Forced Confessions of Three Rappers Published by Tehran Security Police

HRANA – Three rap artists, Arash Sayyadi, Ashkan Shekarian Moghaddam, and Rasam Sohrabi, were arrested by the Tehran Security and Intelligence Police. Videos of their forced confessions have been circulated on social media while their cases are still pending judicial review.

In the published videos, the three men appear half-naked, apparently to display their tattoos, suggesting the security forces intended to showcase them.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, these rappers, often labeled “underground” musicians for lacking official production licenses, were detained by Tehran’s Security Police. Following their arrests, videos were posted on social media accounts attributed to Arash Sayyadi, Rasam Sohrabi, and Ashkan Shekarian Moghaddam, in which they appear half-naked and confess to “taunting” and “disrupting public order” online.

At the end of the videos, the three express “gratitude and apologies” to “law enforcement, judicial authorities, the Second Base of the Intelligence Organization, and the Prosecutor’s Office of District 5 of Tehran.”

It is worth noting that, beyond violating human dignity, the recording and broadcasting of forced confessions constitute a breach of legal principles: under the law, individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court, and any punitive action before a final conviction is a violation of their civil and human rights.

These three citizens are active in rap music. Arash Sayyadi, known by his stage name “Isin,” and composer Rasam Sohrabi had previously faced security-related confrontations and arrests. Ashkan Shekaryan Moghaddam performs under the stage name “Ashkan Leo.

Bandar Abbas Revolutionary Court Acquits German National of Espionage Charge

HRANA – The head of the Hormozgan Province Judiciary announced that the Bandar Abbas Revolutionary Court has acquitted Lennart Christian Jean-Pierre Monterlos, a German national, of espionage charges. Monterlos, who also holds French nationality, was arrested during the 12-day war between Israel and Iran on suspicion of spying.

According to Mizan News Agency, Mojtaba Ghahremani, head of the Hormozgan Judiciary, stated that Monterlos had been detained on espionage charges during the conflict.

Ghahremani added: “Despite the indictment issued by the prosecutor’s office, the Revolutionary Court, adhering to legal principles and considering doubts regarding the alleged offense, issued a verdict of acquittal. However, under the law, the prosecutor has the right to appeal the ruling.”

The report did not specify the current status or location of the foreign national.

During the 12-day Iran–Israel conflict, a German-language news outlet covering France and international affairs reported that Jean-Pierre Monterlos, an 18-year-old French citizen, had traveled to Iran by bicycle and had been missing since June 16, 2025.

Shortly afterward, Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, confirmed his arrest in an interview with a French publication, claiming that the individual had been detained “for committing a crime.”

Family Left in the Dark Nine Days After Saro Yarahmadi’s Arrest by IRGC Intelligence

HRANA – Saro Yarahmadi (Yar-Ahmadi), a dentist residing in Kermanshah, has been held in detention by IRGC Intelligence agents in this city for the past nine days, with no information available about his whereabouts. The uncertainty surrounding his fate has heightened the concerns of his family and relatives.

A source close to his family confirmed the news to HRANA, stating: “On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, Mr. Yarahmadi was arrested in Kermanshah by IRGC Intelligence agents and transferred to an undisclosed location. Despite the family’s efforts, none of the security or judicial institutions have provided clear answers regarding his situation.”

The lack of information about Mr. Yarahmadi’s condition has caused increasing concern among his family and close relatives.

In 2024, a total of 2,783 Iranian citizens were arrested by security and judicial authorities due to their beliefs, opinions, or political and civil activities. Over the past decade, the number of such arrests has exceeded 56,000. The highest number of arrests occurred in 2022, during the nationwide protests, when HRANA documented 23,977 detentions.

Monthly Report – September 2025: Human Rights Situation in Iran

HRANA– This report reviews documented cases of human rights violations in Iran in September 2025, based on statistics compiled by HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran. The sharp rise in executions during this month, the arrests of minors, and the alarming reports of prisoner deaths in Qarchak Prison of Varamin were among the most notable human rights violations recorded.

