Category: News

Two Inmates Executed for Drug-Related Crimes in Urmia Prison

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Executions, News
Ghobad Farhadpour, HRANA, Jafar Mohammadpour, Kermanshah, Sardasht, Urmia prison

Urmia Prison witnessed the execution of two inmates convicted of drug-related offences on June 9, 2023, as confirmed by HRANA (Human Rights Activists News Agency).

The individuals identified as Ghobad Farhadpour from Kermanshah and Jafar Mohammadpour, a resident of Sardasht, were subjected to the death penalty following their transfer to solitary confinement.

No official sources or domestic media outlets in the country have reported on these executions at the time of writing.

According to the Department of Statistics and Publication of Human Rights Activists in Iran, a total of 457 reports related to the death penalty were registered in 2022. This included 92 death sentences, including six individuals sentenced to public execution. Furthermore, 565 execution sentences were carried out, two of which were carried out publicly. Among the executed individuals, 501 were male, 11 were female, and five were juvenile offenders who were executed despite being under the age of 18 at the time of the crime.

Report on Conditions of Female Prisoners at Ilam Prison

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News, Prisoners
HRANA, Ilam prison, Iran's prisons, women ward

The women’s ward at Ilam Prison faces numerous challenges, including overcrowding, inadequate facilities, substandard food quality, cohabitation with violent offenders, restricted communication and family visits.

According to a reliable source interviewed by HRANA, the presence of violent crime convicts in the same ward poses difficulties for political prisoners and those detained in connection with the 2022 nationwide protests. Other issues highlighted include limitations on phone calls and family visitations, intrusive surveillance, compulsory participation in religious ceremonies, neglect of prisoners’ concerns, and verbal abuse by male prison guards towards female inmates.

Overcrowding remains a significant problem, forcing many inmates to sleep on the floor. The outdoor area is also notably small. In case of illness, access to the prison infirmary and necessary medication is severely restricted, with prison officials often dismissing requests for medical care as feigned ailments.

A family member of one prisoner expressed concern, stating that prisoners who refuse to participate in religious ceremonies are subjected to harassment and threats, often with the support of religious extremist inmates. Furthermore, the quality of prison food is poor, and the prison store fails to provide essential items, raising concerns about the health conditions of the inmates.

 

Two Inmates Executed in Zahedan and Qazvin

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Executions, News
Alidoost Sumalani, Choobindar Prison, Qazvin, Zahedan

On June 8, 2023, Alidoost Sumalani, 45, was executed in Zahedan Prison, according to Rasank news. He had been convicted of murder two years ago.

In Choobindar Prison, Qazvin, an inmate convicted of drug-related crimes was executed, as reported by Hamshahri Online.

Additionally, on the same day, three death-row prisoners, including a woman convicted of drug-related crimes, were transferred to solitary confinement, indicating the impending implementation of the death penalty. HRANA is currently working on identifying these inmates.

In 2022, the Department of Statistics and Publication of Human Rights Activists in Iran registered 457 reports related to the death penalty. This included 92 death sentences, including the conviction of 6 people to public execution and 565 execution sentences were carried out, 2 of which have been carried out in public. Based on the announced identifications of some of the executed individuals, 501 were male and 11 were female. In addition, 5 juvenile offenders were executed in 2022, meaning they were under the age of 18 at the time they committed the crime.

Artist Atena Farghadani Detained in Qarchak Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Atena Farghadani, HRANA, Qarchak Prison, Varamin

Atena Farghadani, an artist and civil rights activist, was taken into custody by security forces on June 7, 2023, and subsequently transferred to Qarchak Prison in Varamin.

According to a reliable source, who spoke with HRANA, Farghadani was apprehended following her appearance at Evin Courthouse. The specific grounds for her arrest and the allegations against her remain undisclosed at this time.

It is worth noting that Farghadani has previously faced legal repercussions for her activism.

Ardavan Fallahi’s Detention Extended in Evin Prison, Charges Modified

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ardavan Fallahi, Arghavan Fallahi, Erfan Karam Veisi, Evin Prison, moharebeh, Nasrollah Fallahi, Shiraz, Tehran

Ardavan Fallahi, who was apprehended during the nationwide protests in 2022, is currently held in Evin Prison alongside his father, Nasrollah, and sister, Arghavan.

In a recent update provided by their lawyer, Erfan Karam Veisi, it has been revealed that the Evin Courthouse has decided to extend their detention once again after six months since the arrest. Notably, the charge of “enmity against God (Moharebeh),” as initially stated in his detention extension notice, has been dropped by judicial officials. However, Fallahi still faces charges such as “spreading corruption on earth” and “assembly and collusion against national security,” which carry severe penalties if convicted.

Ardavan Fallahi, aged 24, was arrested in Isfahan on November 3, 2022, followed by the subsequent arrests of his 66-year-old father and 22-year-old sister in Shiraz the following day. On February 12, 2023, they were transferred to Evin Prison in Tehran.

Despite having attended two sessions, they have yet to be formally indicted.

