Tag: irgc

Abbas Peymani Arrested in Shahriar

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News, Other
Abbas Peymani, irgc, IRGC Intelligence, Shahriar, عباس پیمانی

HRANA – Yesterday, Abbas Peymani, a resident of Shahriar, was arrested by IRGC Intelligence agents and taken to an undisclosed location.

Based on information received by HRANA, Mr. Peymani was arrested on Sunday, November 16, by IRGC Intelligence agents.
So far, no information has been obtained regarding the reasons for his arrest or his place of detention.

Abbas Peymani is a traditional-music singer and instrumentalist from Shahriar, where he also resides.

Arbitrary arrests, transferring detainees to undisclosed locations, and leaving families in the dark about the fate of their loved ones are routine practices of the Iranian regime’s security agencies, such as the Ministry of Intelligence and the IRGC Intelligence Unit. This pattern of behavior stands in clear violation of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, known as the Nelson Mandela Rules

Ahvaz: Death Sentences for Three Political Prisoners Upheld by the Supreme Court

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Executions, News, Prisoners
Alireza Mardasi, Davood Hormatnejad, Farshad Etemadifar, irgc, Masoud Jamaei, Saman Hormatnejad, Sheiban Prison

HRANA – The death sentences of Masoud Jamaei, Alireza Mardasi, and Farshad Etemadifar, political prisoners held in Sheiban Prison in Ahvaz, have been upheld by the Supreme Court. These prisoners had previously been sentenced by the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court to two death sentences each, plus one year in prison.

Earlier this year, Branch 1 of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Adibimehr, had sentenced each of them to two death sentences and one year in prison on charges of “corruption on earth,” membership in baghi (insurgent) groups, and “propaganda against the regime.”

In the same case, Saman Hormatnejad and Davood Hormatnejad were sentenced by the same court to 12 and 15 years in prison, respectively, on the aforementioned charges. No new information has been obtained so far regarding the latest status of their cases.

In the text of the rulings, membership in the Mojahedin-e Khalq Organization (MEK) was cited as the basis for the charges. This case is considered one of the heaviest security-related rulings issued in recent months in Khuzestan Province.

A source familiar with the case, who requested anonymity for security reasons, told HRANA: “These individuals spent about the past two years in temporary detention without clarity on their legal status. During their detention, they were denied access to lawyers and adequate medical care. The rulings were communicated to them despite gross violations of fair trial principles. The confessions attributed to the defendants were taken under coercion and in inhumane conditions.”

Farshad Etemadifar, Saman Hormatnejad, and Davood Hormatnejad were arrested on June 16, 2023, by Ministry of Intelligence agents. Masoud Jamaei and Alireza Mardasi were arrested on August 1, 2023, by security forces in Ahvaz and transferred to Sheiban Prison.

Following their arrests, Tasnim, an outlet close to the IRGC, claimed in a report that these citizens were connected to the “Monafeqin (hypocrites) network” and intended to carry out “disruptive operations” in the provinces of Khuzestan, Fars, and Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad.

It should be noted that in the terminology of the Islamic Republic, the terms “Nefaq” and “Monafeqin” refer to the Mojahedin-e Khalq Organization, one of the Iranian opposition groups.

Farshad Etemadifar is from Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, and Masoud Jamaei and Alireza Mardasi (Hamidavi) are residents of Ahvaz. Masoud Jamaei, 47, suffers from liver issues and stomach cancer. His physical condition in prison has deteriorated severely, and he requires urgent treatment and transfer to specialized medical facilities outside the prison. Prior to his arrest, he worked for the National Iranian Oil Company. In late March of last year, he, along with his wife Zeinab Hazbapour and their children Nahid, Dalal, and Roghayeh Jamaei, had been tried by the Bavieh Revolutionary Court on charges of links with one of the groups opposing the regime.