Executions

In September, Iranian prisons recorded 183 executions, marking the highest monthly total since the start of the year. According to HRANA, the executed included 164 men and 6 women, while the gender of 13 prisoners remains unverified due to the lack of official announcements.

At least 9 Afghan nationals were among those executed, bringing the total number of Afghan citizens executed in Iran since the beginning of this year to 50.

Of those executed, 92 prisoners had been sentenced to death on drug-related charges, and 83 were executed on murder charges. Since the beginning of this year, the Iranian regime’s judiciary has executed 486 individuals on drug-related charges.

In addition, two individuals, including Babak Shahbazi, were executed on the political charge of “enmity against God” (Moharebeh). For Babak Shahbazi, “intelligence and security collaboration with Israel” was cited as an instance of this charge.

Furthermore, one prisoner was executed on politico-religious charges, and another on security-related charges. The charges against four prisoners remain unknown.

In September, the Iranian regime’s judiciary issued death sentences against ten individuals, including one woman. The gender of two of those sentenced to death remains unknown. Among these cases is the concerning news of the Supreme Court’s confirmation of the death sentence against Peyman Farah-Avar, a poet from Gilan.

Additionally, one individual in Yasuj has also been sentenced to execution in public.

right to life

Prisoners’ Rights

In September, six prisoners died in Iranian prisons due to illness and the lack of adequate or timely medical care. Among these cases, HRANA reported the consecutive deaths of three women in Qarchak Prison of Varamin. One of them, Somayeh Rashidi, who had been arrested in Tehran for writing slogans, died as a result of delays in being transferred to a hospital.

In addition to the above cases, in September HRANA documented 31 reports of political and religious prisoners being denied medical care in prison.

The detention of political and religious prisoners under harsh and unsuitable conditions is another recurring instance of rights violations in Iran’s prisons. Among such cases is the detention of the British couple, Craig and Lindsay Foreman, in poor conditions, including being held in an overcrowded ward lacking proper sleeping arrangements.

Other instances of prisoners’ rights violations reported by HRANA this month regarding political prisoners and prisoners of conscience include: 45 cases of holding prisoners in legal limbo, 14 cases of families being denied information about the condition of their detained relatives, 44 reports of prisoners being transferred to solitary confinement, 2 cases of denial of access to a lawyer, 13 cases of denial of visitation rights, and 8 cases of pressure and threats against prisoners.

In response to such violations, some prisoners resort to hunger strikes. In September, HRANA documented 4 hunger strikes and 2 cases of suicide among prisoners (political and non-political).

prisoners rights

Kolbars and Fuel Carriers

In September, 15 citizens lost their lives as a result of indiscriminate shootings by military and security forces – a figure that is three times higher than the previous month. Since the beginning of this year, military forces, particularly in border areas, have taken the lives of 77 people.

Of those killed this month, five were fuel carriers (sukhtbar) and one was a kolbar (cross-border porter). In addition, 13 others were injured as a result of these indiscriminate shootings, including two kolbars and three fuel carriers.

In addition, landmine explosions in September caused the death and injury of four Iranian citizens. Among the victims were two teenage brothers killed in Mirjaveh, located in Sistan and Baluchestan Province.

Freedom of Thought and Expression

In September, 34 individuals were arrested by security forces for expressing their opinions and beliefs. Additionally, 15 people were summoned to security agencies and 23 others to court.

Among those arrested were three lawyers in Gilan Province: Shahrzad Sharabiyani, Shadi Falahati, and Hesam Pourahmadi. Furthermore, ten other lawyers in this province were also summoned to security and judicial authorities.

During the same month, 14 people were tried on similar charges, and convictions were issued against 23 individuals, resulting in a total of 868 months of prison sentences as well as a ruling of 38 lashes.

Regarding freedom of expression, eight protest gatherings were held in September, while in one case security forces prevented a ceremony and gathering from taking place. During the same month, the Press Court also tried the managers of three media outlets as well as a member of parliament.

Workers’ Rights

In September, HRANA documented 122 workers’ protest gatherings and two labor strikes, including strikes by workers in the oil and gas industries. According to these reports, more than 5,100 workers stated that they have not received their overdue wages.

Additionally, a labor activist was sentenced to 72 months in prison.