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Union Activist Davoud Razavi to Five Years in Prison

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News, Prisoners
Davoud Razavi, Evin Prison, Tehran Revolutionary Court, ward 209

Davoud Razavi, a union activist and member of the Tehran bus workers’ syndicate, has recently been handed a five-year prison sentence along with additional penalties by the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

According to HRANA, the news agency for Human Rights Activists, the Tehran bus workers’ syndicate reported on June 7 that Razavi has been convicted of “assembly and collusion against national security,” resulting in a five-year prison term. Additionally, he has been banned from engaging in social activities online and participating in political groups for a duration of two years. Presently, Razavi is being held in Evin prison.

During the court proceedings, the prosecution highlighted various activities undertaken by Razavi, including his membership in the Tehran bus workers’ syndicate, involvement in protest gatherings, participation in union organizing, attendance at the ILO summit, and association with other workers’ rights activists. These activities were cited as evidence to support the aforementioned charges.

Razavi was arrested on September 27, 2023, and initially confined to Ward 209 of Evin Prison. Subsequently, on December 18, he was transferred to the Great Tehran Penitentiary before being relocated back to Evin Prison on April 9, 2023.

It’s worth noting that Razavi has a history of prior arrests and convictions related to his activism. In 2019, he received a five-year suspended prison sentence.

Two Inmates Executed in Central Prison of Karaj

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Executions, News
Central Prison of Karaj, Einollah Badri-Nejad, Eynollah Badri-Nejad, HRANA

On June 6, 2023, two inmates who had been convicted of drug-related crimes were executed by officials at the Central Prison of Karaj.

HRANA has identified one of these individuals as “Einollah Badri-Nejad.”

Earlier, HRANA had reported the relocation of these inmates, indicating that the implementation of the death penalty was imminent.

As of now, no official sources or domestic media outlets within the country have reported on these executions.

In 2022, the Department of Statistics and Publication of Human Rights Activists in Iran registered 457 reports related to the death penalty. This included 92 death sentences, including the conviction of 6 people to public execution and 565 execution sentences were carried out, 2 of which have been carried out in public. Based on the announced identifications of some of the executed individuals, 501 were male and 11 were female. In addition, 5 juvenile offenders were executed in 2022, meaning they were under the age of 18 at the time they committed the crime.

 

Two Inmates Executed for Drug Offenses in Kerman Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Kambiz Barzkar, Kerman prison, Malek Balouch Mahani, RASANK

On June 6, 2023, two inmates convicted of drug-related crimes were executed in Kerman Prison, according to reports from HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, citing Rasank news.

The executed individuals have been identified as Malek Balouch Mahani, 40, and Kambiz Barzkar, 28. These executions were reportedly carried out in 2019-2020 for drug offenses.

It is worth noting that there have been no official statements or reports from domestic media outlets within the country regarding these particular executions.

According to the Department of Statistics and Publication of Human Rights Activists in Iran, in 2022, there were a total of 457 reports related to the death penalty. This included 92 death sentences, with six individuals sentenced to be hanged publicly. A total of 565 execution sentences were carried out, with two of them being public. Out of the identified executed individuals, 501 were male, 11 were female, and five were juvenile offenders who were executed for crimes committed while they were under the age of 18.

Baha’i Citizen Hami Bahadori Remains in Detention for Six Months

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News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizen, Evin Prison, Hami Bahadori

Baha’i citizen Hami Bahadori continues to be detained for over six months with no signs of release. The Tehran Revolutionary Court has scheduled a second court hearing for June 10, 2023.

According to an informed source, Bahadori was supposed to be released on bail after being indicted on January 3, 2023. However, Judge Salavati has refused to grant him bail, despite numerous pleas from his family. The judicial officials have shown no willingness to consider their requests.

On October 22, 2022, security forces arrested 26-year-old Bahadori and transferred him to Evin prison. The first court session was held on March 5, 2023, at the Tehran Revolutionary Court, where Bahadori faced charges of “assembly and collusion against national security,” “propaganda against the regime,” and “promoting the Baha’i faith.”

Bahadori recently penned a letter expressing his grievances about the unjust treatment of religious minorities within the judicial system.

Iran Protests: Three Protestors Sentenced to 13 Years Imprisonment

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Freedom of Expression, News
Adel Gorgij, Ali Ahmad Barechi, Hossein Kashani Asl, Zahedan

According to a report by Haal Vsh, the Zahedan Revolutionary Court has handed down sentences of 13 years in prison to Hossein Kashani Asl, Adel Gorgij, and Ali Ahmad Barechi.

The individuals were convicted of “enmity against God (Moharebeh),” for which they each received a 10-year sentence, along with an additional three months for “causing unrest.” Adel Gorgij’s sentence includes exile to Ardabil province, while the two others will serve their sentences in East Azerbaijan province.

Based on Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, ten years in prison will be enforceable to them.

These individuals were apprehended by security forces during nationwide protests in October 2022. They are currently incarcerated in Zahedan Prison.

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.