Tag: Ghezel Hesar prison

Ali-Asghar Peyghambari, Prisoner Sentenced to Death, Held in Ghezel Hesar Prison

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Executions, News, Prisoners
Ali-Asghar Peyghambari, Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, علی اصغر پیغمبری

HRANA – Ali-Asghar Peyghambari, one of those arrested during the nationwide protests of January 2026 and sentenced to death, is currently being held in Unit 3 of Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj. His death sentence was recently upheld by Branch 9 of the Supreme Court.

According to HRANA, Ali-Asghar Peyghambari, 26, who was arrested during the nationwide protests of January 2026, is currently imprisoned in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

According to information received by HRANA, Peyghambari is currently being held in Ward 37 of Unit 3 at the prison. He was previously sentenced to death by Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court on charges of “operational and security-related actions against the regime” and “encouraging individuals to participate in protests,” under the Law on Intensifying Punishment for Espionage and Cooperation with Israel. His sentence was recently upheld by Branch 9 of the Supreme Court.

Payam Derafshan, one of Peyghambari’s attorneys, previously stated that his client had no organizational or other ties to “hostile groups” and that, according to the defense presented in court, the only action attributed to him was attending one of the protests. He also announced that a request for a retrial and a stay of execution had been prepared.

Ali-Asghar (Alireza) Peyghambari was arrested by security forces on January 9, 2026, amid the nationwide protests. He was released on bail in March of the same year.

The first court session addressing the charges against Peyghambari was held in April-May 2026 before Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court. His second hearing was held before the same branch in late May. Following the hearing, Peyghambari was arrested and transferred to the Greater Tehran Prison.

An informed source previously told HRANA that Peyghambari had not participated in the demonstrations and, after leaving his workplace, inadvertently found himself amid a crowd during unrest related to the protests. This account differs from his attorney’s statement that his client was accused of attending one of the protests.

After being held for some time in the Greater Tehran Prison, Peyghambari was transferred to Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

Five Baha’i Citizens Arrested to Serve Prison Sentences

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News, Religious Minorities
Ali Bagherkashi, Babak Zeinali, Fouad Taefi, Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, Sahba Taef, Shervin Shabrokh

HRANA – On Monday, August 31, five Baha’i citizens residing in Karaj, were arrested after reporting to the Shahriar Revolutionary Court to begin serving their one-year prison sentences.

According to HRANA, on the morning of Monday, August 31, 2026, Babak Zeinali, Sahba Taef, Fouad Taefi, Shervin Shabrokh, and Ali Bagherkashi, Baha’i citizens residing in Karaj, reported to the Shahriar Revolutionary Court following a prior summons to begin serving their prison sentences and were subsequently arrested.

According to information received by HRANA, the families of these citizens were initially informed that they would be transferred to the Greater Tehran Prison. However, the five were held at a detention facility in Shahriar, and it was later announced that they were to be transferred to Ghezel Hesar Prison. As of the time of this report, no precise information regarding their transfer is available, and their final place of detention remains unknown.

These individuals had previously been arrested on November 7, 2023, at Babak Zeinali’s home in Mehrshahr, Karaj. Following interrogation and judicial proceedings, they were eventually released on bail.

As proceedings in their case continued, the five citizens were tried under Article 500 bis of the Islamic Penal Code on charges including “propaganda against the regime” and “deviant educational and proselytizing activities contrary to or disruptive of the sacred law of Islam.” Each was ultimately sentenced to one year in prison.

Babak Zeinali has also previously been arrested and convicted in cases related to his religious beliefs.

Political Prisoner Ali Zarei Sentenced to Death

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Executions, News
Ali Zarei, Ali Zarei Doozdarrehsi, Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, Karaj, علی زارعی

HRANA – Ali Zarei Doozdarrehsi, a political prisoner and one of those injured during the 2022 nationwide protests who is currently held in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj, has been sentenced to death by Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court on the charge of “corruption on earth.”

According to HRANA, Ali Zarei Doozdarrehsi, who is being held in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj, has been sentenced to death.

According to information obtained by HRANA, Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced Zarei Doozdarrehsi to death on the charge of “corruption on earth through extensive engagement in political activities, creating the appearance of fabricated damages, producing false reports, propaganda against the regime, disrupting security, and illegally entering and exiting the country.” The sentence was communicated to him on August 23, 2026.

Zarei Doozdarrehsi, who had previously been residing in Germany, was arrested by Ministry of Intelligence agents on April 28, 2026, after entering Iran.

During the preliminary investigation stage, his case was reviewed by Branch 3 of the Prosecutor’s Office of District 33 in Tehran, also known as the Security Prosecutor’s Office.

He was ultimately transferred to Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj on June 30, 2026. He is currently being held in Unit 3, Ward 37 of the prison.