Also, workplace accidents in September claimed the lives of 35 workers and left 69 others injured. Since the beginning of this year, 280 workers have lost their lives in workplace incidents.

In September, trade associations and unions held 68 protest gatherings and two strikes. In one case, a teachers’ gathering was met with mass arrests and the confiscation of personal belongings. A total of 19 people were arrested, and 10 individuals faced convictions in court. HRANA also documented the closure of 29 commercial establishments during this month.

Women’s Rights

Among the most serious violations of women’s rights this month were the killings of three women, including a 35-year-old woman in Saqqez who was set on fire by her husband and died. In addition, a woman in Khomam, Gilan Province, was the target of an acid attack.

A man was also murdered in a so-called honor killing, and one case of sexual assault was reported.

Furthermore, the Iranian regime sealed eight commercial establishments for allegedly failing to enforce mandatory hijab regulations.

Children’s Rights

In September, Iranian security forces arrested 11 minors under the age of 18.

During the same month, the killings of seven children were reported, including the murder of a teenage girl in Shadegan in an honor-related killing.

Additionally, the deaths of two children and injuries to two others were reported as a result of the negligence of state authorities.

Children Rights

Religious Minorities

In September, security forces arrested one member of a religious minority. Additionally, the Iranian judiciary sentenced eight members of religious minorities to a combined total of 701 months in prison. In one case, Loghman Amini, a Sunni cleric, was sentenced to imprisonment and stripped of his clerical status.

HRANA also documented six court summonses and one case of a house search targeting religious minorities during this month.

Ethnic Rights

In September, 21 members of ethnic minorities were arrested by security forces. Among them was Peyman Ebrahimi, an Azerbaijani-Turk activist.

HRANA also reported two summonses to security agencies, two court summonses, and one case of physical assault carried out by security forces against members of ethnic minorities.

Inhuman Punishment

In September, the Iranian regime issued a total of 642 flogging sentences, along with one case of shame parading of a defendant in the city of Borujerd, and a ruling for amputation – all examples of inhuman punishments.

Following Protest Gathering; 11 Citizens Arrested in Behbahan

HRANA – On Sunday, September 28, eleven job-seeking citizens from the village of Barzion in Bahmai County were arrested by Ministry of Intelligence agents following a protest gathering. After their arrest, these citizens were transferred to Behbahan Prison, Khuzestan province.

According to information obtained by HRANA, the eleven arrested citizens are: Ali Moradi, Abolfazl Jamali, Asad Fathi, Gholam Emami, Salman Ja’fari, Mohammad Ahmadi, Mohammadreza Bahrami, Mehdi Fathi, Morteza Atoon, Hamzeh Atoon, and Mohammad Mohammadpour.

They were arrested after holding a protest in front of the Maroun Dam and Power Plant Operating Company building. Residents of the area are demanding the opportunity to participate in the company’s employment test. Reports indicate that the arrest of some protesters was accompanied by violence from security forces.

Residents of the area had also gathered in front of the Maroun Dam and Power Plant Operating Company building in Behbahan on Saturday, September 27.

These citizens, who are mostly local youths, had previously told HRANA that they are barred from participating in the employment test due to the location of the Maroun Dam and Power Plant Operating Company in Khuzestan Province. They stressed that they have repeatedly raised the issue through local and provincial authorities but have received no response so far.

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Two Citizens, Including a Minor, Arrested by Security Forces in Oshnavieh

HRANA – On Thursday, September 18, two citizens, including a teenager, were arrested by security forces in Oshnavieh and transferred to an undisclosed location. They have been identified as Zaniar Shadikhah and Mohsen Dehar.

According to Kurdpa, the identities of those arrested are: Zaniar Shadikhah, 17 years old, Mohsen Dehar, 24 years old, both residents of Singan village, Oshnavieh County.

Yesterday, Thursday, September 18, intelligence agents raided the family homes of these two citizens without presenting a judicial warrant and arrested them.

As of this writing, no information has been made available regarding the reasons for their arrest, their whereabouts, or the charges against them.

It is worth noting that two days ago, intelligence agents also arrested two other 16-year-old teenagers, Diyar Gargul and Alan Tabnak, in the same county.

