Tag: HRANA

Former Political Prisoner Milad Arsanjani Arrested Once Again

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Freedom of Expression, News
Evin Prison, HRANA, Milad Arsanjani

On July 2, 2023, Milad Arsanjani, a former political prisoner who had previously been detained during the nationwide protests of 2022, was once again apprehended by security forces and taken to an undisclosed location.

According to a reliable source who spoke to HRANA, Arsanjani was arrested at his father’s residence. The specific reasons for his arrest have not yet been disclosed.

Arsanjani had previously been arrested in September 2022 during the nationwide protests and subsequently imprisoned in Evin Prison. From January 9 to 12, 2023, he was temporarily transferred to a Police Criminal Investigation Department detention facility. This political prisoner was later released from Evin Prison under the “pardon and commutation” directive.

It is worth noting that Arsanjani has a history of prior arrests and convictions stemming from his activism.

Update on Zohreh Sarve’s Health Condition in Evin Prison

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News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, HRANA, irgc, Zohreh Sarv

Political prisoner Zohreh Sarv is serving her six-year sentence in Evin Prison. Zohreh Sarve’s medical condition in Evin Prison has raised concerns, as reported by a reliable source who spoke to HRANA.

She is currently suffering from knee injuries and potential breast cysts, requiring medical treatment such as sonography and MRI tests. Despite the approval of the head of the prison infirmary, prison officials have denied her request to be transported to a hospital for the necessary treatments.

In September 2021, Sarve was arrested by security forces and initially held in IRGC ward A-1. Following the conclusion of the interrogation process, she was transferred to Evin Prison after one month.

Subsequently, the Tehran Revolutionary Court issued a seven-year sentence for Sarve, charging her with “assembly and collusion against national security” and “propaganda against the regime.” The prison term is enforceable for a duration of six years.

It is important to note that Sarve has a history of previous arrests and convictions related to her activism. Prior to her arrest, she was actively engaged on social media platforms.

 

Baha’i Couple Faces Nine-Year and Six-Month Combined Sentence

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News, Religious Minorities
Anisa Samieian, Baha'i citizens, Bahais faith, HRANA, Iranian Bahais, Rasht, Vesal Momtazi

Vesal Momtazi and Anisa Samieian, a Baha’i couple, have been collectively sentenced to a nine-year and six-month prison term by the Rasht Revolutionary Court.

According to the verdict issued on June 13 by Branch 3 of the Rasht Revolutionary Court, Mrs. Samieian received a sentence of seven months and 16 days for “propaganda against the regime,” along with three years and six months for “engaging in educational activities and propaganda against Sharia law.” Meanwhile, Mr. Momtazi has been sentenced to seven months and 16 days for “propaganda against the regime,” one year and three months for “insulting the Supreme Leader of Iran,” and three years and six months for “insulting Sharia law.” In addition, he has been fined 38 million tomans. Both individuals are also subjected to social deprivations for a period of ten years. If these verdicts are upheld on appeal, each of them will serve three years and six months in prison.

On November 4, 2022, security forces conducted a search of their residence, resulting in their arrest. Mr. Momtazi was released on bail after his arrest on December 6, 2022. Mrs. Samieian, who was pregnant at the time, was granted release on bail following two interrogation sessions. It is important to note that this Baha’i couple has two young sons, aged five and three months.

According to HRANA annual report, from the total human rights reports regarding the violation of religious minorities’ rights, 64.63% belonged to the breach of the rights of Baha’is.

According to unofficial sources, it is estimated that more than 300,000 Baha’is live in Iran, but the Iranian Constitution recognizes only Islam as the official religion, in addition to Christianity, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism. Bahai faith is not considered legitimate by the authorities, and the rights of Baha’is in Iran have been systematically violated for years.

The deprivation of the freedom to practice their religion is a breach of Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The United Nations covenant holds that every person has the right to freedom of religion, freedom of converting religion, as well as freedom of expression, individually or collectively; openly or secretly.

