Tag: HRANA

Following Sentence Consolidation, Vadood Asadi Sentenced to Eight Years and One Month in Prison

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Ethnic Minorities, Freedom of Expression, News
Ayaz Seifkhah, Azerbaijani Turk activist, HRANA, Karam Mardaneh, Mahmoud Ojaghlou, Morteza Parvin, Taher Naghavi, Vadood Asadi

HRANA – Following the acceptance of a request to consolidate sentences, the Gilan Province Court of Appeals revoked the previous convictions of Vadood Asadi, an Azerbaijani-Turk activist imprisoned in Evin Prison, and sentenced him in a new ruling to eight years and one month in prison. He had previously been sentenced to a total of six years and three months of imprisonment in two separate cases.

According to HRANA, after accepting the request for sentence consolidation, Branch 11 of the Gilan Province Court of Appeals, presided over by Mohammad Sadegh Iran-Aghideh and Esmaeil Rostami Taromsari, annulled Mr. Asadi’s previous sentences and issued a new verdict.

Under this ruling, Mr. Asadi was sentenced to:

• Six years and one month in prison on charges of “assembly and collusion against national security”;
• Eight months in prison for “propaganda against the regime in favor of anti-regime and opposition groups”;
• Sixteen months in prison for “insulting the Supreme Leader”.

Additionally, a hearing concerning charges brought against Mr. Asadi in a case opened against him during his imprisonment was held on April 25, 2026. Mr. Asadi, along with Morteza Parvin, Taher Naghavi, Mahmoud Ojaghlou, and three other defendants in the case, refused to attend the court session.

In March 2026, an interrogation session for Taher Naghavi, a lawyer, and imprisoned Azerbaijani-Turk activists Morteza Parvin-Joda, Vadood Asadi, Ayaz Seifkhah, Karam Mardaneh, and Araz Aman was held via videoconference. During the session, investigator Nasser Jalayi formally charged the prisoners with propaganda against the regime. Their hunger strike, publication of protest statements, and support for the nationwide protests of December 2025 were cited as the reasons for opening the case.

In May 2025, Vadood Asadi, an Azerbaijani-Turk activist, was sentenced by Branch 11 of the Gilan Province Court of Appeals to a total of five years and six months in prison on charges of propaganda against the regime, membership in anti-regime groups, and insulting the Supreme Leader.

Earlier, in late October 2024, in a separate case, Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, sentenced Mr. Asadi to four years of discretionary imprisonment on charges of assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security. This prison sentence was later covered by an amnesty and reduced to one year of imprisonment. After he accepted the verdict, one-fourth of his remaining sentence was further reduced, and he was ultimately sentenced to nine months in prison.

Political Prisoner Fatemeh Sepehri Has Been on Hunger Strike for Seven Days

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News, Prisoners
Ali Sepehri, Fatemeh Sepehri, HRANA, Vakilabad prison, فاطمه سپهری

HRANA – Fatemeh Sepehri, a political prisoner held in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, has been on strike since Wednesday, June 17, in protest against the authorities’ disregard for her demands. Following a visit with the political prisoner today, her family expressed concern over her physical condition.

According to HRANA, political prisoner Fatemeh Sepehri is in the seventh day of her hunger strike.

Ali Sepehri, her brother, stated that Ms. Sepehri began a hunger strike and medication strike on Wednesday, June 17, in protest against what she described as insults, harassment, and mistreatment by Fariba Hatampour, the internal manager of the women’s ward at Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. He added that during this period, the prison authorities’ only action has been to transfer her daily to the infirmary and administer glucose IV fluids. During today’s visit, her family described Fatemeh Sepehri’s physical condition as alarming.

According to Mr. Sepehri, despite the family’s repeated efforts to secure a suspension of her sentence or medical leave, none of the authorities have responded to the situation.

In March 2025, Fatemeh Sepehri was sentenced to prison in a joint case with her brother, Mohammad Hossein Sepehri, by Branch Five of the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad. Each of them received a sentence of three years and nine months in prison. The case relates to a letter the two political prisoners published from Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad on December 26, 2024.

