Category: Freedom of Expression

Actress Leila Bolukat Receives Sentence for Violating Hijab Regulations

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Freedom of Expression, News, Women
compulsory hijab, Ham-Mihan, Hijab, Leila Bolukat, Semnan

According to a report by Ham-Mihan Newspaper, actress Leila Bolukat has been sentenced to imprisonment by the criminal court of Tehran Province for non-compliance with Hijab regulations.

The court has imposed a ten-month sentence, with six months suspended for five years. Bolukat will serve the remaining sentence in a prison located in Semnan Province. In addition, she faces a five-year ban on media and online social activities, along with a two-year travel ban.

The charges against Bolukat, which were brought in June 2023, include allegations of insulting morality and public decency due to her failure to wear Hijab and the publication of allegedly immodest pictures on social media.

Majid Tavakoli Sentenced to Six Years and Additional Punishments

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Freedom of Expression, News
Mahsa Amini, Majid Tavakoli, Mohammad-Reza Amoozad

In a recent development, former political prisoner Majid Tavakoli, who was detained during the nationwide protests of 2022, has been sentenced to six years in prison along with additional punishments.

The Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Mohammad-Reza Amoozad, issued the verdict. Tavakoli was handed a one-year sentence for “propaganda against the regime” and a five-year sentence for “assembly and collusion against national security.” In addition to the prison term, he has been subjected to further restrictions, including a ban on engaging in online social activities for two years. Moreover, Tavakoli faces a two-year ban on residing in Tehran and a two-year ban on leaving the country.

If the verdict is upheld on appeal, based on Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, five years in prison will be enforceable.

The final court session addressing Tavakoli’s charges was held on July 15, 2023.

Tavakoli, a student activist and former political prisoner, was arrested by security forces in Tehran on September 23, 2022, during the Mahsa Amini Protests. He was subsequently released on bail on December 19, 2022.

Background on the 2022 Nationwide Protests

The arrest of Mahsa Amini by Tehran Morality Police for her improper hejab and her suspicious death on September 16 sparked protests sweeping across Iran. Protesters came to the streets with the central slogan “Women, Life, Freedom” in protest against the performance, laws and structure of the regime. During the nationwide protests, thousands of people, including journalists, artists, lawyers, teachers, students and civil rights activists, were arrested.

 

Eight People Sentenced to Combined 48 Years in Ahvaz

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Freedom of Expression, News
ahvaz, Fayez Zahrouni, Hadi Jalali, Hossein Estedad, Hossein Farajollah Chaab, Musa Khaledi, Naser Shaye Mazraeh, Saeed Fakher-Nasab, Tofigh Falahieh

The Ahvaz Revolutionary Court sentenced eight people to a total of 48 years.

According to the latest rulings, Hossein Farajollah Chaab, Naser Shaye Mazraeh, Tofigh Falahieh, Fayez Zahrouni, Hossein Estedad, Saeed Fakher-Nasab, Hadi Jalali, and Musa Khaledi have each received a one-year prison sentence, five years of suspended imprisonment, and a two-year travel ban.

In May 2018, these individuals, alongside numerous others, were arrested by security forces following a one-week protest gathering. They were subsequently released on bail after a period of time.

Hossein Farajollah Chaab was detained once again in February 2021.

Iranian Actor Mohammad Sadeghi Arrested in Tehran

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Freedom of Expression, News
Iranian Actor, Mohammad Sadeghi, Tehran

On Sunday, July 16, renowned theater and television actor Mohammad Sadeghi was apprehended at his residence in Tehran by security forces, as confirmed by Tasnim News Agency. The exact location of his detention remains undisclosed.

Sources indicate that Sadeghi was arrested by agents from the Ministry of Intelligence. According to reports, there was an alleged incident where he contemplated jumping from the third floor in an apparent bid to escape but ultimately abandoned the idea upon the arrival of firefighters and judicial officials at the scene.

Yesterday, Sadeghi took to social media to inform the public about the raid conducted by security forces at his residence. While some media outlets within Iran have suggested that his arrest is linked to allegations of “wearing women’s apparel, makeup, and inciting people to engage in illegal activities,” the precise grounds for his detention are yet to be officially disclosed.

At present, the location where Sadeghi is being held and the nature of the charges against him remain unknown, adding to the uncertainty surrounding his arrest.

Civil Rights Activist Majid Rezaie Arrested and Detained in Tehran

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Freedom of Expression, News
Evin Prison, Fariba Fereydooni, irgc, Khomeyn, Majid Rezaie, Markazi Province, Tehran

On July 15, civil rights activist Majid Rezaie was apprehended by security forces at his residence in Tehran and subsequently taken to Evin Prison.

According to a reliable source close to Rezaie, he is currently being held in the quarantine section of Evin Prison, where he will serve a nine-month sentence.

Previously, on May 22, Rezaie received a summons from the Judgement Enforcement Unit in Tehran to initiate his sentence.

The Tehran Revolutionary Court initially imposed a one-year sentence, which was later reduced to nine months after Rezaie entered a plea of no contest. Additionally, he has been sentenced to four hours of daily penal labor for the Tehran Municipality over a three-month period. Furthermore, he is required to attend a course conducted by the Institute of Psychology Ma’avaye e Qom, purportedly aimed at “enhancing emotional regulation.”