Maryam Abbasi Nikoo Arrested in Shahi Shahr: Family Subjected to Violence

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Freedom of Expression, News
Bita Shafiee, HRANA, Isfahan, Maryam Abbasi Nikoo, Shahi Shahr

On June 26, 2023, Maryam Abbasi Nikoo was forcefully apprehended by IRGC Intelligence agents at her residence in Shahi Shahr, Isfahan Province. She was subsequently taken to a detention facility, following a violent arrest that involved the search of her home and physical assault on her husband.

According to a reliable source close to her family, who spoke to HRANA, Abbasi Nikoo was arrested at her home on Monday evening. During the arrest, IRGC Intelligence agents conducted a search, resulting in damage to their belongings and physical harm inflicted upon her husband.

It is worth noting that Abbasi Nikoo’s 17-year-old daughter, Bita Shafiee, had previously been detained by security forces for her involvement in protests against serial poison attacks on schools. Shafiee was later released.

Despite these developments, the specific reasons behind Abbasi Nikoo’s arrest and the charges against her remain undisclosed.

Multiple Individuals Arrested for Participation in Clubhouse Communities

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Freedom of Expression, News
Alireza Abdi Ahraz, Amir Akhavan, Clubhouse, Danial Amin, Evin Prison, Farhang Azadmanesh, HRANA, Mahvash Seydali, Narges Seydali, Nima Avidnia, Sarvenaz Misaghian

Security forces have recently apprehended a number of individuals who were actively engaged in social media communities on Clubhouse. Among those detained are Mahvash (Sayeh) Seydali, Sarvenaz Misaghian, Danial Amin, Amir Akhavan, Nima Avidnia, Farhang Azadmanesh, and Alireza Abdi Ahraz.

Despite the passing of six days since their arrests, there is still a lack of information regarding the whereabouts of some of these individuals.

According to reports obtained from HRANA, Alireza Abdi is currently incarcerated in Ward 209 of Evin Prison. Additionally, Narges Seydali confirmed her sister Mahvash Seydali’s arrest through a social media post. However, the specific reasons behind their arrests and the allegations against them remain undisclosed.

Clubhouse, a social audio app, is widely utilized by many Iranians who actively express their opinions and engage in discussions on various topics.

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Mahmood Mehrabi Indicted for “Spreading Corruption on Earth”

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Freedom of Expression, News
Dastgerd Prison, HRANA, Mahmood Mehrabi

HRANA, Human Rights Activists News Agency-Mobarakeh Public and Revolutionary Courthouse, Branch 1, has indicted Mahmood Mehrabi on charges of “spreading corruption on earth” and “propaganda against the regime.”

According to Mehrabi’s lawyer, who spoke to HRANA, Mehrabi is currently detained in Dastgerd Prison, Isfahan. He was arrested for publishing online content that encouraged people to participate in protests. “So far, my colleagues and I have been denied the opportunity to represent my client,” his lawyer added.

On February 1, 2023, security forces arrested Mehrabi in Isfahan. Although he was initially released on bail on March 16, 2023, he was re-arrested just a few hours later at his residence. A reliable source close to his family revealed that the reason for his re-arrest was a social media post he published.

 

Baha’i Citizen Hooshidar Zarei Sentenced to Six Years Imprisonment

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News, Religious Minorities
Adelabad Prison, Baha'i citizen, Hooshidar Zarei, HRANA, Shiraz

The Shiraz Revolutionary Court has sentenced Baha’i citizen Hooshidar Zarei to six years in prison, along with additional penalties, including a two-year travel ban, a fine, and other social restrictions. If the verdict is upheld on appeal, Zarei will serve five years of his sentence under house arrest, monitored by an electronic tag.

Zarei received a one-year sentence for “propaganda against the regime” and five years for “sectarian propaganda in favor of anti-regime groups.” He will serve his sentence at his residence, with the limitation of movement within a one-kilometer radius from his house.

According to a reliable source close to Zarei’s family who spoke to HRANA, he has also been subjected to additional penalties, including social restrictions for five years, a ban on engaging in online social activities, a two-year travel ban, and a fine of 500 million Rial.

Zarei was arrested on April 29, 2023, by security forces in Shiraz and was released after 22 days of detention on a 1.2 billion Tomans bail from Adelabad Prison. Zarei, who is approximately 43 years old, is a Judo Coach and a resident of Shiraz.

