HRANA – Rasoul Salehi, one of the individuals arrested in connection with the January 2026 protests, has been sentenced to 9 years and 3 months in prison by the Revolutionary Court.
Based on the verdict issued by the Revolutionary Court, he was sentenced to five years in prison on the charge of “providing the means for committing assembly and collusion against national security,” two years for “insulting the Supreme Leader,” one year and three months for “propaganda against the regime,” and one year for “spreading falsehoods.”
Under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, out of the total sentence of 9 years and 3 months, five years of imprisonment will be enforceable for Mr. Salehi.
Rasoul Salehi had previously participated in a protest gathering outside the Najafabad Judiciary Office during the January 2026 protests, following the killing of a teenager in Yazdanshahr. He had demanded the release of detained protesters. In a video circulated on social media, he gave judicial authorities a deadline to release detainees and warned of further protest gatherings.
He was ultimately arrested on January 6, 2026, by security forces at a relative’s home. His arrest took place despite prior attempts by security institutions to pressure organizers into canceling protest gatherings through phone calls.
Following Rasoul Salehi’s arrest, citizens in Yazdanshahr held a protest gathering, which led to clashes after intervention by security and law enforcement forces.
As of the time of this report, no information has been published regarding the prisoner’s current place of detention or his access to legal rights, including access to a lawyer.
It should be noted that protests and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025, and within two days spread beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests became one of the largest protest movements of 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 agencies. For more information, readers may refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “Crimson Winter,” documenting the first fifty days following the outbreak of Iran’s nationwide protests.
