Tag: HRANA

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.

Najmeh Sadat Bonyan Arrested and Transferred to Sepidar Prison in Ahvaz

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Freedom of Expression, News
ahvaz, Dezful, HRANA, Najmeh Sadat Bonyan, Sepidar Prison

HRANA – Najmeh Sadat Bonyan, a resident of Dezful who is active in the field of diving, was arrested today by security forces and transferred to Sepidar Prison in Ahvaz.

According to HRANA, on Saturday, August 29, 2026, Najmeh Sadat Bonyan, a resident of Dezful, was arrested and transferred to Sepidar Prison in Ahvaz.

An informed source confirmed the matter to HRANA, stating that Sadat Bonyan informed her relatives during a phone call that she had been transferred to Sepidar Prison in Ahvaz. She also stated that the charge brought against her is “insulting the sacred.”

Sadat Bonyan identified the judge handling her case as “Zadali.”

As of the time of this report, no precise information has been obtained regarding the judicial branch handling her case, the agency responsible for her arrest, the specific conduct underlying the charge, or the bail or other security measure ordered in her case.

Ms. Bonyan is active in the field of diving in Dezful.

January 2026 Protests: Omid Pourfathollah Sentenced to Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, January 2026 Protests, Omid Pourfathollah, امید پورفتح الله

HRANA – Omid Pourfathollah, arrested during the January 2026 protests, was sentenced by the Mashhad Revolutionary Court to 12 years, six months, and one day in prison. Five years of the sentence have been suspended.

According to HRANA, Omid Pourfathollah has been sentenced to prison.

According to information received by HRANA, Mr. Pourfathollah was sentenced by the Mashhad Revolutionary Court to a total of 12 years, six months in prison on charges including forming a group with the aim of disrupting national security and propaganda against the regime. Five years of his prison sentence have been suspended.

An informed source, confirming the news to HRANA, said: “The sentence was issued pursuant to the Law on Intensifying Punishment for Espionage and Cooperation with the Zionist Regime and Hostile States.”

Omid Pourfathollah was arrested by security forces in Mashhad during the January 2026 protests and was released after some time on bail pending legal proceedings.

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.

Arrests of Baha’i Citizens and Seizure of Their Property in Seven Provinces

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News, Religious Minorities
Amin Tabianifard, Arsalan Yazdani, Baha'i citizens, Bahariyeh Askarinasab, Fakhereh Zahedi, Fereshteh Atefi, HRANA, Iman Rashidi, Keyhan Atefi, Maral Roshani, Negar Badiei, Nima Tabianifard, Shima Sanaei, Simin Fahandej, Soraya Manouchehrzadeh

HRANA – Between August 22 and August 25, 2026, security forces searched a number of homes and businesses belonging to Baha’i citizens across seven provinces in Iran. During these operations, at least 11 citizens were arrested or sent to prison to serve previously imposed sentences, and significant amounts of their personal property, electronic devices, and work equipment were seized.

According to HRANA, a wave of arrests, searches of homes and businesses, and seizures of property belonging to Baha’i citizens has taken place in various parts of the country in recent days.

In this regard, on Thursday, August 27, the Baha’i International Community issued a statement announcing that these actions had taken place across seven provinces between August 22 and August 25, and that a total of 11 citizens had been arrested or sent to prison to serve previously imposed sentences. The organization also expressed concern over the extensive seizure of personal property and equipment used by these citizens to earn a living.

Simin Fahandej, the Baha’i International Community’s representative to the United Nations in Geneva, described the seizure of Baha’i citizens’ property in the report as “state theft in daylight” stating that government agents entering homes and confiscating jewelry, wedding rings, vehicles, and other personal belongings does not in itself make such actions lawful. She also pointed to the seizure of family savings, professional equipment, musical instruments, and even children’s toys, saying these actions have intensified economic pressure on Baha’i families.

Fahandej further called on Iranian authorities to end the practice of seizing property, assets, and equipment used by Baha’i citizens to support themselves, and to provide a means for confiscated property to be returned and for affected families to pursue effective legal remedies.

HRANA independently reported a number of these cases during the period in question.

On Saturday, August 22, Soraya Manouchehrzadeh, a Baha’i citizen residing in Sari, was arrested by Ministry of Intelligence agents. The agents climbed over the wall of her family home and entered without presenting a judicial warrant. They searched the residence and seized a number of books and electronic devices belonging to her and members of her family.

On the same day, four other Baha’i citizens, Maral Roshani, Negar Badiei, Shima Sanaei, and Fakhereh Zahedi, were arrested in Sari. Including Soraya Manouchehrzadeh, the number of Baha’i citizens arrested in the city at that time reached five. They were transferred to the Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility in Sari, known as the “Keshouei” detention facility. A source close to the family of one of these citizens previously told HRANA that the warrants presented by the agents authorized only searches and did not include arrest orders. The Baha’i International Community also stated that approximately 14 agents, five vehicles, and a representative of the prosecutor’s office were involved in the arrests of Shima Sanaei and Fakhereh Zahedi.

