Category: News

Hossein Molaei-Pour Sentenced to Prison and Additional Penalties

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Freedom of Expression, News
ahvaz, Hossein Molaei-Pour, Izeh

HRANA News Agency – Hossein Molaei-Pour, a disabled resident of Izeh, has been sentenced by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Ahvaz to more than two years in prison, a travel ban, and an obligation to report to the Intelligence Office.

Based on a verdict issued by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Ahvaz and formally communicated to his defense attorney, Hossein Ali Hatami, Mr. Molaei-Pour has been sentenced to two years and one day of imprisonment, a two-year travel ban, and an obligation to report to the Intelligence Office for a period of one year.

The ruling was issued on charges of propaganda against the regime and engaging in propaganda activity against the regime in support of Israel.

This citizen was arrested on September 27 of 2025 and was later released on bail on October 22.

Hossein Molaei-Pour, aged approximately 19, is a disabled resident of Izeh County.

Nirvana Torbati Nejad and Her Mother Arrested in Gorgan

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Freedom of Expression, News
Gorgan, Hossein Soleimani, HRANA, Nirvana Torbati-Nejad, Roghayeh Amirkhani

HRANA – Today, Sunday, Nirvana Torbati-Nejad and her mother, Roghayeh (Sayeh) Amirkhani, were arrested by officers of the Public Security and Intelligence Police in Gorgan. Their arrest took place during the fortieth-day memorial ceremony of one of those killed in the protests.

Based on information received by HRANA, the two citizens were arrested today, February 22, 2026, by officers of the Golestan Province Public Security and Intelligence Police during the fortieth-day memorial ceremony for Hossein Soleimani, one of those killed in recent protests, in the city of Gorgan.

A source close to the family confirmed the news to HRANA and stated: “Nirvana’s arrest is unrelated to her previous case.”

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

It is worth noting that in December of this year, Nirvana Torbati-Nejad was sentenced by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of this city to six months of discretionary imprisonment. The appeal hearing in her case is scheduled to be held on February 24, 2026, at Branch 1 of the Golestan Province Court of Appeals.

Nirvana Torbati Nejad and her mother, Roghayeh (Sayeh) Amirkhani, are residents of Gorgan.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began on Sunday, December 28, 2025, in Tehran. After two days, the protests expanded beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these demonstrations became one of the most widespread protests in recent years. Following the crackdown by security and law enforcement forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security institutions. For more information, you may refer to HRANA’s detailed report on the fiftieth day since the beginning of the protests.

Behnam Ohadi and Mohammad Shaeri Arrested

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Executions, News
Behnam Ohadi, HRANA, Mohammad Shaeri, Tehran

HRANA – Yesterday, Behnam Ohadi, a psychologist, and Mohammad Shaeri, residents of Tehran, were arrested by security forces and transferred to Greater Tehran Prison.

An informed source, confirming the news, told HRANA: “On Thursday, February 19, the two citizens were arrested by security forces after attending the fortieth-day memorial ceremony for some of those killed during the recent protests at Behesht Zahra Cemetery in Tehran. They were subsequently transferred to Greater Tehran Prison.”

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the charges brought against these two Tehran residents.

Behnam Ohadi, 52, a psychologist, has previously faced arrest and conviction due to his activities.

British Nationals Craig and Lindsay Foreman Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abolghasem Salavati, Craig and Lindsay Foreman, Craig Foreman, IRGC Intelligence, Joe Bennett, Kerman, Lindsay Foreman

HRANA – Craig and Lindsay Foreman, two British nationals currently imprisoned in Iran, have been sentenced to 10 years in prison by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, on charges of “espionage.”

According to HRANA News Agency, citing BBC Persian, Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, headed by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, sentenced the couple to 10 years in prison on charges of “espionage.”

The British couple stated that despite being present in court, no evidence was presented and they were given no opportunity to defend themselves.

Their son, Joe Bennett, has said that he is deeply concerned about their conditions of detention. The UK Foreign Secretary has also described the ruling as “appalling and unjustifiable.”

The report does not provide further details, including the date on which the verdict was issued.

The couple had previously gone on hunger strike in November of last year in protest against the lack of progress in their case.

Craig Foreman and Lindsay Foreman had entered Iran as part of a round-the-world motorcycle trip and were arrested in December 2024 by the IRGC Intelligence in Kerman. Judicial authorities had earlier accused them of “espionage,” alleging that they had gathered information in several provinces under the cover of tourism and research activities.

The then British ambassador to Iran also met with the two defendants at the Kerman Prosecutor’s Office in February of last year.

In recent years, Iranian authorities have detained several foreign nationals on charges such as espionage or cooperation with hostile states. Some of these detainees have later been released following political negotiations. Human rights organizations and some Western governments have accused Iran of using such arrests as a means of political leverage, allegations that Iranian authorities have consistently denied.

