HRANA – Ilya Ben-Rashid, one of the detainees arrested during the January 2026 protests in Shahin Shahr, has been sentenced by a criminal court to six months in prison and 20 lashes. Another part of his case, involving the charge of “enmity against God” (moharebeh), is currently under review by the Revolutionary Court, and no verdict has yet been issued for that part of the case.
According to HRANA, Ilya Ben-Rashid, who is currently imprisoned in Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan, has been sentenced to imprisonment and flogging.
Based on the ruling issued by Branch 102 of the Shahin Shahr and Meymeh Criminal Court Two, Mr. Ben-Rashid was sentenced to six months of discretionary imprisonment and 20 lashes on the charge of “direct involvement in the theft of a computer case belonging to the Shahin Shahr Health and Treatment Network.” The court acquitted him of the charge of disrupting public order and peace through participation in protests.
According to information received by HRANA, another part of his case is still being reviewed by the Isfahan Revolutionary Court, and no ruling has yet been issued in that regard.
In April of this year, a hearing was held at Branch 5 of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court to address the charges against this citizen. In this part of the case, he faces charges including “enmity against God (moharebeh) through participation in the destruction of public property, assembly and collusion to commit crimes against national security, and anti-state propaganda activity.”
Mr. Ben-Rashid was arrested on January 22, 2026, in connection with the nationwide protests in Shahin Shahr, Isfahan, and was subsequently transferred to Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan.
He was later formally charged on February 20, 2026, at Branch 2 of the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Shahin Shahr regarding the aforementioned accusations.
Ilya Ben-Rashid is 22 years old and a resident of Shahin Shahr, Isfahan.
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.