Update on the Latest Condition of Alvand Banaeian in Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan

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News, Prisoners
Alvand Banaeian, Dastgerd Prison, HRANA, irgc, IRGC Intelligence, Isfahan, الوند بنائیان

HRANA – Alvand Banaeian is serving his sentence in Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan.

Based on information received by HRANA, in October this year, a hearing on the charges against Banaeian was held via videoconference at Branch Two of the Isfahan Criminal Court. In this portion of his case, he was sentenced to six months in prison, 45 lashes, and a fine for possession of alcoholic beverages and a cold weapon.

A source close to his family confirmed this to HRANA, adding: “In another part of his case, this prisoner is facing the charge of ‘propaganda against the state.’ After his arrest, he was formally charged with this accusation by Branch 18 of the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Isfahan. This case had been referred to Branch Five of the Revolutionary Court, but due to issues such as procedural defects, it was returned to the same investigative branch. Nonetheless, his case remains in a state of limbo. Additionally, for the past month, he has been denied visits with his family by the authorities.”

Alvand Banaeian was arrested on June 16 of this year by security forces at his family home in Isfahan. During the arrest, agents searched the premises, seizing several personal belongings and quantities of alcoholic beverages.

Banaeian has previously been arrested and faced judicial action due to his activities. In 2022, he was arrested by IRGC Intelligence agents and was eventually released on bail after three months.

British Prisoners Craig and Lindsay Foreman Go on Hunger Strike

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News, Prisoners
Craig and Lindsay Foreman, Iran, irgc, Kerman

HRANA – Craig and Lindsay Foreman, two British nationals imprisoned in Iran, have gone on hunger strike in protest against the lack of progress in their case.

According to HRANA, quoting the BBC, Ms. Foreman told her son, Joe Bennet, during a phone call yesterday that “not eating is the only power she has.” Joe Bennet also told the BBC that he is not sure whether the hunger strike will help secure phone contact, and he does not know when the strike began.

He added that his mother said she “feels confused and has been let down by both the UK government and Iranian authorities.”

Craig Foreman and Lindsay Foreman, who entered Iran on a round-the-world motorcycle trip, were arrested in January of 2025 in Kerman by IRGC Intelligence forces. Judicial authorities have accused them of “espionage,” claiming the couple gathered information in several provinces under the cover of tourism and research activities.

The British ambassador to Iran at the time also met with the two defendants at the Kerman Prosecutor’s Office in February of that same year.

In recent years, Iranian authorities have arrested several foreign nationals on charges such as espionage or cooperation with hostile governments. Some of those detained have later been released following political negotiations. Human rights organizations and several Western governments have accused Iran of using such arrests for political leverage, an allegation Iranian officials have consistently denied.

Maryam Abbasi Nikoo Arrested

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Freedom of Expression, News
Bita Shafiei, irgc, IRGC Intelligence, Maryam Abbasi Nikoo, Shahin-Shahr, مریم عباسی نیکو

HRANA – On Monday, November 10, Maryam Abbasi Nikoo, a resident of Shahin Shahr, was arrested by agents of the IRGC Intelligence Organization and taken to an undisclosed location.

Her daughter, Bita Shafiei, reported that around 2 p.m., IRGC Intelligence agents entered their home, arrested her mother, and transferred her to an unknown location. Shafiei stated that the agents caused damage to household items during the raid.

As of this report, no information has been released regarding the reasons for Abbasi Nikoo’s arrest, the charges against her, or her current whereabouts.

Maryam Abbasi Nikoo, a resident of Shahin Shahr, is the mother of Bita Shafiei, a student previously arrested by security forces during protests over the mass poisoning of students in Shahin Shahr and later released. Abbasi Nikoo has also faced prior arrests and judicial proceedings related to her activism.

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Several Individuals Arrested by IRGC Intelligence on Espionage Charges

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News, Other
irgc, IRGC Intelligence

HRANA – The IRGC Intelligence has announced the arrest of several individuals in various provinces of Iran on charges of spying for the United States and Israel.