On July 23, 2020, Rezaie and his wife, Fariba Fereydooni, were arrested by agents of the IRGC in Khomeyn County, Markazi Province. He was released on bail after 21 days of detention.

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Nine Individuals Arrested by Security Forces in Isfahan

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Freedom of Expression, News
Hoda Sadeghi, Isfahan, Marjan Beshtam, Mashhad Kashani, Mina Nedaie, Mohammadreza Ghotbizadeh, Roozbeh Dana, Sama Amooshahi

Nine individuals were recently apprehended by security forces in Isfahan.

The HRANA has identified them as Mina Nedaie (35), Roozbeh Dana (37), Marjan Beshtam (42), Hoda Sadeghi, Sama Amooshahi, Mashhad Kashani, and Mohammadreza Ghotbizadeh. Two others, Erfan and Amir, remain unnamed.

Reports suggest that some of the detainees are being held at Dastgerd Prison, while others are in a Ministry of Intelligence detention facility in Isfahan.
The specific charges against them have yet to be disclosed.

Alireza Ramezani Arrested in Tehran

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Freedom of Expression, News
Alireza Ramezani, Borazjan, Bushehr Province, HRANA, Qazvin

On July 9, 2023, security forces arrested Alireza Ramezani, a Qazvin resident, in Tehran. Simultaneously, his legal case was transferred to the Qazvin Courthouse, according to a reliable source close to his family who spoke with HRANA.

The whereabouts of Ramezani remain unknown, causing great distress for his family.

Previously, in September 2022, Ramezani was apprehended by security forces in Qazvin and imprisoned in Choobindar Prison. He was granted release on bail on October 13, 2022. However, in May 2023, the Qazvin Revolutionary Court sentenced him to one year in prison and imposed a two-year exile in Borazjan, Bushehr province, despite being granted amnesty in February 2022.

Alireza Ramezani, approximately 37 years old, is a father of one child and a former university lecturer.

Two Years Imprisonment against Sepideh Gholian Uphled on Appeal

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ameneh Sadat Zabih Pour Ahmadi, Evin Prison, Sepideh Gholian, Tehran Revolutionary Court

Civil rights activist Sepideh Gholian has had her two-year sentence and additional penalties affirmed by Branch 36 of the Court of Appeals.

Back in May 2023, Gholian was convicted by the Tehran Revolutionary Court on charges of “insulting the Supreme Leader of Iran,” resulting in a two-year sentence that included a period of custody. Along with the imprisonment, she was subjected to a ban on joining political or social groups, restrictions on cell phone usage, and a two-year prohibition from entering Tehran and adjacent provinces.

After her release from Evin Prison, Gholian was re-arrested on March 15, 2023, while traveling from Tehran to Dezful. Initially detained in Ward 209 of Evin Prison, she was later transferred to the Women’s Ward of the facility four days later.

Adding to her legal troubles, on July 19, 2023, Gholian received a summons to appear in criminal court. This came as a result of a complaint filed against her by Ameneh Sadat Zabih Pour Ahmadi, an IRIB reporter and security interrogator, accusing Gholian of “disturbing public opinion through the dissemination of false information” on the internet.

It is important to note that Gholian has a history of previous arrests and convictions linked to her activism.

 

Woman Receives Prison Sentence and Travel Ban for Violating Hijab Requirement

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Freedom of Expression, News, Women
Ahmadreza Radan, Hijab, Tehran

The Criminal Court of Tehran has handed down a verdict sentencing a woman to two months in prison and imposing a two-year travel ban on her for violating the Hijab regulations.

As per the verdict, which gained attention after being shared on social media, the Tehran Criminal Court, under the authority of Judge Ali Omidi, issued a two-month prison sentence and a two-year travel ban against a woman who was found guilty of “publicly not wearing Hijab.” The court classified the act of not wearing Hijab as a manifestation of “antisocial behavior,” mandating the woman to be under treatment and present a health certificate twice a week for a duration of six months.

Furthermore, the court labeled the absence of the Hijab as an act of behavior deemed “anti-Iranian,” justifying the implementation of the travel ban.
Prior to this ruling, Ahmadreza Radan, the chief of Iranian police, had announced an action plan involving the seizure of vehicles and closure of businesses as means to enforce compliance with the Hijab requirement among citizens.

Zahra Saeedianjoo Arrested in Tehran

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Freedom of Expression, News
Izeh, Khuzestan province, Milad Saeedianjoo, Omid Saeedianjoo, Zahra Saeedianjoo

Zahra Saeedianjoo was apprehended by security forces in Tehran on Sunday, July 9, and subsequently taken to Evin Prison. Her brother, Milad Saeedianjoo, tragically lost his life during the recent nationwide protests in Izeh, Khuzestan Province.

Confirming the arrest, Omid Saeedianjoo, Zahra’s brother, stated, “My sister was apprehended by security forces at her workplace in Tehran and transported to Evin Prison.” According to him, Zahra’s detainment is linked to her expression of sympathy towards the families of protesters who were killed during the demonstrations.
Notably, both Omid and Zahra Saeeidianjoo had been previously arrested and later released after participating in a commemoration ceremony held at Milad’s burial site on his birthday.

On November 16, 2022, Milad Saeeidianjoo, aged 26, was fatally shot by the regime forces during the protest in Izeh.