Category: Freedom of Expression

Journalist Manijeh Moazenzadeh Charged Over Comments on Iranian President’s Death

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ebrahim Raisi, Manijeh Moazenzadeh, منیژه موذن زاده

The Culture and Media Prosecutor’s Office has initiated legal proceedings against journalist and translator Manijeh Moazenzadeh following her article about the helicopter crash that resulted in the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.

Moazenzadeh revealed, “I am facing legal action for my reaction to President Raisi’s death and how I reported it.” She also mentioned that an existing legal case against her, which includes three charges, is still pending without any court hearing scheduled.

Previously, in November 2022, Moazenzadeh was detained by security forces and subsequently released on bail after 19 days. She is currently affiliated with EcoIran and the weekly magazine Tejarat-e-Farda.

Abdolghani Darvishi’s Sentence Reduced on Appeal

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abdolghani Darvishi, Evin Prison, Urmia, Urmia prison

The Appellate Court of West Azerbaijan Province has reduced Abdolghani Darvishi’s prison sentence from five years to two years and six months. Originally convicted on political charges for “collaboration with anti-regime groups,” his sentence is now suspended for two years.

Darvishi was first detained by security forces on May 22, 2020, in Urmia and subsequently held in Tehran’s Evin prison, controlled by the Ministry of Intelligence. After a month, he was moved back to a detention center in Urmia and later placed in solitary confinement on October 22, 2020, at Urmia Prison.

He was released on bail from Urmia Prison on March 2, 2021. Darvishi, a resident of Urmia and a father of two, continues to reside there with his family.

Akbar Yousefi Arrested in Malekan Over Instagram Post

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Freedom of Expression, News
Akbar Yousefi, East Azerbaijan province, Ebrahim Raisi, Malekan

On May 20, 2024, Akbar Yousefi was arrested by Ministry of Intelligence agents at his home in Malekan, East Azerbaijan province.

According to a source close to his family who spoke to HRANA, the arrest is linked to a recent Instagram post by Yousefi about the helicopter crash that killed Iran’s president, Ebrahim Raisi, and several others, including the foreign minister.

Details regarding the specific charges against Yousefi remain unclear. Notably, Yousefi has a history of arrest and judicial confrontation during the nationwide protests in 2022.

261 People Arrested for Allegedly Holding Satanism Ritual

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Freedom of Expression, News
Citizens arrested, Tasnim

Tasnim, a security-affiliated news agency, reported that police apprehended 146 men and 115 women for allegedly holding a Satanist ritual and consuming alcohol.

According to the Police Intelligence Organization, three of the detainees are European nationals. The police claimed that the detainees had Satanic symbols on their shirts, hair, and faces. Additionally, 73 vehicles were seized.

The report did not disclose the identities of the detainees or their current location.

Iran’s regime and judiciary have consistently faced criticism for infringing on citizens’ privacy rights and personal affairs.

Sanaz Ariantalab Summoned to Serve Prison Term for Political Charges

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Freedom of Expression, News
Gohardasht, Kachooie Prison, Karaj, Mahsa Amini, Sanaz Ariantalab, ساناز آریان طلب

Sanaz Ariantalab (Arian-Talab), a resident of Karaj, has been summoned to begin serving her prison term, imposed on political charges.

According to the summons, Ariantalab, aged around 38, must appear within five days at the executive branch of the judiciary.

Ariantalab was arrested on September 16, 2023, the first anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death, in Gohardasht, Karaj. She was detained in Kachooie Prison and released on bail of 500 million tomans (approximately $10,000) after ten days.

On March 10, 2024, the Revolutionary Court of Karaj sentenced Ariantalab to one year in prison for “presence in public without hijab, propaganda against the regime, and assembly and collusion to undermine national security.” Additionally, she was banned from leaving the country for two years and barred from membership in civil groups.

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Jebreil Pakrooh Arrested by Security Forces

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Freedom of Expression, News
Farhad Pakrooh, Jebreil Pakrooh, Tabriz, جبرئیل پاکروح

On May 13, 2024, Jebreil Pakrooh, a resident of Tabriz, was arrested at his home by security forces. Pakrooh’s children published a video inquiring about their father’s well-being, but they have not received any response from the security institution.