In June 2024, Fatemeh Sepehri, in another joint case with her brothers Mohammad Hossein and Hossein Sepehri, was sentenced to 18 years and six months in prison.

Previously, in March  2023, the Criminal Court of Mashhad sentenced Fatemeh Sepehri to one year of discretionary imprisonment and a fine of 20 million tomans on charges of spreading falsehoods and disturbing public opinion.

In another case, Fatemeh Sepehri was sentenced to 10 years in prison on charges of cooperating with hostile states. She was also sentenced to five years for assembly and collusion, two years for insulting the Supreme Leader, and one year for propaganda against the state. These sentences were upheld on appeal. Under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, 10 years of these sentences are enforceable.

Ms. Sepehri is one of the signatories of the letter calling for the resignation of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. For this reason, she was initially sentenced by Branch Four of the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad to five years of discretionary imprisonment. The sentence was later reduced on appeal to three years and six months. She was subsequently released from prison in 2020 under a five-year suspended sentence arrangement.

Teacher Hadi Jalali Sentenced to Prison

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Freedom of Expression, Labor and Guilds, News
Hadi Jalali, HRANA, Kerman

HRANA – The conviction of Hadi Jalali, a teacher residing in Kerman, has been upheld in full by Branch 7 of the Kerman Province Court of Appeals. He had previously been sentenced to two years and seven months in prison by the Revolutionary Court.

According to a report by HRANA, citing the Coordinating Council of Iranian Teachers’ Trade Associations, Hadi Jalali has been sentenced to imprisonment.

According to a ruling issued by Branch Seven of the Kerman Province Court of Appeals on June 9, 2026, Mr. Jalali was sentenced to two years and seven months in prison on the charge of disrupting the country’s security.

The report states that the appellate court’s decision was issued only eight days after the case was referred to the court, without holding a defense hearing and without giving him an opportunity to present explanations.

The hearing on the charges against Hadi Jalali was held on February 11, 2025, in Branch One of the Revolutionary Court of Kerman. In the initial proceedings, the court sentenced him to the same term of imprisonment.

“Exchanging information with individuals linked to Israel and engaging in media and propaganda activities” were cited as examples of the charges brought against this teacher.

In September 2024, Mr. Jalali was formally charged by Branch Five of the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Kerman, and the indictment in his case was issued in November of the same year.

Hadi Jalali, a teacher residing in Kerman, was arrested by security forces in August 2024 and was released after approximately one month upon posting bail of one billion tomans.

He had also been briefly detained on two separate occasions in April and May 2024.

Kokab Badaghi Pegah Sentenced to One Year in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, Labor and Guilds, News
ahvaz, HRANA, Izeh, Kokab Badaghi Pegah, کوکب بداغی پگاه

HRANA – Kokab Badaghi Pegah, a teacher residing in Izeh, Khuzestan province, has been sentenced to one year in prison by Branch 101 of the Criminal Court Two of Ahvaz.

According to a report by HRANA, citing the Coordinating Council of Iranian Teachers’ Trade Associations, Kokab Badaghi Pegah has been sentenced to imprisonment. Based on the report, Ms. Badaghi Pegah was sentenced by Branch 101 of the Criminal Court Two of Ahvaz to one year of discretionary imprisonment on the charge of “propaganda against the regime.”

In January 2026, Badaghi Pegah was summoned to the Intelligence Department of Izeh after receiving an official notice. At the same time, security forces searched her home and confiscated some of her personal belongings.

In December 2025, Branch 20 of the Khuzestan Province Court of Appeals acquitted Ms. Badaghi Pegah of the charges in a separate case. She had previously been sentenced to six years in prison by the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court in the initial stage of those proceedings.

In September 2025, Ms. Badaghi Pegah was also sentenced to a three-month suspension from public service by the Appeals Board for Administrative Violations of the Khuzestan Province Department of Education.

Kokab Badaghi Pegah, a labor rights activist among teachers in Khuzestan Province, has previously faced judicial actions due to her activities.