Also on August 22, Arsalan Yazdani, a Baha’i citizen, was arrested by security forces in Tehran. At the time of his arrest, his mobile phone, laptop, and several personal belongings were also seized. The Baha’i International Community added in its report that he was arrested in the presence of his two children to begin serving his prison sentence.

On Sunday, August 23, Iman Rashidi, a Baha’i citizen residing in Yazd, was arrested after appearing at Branch 1 of the Enforcement of Judgments Office of the city’s Revolutionary Court and was sent to prison to serve his sentence. He had previously been sentenced to three years, six months, and one day of imprisonment, 15 years of deprivation of social rights, and a fine of 371 million rials.

On Monday, August 24, security agents searched the homes of Amin Tabianifard, Bahariyeh Askarinasab, and Nima Tabianifard, Baha’i citizens residing in Isfahan. At the same time, their family business was sealed, and a musical instrument-making workshop belonging to the family was completely emptied. Agents also seized several mobile phones, laptops, cash, foreign currency, a camera, musical equipment, gold, and jewelry. In additional details about the incident, the Baha’i International Community stated that more than 20 agents participated in the searches and that Nima Tabianifard’s two-year-old child was present during the search. The organization also reported the seizure of several handmade musical instruments and workshop machinery.

On the same date, the home of Keyhan Atefi and Fereshteh Atefi, a Baha’i couple in Isfahan, was also searched by Ministry of Intelligence agents. During the search, agents also seized a number of the couple’s personal belongings, their vehicle, and other property.

On Tuesday, August 25, Sarir Mowghen, a Baha’i citizen residing in Isfahan, was arrested by Ministry of Intelligence agents and transferred to Dowlatabad Prison in the city. At the same time, agents searched her family home and seized a number of personal and electronic items, cash, gold, and a piano. The Baha’i International Community added in its report that Mowghan had recently returned to Iran from abroad and that no explanation has yet been provided for the reason for her arrest.

Over the past decade, Iran’s Baha’i community has been subjected to security and judicial actions more frequently than any other religious minority in the country. A review of HRA’s annual report reveals that over the past year an average of 62.41% of reports concerning religious minorities involved violations of the civil rights of Baha’is.

Elham Khalas, Baha’i Citizen, Arrested in Isfahan

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News, Religious Minorities
Baharestan, Dowlatabad Prison, Elham Khalas, HRANA, Isfahan, الهام خلص

HRANA – Elham Khalas, a Baha’i citizen residing in Isfahan, was arrested after appearing at the city’s Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office and transferred to Dowlatabad Prison in Isfahan.

According to a report by IranWire, Elham Khalas was formally informed of the charges against her after appearing at the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Isfahan. At the conclusion of the session, she was arrested after being unable to secure the required bail and was transferred to Dowlatabad Prison in the city.

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the charges brought against Ms. Khalas.

Elham Khalas Ardestani, a Baha’i citizen residing in Baharestan, Isfahan, and the wife of Navid Tashakor, also a Baha’i citizen, has previously faced judicial action in connection with her activities.

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Mehdi Saver-Olia Sentenced to Six Years in Prison and Additional Punishments

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
HRANA, IRGC Intelligence, Mehdi Saver-Olia, مهدی ساور علیا

HRANA – Mehdi Saver-Olia, one of those arrested during the January 2026 protests and currently held at Karaj Central Penitentiary, was sentenced by Branch 2 of the Revolutionary Court of Karaj to six years in prison and additional punishments.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, Mehdi Saver-Olia has been sentenced to imprisonment and other punishments.

According to a verdict issued by Branch 2 of the Karaj Revolutionary Court and communicated to Mr. Saveralia, he was sentenced 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 to commit a crime against national security.” In addition, as supplementary punishments, the court sentenced him to a two-year ban on leaving the country, a two-year ban on membership in social groups and organizations, and a two-year prohibition and dismissal from all government and public-sector jobs and services.

Under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, of the prison sentences imposed, the most severe sentence, five years, will be enforceable.

In July of this year, a court hearing on the charges against Mr. Saveralia was held before the aforementioned judicial branch.

Mehdi Saveralia was arrested by IRGC Intelligence agents in Karaj on January 7, 2026, and transferred to Karaj Central Penitentiary.

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.

Two Prisoners Executed in Khorramabad Prison on Drug-Related Charges

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Executions, News
HRANA, Khorramabad Prison

HRANA – At dawn on Saturday, August 22, the death sentences of two prisoners who had previously been sentenced to death on drug-related charges were carried out in Khorramabad Prison.

According to HRANA, citing Iran Human Rights, two prisoners were executed in Khorramabad Prison at dawn on Saturday, August 22.

The prisoners have been identified as Taha Khavari, 37, from Behshahr, and Mohammadreza Rezaei Kan-Kot, 26, from the village of Kon-Kat in Lorestan Province.

According to the report, Taha Khavari was arrested approximately five years ago and Mohammadreza Rezaei Kan-Kot approximately seven years ago in separate cases on drug-related charges. They were subsequently sentenced to death by Revolutionary Courts.

