Category: Prisoners

Update on Zohreh Sarve’s Health Condition in Evin Prison

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News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, HRANA, irgc, Zohreh Sarv

Political prisoner Zohreh Sarv is serving her six-year sentence in Evin Prison. Zohreh Sarve’s medical condition in Evin Prison has raised concerns, as reported by a reliable source who spoke to HRANA.

She is currently suffering from knee injuries and potential breast cysts, requiring medical treatment such as sonography and MRI tests. Despite the approval of the head of the prison infirmary, prison officials have denied her request to be transported to a hospital for the necessary treatments.

In September 2021, Sarve was arrested by security forces and initially held in IRGC ward A-1. Following the conclusion of the interrogation process, she was transferred to Evin Prison after one month.

Subsequently, the Tehran Revolutionary Court issued a seven-year sentence for Sarve, charging her with “assembly and collusion against national security” and “propaganda against the regime.” The prison term is enforceable for a duration of six years.

It is important to note that Sarve has a history of previous arrests and convictions related to her activism. Prior to her arrest, she was actively engaged on social media platforms.

 

Update on Maziar Seyednejad’s Condition in Evin Prison

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News, Prisoners
ahvaz, Evin Prison, irgc, Maziar Seyednejad, workers rights activist

Maziar Seyednejad, an advocate for workers’ rights, remains confined to Ward 6 of Evin Prison since the commencement of his sentence on May 21, 2023.

In January 2023, Maziar Seyednejad received a sentence from Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, which included two years in prison for “membership in communist groups” and an additional year for “propaganda against the regime.” Moreover, he has been prohibited from leaving the country, engaging in political and civil associations, and participating in online social activities for a duration of two years. Pursuant to Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the two-year sentence for the aforementioned charge has been enforced.

However, it is worth noting that Seyednejad has publicly stated that, when considering his previous three-year sentence in Ahvaz, he expects to serve a total of five years.

Seyednejad’s arrest took place on June 7, 2021, when security forces apprehended him at his residence in Tehran. He was subsequently transferred to IRGC’s detention facility in Evin Prison, specifically Ward 2-A. On August 16, 2021, he was granted temporary release upon posting a 600-million-toman bail, pending the conclusion of his legal proceedings.

It is important to mention that Seyednejad has faced prior arrests and convictions due to his unwavering commitment to civil activism.

 

Journalist Zahra Tohidi Faces Additional Charges While Incarcerated

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, Hoda Tohidi, Zahra Tohidi

Journalist Zahra Tohidi is currently serving her sentence in Evin Prison. On June 20, she was indicted with new charges at Evin Courthouse.

According to her husband, Alireza Khoshbakht, Zahra was accused of “propaganda against the regime.” The prosecution presented her Instagram posts as evidence during the hearing.

Zahra and her sister, Hoda (Zohreh) Tohidi, were initially arrested on September 22, 2022, by security forces in Tehran. They were released on bail on December 17, 2022.

Subsequently, the sisters received a five-year prison sentence each for “assembly and collusion against national security.” However, three-quarters of their sentence were suspended. After pleading no contest, a further reduction of one-quarter was granted.

On May 31, 2023, Zahra and Hoda Tohidi began serving their sentence at Evin 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.

Mohammadreza Morad Behroozi and Soori Babai Chegini Receive Combined Two-Year Sentence

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Choobindar, Mohammadreza Morad Behroozi, Qazvin, Soori Babai Chegini

Soori Babai Chegini and Mohammadreza Morad Behroozi have been sentenced to a combined two years in prison by the Qazvin Revolutionary Court. Currently, Behroozi is already serving a one-year sentence for a previous legal case in Choobindar Prison, Qazvin.

As per the verdict, each individual has been given a one-year sentence for “propaganda against the regime,” which includes the detention period.

According to a reliable source who spoke to HRANA, the couple was not granted amnesty in accordance with the “pardon and commutation” directive. Additionally, judicial and prison officials have denied Behroozi’s request for prison leave.

Behroozi was arrested in August 2021 by security forces at his residence in Qazvin. He was subsequently released on bail pending the completion of legal proceedings.

Later, Behroozi received a one-year sentence for “insulting the Supreme Leader of Iran” and was fined 10 million tomans for “spreading falsehood to disturb public opinion.”

On July 15, 2022, Behroozi was jailed in Choobindar prison to commence serving his sentence.

On July 15, 2022, Behroozi began serving his sentence in Choobindar Prison. In March 2023, while still in prison, the Criminal Court of Mohammadiyeh County sentenced him to an additional ten months for “spreading falsehood” and eight months and ten days for “provoking people to act against public modesty.” He was also banned from leaving the country for two years.

Considering that he has been tried twice by both Criminal and Revolutionary Courts for the same offense, Behroozi’s lawyer has requested the merging of the sentences.

Babai Chegini was arrested on July 13, 2022, and released on bail after approximately six months. However, she was re-arrested one day after her release when she went to the Justice building in Mohammadiyeh to retrieve her children’s confiscated cell phone.

Subsequently, Chegini was sentenced to one month for “demonstrating a Haram act,” six months for “provoking people to act against public modesty,” and an additional three months for “public appearance without Hijab.” She was also banned from leaving the country for two years.

On May 25, 2023, Chegini began serving her six-month sentence in Choobindar Prison. However, she was released on bail five days later after accounting for the detention period.

 

Khosro Rahnama Sentenced to Five Years in Prison

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News, Prisoners
Iman Afshari, Khosro Rahnama, Tehran, ward 209

Political prisoner Khosro Rahnama has been sentenced to five years in prison by the Tehran Revolutionary Court. Currently serving another legal case, Rahnama is incarcerated in Ward 4 of Evin Prison.

