh Goonehi, Tehran Court of Appeals, Toomaj Salehi

Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeals has upheld the one-year prison sentence for Motahareh Goonehi, a suspended student from Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Branch 29 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court had initially handed down the sentence.

The charges stem from Gonei’s protest against the death sentence of Toomaj Salehi and her public comments regarding the “murder and assault” of Nika Shakarami. The Court of Appeals convicted her of “propaganda against the regime in favor of anti-revolutionary media.”

Goonehi was arrested by IRGC intelligence forces on May 1, 2023, and transferred to Evin Prison. She was released on bail four days later. Earlier, she and her husband, Mehdi Hadizadeh, both students at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, had been temporarily suspended and transferred to Ardabil University. More recently, Goonehi was expelled from Tehran University, and her academic file was forwarded to Ardabil University.

A dentistry student and activist, Goonehi had previously been arrested during the 2022 nationwide protests.

Appeals Court: Mashallah Karami Sentenced to Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Alborz Province Appeals, Ali Sharifzadeh, Mashallah Karami, Mohammad-Mehdi Karami

Mashallah Karami, father of executed protester Mohammad Mehdi Karami, was sentenced to four years and three months in prison by the Alborz Province Appeals Court in relation to part of his case, according to Shargh Newspaper.

Ali Sharifzadeh, Karami’s defense lawyer, explained that Karami was sentenced to three years and seven months for “assembly and collusion against national security,” and eight months for “propaganda against the regime.”

The lawyer emphasized, “We will appeal the Appeals Court’s decision, and we hope that by filing for a retrial, the Supreme Court will overturn the ruling.”

In a previous trial by the Karaj Revolutionary Court, Karami had been sentenced to five years in prison for “assembly and collusion against national security,” and one year for “propaganda against the regime.”

In August of this year, Karami was sentenced by Branch 102 of the Nazarabad Criminal Court 2 to eight years and ten months in prison, along with a fine of 1.9 billion tomans and asset confiscation, for “money laundering and illicit acquisition of wealth.”

Sharifzadeh had earlier argued that the security charges brought against his client were not consistent with his actions. He added, “Mr. Karami simply distributed charity meals, funded by public donations. This was presented to the court, but it was not adequately considered. Moreover, my client’s assets had no connection to the security charges against him.”

It is worth noting that in recent days, five citizens were fined by the Alborz Appeals Court for providing financial support to Mashallah Karami. These citizens had previously been sentenced by the Karaj Revolutionary Court to two years in prison and fined 24 million tomans each for “aiding in assembly and collusion against national security” through their financial support of Karami.

Mashallah Karami, the father of Mohammad Mehdi Karami, an executed protester, was arrested by security forces on August 22, 2023. He was transferred from The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility to Karaj Central Prison on October 28 of the same year.

Notably, on the morning of Saturday, January 7, 2023, Mohammad Mehdi Karami, a protester arrested during the nationwide protests and implicated in the case known as the “murder of Basij member Rouhollah Ajamian,” was executed.