Nationwide Protests: Arrest of Seven Citizens in Taleqan

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Ahmad Sadat-Rasoul, Alborz, Alborz Sadeghian, Ali Ghorbani, Ali Shahbazi, Ebrahim Gharghi, HRANA, Mohammad Akbarian, Mostafa Vatan-Khah, Taleqan

HRANA – Seven citizens were arrested by security forces in connection with the protests in Taleqan County, Alborz Province.

Based on information received by HRANA, Alborz Sadeghian, Ali Ghorbani, Ebrahim Gharghi, Ahmad Sadat-Rasoul, Ali Shahbazi, Mohammad Akbarian, and Mostafa Vatan-Khah were detained following the January 8 protests in Taleqan. Despite more than a month having passed since their arrest, their place of detention remains unknown.

No information has yet been obtained regarding the charges brought against these individuals.

It is worth noting that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began on Sunday, December 28, in Tehran. After two days, the scope of the protests extended beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, the protests became one of the most widespread demonstrations in recent years. Following the crackdown by law enforcement and security forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security institutions. For more information, readers may refer to HRANA’s detailed report published on the fiftieth day since the start of the protests.

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Execution of Nine Prisoners on Murder and Drug-Related Charges

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Executions, News
Behbahan, Bojnord, Bukan, Esfarayen, Ferdows, HRANA, Mahshahr, Sari, Taybad

HRANA – At dawn yesterday, Thursday, February 19, 2026, the death sentences of at least nine prisoners were carried out in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, as well as in the prisons of Esfarayen, Sari, Bukan, Behbahan, Taybad, Bojnord, Mahshahr, and Ferdows.

According to information received by HRANA, Rahman Omari was executed in Esfarayen Prison; Mehrshad Panji in Sari Prison; Farez Babaei in Bukan Prison; Ali Jafar Sadeghi in Behbahan Prison; Milad Ghaedi in Mahshahr Prison; Rahim Mashayekhi in Ferdows Prison; and Hassan Narouie in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. These prisoners had previously been arrested on charges of murder and were subsequently sentenced to death by criminal courts.

In addition, the executions of Mokhtar Azizian in Bojnurd Prison and an Afghan national in Taybad Prison were carried out on charges related to drug offenses. Further details, including the identity of the ninth prisoner executed at dawn today, are still under investigation by HRANA.

As of the time of this report, the executions have not been officially announced by prison authorities or relevant institutions.

According to HRA’s annual report, in 2025, at least 2,063 individuals were executed in Iran during the one-year period from January 1, 2025, to January 1, 2026. This represents a 119% increase in executions compared to 2024. In many of these cases, due to secrecy, prisoners were even deprived of the right to a final visit with their families.

Hamed Mehrabkhani, a Baha’i Citizen, Arrested

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News, Religious Minorities
Baha'is Citizen, Bahman Shokouhi, Hamed Mehrabkhani, Jaleh Mehrabkhani, Qazvin, Tabriz

HRANA – Today, Hamed Mehrabkhani, a Baha’i citizen residing in Qazvin, was arrested by security forces at his sister’s home in Tabriz and transferred to an undisclosed location.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mr. Mehrabkhani was arrested today, Wednesday, February 18, by security forces at his sister’s home in Tabriz. A source close to the family confirmed the news to HRANA, stating that during the arrest, officers searched the home of his sister, Jaleh (Zhaleh) Mehrabkhani. During the search, several electronic devices belonging to her and her family were seized, including the mobile phones and laptop of his sister and her husband, Bahman Shokouhi.

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the reasons for Mr. Mehrabkhani’s arrest or the charges brought against this Baha’i citizen.

Hamed Mehrabkhani, a Baha’i citizen approximately 32 years old, is originally from and resides in Qazvin.

Over the past decade, the Baha’i community in Iran has been subjected to more security and judicial actions than any other religious minority. A review of the annual reports published by the Statistics, Publications, and Works Center of the Human Rights Activists in Iran indicates that, over the past year, on average, 62.41 percent of reports concerning religious minorities were related to violations of the rights of Baha’i citizens.

Mehdi Sabeti Arrested and Transferred to Karaj Central Penitentiary

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News, Prisoners
HRANA, IRGC Intelligence, Karaj, Mehdi Sabeti, Meshkin Dasht, مهدی ثابتی

HRANA – Mehdi Sabeti, a political defendant, was arrested last week by security forces in Karaj and transferred to the city’s Central Penitentiary.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mr. Sabeti was arrested in Karaj last week and transferred to Ward 16, the security ward of the city’s Central Penitentiary. He has been formally charged with “insulting the Supreme Leader” and “propaganda against the regime.”

