Tag: HRANA

Mehdi Ansari, Attorney-at-Law, Sentenced to Five Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Mehdi Ansari, Shiraz

HRANA – Mehdi Ansari, a member of the Fars Bar Association and one of those arrested during the January 2026 protests, has been sentenced by the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz to five years in prison and a two-year travel ban.

Based on information received by HRANA, a branch of the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz sentenced Mr. Ansari to five years in prison and a two-year ban on leaving the country on the charge of “assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security.”

Mehdi Ansari, an attorney and member of the Fars Bar Association, had previously been arrested in Shiraz in connection with the January protests. He was eventually released from prison after posting bail set at 5 billion tomans.

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 Protests: Mehrdad Mohammadinia and Ashkan Maleki Executed

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Executions, News
Ashkan Maleki, HRANA, Mehrdad Mohammadinia

HRANA – The Judiciary Media Center has announced that Mehrdad Mohammadinia and Ashkan Maleki, two individuals arrested during the January 2026 protests in Tehran, were executed at dawn today. The judiciary had sentenced them to death on charges including “participation in operational actions against national security” and “cooperation with hostile governments.”

According to HRANA, citing Mizan, two more detainees of the January 2026 protests have been executed.  According to the report, Mehrdad Mohammadinia and Ashkan Maleki had been sentenced to death on charges including “cooperation with the Zionist regime and hostile governments,” “creating insecurity and public fear,” “destruction and arson of public property,” and “participation in operational actions against national security.”

The Judiciary Media Center claimed that the two men were involved in the burning of Jafari Mosque in Tehran’s Koye Nasr neighborhood, destruction of public property, blocking roads, and clashes with law enforcement forces. The report also cited the defendants’ “confessions,” crime-scene reconstructions, and CCTV footage as evidence in the case. However, no details were provided regarding the circumstances under which the confessions were obtained or the methods used during interrogations.

According to the judiciary, after the men were identified and arrested, their case was reviewed by a Revolutionary Court. Based on reports from security agencies, the indictment, and statements attributed to the defendants, death sentences were issued against them. The verdicts were later upheld by the Supreme Court following the appeals process.

The report does not provide details regarding the defendants’ access to independent legal counsel, the quality of the court proceedings, or whether they were afforded a fair trial.

According to data collected by HRANA, since the outbreak of military hostilities, the issuance and implementation of death sentences in political and security-related cases have intensified. Including Mehrdad Mohammadinia and Ashkan Maleki, a total of 39 prisoners connected to such cases have been executed during this period.

Trans Woman Murdered in Sanandaj

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LGBTQ+, News
HRANA, LGBTQ+, Sanandaj

HRANA – Mahshid, a 26-year-old trans woman, was killed several days ago in Sanandaj after being stabbed by unidentified individuals.

According to HRANA, Mahshid, a trans woman and resident of the Golshan neighborhood of Sanandaj, lost her life following an attack by unknown assailants.

An informed source told HRANA: “She was likely killed on Friday by unidentified individuals who stabbed her multiple times. After the killing, the attackers also mutilated Mahshid’s body.”

The motive for the killing and the identities of those responsible remain unknown. However, the source added: “Given the nature of the crime and the circumstances surrounding it, it appears that this may have been a hate-motivated murder. In addition, Mahshid’s family has come under pressure and threats for pursuing the case and speaking publicly about the killing, to the extent that they have not even published a funeral announcement for her.”

Mahshid was 26 years old and lived in the Golshan neighborhood of Sanandaj.

The killing occurred amid ongoing discrimination, violence, and lack of effective legal protection faced by trans individuals and other members of the LGBTQ+ community in Iran. Human rights advocates believe that discriminatory laws, the medicalization of gender identities, and certain cultural and social narratives that contribute to gender-based violence and so-called “honor killings” can play a role in creating the conditions for such acts of violence.

As of the time of this report, no further information has been released regarding the identities of the perpetrators, the judicial proceedings, or any actions taken by the relevant authorities in connection with the case. The situation of Mahshid’s family following the reported threats also remains unknown.

January Protests: Benjamin Naghdi Sentenced to Death

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Executions, Freedom of Expression, News
Benjamin Naghdi, HRANA, moharebeh, Mostafa Nili, بنیامین نقدی

HRANA – Benjamin Naghdi, arrested during the nationwide protests of 2026, has been sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz on the charge of “spreading corruption on earth” (efsad-e fel-arz). His attorney, Mostafa Nili, has announced that he will appeal the verdict before the Supreme Court.

According to HRANA, citing Emtedad, Benjamin Naghdi, who was arrested during the nationwide protests in January 2026, has been sentenced to death.