As of the time of this report, the executions of these two prisoners have not been announced by prison officials or the relevant authorities.

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.

Mehdi Saadvandi Arrested by Security Forces

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Freedom of Expression, News, Students
HRANA, Mehdi Saadvandi, مهدی سعدوندی

HRANA – Yesterday, Mehdi Saadvandi, a faculty member at the Isfahan University of Art, was arrested by security forces and transferred to an undisclosed location.

According to HRANA, citing United Students, Mehdi Saadvandi was arrested in Isfahan.

According to the report, on Tuesday, August 25, Mehdi Saadvandi, a faculty member at the Isfahan University of Art, was arrested by security forces at his private residence and transferred to an undisclosed location.

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

Saadvandi holds a PhD in architecture from Shahid Beheshti University and has been a faculty member at the Isfahan University of Art since 2009.

10 Prisoners Executed in Various Prisons

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Executions, News
Borujerd, HRANA, Isfahan, Karaj, Mashhad, Semnan

HRANA – The death sentences of 10 prisoners who had previously been sentenced to death on murder and drug-related charges were carried out in prisons in Borujerd, Mashhad, Karaj, Semnan, and Isfahan.

According to HRANA, citing Iran Human Rights Organization, eight prisoners were executed in Borujerd Prison, Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, Karaj Central Penitentiary, Semnan Central Prison, and Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan. Haalvsh also reported the executions of two additional prisoners in Isfahan Prison.

The prisoners have been identified as Sajjad Shirzadi, 34, married and from Kermanshah; Farshad Safari, approximately 40, married, father of one, and from Hashtgerd; Mahmoud Talebi, 44, from Torbat-e Heydarieh and father of one; Seyed Hossein Hesari, 35, from Mashhad; Lotfollah Ahmadvand, 38, from Aligudarz; Faramarz Baghbani, 46, father of two and from Borujerd; Hamed Emami, 39; and Mohammad Ali Kaffashi, 42.

According to the report, at dawn on Tuesday, August 25, Sajjad Shirzadi was executed at Karaj Central Penitentiary. He had been arrested approximately four years earlier on a murder charge and was subsequently sentenced to death by a judicial authority.

At dawn on Wednesday, August 19, Farshad Safari was also executed at Karaj Central Penitentiary. Safari had been arrested five years earlier on a murder charge and subsequently sentenced to death.

At dawn on Sunday, August 23, two prisoners, Mahmoud Talebi and Seyed Hossein Hesari, were executed at Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

Talebi had been arrested four years earlier and Hesari five years earlier, in separate cases involving murder charges. Both were subsequently sentenced to death by judicial authorities. On Saturday, August 22, the two prisoners were transferred to solitary confinement at Vakilabad Prison in preparation for their executions.

Elsewhere, at dawn on Sunday, August 23, Hamed Emami and Mohammad Ali Kaffashi were executed at Semnan Central Prison. Emami and Kaffashi had been sentenced to death by a Revolutionary Court two years earlier in a joint case involving drug-related charges.

Their executions were carried out without their families being notified and without allowing them a final family visit.

At dawn on Tuesday, August 18, Faramarz Baghbani was executed at Borujerd Prison. He had been arrested three years earlier on drug-related charges, including possession of nine kilograms of heroin, and was subsequently sentenced to death by a Revolutionary Court.

At dawn on Wednesday, August 19, Lotfollah Ahmadvand was executed at Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan. He had been sentenced to death three years earlier on drug-related charges.

Including Ahmadvand, the number of prisoners executed at Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan on Wednesday, August 19, reached five. On the same day, four other prisoners, Mohsen Darabi, Abdolbaset Barahouei, Omidreza Ghanbarian, and Amir Farhadi, were also executed at the prison.

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

Two Prisoners Executed in Isfahan

According to Haal Vsh, at dawn on Monday, August 24, two prisoners were executed at a prison in Isfahan.

The prisoners have been identified as Saleh Zeidabadi, approximately 42, and his nephew, Merat Zeidabadi, 31, both from and residing in Fahraj County, Kerman Province.

The two prisoners were arrested in Isfahan in 2021 on drug-related charges and were subsequently sentenced to death. In the days leading up to their executions, they were transferred to the prison’s quarantine section without prior notice to their families. They were executed at dawn on Monday without being allowed a final family visit.

Female Prisoner Executed at Lakan Prison in Rasht

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Executions, News
HRANA, Rasht, Zahra Azizpour

HRANA – The death sentence of a female prisoner who had previously been convicted of murder was carried out at dawn yesterday, Tuesday, August 25, at Lakan Prison in Rasht.

According to HRANA, a female prisoner was executed at Lakan Prison in Rasht.

HRANA has confirmed the identity of the prisoner as Zahra Azizpour, approximately 43 years old, a mother of one, originally from Ardabil and residing in Rasht.

According to information received by HRANA, Azizpour was arrested six years ago on a charge of murdering her husband and was subsequently sentenced to death by a Criminal Court.

As of the time of this report, the execution of this prisoner has not been officially announced by prison authorities or other relevant institutions.

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.