The family is concerned for Pakrooh’s health, as he suffers from various age-related illnesses. While Pakrooh had been summoned by judicial authorities previously, the reason for his recent arrest and the charges against him remain unknown.

Pakrooh’s son, Farhad, is an Azerbaijani-Turk activist. Both he and his father have faced previous confrontations with security institutions due to their activism.

Abbas Haghgooi Receives Six-Month Prison Sentence for Political Charges

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abbas Haghgooi, Abbas Haghgooi Takrami, Gilan province, Lakan prison, Rasht, عباس حقگوی

A judge from the Revolutionary Court in Shaft County, Gilan Province, has sentenced Abbas Haghgooi Takrami to six months in prison.

Haghgooi, approximately 55 years old, was found guilty of “propaganda against the regime.” This charge was supported by evidence of him publishing videos, pictures, and written articles on social media.

Earlier, the Criminal Court sentenced him to three months in prison and a fine for “disseminating false information” in a separate case. This verdict was upheld by the Appellate Court of Gilan Province. However, the court acquitted him of the charge of “insulting the Supreme Leader of Iran.”

Currently serving his sentence in Lakan Prison in Rasht, Haghgooi was recently granted furlough.

Haghgooi was arrested by security forces on April 26, 2023, and later was released pending legal proceedings.

Security Forces Arrest Mother and Daughter in Malekan

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Freedom of Expression, News
Akram Kookhian, East Azerbaijan province, Farangis Fathi, HRANA, Malekan, اکرم کوخیان, فرنگیس فتحی

On May 12, 2024, security forces in Malekan, East Azerbaijan province, arrested Farangis Fathi and her daughter, Akram Kookhian. The arrests occurred at their home, from where they were taken to an undisclosed location.

A source close to the family confirmed to HRANA that the operation involved several agents who forcibly entered the residence, breaking a window and conducting an extensive search. During the raid, their car and various personal items were seized.

Additional reports obtained by HRANA indicate that the security team, consisting of five agents, used pepper spray against Fathi and Kookhian during a confrontation sparked by the latter’s protest. The agents returned a few hours later to conduct a second search of the property.

The reasons for the arrests, the current location of the detained individuals, and any charges filed remain undisclosed at this time.

Four Detained in Urmia for Organizing Nowruz Celebration

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other
Heyman Alizadeh, Othman Abbasi, Rahman Khosrawi, Shahin Dej, Shahram Soltani

On May 9, security forces in Urmia detained four individuals for reportedly organizing a Nowruz celebration, subsequently transferring them to an undisclosed location. Kolbar News identified the detainees as Othman Abbasi, Rahman Khosrawi, Heyman Alizadeh, and Shahram Soltani, all residents of Shahin Dej.

The reason cited for their arrest was the organization of a Nowruz celebration. The security agents reportedly did not present any arrest warrants at the time of the detention.
The current whereabouts of the detainees and any specific charges against them have yet to be disclosed.

Two Singers Detained in Shiraz by Security Forces

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Freedom of Expression, News
Danial Moghaddam, Shiraz, Vafa Ahmadpour, Vafadar, دنیال مقدم, وفا احمدپور, وفادار

On May 9, 2024, singers Vafa Ahmadpour, also known as Vafadar, and Danial Moghaddam were arrested by security forces in Shiraz and taken to an undisclosed location.

The news of their arrest was announced via Ahmadpour’s social media.

The singers had recently released a music video titled “Amadeh Bash” (Be Ready!). The reasons for their arrests, their current whereabouts, and the specific charges against them have not been disclosed.

Previously, on February 4, 2024, Ahmadpour was arrested at his home and detained for over 15 days before being released on bail from Evin Prison. He was later sentenced to one year for “spreading propaganda against the regime” by the Revolutionary Court. Moghaddam has also experienced previous arrests and legal challenges related to his protest songs.