According to Mr. Naghdi’s lawyer, Mostafa Nili, he was initially charged with “attempted murder,” but the charge was later changed to “enmity against God” (moharebeh). Following the completion of the preliminary investigation, an indictment was issued against him on charges including “enmity against God,” “membership in groups disrupting national security,” “assembly and collusion against national security,” and “propaganda against the regime.” At the same time, the charges of “causing bodily harm to law enforcement officers” and “carrying a cold weapon” were dismissed, and no prosecution was pursued on those counts.

Mr. Nili further stated that the court judges determined that all of the alleged offenses constituted “spreading corruption on earth” and, on that basis, issued a death sentence for his client.

The attorney also said that he and his colleagues will file an appeal within the legal deadline. He expressed hope that, given that no individuals were injured during the incident, the Supreme Court would overturn the sentence.

According to the defense lawyer, Mr. Naghdi was arrested in Shiraz on January 3, 2026, for “igniting a fire extinguisher and directing it toward law enforcement officers.”

Before his arrest, Benjamin Naghdi was active in kickboxing and Muay Thai and had won championship titles in competitions in those disciplines.

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: Khashayar Rezvani Sentenced to Over 4 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Evin Prison, Gachsaran, HRANA, Khashayar Rezvani, خشایار رضوانی

HRANA – Khashayar Rezvani, one of those arrested during the nationwide protests of 2026, has been sentenced by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court to four years and three months in prison, along with a two-year ban on leaving the country and engaging in online activities.

According to HRANA, Khashayar Rezvani has been sentenced to imprisonment and additional punitive measures.

The verdict was recently issued by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court. Judge Iman Afshari sentenced Mr. Rezvani to three years and seven months of discretionary imprisonment on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security,” and an additional eight months of discretionary imprisonment for “propaganda against the regime.” Under the ruling, he was also sentenced to a two-year ban on leaving Iran and participating in online activities as supplementary punishments.

According to the court ruling, a copy of which has been obtained by HRANA, allegations cited against him include “composing poems in support of those killed during the protests, communicating with foreign media outlets, and maintaining contacts with groups opposed to the government.”

Mr. Rezvani was arrested during the nationwide protests in January 2026. He spent a period of detention in Evin Prison and was later transferred to Greater Tehran Penitentiary. He was ultimately released on March 16, 2026, after posting bail set at 5 billion tomans.

Khashayar Rezvani, approximately 41 years old, is a married poet and writer originally from Gachsaran and currently residing in Tehran. Prior to his arrest, he worked in the real estate sector.

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16-Year-Old Protest Detainee Diana Taherabadi Still Held in Karaj Prison

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Children, News, Prisoners
Diana Taherabadi, HRANA, Kachooie Prison

HRANA – Diana Taherabadi, a 16-year-old who was arrested during the January protests, remains detained in the Juvenile Correction and Rehabilitation Center section of Kachooie Prison in Karaj.

A source familiar with the teenager’s family confirmed the matter to HRANA, stating: “Despite the passage of 126 days since Diana Taherabadi’s arrest, she is still being held in the Juvenile Correction and Rehabilitation Center section of Kachooie Prison in Karaj. Security forces obtained forced confessions from her and subsequently sent her case to court. She denied the charges against her during the court proceedings, and her case has now been transferred to Tehran for further review following the intervention of security agencies.”

Diana Taherabadi, a 16-year-old student, was arrested by security forces in Karaj on January 25, 2026, during the protests. Following her arrest, she was transferred to the Juvenile Correction and Rehabilitation Center section of Kachooie Prison in the city.

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.

Judicial Cases Opened Against 40 Citizens in Shemiranat for Using Starlink Internet

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Starlink

HRANA – The commander of the Al-Ghadir Basij District in Shemiranat, Tehran province, announced that since March 21, 2026, 40 Starlink satellite internet devices have been discovered in the county, and judicial cases have been opened against their owners.

According to HRANA, citing IRNA, judicial cases have been opened against 40 citizens in Shemiranat for possessing Starlink satellite internet equipment.

The commander of the Al-Ghadir Basij Resistance District in Lavasan and Rudbar-e Qasran, Shemiranat, stated that since March 21, 2026, 40 Starlink satellite internet devices have been discovered in villas, recreational complexes, and eco-lodges located in Lavasan, Oushan, Fasham, and Meygun.

According to Hassan Pourqorban, judicial cases have been filed against the owners of the confiscated devices, and they have been referred to the judicial authorities.

Yasamin Dashtani, Defendant in the Case Known as Ekbatan Town, Sentenced to Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Yasamin Dashtani, یاسمین دشتانی

HRANA – Yasamin Dashtani, one of the defendants in the case known as “Ekbatan Town,” has been sentenced by Judge Salavati to five years in prison along with additional punishments.

According to HRANA, Yasamin Dashtani, one of the defendants in the so-called “Ekbatan Town” case, has been sentenced to imprisonment.

Based on a ruling issued by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, and formally communicated to Ms. Dashtani, she was sentenced to five years in prison on the charge of “assembly and collusion to commit crimes against national security.” She was also sentenced to a two-year ban on membership in political parties and groups, a two-year ban on residing in Tehran and Alborz provinces, and a two-year ban on online activities.