Ali Zarei Doozdarrehsi, approximately 27 years old and a resident of Tehran, suffered an injury to one of his eyes after being struck by pellet gunfire during the 2022 nationwide protests. He has previously faced arrest and judicial proceedings.

January 2026 Protests: Supreme Court Upholds Death Sentence of Ali-Asghar Peyghambari

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Executions, News
Ali-Asghar Peyghambari, Alireza Peyghambari, Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, علی اصغر پیغمبری

HRANA – The Supreme Court has upheld the death sentence of Ali-Asghar (Alireza) Peyghambari, one of those arrested during the nationwide protests of January 2026. According to HRANA’s investigation, the prisoner was recently transferred from Greater Tehran Prison to Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

According to HRANA, the Supreme Court has upheld the death sentence of Ali-Asghar (Alireza) Peyghambari, 26, who was arrested during the January 2026 protest.

According to HRANA’s investigation, Peyghambari was also recently transferred from Greater Tehran Prison to Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj. Given that his death sentence has been upheld, his transfer to Ghezel Hesar Prison, where executions are carried out, has raised concerns among his family.

In this regard, Payam Derafshan, one of Peyghambari’s attorneys, confirmed in an interview with Emtedad that his client’s death sentence had become final. He stated that the ruling was issued under the Law on Intensifying Punishment for Espionage and Cooperation with Israel and was subsequently upheld by the Supreme Court. According to Derafshan, his client had no organizational or other ties to “hostile groups,” and based on the defense presented in court, the only action attributed to him was his presence at one of the protests. The attorney also stated that a request for a retrial and a stay of execution is being prepared.

HRANA previously reported that Peyghambari had been sentenced to death by Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court and that his case had been referred to Branch 9 of the Supreme Court for review.

Ali-Asghar (Alireza) Peyghambari was arrested by security forces on January 9, 2026, amid the nationwide protests. He was released on bail in March 2026.

The first hearing on the charges against Peyghambari was held in April-May 2026 before Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court. His second hearing was held before the same branch in late May 2026. Following the hearing, Peyghambari was arrested and transferred to Greater Tehran Prison.

Previously, an informed source told HRANA that Peyghambari had not participated in the demonstrations and had inadvertently found himself amid the crowd and unrest associated with the protests after leaving his workplace. This account differs from his attorney’s recent statement that his client was accused of being present at one of the protests.

Background on the January 2026 Protests

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.

January 2026 Protests: Amir-Mohammad Mojallal Chubari Sentenced to Death

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Executions, Freedom of Expression, News
Amir-Mohammad Mojallal Chubari, Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, January 2026 Protests, مجلل چوبری

HRANA – Amir Mohammad Mojallal Chubari, arrested during the nationwide protests of 2026 and currently held in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj, has been sentenced to death by the judiciary.

According to HRANA, Amir Mohammad Mojallal Chubari is currently being held in Ghezel Hesar Prison.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mr. Mojallal Chubari has been sentenced to death by the judiciary. He had previously been charged at Branch 33 of the Tehran Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office, known as the Shahid Moghaddas Prosecutor’s Office (Tehran Security Prosecutor’s Office), with “assembly and collusion with the intent to commit a crime against national security,” “disrupting public order and tranquility through participation in riots,” “attempted intentional murder by attempting to run over security officers,” and “resisting officers.”

Mr. Mojallal Chubari was arrested in Tehran on January 2, 2026, during the nationwide protests and subsequently transferred to Ghezel Hesar Prison.

Amir Mohammad Mojallal Chubari, 22, had no prior history of arrest or criminal conviction.

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Soheil Arabi Sentenced to Five Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Ghezel Hesar prison, Karaj, Soheil Arabi, سهیل عربی

HRANA – Soheil Arabi has been sentenced by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court to five years in prison and a two-year ban on employment involving social media activities.

According to HRANA, Soheil Arabi has been sentenced to imprisonment.

Based on a ruling issued on August 16 by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, Arabi was sentenced to five years of discretionary imprisonment, with time previously served in detention credited toward his sentence, on the charge of “assembly and collusion with the intent to commit a crime against national security,” with the court taking into account provisions concerning repeat offenses. As a supplementary punishment, the court also barred him for two years from “engaging in a specific occupation, profession, or work related to the committed offense (social media activity).”

In part of the ruling, the court cited Arabi’s communications with individuals outside Iran, the contents of the case file, images documenting his social media activities, and reports by judicial officers among the evidence supporting the verdict.

A hearing on the charges against Arabi was held before the same branch on August 10. During the hearing, reports from a security agency, content he had published on social media, and his assistance to several people detained during the January protests were among the matters raised in the case. In his defense, Arabi stated that his support activities were not limited to prisoners or protesters, noting that of more than 200 families covered by the support network, over 100 had no history of arrest or political activity.

