Tag: HRANA

Milad Bakhtiari Receives 20-Month Prison Term

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Freedom of Expression, News
Hourieh Farajzadeh Tarani, HRANA, Karaj, Milad Bakhtiari, Shahram Farajzadeh

HRANA – Milad Bakhtiari, a resident of Karaj, has been sentenced to 20 months in prison by Branch Two of the Revolutionary Court of this city.

Based on information received by HRANA, Branch Two of the Karaj Revolutionary Court sentenced him to a total of 20 months in prison on charges of “propaganda against the regime” and “assembly and collusion.”

An informed source close to Mr. Bakhtiari’s family confirmed the news to HRANA and stated: “Milad Bakhtiari has objected to the verdict issued by the Revolutionary Court, and the case is currently under review for reconsideration. He is presently being held in Ward Two of Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.”

Mr. Bakhtiari was arrested on Friday, January 9, on one of the streets of Karaj and was transferred to an undisclosed location. He was ultimately transferred to Ghezel Hesar Prison on January 11.

Milad Bakhtiari, 29, is the son of Hourieh Farajzadeh Tarani and the nephew of Shahram Farajzadeh, who was killed during the violent events following the tenth presidential election on Ashura in 2009.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began on Sunday, December 28, 2025, in Tehran. After two days, the protests expanded beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these demonstrations became one of the most widespread protests in 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 institutions. For more information about these protests, refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report.

Nationwide Protests: Nima Hassankhani Sentenced to Imprisonment and Other Penalties

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Izeh, Nima Hassankhani, Sheiban Prison

HRANA – Nima Hassankhani, one of those arrested during recent nationwide protests, has been sentenced by Branch One of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court to two years of imprisonment, a two-year travel ban, and one year of mandatory attendance at the Headquarters for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.

Based on the ruling issued by Branch One of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court, Mr. Hassankhani was sentenced to two years in prison, a two-year ban on leaving the country, and one year of mandatory presence at the Headquarters for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice on charges of “propaganda against the regime” and “disrupting public order and peace through participation in protests.”

Hossein-Ali Hatami, an attorney-at-law, told HRANA that in Nima Hassankhani’s case, upon formally declaring his representation, he has not only objected to the detention order but has also filed an appeal request.

Nima Hassankhani, a bodybuilding athlete and a shopkeeper in the city of Izeh, was arrested on February 7, 2026, during protests in the city and was subsequently transferred to Sheiban Prison in Ahvaz.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began on Sunday, December 28, 2025, in Tehran. After two days, the protests expanded beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these demonstrations became one of the most widespread protests in 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 institutions. For more information about these protests, refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report.

Charge of “Enmity Against God” Brought Against 18-Year-Old Protester Danial Niazi in Shirvan

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Freedom of Expression, News
Danial Niazi, HRANA, Shirvan County

HRANA – The Criminal Court Two of Shirvan County has rejected the appeal filed by 18-year-old protester Danial Niazi against his temporary detention order and upheld his continued detention in a case that includes charges such as moharebeh (“enmity against God”), an accusation that, if proven, can carry severe punishments, including the death penalty.

The case was initially opened at Branch Two of the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Shirvan, North Khorasan province, where a temporary detention order was issued against him. According to available documents, the investigating judge has charged Mr. Niazi with offenses including “enmity against God” (moharebeh), “complicity in attempted intentional murder,” “complicity in intentional assault and battery,” “membership in a gathering of more than three persons against public order,” “disrupting public order,” and “propaganda against the regime.” These charges were brought based on a private complaint and a report by law enforcement authorities.

Following the defendant’s objection to his detention, the case was reviewed by Branch 103 of the Criminal Court Two of Shirvan. Citing Articles 241 and 242 of the Criminal Procedure Code, the court rejected the appeal and fully upheld the detention order.

In its ruling, the court referred to the “severity of the charges,” the “degree of punishment associated with the alleged crimes,” the “necessity of ensuring security and public order,” the “report of judicial officers,” the “severity of injuries inflicted on the complainants,” and the “risk of flight by the defendant,” and deemed the continued detention of the 18-year-old protester justified on these grounds.