Yasamin Dashtani  was arrested by security forces on December 18, 2022. After the completion of interrogation procedures, she was released on bail on December 20 of the same year.

A Review of the “Ekbatan Town” Case and the Status of the Defendants

In early November 2022, during the nationwide protests and following the killing of a Basij member named Arman Aliverdi in Ekbatan Town, at least 50 young residents of the town were arrested by security and law enforcement forces. Among them, indictments were issued against 14 individuals: Milad Armoun, Seyed Mohammadmehdi Hosseini, Mehdi Imani, Alireza Kafaei, Amirmohammad Khosh-Eghbal, Alireza Barmarz Pournak, Hossein Nemati, Yasamin Dashtani, Amir Mehdi Rezaei, Erfan Rezaei, Gholamreza Nabi Gol, Sara Azhdari, Arya Pakzad, and Mohammadreza Eftekhar. Other detained youths were later released after cases against them were dismissed due to lack of evidence.

An informed source told HRANA: “During the prosecutor’s office stage, dismissal orders were issued for Amir Mehdi Rezaei, Erfan Rezaei, Gholamreza Nabi Gol, Sara Azhdari, Arya Pakzad, and Mohammadreza Eftekhar.”

In November 2024, Milad Armoun, Alireza Kafaei, Amirmohammad Khosh-Eghbal, Navid Najaran, Hossein Nemati, and Alireza Barmarz Pournak, defendants in the “Ekbatan Town” case, were each sentenced to death by Branch 13 of the Tehran Criminal Court. Later, in September 2025, the Supreme Court overturned these death sentences. In late May 2026, new rulings were issued for these defendants by Branch 13 of Tehran Province Criminal Court One. According to the new verdicts, Milad Armoun, Alireza Kafaei, and Amirmohammad Khosh-Eghbal were each sentenced to pay an equal share of the full blood money (diya) for one person and to serve five years in prison on charges of participation in intentional murder. Meanwhile, Alireza Barmarz Pournak, Hossein Nemati, and Navid Najaran were acquitted of participation in intentional murder due to lack of evidence proving they inflicted injuries on a specific part of Arman Aliverdi’s body.

Another part of the defendants’ cases was reviewed by the Revolutionary Court, and verdicts were issued by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati. On May 24, 2026, these verdicts were verbally communicated to the defendants. Milad Armoun, Navid Najaran, Mehdi Imani, and Seyed Mohammadmehdi Hosseini were sentenced to death on charges of “enmity against God” (moharebeh). In addition, Amirmohammad Khosh-Eghbal, Alireza Barmarz Pournak, Alireza Kafaei, and Hossein Nemati were each sentenced to five years in prison on charges of assembly and collusion, two years in prison for propaganda against the regime, a two-year ban on online activities, and a two-year ban on residing in Tehran and Alborz provinces.

Tara and Kimia Davoudi Sentenced to a Total of 16 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Evin Prison, HRANA, Kimia Davoudi, Tara Davoudi

HRANA – Tara and Kimia Davoudi, two sisters currently imprisoned in Evin Prison who were arrested during the 2026 January protests, have been collectively sentenced to 16 years in prison by the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

According to HRANA, two sisters in Tehran have been sentenced to prison terms. Based on a ruling issued by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, Kimia Davoudi was sentenced to 10 years in prison on charges including “communication with opposition groups and networks,” and “assembly and collusion against national security.” Tara Davoudi was sentenced to 6 years in prison on charges including “assembly and collusion against national security” and “propaganda against the regime.”

Tara Davoudi and Kimia Davoudi were arrested on January 14, 2026, during nationwide protests in Tehran and are currently being held in the women’s ward of Evin Prison. The arrest of the two sisters was accompanied by beatings and violence carried out by security forces.

Mohammad Tarighat Esfanjani, Attorney Sentenced to Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Mohammad Tarighat Esfanjani, Osku

HRANA – Mohammad Tarighat Esfanjani, an attorney and member of the East Azerbaijan Bar Association, has been sentenced to three years in discretionary imprisonment by the Revolutionary Court of Osku County, East Azerbaijan province.

According to HRANA, Mohammad Tarighat Esfanjani has been sentenced to prison. Based on the ruling, which was recently issued by the Revolutionary Court of Osku County and formally communicated to Tarighat Esfanjani, he was sentenced to one year in prison on the charge of “propaganda against the regime” and two years of discretionary imprisonment for “insulting the Supreme Leader” and the founder of the Islamic Republic.

Publishing content on his Instagram page was cited as evidence supporting the charges against Mr. Tarighat Esfanjani.

Mohammad Tarighat Esfanjani is an attorney and a member of the East Azerbaijan Province Bar Association. Last year, he was reportedly attacked and beaten by individuals wearing military uniforms. His wife was also threatened during the incident.