In March, Arabi was arrested by security forces and transferred to Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj. He was released from the prison this spring.

Soheil Arabi has previously faced arrest and judicial proceedings in connection with his activities.

Arabi is a blogger and citizen journalist who received the Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Prize in 2017. He has previously faced multiple prosecutions and convictions. In 2014, Branch 76 of the Tehran Province Criminal Court sentenced him to death on the charge of “insulting the Prophet of Islam” on Facebook. The death sentence was later overturned and replaced with other punishments.

More recently, Arabi wrote a letter describing detention conditions in Suite 35 of Unit 3 at Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

January 2026 Protests: Supreme Court Overturns Death Sentences of Three Detainees

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Executions, News, Prisoners
Abolfazl Salehi Siavashani, Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, Shahab Zahdi, Yaser Rajaeifar

HRANA – The death sentences of Shahab Zahdi, Abolfazl Salehi Siavashani, and Yaser Rajaeifar, detainees from the January 2026 protests who are currently held in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj, have been overturned by Branch 9 of the Supreme Court.

According to HRANA, the Supreme Court has overturned the death sentences of three detainees from the January 2026 protests.

According to information received by HRANA, Branch 9 of the Supreme Court overturned the death sentences of Shahab Zahdi, Abolfazl Salehi Siavashani, and Yaser Rajaeifar and referred their cases to a branch of the Tehran Revolutionary Court for retrial. In February 2026, the prisoners had been sentenced to death by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, in connection with a case involving the burning of a Basij base in eastern Tehran.

During the nationwide protests of 2026, these individuals, along with four other prisoners, Mohammad-Amin Biglari, Shahin Vahedparast Kalur, Amirhossein Hatami, and Ali Fahim, were prosecuted and arrested in a joint case related to the burning of the “185 Martyr Mahmoud Kaveh” Basij base in eastern Tehran on the evening of January 8, 2026. The trial was subsequently held on February 7, 2026, before Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati. Their death sentences were issued the following day, February 8.

In April 2026, the death sentences of Mohammad-Amin Biglari, Shahin Vahedparast Kalur, Amirhossein Hatami, and Ali Fahim were carried out.

Iranian state media had previously published videos showing forced confessions by these individuals. The circumstances under which the videos were recorded remain unclear.

An informed source, confirming the report, told HRANA about the judicial proceedings in Shahab Zahdi’s case: “Mr. Zahdi’s trial was held without his lawyer present.” The charges brought against him were “assembly and collusion against national security” and “moharebeh (enmity against God) and corruption on earth through setting fire to public property and facilities.” His interrogation session was held on January 10, 2026, at Branch 33 of the Tehran Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office (Shahid Moghaddas Security Prosecutor’s Office). Zahdi had been arrested by security forces on January 8 of that year.

Abolfazl Salehi Siavashani was arrested by security forces on January 9, 2026, while Yaser Rajaeifar was arrested on January 8, 2026.

The three are currently being held in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

Abolfazl Salehi Siavashani is 52 years old, married, and the father of an 18-year-old child. Before his arrest, he worked as a motorcycle courier. Yaser Rajaeifar is 31 years old, and Shahab Zahdi is the father of a 15-year-old daughter.

Background on the January 2026 Protests

The 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.

Ghezel Hesar Prisoners End Strike Following Officials’ Promise to Halt Executions

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Executions, News, Prisoners
Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, Karaj

HRANA – Yesterday, Tuesday, July 28, prisoners in Unit 2 of Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj ended their strike after prison officials and judicial authorities pledged to suspend the execution of death sentences for prisoners convicted in drug-related cases while their requests are under review. The strike had begun on July 13 in protest against the transfer of six death row prisoners in such cases to solitary confinement.

According to HRANA, prisoners held in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj have ended their strike.

Information received by HRANA indicates that prisoners in Unit 2 ended their strike today after meeting with prison officials and judicial authorities. During the meeting, officials promised that executions in drug-related cases at the prison would be suspended until the prisoners’ requests are reviewed. The protesting prisoners stated that their decision to maintain the suspension of the strike depends on whether the authorities fulfill these commitments and honor their promises.

The strike began on Monday, July 13, after six prisoners sentenced to death in drug-related cases were transferred to solitary confinement. Since then, the protesters had refused prison food rations and staged a sit-in, demanding an end to executions. Several prisoners also sewed their lips shut as an act of protest.

The strike continued as, on July 22, Hossein Zolfaghari met with the head of Iran’s judiciary to discuss amendments to the Anti-Narcotics Law and existing legal shortcomings. According to reports from the meeting, discussions focused on the government’s proposed bill to amend the law and the need to review regulations concerning drug-related offenses. A significant number of the protesting prisoners in Unit 2 are on death row in drug-related cases, and one of their principal demands has been to halt executions until the law is revised.