However, at this stage, only serious charges have been brought against this protester, and the court has rejected his appeal against detention based on the gravity of these accusations and their potential penalties. A substantive hearing and final judgment on the charges have not yet taken place.

According to information received by HRANA, during his detention this citizen has been subjected to pressure in order to obtain forced confessions. HRANA’s findings indicate that these confessions were extracted under circumstances in which the young protester did not have free access to a lawyer of his choosing.

Danial Niazi, a resident of Shirvan, was arrested with the use of violence by security forces at his family home on January 12, 2026. As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding his current place of detention.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began on Sunday, December 28, 2025, in Tehran. After two days, the protests expanded beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these demonstrations became one of the most widespread protests in 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 institutions. For more information about these protests, refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report.

Nirvana Torbati Nejad and Her Mother Arrested in Gorgan

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Freedom of Expression, News
Gorgan, Hossein Soleimani, HRANA, Nirvana Torbati-Nejad, Roghayeh Amirkhani

HRANA – Today, Sunday, Nirvana Torbati-Nejad and her mother, Roghayeh (Sayeh) Amirkhani, were arrested by officers of the Public Security and Intelligence Police in Gorgan. Their arrest took place during the fortieth-day memorial ceremony of one of those killed in the protests.

Based on information received by HRANA, the two citizens were arrested today, February 22, 2026, by officers of the Golestan Province Public Security and Intelligence Police during the fortieth-day memorial ceremony for Hossein Soleimani, one of those killed in recent protests, in the city of Gorgan.

A source close to the family confirmed the news to HRANA and stated: “Nirvana’s arrest is unrelated to her previous case.”

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

It is worth noting that in December of this year, Nirvana Torbati-Nejad was sentenced by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of this city to six months of discretionary imprisonment. The appeal hearing in her case is scheduled to be held on February 24, 2026, at Branch 1 of the Golestan Province Court of Appeals.

Nirvana Torbati Nejad and her mother, Roghayeh (Sayeh) Amirkhani, are residents of Gorgan.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began on Sunday, December 28, 2025, in Tehran. After two days, the protests expanded beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these demonstrations became one of the most widespread protests in 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 institutions. For more information, you may refer to HRANA’s detailed report on the fiftieth day since the beginning of the protests.

Behnam Ohadi and Mohammad Shaeri Arrested

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Executions, News
Behnam Ohadi, HRANA, Mohammad Shaeri, Tehran

HRANA – Yesterday, Behnam Ohadi, a psychologist, and Mohammad Shaeri, residents of Tehran, were arrested by security forces and transferred to Greater Tehran Prison.

An informed source, confirming the news, told HRANA: “On Thursday, February 19, the two citizens were arrested by security forces after attending the fortieth-day memorial ceremony for some of those killed during the recent protests at Behesht Zahra Cemetery in Tehran. They were subsequently transferred to Greater Tehran Prison.”

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the charges brought against these two Tehran residents.

Behnam Ohadi, 52, a psychologist, has previously faced arrest and conviction due to his activities.

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Nationwide Protests: Arrest of Seven Citizens in Taleqan

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Ahmad Sadat-Rasoul, Alborz, Alborz Sadeghian, Ali Ghorbani, Ali Shahbazi, Ebrahim Gharghi, HRANA, Mohammad Akbarian, Mostafa Vatan-Khah, Taleqan

HRANA – Seven citizens were arrested by security forces in connection with the protests in Taleqan County, Alborz Province.

Based on information received by HRANA, Alborz Sadeghian, Ali Ghorbani, Ebrahim Gharghi, Ahmad Sadat-Rasoul, Ali Shahbazi, Mohammad Akbarian, and Mostafa Vatan-Khah were detained following the January 8 protests in Taleqan. Despite more than a month having passed since their arrest, their place of detention remains unknown.

No information has yet been obtained regarding the charges brought against these individuals.

It is worth noting that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began on Sunday, December 28, in Tehran. After two days, the scope of the protests extended beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, the protests became one of the most widespread demonstrations in recent years. Following the crackdown by law enforcement and security forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security institutions. For more information, readers may refer to HRANA’s detailed report published on the fiftieth day since the start of the protests.