Zahedan: Sentences Issued for 111 Detainees from January 2026 Protests

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Prosecutor of Zahedan, Zahedan

HRANA – The Prosecutor of Zahedan announced that judicial verdicts have been issued for 111 individuals detained during the January 2026 protests following the issuance of indictments and the completion of legal proceedings. Some of these sentences have already been carried out. He also reported that rulings have been issued in a number of cases related to the recent war.

According to HRANA, citing IRIB, the Prosecutor of Zahedan announced the convictions of 111 detainees arrested during the 2026 nationwide protests.

Mehdi Shamsabadi stated that indictments had been issued for 111 individuals detained during the 2026 nationwide protests and that judicial rulings were subsequently issued after legal proceedings were completed. According to him, some of these sentences have already been enforced, while the remainder will be implemented once the verdicts become final.

Regarding those arrested in connection with the recent war, he said: “Indictments have also been issued for the defendants in these cases, and judicial proceedings are currently underway. Some of the cases have resulted in verdicts, while in certain instances the implementation of sentences depends on the arrest of defendants who remain at large.”

The report does not specify the number of defendants in the cases related to the war, nor does it provide details regarding the other convicted individuals or the nature of their cases.

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Two Prisoners Executed in Zabol Prison for Drug-related Charges

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Executions, News
Hossein Yousofzehi, HRANA, Zabol Prison

HRANA – Yesterday, June 21, 2026, the death sentences of two prisoners, including an Afghan national, who had previously been convicted on drug-related charges, were carried out in Zabol Prison.

According to Haal Vsh, two prisoners were hanged in Zabol Prison on June 21, 2026.

The identities of the prisoners have been reported as Homayoun Nourzahi, approximately 70 years old and a citizen of Afghanistan, and Hossein Yousofzahi, a resident of Tabasin Olya village in Nahbandan County.

According to the report, Mr. Yousofzahi was arrested in 1998, while Mr. Nourzahi was arrested two years ago, both on charges related to drug offenses. They were subsequently sentenced to death by judicial authorities.

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

January 2026 Protests: Mehdi Karimi Arrested

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, January 2026 Protests, Mehdi Karimi

HRANA – Mehdi Karimi, a resident of Malekshahi who had been under judicial prosecution after a photo of him during the 2026 nationwide protests was published, was arrested on Thursday, June 18, 2026, by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence in the city of Mehran. Several days after his arrest, no information is available regarding his whereabouts or condition. A video of his forced confession has also been released by state media, although the circumstances under which it was recorded remain unclear.

According to HRANA, Mehdi Karimi was arrested in Mehran, Ilam province.

A source close to Mr. Karimi’s family confirmed the news to HRANA, stating: “During the protests in Malekshahi, an image of Mr. Karimi sitting on a chair in front of the governor’s office building was published. Some time later, he came under judicial prosecution in connection with this issue and his participation in the protests. On Thursday, June 18, 2026, he was arrested in the city of Mehran by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence and was beaten during the arrest. The efforts of his family and relatives to obtain information about his whereabouts and condition have so far been unsuccessful.”

According to information received by HRANA, Mr. Karimi’s physical condition has reportedly deteriorated following his arrest. This has heightened concerns among his family and relatives regarding his well-being. He has also been denied access to legal counsel.

At the same time, a video of this citizen’s forced confession has been released, although it remains unclear under what conditions it was recorded.

Yesterday, Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence announced in a statement the arrest of 17 citizens in connection with the January nationwide protests in Ilam Province. In the statement, Mr. Karimi was identified only as “Mehdi-K.”

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.

Report on Political Prisoner Abdolrasoul Mortazavi’s Situation in Dastgerd Prison

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News, Prisoners
Abdolrasoul Mortazavi, Dastgerd Prison, HRANA, Isfahan

HRANA – Political prisoner Abdolrasoul Mortazavi is serving his sentence in Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan. He has been sentenced to more than 30 years in prison in several separate cases and is currently serving his longest executable sentence of 11 years’ imprisonment.

According to HRANA, Abdolrasoul Mortazavi is currently serving his sentence in Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan.