 

Sajad Pirfalak, Kian Pirfalak’s Uncle, Arrested in Izeh

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News
HRANA, Izeh, Kian Pirfalak, Mahmonir Molaie-Rad, Sajad Pirfalak

Sajad Pirfalak, the uncle of Kian Pirfalak who tragically lost his life during the nationwide protests in 2022, was apprehended by security forces in Izeh on June 17, 2023. He was subsequently taken to the detention facility of the Ministry of Intelligence.

According to reports, Ministry of Intelligence agents were responsible for Pirfalak’s arrest, which took place on a street in Izeh. The exact reasons behind his detention and the specific allegations against him remain undisclosed at this time.
Today, June 18, a reliable source told HRANA that Mahmonir Molaie-Rad, Kian Pirfalak’s mother, has also been summoned to the Ministry of Intelligence office in Izeh.
HRANA will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.

During the protest in Izeh on November 16, 2022, there was a regrettable loss of life as at least seven individuals, including Kian Pirfalak, were fatally shot by regime forces.

Background on the 2022 Nationwide Protests

The arrest of Mahsa Amini by Tehran Morality Police for her improper hejab and her suspicious death on September 16 sparked protests sweeping across Iran. Protesters came to the streets with the central slogan “Women, Life, Freedom” in protest against the performance, laws and structure of the regime. During the nationwide protests, thousands of people, including journalists, artists, lawyers, teachers, students and civil rights activists, were arrested.

 

Writer and Translator Taimaz Afsari Arrested in Tehran

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Freedom of Expression, News
Evin Prison, HRANA, Taimaz Afsari

HRANA, Human Rights Activists News Agency- On June 17, 2023, Taimaz Afsari, a writer and translator, was arrested by security forces in Tehran and taken to Evin Prison.

A reliable source told HRANA that, Afsari was apprehended violently at his residence.

The reasons for his arrest and the allegation against him are currently unknown. According to an unverified report, the agent have search his house and confiscated some of his electronic belonging.

13 Baha’i Citizens Sentenced to Over 40 Years in Prison Combined

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News, Religious Minorities
Afif Naimi, Alborz province, Baha'i citizens, Bita Momtazi, Elham Shareghi Arani, HRANA, Kamyar Habibi, Karaj, Mahsa Tirgar, Nakisa Rezaie, Negin Rezaie, Rameleh Tirgarnejad, Sabin Yazdani, Sadaf Sheikhzadeh, Sahba Adyani, Saman Ostovar, Shahrzad Mastouri

The Court of Appeals in Karaj has issued a combined sentence of 40 years and seven months, along with additional punishments, for 13 Baha’i citizens.

The verdicts state that Afif Na’imi (Naeimi) will serve seven years, while Saman Ostovar and Kamyar Habibi will each serve five years. Rameleh Tirgarnejad, Elham Shareghi Arani, and Sabin Yazdani have been sentenced to three years. Mahsa Tirgar, Shahrzad Mastouri, Sadaf Sheikhzadeh, Negin Rezaie, Nakisa Rezaie, Sahba Adyani, and Bita Momtazi will serve two years and one month. Additionally, all individuals have been fined, prohibited from leaving the country, and restricted from residing in Alborz Province, along with other social deprivations.
They have been convicted of multiple charges such as “insulting and propaganda against Islamic Sharia, forming and running groups to act against national security through preaching Baha’i faith to children in Kindergartens, promoting against Islamic Sharia through holding coaching courses.”

The court session took place on June 15, 2023, without notifying their lawyers. The initial sentences have now been upheld and will be enforced within ten days, as confirmed by a reliable source who spoke to HRANA.

These citizens were detained during the summer of the previous year. While the specific grounds for the charges remain undisclosed, they appear to be related to their educational activities for children in Alborz Province, particularly preschool children. The Iranian regime perceives the peaceful activities of Baha’is in providing humanitarian aid and education as a threat to its own ideology.

According to HRANA annual report, from the total human rights reports regarding the violation of religious minorities’ rights, 64.63% belonged to the violation of the rights of Baha’is.