Execution of Nine Prisoners on Murder and Drug-Related Charges

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Executions, News
Behbahan, Bojnord, Bukan, Esfarayen, Ferdows, HRANA, Mahshahr, Sari, Taybad

HRANA – At dawn yesterday, Thursday, February 19, 2026, the death sentences of at least nine prisoners were carried out in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, as well as in the prisons of Esfarayen, Sari, Bukan, Behbahan, Taybad, Bojnord, Mahshahr, and Ferdows.

According to information received by HRANA, Rahman Omari was executed in Esfarayen Prison; Mehrshad Panji in Sari Prison; Farez Babaei in Bukan Prison; Ali Jafar Sadeghi in Behbahan Prison; Milad Ghaedi in Mahshahr Prison; Rahim Mashayekhi in Ferdows Prison; and Hassan Narouie in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. These prisoners had previously been arrested on charges of murder and were subsequently sentenced to death by criminal courts.

In addition, the executions of Mokhtar Azizian in Bojnurd Prison and an Afghan national in Taybad Prison were carried out on charges related to drug offenses. Further details, including the identity of the ninth prisoner executed at dawn today, are still under investigation by HRANA.

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

According to HRA’s annual report, in 2025, at least 2,063 individuals were executed in Iran during the one-year period from January 1, 2025, to January 1, 2026. This represents a 119% increase in executions compared to 2024. In many of these cases, due to secrecy, prisoners were even deprived of the right to a final visit with their families.

Mehdi Sabeti Arrested and Transferred to Karaj Central Penitentiary

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News, Prisoners
HRANA, IRGC Intelligence, Karaj, Mehdi Sabeti, Meshkin Dasht, مهدی ثابتی

HRANA – Mehdi Sabeti, a political defendant, was arrested last week by security forces in Karaj and transferred to the city’s Central Penitentiary.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mr. Sabeti was arrested in Karaj last week and transferred to Ward 16, the security ward of the city’s Central Penitentiary. He has been formally charged with “insulting the Supreme Leader” and “propaganda against the regime.”

Mr. Sabeti had previously been released from Karaj Central Penitentiary in late April of this year on “leave connected to the end of his sentence.”

In June 2024, Branch 4 of the Revolutionary Court of Karaj sentenced him to two years in prison on the charge of “insulting the Supreme Leader” and one year in prison on the charge of “propaganda against the regime.”

The court hearing to address the charges against this political defendant was held on June 18, 2024, in the aforementioned branch, in the presence of his court-appointed lawyer.

Mr. Sabeti was arrested on September 17, 2023, by agents of the IRGC Intelligence Organization in Meshkin Dasht, located in Fardis County. He was later transferred to Karaj Central Penitentiary.

A source close to the family of this political prisoner had previously told HRANA: “A few days after his arrest, Mehdi was additionally charged during interrogation in Fardis with insulting religious sanctities, spreading falsehoods, and assaulting an officer. His case in this regard is currently under review at Branch 1 of the Criminal Court of Karaj County.”

Mehdi Sabeti, aged approximately 36, is a resident of Fardis County, Karaj.

Nationwide Protests: Arrest of 13 Citizens, Including 8 Teenagers, in Various Cities

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abolfazl Kenari, Ali-Abbas Shamsaei Moghaddam, Amirali Delrooz, Amirhomayoun Romina, Amirhossein Raznahan, Amirsam Heydarian, Arsam Safaei, Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, Ilya Nekoouifar, Mehdi Savareh-Ulia, Reza Shoja Mazraji, RGC Intelligence, Sanaz Shah-Hosseini

HRANA – As mass arrests by security forces continue, the identities of 13 detainees arrested in connection with the protests have been confirmed.