Mr. Sabeti had previously been released from Karaj Central Penitentiary in late April of this year on “leave connected to the end of his sentence.”

In June 2024, Branch 4 of the Revolutionary Court of Karaj sentenced him to two years in prison on the charge of “insulting the Supreme Leader” and one year in prison on the charge of “propaganda against the regime.”

The court hearing to address the charges against this political defendant was held on June 18, 2024, in the aforementioned branch, in the presence of his court-appointed lawyer.

Mr. Sabeti was arrested on September 17, 2023, by agents of the IRGC Intelligence Organization in Meshkin Dasht, located in Fardis County. He was later transferred to Karaj Central Penitentiary.

A source close to the family of this political prisoner had previously told HRANA: “A few days after his arrest, Mehdi was additionally charged during interrogation in Fardis with insulting religious sanctities, spreading falsehoods, and assaulting an officer. His case in this regard is currently under review at Branch 1 of the Criminal Court of Karaj County.”

Mehdi Sabeti, aged approximately 36, is a resident of Fardis County, Karaj.

Report on the Execution of 12 Prisoners on Murder and Drug-Related Charges

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Executions, News
Ali Mousavi, Khosrow Rafiei, Kourosh Azizi, Mohammad Rudbari, Mola Sheikhi, Reza Hatamzadeh, Sajad Meshkini, Vahid Barati

HRANA– At dawn today, February 16, the death sentences of 12 prisoners were carried out in the prisons of Quchan, Qaemshahr, Gorgan, Neyshabur, Dorud, Dastgerd Isfahan, Zanjan, Saveh, Kerman, and Kashan. These prisoners had previously been sentenced to death on charges related to drug offenses and murder.

According to information received by HRANA, Khosrow Rafiei was executed in Quchan Prison; Mohammad Rudbari in Qaemshahr Prison; Mola Sheikhi in Neyshabur Prison; Mr. Beigi in Dorud Prison; Ali Mousavi in Dastgerd Isfahan Prison; Sajad Meshkini in Zanjan Prison; and Vahid Barati in Saveh Prison. These prisoners had previously been arrested on murder charges and sentenced to death by criminal courts.

Meanwhile, the executions of Jamal Hosseini in Gorgan Prison, Kourosh Azizi in Kerman Prison, Reza Hatamzadeh in Kashan Prison, and two prisoners in Dastgerd Isfahan Prison were carried out on charges related to drug offenses.

Further details regarding these executions, including the identification of the two prisoners executed in Isfahan, remain under investigation by HRANA.

As of the time of this report, prison officials and the relevant authorities have not officially announced these executions.

According to HRA’s annual report, in 2025, at least 2,063 people were executed in Iran. Based on this report, the implementation of death sentences increased by 119% compared to the year 2024. In many of these executions, due to secrecy and lack of transparency, prisoners were even deprived of the right to a final visit with their families.

New Prison Term for Jailed Political Prisoner Mostafa Tajzadeh

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abolghasem Salavati, Evin Prison, Houshang Pourbabai, IRGC Intelligence, Mostafa Tajzadeh

HRANA – Branch 22 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court has sentenced Mostafa Tajzadeh, a political prisoner held in Evin Prison, to 14 months in prison in connection with a case opened against him during his imprisonment.

Fakhrossadat Mohtashamipour, the wife of Mostafa Tajzadeh, announced in a statement that under a verdict issued today, Monday, February 16, by Branch 22 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court presided over by Judge Taghizadeh, this political prisoner was sentenced to 14 months of discretionary imprisonment on the charge of propaganda against the regime.

He had previously been summoned on December 30, 2025, following the opening of a new case, after receiving a notice to appear before Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court to defend himself against the charges brought against him.

In July of 2025, in another case formed against him during his imprisonment, Mostafa Tajzadeh was sentenced to a total of five years in prison. According to Houshang Pourbabai, Mr. Tajzadeh’s defense attorney, with the issuance of this new ruling, the total sentences against his client have increased to 17 years in prison.

In December 2024, in another case, Mr. Tajzadeh was sentenced by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, to one year in prison on the charge of propaganda against the regime and five years in prison on the charge of assembly and collusion against national security, totaling six years.

Regarding that case, Fakhrossadat Mohtashamipour had stated that it was initiated by the IRGC Intelligence Organization and that Abolghasem Salavati has, since 2009, issued a new sentence against Mostafa Tajzadeh for the third time.

Mostafa Tajzadeh was arrested by security forces on July 8, 2022, and transferred to The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, known as Ward 2-A of Evin Prison. He was later sentenced by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Salavati, to eight years in prison on charges of assembly and collusion against national security, spreading falsehoods, and propaganda against the regime, five years of which are enforceable.

Mr. Tajzadeh has previously faced judicial action and imprisonment due to his activities.