A source close to the family of the political prisoner told HRANA that Mr. Mortazavi is a veteran of the Iran-Iraq War and, due to his injuries, is required to use a prosthetic leg. The source added: “In addition to the difficult prison conditions Mr. Mortazavi faces, on March 1, 2026, he was taken out of prison and transferred to one of the intelligence detention cells within the prison for a period of 40 days. Prison authorities claimed that the transfer was a preventive measure.”

The source further stated that after returning from the detention facility, Mr. Mortazavi released an audio file in which he reported acts of violence against detainees in the detention facility.

In August 2019, a letter signed by 14 civil activists calling for the resignation of Ayatollah Khamenei was published. Following the publication of the letter, several of its signatories, including Abdolrasoul Mortazavi, were arrested. In connection with this case, Mr. Mortazavi was sentenced by the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad to 26 years in prison. In another part of the same case, he was sentenced by a criminal court to two years’ imprisonment on charges of disturbing public opinion. Of these sentences, 11 years as the severest punishment is enforceable, and he is currently serving this sentence in Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan.

In June 2021, in a case opened against him while he was in prison, Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced him in absentia to two years’ imprisonment. The sentence, issued on charges of “propaganda against the regime” and “disrupting public order,” was later reduced to eight months in prison on appeal.

Additionally, in 2022, in another case opened against him during his imprisonment, the Revolutionary Court of Karaj sentenced him to two years in prison on charges of insulting the Supreme Leader.

Abdolrasoul Mortazavi, a veteran of the Iran-Iraq War who had also been sentenced to imprisonment in another case in 2017, was arrested in Mashhad in 2019 and has remained in prison ever since.

Following his arrest, Mr. Mortazavi was initially transferred to Evin Prison to serve his sentence. He was subsequently transferred to Rajai Shahr Prison in Karaj in April 2021 and finally to Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan in July 2022.

Kamal Omidi Remains Detained in Khomein Prison for Over 40 Days

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News, Prisoners
HRANA, irgc, IRGC Intelligence, Kamal Omidi, Khomein, کمال امیدی

HRANA – Kamal Omidi, a language instructor and director of a language institute in Khomein, has been detained for more than 40 days and is currently being held in Khomein Prison without observance of the principle of separation of prisoners based on the nature of their alleged offenses.

According to information received by HRANA, Mr. Omidi is currently being held alongside prisoners convicted of violent crimes in Khomein Prison, without the observance of the principle of classification and separation of inmates. Since his arrest, he has been denied access to legal counsel and family visits.

A source close to the family, who confirmed the information to HRANA, stated: “The reasons for Mr. Omidi’s arrest remain unknown. During this period, he has had several monitored phone calls with his family, but he has not provided any information regarding the status of his case.”

Kamal Omidi was arrested in Khomein by agents of the IRGC Intelligence Organization in May 2026.

As of the time of writing, no information has been obtained regarding the charges brought against him.

Mr. Omidi, born in 1977, holds a Ph.D. in language studies and is the director of a language institute in Khomein.

At Least Three Prisoners Executed in Zahedan Prison

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Executions, News
Abdullah Jalali, HRANA, Zahedan Prison, Zaher Shahouzahi

HRANA – On Wednesday, June 17, authorities at Zahedan Prison carried out the executions of three prisoners on drug-related charges.

According to a report by HRANA, citing Haal Vsh, at least three prisoners were executed in Zahedan Prison on Wednesday, June 17.

Haalvsh identified two of those executed as Abdullah Jalali, a 25-year-old Afghan national and father of two, and Zaher Shahouzahi (Gorgij), a 40-year-old married man, father of three, and a resident of Zahedan. Jalali had been arrested approximately four years ago, and Shahouzahi around three years ago, on drug-related charges in Zahedan. They were subsequently sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court of the city.

The report also states that another prisoner was executed in the same prison on non-political charges. As of the time of writing, the identity of this prisoner has not been confirmed.

At the time of publication, prison authorities and relevant institutions had not officially announced these executions.

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.