Based on information received by HRANA, Sanaz Shah-Hosseini was arrested at her residence in Ekbatan, Tehran, on January 10, 2026, and transferred to Evin Prison. Additionally, Amirsam Heydarian, Amirhossein Raznahan, Arsam Safaei, Ilya Nekoouifar, Amirali Delrooz, Amirhomayoun Romina, Abolfazl Kenari, and Ali-Abbas Shamsaei Moghaddam, eight students under the age of 17, were arrested on February 14, 2026, in Yasuj by agents of the IRGC Intelligence. Mehdi Savareh-Ulia was also arrested on January 8, 2026, in Karaj by IRGC Intelligence agents. He is currently being held in a state of legal limbo in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

It should be noted that Mehdi Savareh-Ulia sustained serious injuries to his head and spine due to beatings during his arrest and interrogation. Despite his poor physical condition, he has reportedly been denied medical treatment. He was initially transferred to Ward 16 (security ward) of the Central Prison of Karaj. His arrest was carried out by agents of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

An informed source close to the families of the eight detained students confirmed the matter to HRANA, stating: “These teenagers were interrogated after their arrest, and judicial cases have been opened against them. So far, no information has been obtained regarding their place of detention.” Meanwhile, the IRGC Fath Intelligence Organization claimed in a statement that the individuals, allegedly operating as an eight-member team, were identified and arrested before taking any destructive action, as they were reportedly attempting to prepare and distribute incendiary materials and Molotov cocktails. However, the statement did not mention the ages or identities of the accused.

The Telegram channel “United Students” also reported the arrest of Ali Parvin and Mohammadamin Soltanzadeh, students at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. According to the report, the two students were arrested on Monday, February 16, by security forces and transferred to an undisclosed location.

In another development, the Telegram channel of the Coordinating Council of Iranian Teachers’ Trade Associations announced the release of a teacher named Reza Shoja Mazraji. According to the report, he was released on February 7, 2026, after posting bail set at 2 billion tomans from one of The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facilities in Sarakhs. The charges brought against him include assembly and collusion and propaganda against the regime. He had been arrested at his private residence in Sarakhs on January 9, 2026, by security forces.

So far, no information has been obtained regarding the charges against 12 of these individuals.

Among these citizens, Ali Parvin and Mohammadamin Soltanzadeh have previously faced judicial action due to their activities. Sanaz Shah-Hosseini had also been arrested during the nationwide protests of 2022. She was released from Evin Prison after one month at that time.

It is worth noting that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and market merchants began on Sunday, December 28, in Tehran and, after two days, spread beyond bazaars and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests became one of the most widespread demonstrations in recent years. Following the crackdown by law enforcement and security forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security institutions. For further information, readers may refer to HRANA’s detailed report on the fiftieth day since the beginning of the protests, published last night.

Execution of 17 Prisoners on Charges of Murder or Drug-Related Offenses

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Executions, News
Citizen executed, Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, Karaj, Urmia prison

HRANA – Over the past two days, HRANA reported the execution of 17 prisoners in various prisons across the country on charges related to drug offenses or murder.

On Saturday, February 14, four prisoners were hanged in Urmia Prison on murder charges. Further details regarding this case, including the identification of these four prisoners, are still under review by HRANA.

On Sunday, February 15, Mohammadshah Rashidi and Ali Davtalab were executed on murder charges in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

On the same day, Siros Alizadeh in Nowshahr Prison, Amir Khan Mohammadi in Bandar Abbas Prison, Sohrab Daei in Ardabil Prison, a woman identified as Esmat Najafi in Qom Prison, Sasan Pazouki in Semnan Prison, and Ali Ashraf Rahmati in Borujerd Prison were also executed. These prisoners had previously been arrested on murder charges and sentenced to death by criminal courts.

Meanwhile, the executions of Ali Nouri in Naein Prison, Foroud Khalili and another prisoner in Arak Prison, Hassan Doosti in Tabriz Prison, and Mostafa Cheshmi in Qazvin Prison were carried out on charges related to drug offenses.

At the time of this report, prison authorities and relevant institutions have not officially announced the executions of these prisoners.

According to HRA’s annual report, in 2025, at least 2,063 people were executed in Iran. Based on this report, the implementation of death sentences increased by 119% compared to the year 2024. In many of these executions, due to secrecy and lack of transparency, prisoners were even deprived of the right to a final visit with their families.