Security Forces Arrest Two 16-Year-Olds in Oshnavieh

HRANA – Early this morning, two 16-year-old teenagers, identified as Diyar Gargul and Alan Tabnak, were arrested by security forces in Oshnavieh and taken to an undisclosed location.

According to Kurdpa, the arrests took place on Wednesday morning, September 17. Security agents reportedly raided the family homes of the teenagers without presenting a judicial warrant and detained them.

So far, no information has been made available regarding the reasons for their arrest or their current whereabouts.

Arbitrary arrests, transferring detainees to undisclosed locations, and leaving families in the dark about the fate of their loved ones are routine practices of the Iranian regime’s security agencies, such as the Ministry of Intelligence and the IRGC Intelligence Unit. This pattern of behavior stands in clear violation of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, known as the Nelson Mandela Rules.

Gold Mine Security Forces Open Fire on Villagers: One Dead, Three Injured

HRANA – Following clashes between security guards of the Qolqoleh Gold Mine and a group of protesting residents of Pir-Amran village in Saqqez County, one villager was killed and three others were injured. Two of the shooters have been identified and arrested.

According to HRANA, citing ILNA, the confrontation took place yesterday evening, Monday, September 15. Four villagers were shot and transferred to medical centers. One of them died due to the severity of his injuries.

The Mukerian News Agency identified the deceased as Mohammad Rashidi, 22 years old.

The head of the Kurdistan Province Judiciary announced that a case has been opened in Saqqez County Prosecutor’s Office, adding that the shooters have been identified and arrested. Preliminary investigations by the case investigator have already begun, and the weapons used have been confiscated and handed over to law enforcement authorities.

The police commander of Saqqez County also confirmed the incident, citing disputes between villagers and mine officials as the cause of the clash.

The Qolqoleh Gold Mine, located near Pir-Emran village in Saqqez County, has previously been the scene of tensions between locals and mine authorities. Villagers have long raised concerns over environmental damage, land ownership, and lack of transparency in the exploitation of natural resources.

Indictment Issued for Four Accused of “Spying for Israel”

HRANA – The head of the West Azerbaijan Province Judiciary has announced that indictments have been issued against four individuals accused of “spying for Israel.”

According to Mizan, the indictments were handed down following proceedings in the Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office, under Article 6 of the Law on Combating the Actions of the Zionist Regime.

Naser Atabati, head of the provincial judiciary, claimed that the defendants were involved in identifying military facilities and other sensitive sites across Iran. He further alleged that they operated in Tehran, Urmia, Shahroud, and Isfahan, where they photographed and filmed locations for transfer to Mossad agents, procured SIM cards and specialized phones for secure communications, and carried out explosions and acts of arson. In return, he said, they received payments from the Israeli military in the form of cryptocurrency and other digital assets.

The report did not specify the date of the indictments or which judicial branch issued them.

Article 6 of the Law on Combating the Actions of Israel equates any intelligence cooperation or espionage on behalf of Israel with moharebeh (enmity against God) and corruption on earth, both of which carry the maximum penalty under Iranian law.

While espionage in itself is not considered a human rights violation, the Iranian government has a documented history of using such charges to target political opponents. As a result, claims of this nature- particularly when lacking transparency about evidence, legal proceedings, or due process – are widely regarded with skepticism.

Two Teenagers Arrested by Security Forces in Kamyaran

HRANA – On Monday, September 8, Uraz Zamani and Behrouz Rashidi, two teenagers from Kamyaran, were arrested by security forces in this county and taken to an undisclosed location.

According to Kolbar News, their arrests took place on Monday, September 8, without the presentation of a judicial warrant, carried out by security forces at their family homes.

As of the time of this report, no information is available regarding their whereabouts, the reasons for their arrest, or the charges against them.

Arbitrary arrests, transferring detainees to undisclosed locations, and leaving families in the dark about the fate of their loved ones are routine practices of the Iranian regime’s security agencies, such as the Ministry of Intelligence and the IRGC Intelligence Unit. This pattern of behavior stands in clear violation of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, known as the Nelson Mandela Rules