Arrest of Several Individuals by IRGC Intelligence Agents

HRANA – The IRGC Intelligence Organization announced the identification and arrest of several individuals across the country without providing detailed information. The organization claims these individuals were members of “espionage teams” who sent images of sensitive locations in the country to media outlets based abroad. A video of forced confessions from several of the detainees has also been released, though the conditions under which it was recorded remain unclear.

According to IRIB (state broadcasting), the IRGC Intelligence Organization reported the arrest of several individuals in the country. The organization stated that it had identified and detained “members of an espionage network affiliated with Mossad.”

According to the claims made, these individuals are accused of sending sensitive images and information to foreign-based channels and networks, including the media outlet “Iran International.”

It has also been claimed that weapons and communication equipment were discovered in their possession. A video of forced confessions from several detainees has also been released, though the circumstances under which it was recorded remain unclear.

The report does not provide independent information regarding the number, identities, or places of detention of those arrested.

A Prisoner Executed in Alborz Province

HRANA – The legal deputy of Iran’s Law Enforcement Command (FARAJA) announced the execution of a defendant convicted in the murder case of an anti-narcotics officer named Mohammadmehdi Vakili in Alborz Province. According to him, the police officer was killed during a confrontation related to drug trafficking.

According to ISNA, the legal deputy of FARAJA stated in this regard: “The defendant in the murder case of Mohammadmehdi Vakili, an anti-narcotics officer of the Law Enforcement Force in Charbagh County, located in Alborz Province, was hanged.”

He added that the police officer had been killed while on duty on February 20, 2023, during a clash with a drug trafficker.

In November 2023, the defendant in this case had been sentenced to death on the mentioned charge by Branch 2 of the Criminal Court One of Alborz Province.

The report does not provide further details, including the identity of the prisoner or the exact location and date of the execution.

According to HRA’s Annual Report, in 2025 at least 2,063 citizens, including 61 women and 2 juvenile offenders, were executed. Of these, the sentences of 11 individuals were carried out in public. During the same period, 172 other individuals were sentenced to death.

Sunni Prisoner Ali Soveidi Transferred to Hospital Following Deteriorating Health

HRANA- Ali Soveidi, a Sunni prisoner held in Ward 8 of Sheiban Prison in Ahvaz, was transferred from prison to a hospital due to his deteriorating physical condition.

A source close to Mr. Soveidi’s family, confirming the news, told HRANA:
“This Sunni prisoner suffers from several illnesses, including kidney problems, diabetes, and high blood lipids. On Sunday, April 19, he lost consciousness in prison due to a drop in blood pressure and was subsequently transferred to a hospital. However, prison authorities have not allowed his family to visit him and have not even disclosed the name of the hospital to which he was transferred. Since then, his family has remained unaware of his condition. The lack of information about his health has increased the concern of his family and relatives.”

Mr. Soveidi was arrested on October 3, 2018, in the village of Hajiyeh, a district of Dasht-e Azadegan County. He is currently being held in Ward 8 of Sheiban Prison in Ahvaz.

Ali Soveidi had previously been arrested by the Intelligence Office last year and was released from prison in May 2018 on bail.

Maryam Davoudian Arrested After Being Summoned to the Intelligence Office in Bukan

HRANA – Maryam Davoudian, a resident of Bukan, was arrested on Monday, April 20, after being summoned to the Ministry of Intelligence office of this city, and was transferred to Urmia Prison.

According to a report by Kurdpa, Ms. Davoudian was summoned via a phone call to the Intelligence Office in Bukan. On Monday, April 20, after appearing at this security institution, she was arrested and transferred to the quarantine ward of the women’s section of Urmia Prison under a 10-day temporary detention order.

This 58-year-old citizen was able to make a brief phone call to her family after her arrest.

The report states that Ms. Davoudian suffers from multiple medical conditions, including diabetes, minor thalassemia, and rheumatoid arthritis. She had previously lost vision in one of her eyes due to an eye stroke and requires medical care and continuous access to her medications.

As of the time of this report’s publication, no information is available regarding the reasons for her arrest or the charges brought against her.

Report on the Latest Status of Soheil Arabi in Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj

HRANA – Soheil Arabi, a political defendant imprisoned in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj, is still being held in a state of uncertainty in this prison. He was recently summoned to attend an interrogation session after receiving an official notice.

An informed source close to Arabi’s family confirmed the news to HRANA, stating: “Mr. Arabi has been held in solitary confinement in Ghezel Hesar Prison since his arrest, without a clear status. During interrogations, he was beaten by prison officers. He was eventually transferred to a hospital outside the prison and then returned to solitary confinement.”

According to this source, Arabi, who is facing charges of membership in anti-government groups, was recently summoned to attend an interrogation session after receiving a formal notice.

In March 2026, Soheil Arabi was arrested by security forces and transferred to Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

Soheil Arabi has previously been arrested and faced judicial action due to his activities.

It is worth noting that Soheil Arabi is a blogger and citizen journalist who received the “Press Freedom Award” from Reporters Without Borders in 2017. He has previously faced multiple convictions and legal actions. In 2014, he was sentenced to death by Branch 76 of the Tehran Criminal Court on charges of “insulting the Prophet of Islam” on Facebook. This sentence was later overturned and commuted to other punishments.