The prisoners had resumed their strike despite similar assurances made in October 2025. At that time, following a seven-day collective hunger strike by prisoners in Unit 2, representatives of the head of the judiciary, the head of the Prisons Organization, and the director of Ghezel Hesar Prison met with the prisoners and promised that executions would be suspended for at least six months, that their cases would be reviewed, and that efforts would be made to amend the Anti-Narcotics Law. Based on those assurances, the prisoners ended their strike but emphasized that the agreement depended on the authorities implementing their commitments. The protesting prisoners now say that the resumption of executions and the current situation amount to a breach of those earlier promises.

Ghezel Hesar Prisoners’ Strike Enters Its Fifteenth Day in Protest Against Death Sentences

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News, Prisoners
Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, Hunger Strike, Karaj, Qezel Hesar Prison

HRANA – Yesterday, July 27, 2026, prisoners held in Ward 2 of Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj continued their hunger strike and sit-in protest for the fifteenth consecutive day in opposition to the implementation of death sentences.

According to HRANA, prisoners in Ward 2 have continued refusing their prison food rations while maintaining their sit-in protest.

Based on information received by HRANA, the prisoners continued their strike for the fifteenth straight day on Monday, July 27, 2026. By gathering in the ward’s main hall, staging a sit-in, and refusing to accept prison food rations, the protesting prisoners reiterated their opposition to the implementation of death sentences, particularly in cases related to drug offenses.

Yesterday, on the fourteenth day of the strike, approximately 140 prisoners serving sentences other than death were transferred from Ward 2 to Hall 3 of Ward 1 in Ghezel Hesar Prison. Prison authorities have reportedly decided that only death-row prisoners will remain in Ward 2. Over the past week, hundreds of prisoners have been transferred from Ward 2 to other sections of the prison. However, prison officials have yet to provide any explanation regarding the reason for or manner in which these transfers have been carried out.

In recent days, several reports and images from inside Ghezel Hesar Prison have also been published, documenting parts of the prisoners’ hunger strike and sit-in protest.

The strike began on Monday, July 13, 2026, after six prisoners sentenced to death in drug-related cases were transferred to solitary confinement. Since then, the protesting prisoners have refused to accept prison food rations and have continued their sit-in, demanding an end to executions. As part of the protest, some prisoners have also sewn their lips shut.

The renewed protests come despite commitments made last October, when, following a seven-day collective hunger strike by Ward 2 prisoners, representatives of the Head of the Judiciary, the Head of the Prisons Organization, and the director of Ghezel Hesar Prison met with the prisoners. During that meeting, they reportedly promised that executions would be suspended for at least six months and that there would be an opportunity to review the cases of those sentenced to death, while also pursuing amendments to the Anti-Narcotics Law. Following those assurances, the prisoners ended their strike but stressed that continuation of the agreement depended on the authorities fulfilling their commitments. The protesting prisoners now say that the resumption of executions and the current conditions amount to a disregard for those earlier promises and commitments.

The protests also continue as, on July 22, 2026, Hossein Zolfaghari, the President’s representative and Secretary-General of the Anti-Narcotics Headquarters, met with the Head of the Judiciary to discuss amendments to the Anti-Narcotics Law and existing legal shortcomings in this area. According to the published report of the meeting, the government’s proposed bill to amend the Anti-Narcotics Law and the need to review certain regulations concerning drug-related offenses were among the topics discussed. This is particularly significant given that a substantial number of the protesting prisoners in Ward 2 of Ghezel Hesar are on death row for drug-related offenses, and one of their principal demands is the suspension of executions until the law is revised.

Abolfazl Rahbar and Omid Rahbar Sentenced to a Combined 46 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abolfazl Rahbar, Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, Karaj, Omid Rahbar

HRANA – Abolfazl Rahbar and his cousin, Omid Rahbar, political prisoners held in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj, have been sentenced by the Revolutionary Court to 20 and 26 years in prison, respectively.

According to HRANA, Abolfazl Rahbar and Omid Rahbar have been sentenced to a combined total of 46 years in prison.

The Revolutionary Court tried Abolfazl Rahbar and his cousin, Omid Rahbar, on charges of alleged membership in an opposition group. Under the court’s ruling, Abolfazl Rahbar was sentenced to 20 years in prison, while Omid Rahbar received a 26-year prison sentence. The verdict was communicated to them verbally.

The two political prisoners were transferred from Fashafouyeh Prison to Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj in late April 2026. They are currently being held in Suite 37 of Ghezel Hesar Prison.

Abolfazl Rahbar, 23, a building painter, and Omid Rahbar, 24, a laborer, were arrested by security forces in January 2026.