The verdict, issued by Judge Iman Afshari, cites “assembly and collusion against national security” as the grounds for the five-year sentence.

On March 11, 2024, Rahnama was arrested at his residence in Tehran by security forces. Following two months of interrogation, he was transferred from Ward 209 to the public ward of Evin Prison.

Rahnama’s previous legal case resulted in a five-year prison sentence and two years of exile. The charges included “propaganda against the regime, assembly and collusion against national security, and collaboration with anti-regime groups.” It is important to note that Rahnama has a history of prior arrests and convictions related to his activism.

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Civil Rights Activist Mohammad Nourizad Faces New Legal Case During Imprisonment

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News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, Eyvanki, Izeh, Mohammad Hossein Aghasi, Mohammad Nourizad, Tabas, Tehran

Imprisoned civil rights activist Mohammad Nourizad has been brought to trial for a new legal case while serving his existing sentence. The Tehran Revolutionary Court conducted a session on June 14, 2023, to address the charges against him.

According to Mohammad Hossein Aghasi, Nourizad’s lawyer, his client is facing charges of “assembly and collusion against national security, propaganda against the regime, and destruction of property within the prison head’s office.”

The initial phase of Nourizad’s legal case began on August 11, 2019, when he was arrested by security forces for his involvement in issuing an open letter with 13 other civil rights activists, calling for the Supreme Leader of Iran to step down. In this first case, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison, three years of exile in Izeh, and a two-year travel ban. While the prison sentence was upheld on appeal, the duration of exile and travel ban were reduced to two years.

In late April 2020, Nourizad received an additional one-year imprisonment for expressing support towards Baha’i citizens of Eyvanki in Semnan Province.

Regarding the second part of his legal case, the Mashhad Criminal Court sentenced Nourizad to 8 months in prison and 74 lashes, with exile to Tabas, for “disturbance of public order,” and an additional 74 lashes for “spreading falsehood.” This verdict was also upheld on appeal.

On November 17, 2021, Nourizad was released from Evin Prison based on an early release order. However, on January 23, 2022, he was summoned and re-incarcerated in Evin Prison to complete his remaining sentence.

Nourizad’s history includes prior arrests and convictions related to his peaceful activism. He is a renowned filmmaker, writer, director, and journalist from Iran. While previously known as an outspoken religious journalist, he has become an active critic of the Islamic Republic in recent years.

Update on Bahai Citizen Payam Vali’s Condition in Ghezel Hesar Prison

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News, Prisoners, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizen, Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, Karaj, Payam Vali, Rajai Shahr Prison

Payam Vali, a Baha’i citizen, is currently serving a six-year sentence in Ghezel Hesar Prison, located in Karaj. He has been denied access to make a phone call to his family, as ordered by prison officials.

According to a reliable source who spoke to HRANA, Vali’s phone card has been blocked. He is also prohibitd from purchasing any item from the prison store. The source revealed that this prohibition was imposed after Vali gave a message via phone addressing the speakers of the Iranian Parliament.

In addition, another source close to Vali’s family informed HRANA that since late May, he has only had one visitation with his family. Furthermore, other prisoners have been threatened to refrain from providing Vali with their phone cards.

On September 24, 2022, security forces arrested Vali at his residence in Karaj, subsequently conducting a search of his house and detaining him in Rajai Shahr Prison. He was later relocated to Ghezel Hesar prison.

On May 10, 2023, the Alborz Court of Appeals sentenced Vali to six years for “collaboration with adversary countries,” three years and one month for “inciting people to commit violence,” and eight months for “propaganda against the regime.” According to Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the first charge carries an enforceable prison term of six years. It is worth noting that Vali had initially been sentenced in February 2023 to ten, five, and one-year terms for the respective charges mentioned above.

According to HRANA annual report, from the full human rights reports regarding the violation of religious minorities’ rights, 64.63% belonged to the violation of the rights of Baha’is.

The deprivation of the freedom to practice their religion is a breach of Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The United Nations covenant holds that every person has the right to freedom of religion, freedom of converting religion, as well as freedom of expression, individually or collectively; openly or secretly.

Civil Rights Activist Mohammad Abolhassani Brutally Assaulted by Prison Guards

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News, Prisoners
Choobindar Prison, Evin Prison, HRANA, Mohammad Abolhassani, Qazvin

On June 12, 2023, Mohammad Abolhassani, a civil rights activist, was subjected to a violent attack by prison guards at Choobindar Prison in Qazvin Province. The assault occurred after Abolhassani voiced his concerns about the deplorable conditions within the prison.

An informed source, speaking to HRANA, disclosed that Abolhassani was confronted by a prison officer, leading to a physical altercation involving the deputy head of the prison and two other guards. The incident resulted in Abolhassani losing consciousness, after which he was taken to the prison infirmary. He later regained consciousness.

Presently serving his sentence at Choobindar Prison in Qazvin, Abolhassani is housed among inmates convicted of violent crimes, contrary to prison regulations. Moreover, he has been subjected to limitations when making phone calls, including the mandatory presence of prison guards during these conversations.

In January 2021, Abolhassani while serving his sentence for a previous legal case, was sentenced to 15 months in prison by the Tehran Revolutionary Court for “propaganda against the regime.” In addition to the prison term, he was assigned four hours of penal labor per day for four months. This ruling was subsequently upheld on appeal.

On January 1, 2022, Abolhassani was transferred to Evin Prison to commence his sentence.
In October 2022, he found himself facing further legal actions, resulting in an additional four-year imprisonment term.
On February 6, 2023, he was violently relocated from Evin Prison to Choobindar Prison in Qazvin.

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.

 

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.