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At Least 70 Citizens Sentenced to Prison in West Azerbaijan and Fars

HRANA – The judiciary’s media center has announced the issuance of prison sentences for citizens in 11 cases in West Azerbaijan Province and 59 cases in Fars Province. The statement provides no further details about the cases, describing the charges against these individuals as “cooperation with the enemy.”

According to Mizan News Agency, at least 70 citizens have faced prison sentences. The judiciary’s media center stated that 11 cases in West Azerbaijan Province have been reviewed, resulting in prison sentences. In Fars Province, the cases of 59 individuals have also led to convictions, and those sentenced are currently serving their terms.

The prison sentences reportedly range from one to five years on charges of “cooperation with the enemy.”

The report does not provide further details regarding the identities of the individuals, the specific nature of the charges, or the exact sentences issued.

Fate Unknown: Continued Detention of Executed Prisoner’s Brother Raises Concern

HRANA – Roozbeh Alipour, the brother of Babak Alipour, an executed political prisoner, remains in a state of uncertainty 87 days after his arrest. The lack of information about his fate has heightened his family’s concerns.

An informed source close to Mr. Alipour’s family confirmed this in a conversation with HRANA, stating: “During this period, Roozbeh has only made two brief phone calls to his family, each lasting about one minute. Nearly two months have passed since his last call, and since then, he has had no contact with his family. His father’s follow-ups with judicial authorities have also gone unanswered, and the prosecutor’s office has so far provided no information regarding his situation.”

On January 26, 2026, Roozbeh Alipour was arrested along with his mother, Omolbanin Dehghan, and his sister, Maryam Alipour, while returning from a visit with Babak Alipour. Maryam Alipour and Ommolbanin Dehghan were transferred to Qarchak Varamin Prison, while Mr. Alipour was initially taken to The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility, known as Ward 209 of Evin Prison. After some time, he was transferred from this security detention facility to an undisclosed location.

The lack of information about his condition continues while, on March 31, his brother’s execution was carried out without prior notice to the family. Following this event, the family, while enduring grief, has also expressed serious concern about Roozbeh Alipour’s fate.

As of the time of this report, no independent information is available regarding the charges against this individual or his health condition.

Roozbeh Alipour, a resident of Rasht, had previously been arrested in 2018 and was sentenced to two years in prison on charges of “insulting the Supreme Leader.” He was released in 2019 after serving his sentence.

Mehdi Farid Executed on Espionage Charges

HRANA – The Judiciary’s media center announced that Mehdi Farid, a prisoner accused of espionage, was executed early this morning. Mr. Farid, who had been an employee of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, had been sentenced to death on charges of “corruption on earth through collaboration with Israel.”

According to a report by Mizan, Mehdi Farid was executed at dawn on Wednesday, April 22, after his sentence was upheld by the Supreme Court. The Judiciary’s media center claims that Mr. Farid had been working in one of the institutions affiliated with passive defense and had established contact on Internet, with an individual mentioned as a “Mossad officer.” The report alleges that after initial contact through email, he gradually entered into intelligence cooperation and provided information regarding organizational structure, infrastructure, and personnel details.

The judiciary has stated that the case evidence included the “defendant’s confessions,” reports from security agencies, and analysis of electronic equipment. Based on these, the court deemed the actions attributed to Mehdi Farid as constituting “corruption on earth” and issued the death sentence.

The statement does not mention the location where the execution was carried out. However, on November 11 of 2025, HRANA had reported that this prisoner was transferred from Evin Prison to Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

Mehdi Farid, born in Arak, was approximately 55 years old. He was arrested in the winter of 2023. In the initial trial, he had been sentenced to 10 years in prison and restitution of property. However, following the prosecutor’s objection, the case entered a new phase, and the Tehran Province Court of Appeals sentenced him to death on charges of cooperation with Israel.

It is worth noting that following the outbreak of military conflict between the United States–Israel and Iran, which began on February 28, 2026, the execution of prisoners with political-security charges has accelerated.

Ardestan: Four Citizens Arrested in Connection with January Protests

HRANA – The Law Enforcement Command of Isfahan Province has announced the arrest of four citizens in Ardestan County in connection with the December–January protests.

According to Mehr, four citizens have been arrested in Ardestan. The Law Enforcement Command of Isfahan Province stated that the arrests were carried out in connection with the January protests. No details were provided regarding the charges against the detainees.

The report does not mention the exact time of the arrests or the identities of the detained citizens.

t 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.

Sentences Issued for 22 Defendants to Long-Term Imprisonment in Two Provinces

HRANA – The Judiciary’s Media Center has announced the issuance of long-term prison sentences for 22 defendants in two provinces of the country. According to the report, eight of them have been sentenced to more than 10 years in prison, while 14 others have received sentences of less than 10 years, along with additional penalties. However, no details have been published regarding the identities of the convicted individuals or the exact charges against them.

According to Mizan, 22 defendants in several cases across two provinces have been sentenced to long-term imprisonment. Based on the report, eight of the defendants received sentences exceeding 10 years in prison, while 14 others were sentenced to less than 10 years, accompanied by supplementary punishments.

The Judiciary’s Media Center stated that these individuals were prosecuted on charges of “cooperation with an enemy,” and the mentioned sentences were issued following proceedings in competent courts.

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.