According to Sepah News, the IRGC Intelligence accused the detainees of espionage activities on behalf of Israel and the United States. The IRGC claimed that these operations were carried out “in coordination with Israeli policies following its recent military failures” and took place simultaneously across several provinces.

The statement further alleged that the detainees had acted with the “intent to disrupt national security in the second half of autumn 2025.”

The organization has not disclosed the number of those arrested, their identities, or the exact locations of the arrests.

While combating espionage is not considered a human rights violation, given the Iranian government’s record of using espionage allegations as a pretext to suppress political dissent, such claims, particularly in the absence of clear details or transparent judicial procedures, are viewed with skepticism.

Leila Adalati, Baha’i Citizen, Arrested

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News, Religious Minorities
HRANA, irgc, Leila Adalati, Leila Edalati, Shiraz

HRANA – On Saturday, November 8, Leila Adalati (Bangaleh), a Baha’i citizen residing in Shiraz, was arrested by intelligence agents of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and taken to an undisclosed location. At the same time, her home was searched by security agents.

Based on the information obtained by HRANA, Ms. Adalati was arrested at her private residence on Saturday, November 8, by IRGC intelligence agents. Her home was searched for more than four hours, during which a number of her personal belongings were confiscated.

So far, no information has been made available regarding the reasons for her arrest, the location of her detention, or the charges brought against her.

Leila Adalati (Bangaleh) is a Baha’i citizen residing in Shiraz.

Over the past decade, the Iranian Bahá’í community has been disproportionately targeted by Iran’s security forces and judiciary, more than any other minority group. In the past three years, an average of 72 percent of the reports on religious rights violations collected by HRANA have documented the Iranian regime’s repression of the Bahá’í community.

Forough Khosravi Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Behbahan, Forough Khosravi, HRANA, irgc, IRGC Intelligence, Ruhollah Farzadnasab, فروغ خسروی

HRANA – Forough Khosravi, an elementary school teacher residing in Behbahan, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison, one day after her trial was held at Branch 1 of the Behbahan Revolutionary Court.

Her trial took place yesterday at Branch 1 of the Behbahan Revolutionary Court, and today, Sunday, November 2, 2025, the same branch, presided over by Judge Moradian, issued and delivered the verdict to Ms. Khosravi.

Based on the verdict, she was sentenced as follows: one year for “propaganda against the regime”, two years for “insulting the Supreme Leader”, two years for “insulting the founder of the Islamic Republic”, five years for “insulting the sacred”, and five years for “communication with media outlets affiliated with Israel, such as Iran International,” totaling 15 years in prison.

Under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the most severe sentence, five years of imprisonment, will be enforceable.

A source familiar with the case told HRANA: “The baseless charges are mostly based on Ms. Khosravi’s private text messages with a family member and a few protest-related Instagram stories she posted several years ago. During the hearing, instead of examining her defense or the material and moral elements of the charges, the judge told her, ‘You’re still too radical!’”

On September 22, 2025, Branch 2 of the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Behbahan, led by investigator Ruhollah Farzadnasab, issued a bill of indictment against her.

A source close to the family told HRANA earlier: “In the issued indictment, Ms. Khosravi’s former husband, Hadi Hakim Shafa’i, was also named as a defendant, and it was stated that his case remains open. However, Mr. Hakim Shafa’i has not received any summons to date.”

Ms. Khosravi had earlier appeared for questioning at the same branch following a summons.

She was arrested on July 29, 2025, by IRGC Intelligence agents, and was released on August 9, 2025, after posting a 2-billion-toman bail from Sepidar Prison in Ahvaz.

Earlier, on June 20, 2025, six IRGC Intelligence agents, including two women, entered Ms. Khosravi’s home without a judicial warrant, searched the house, and confiscated some of her personal belongings, including her phone. Her young daughter was at home during the raid and was reportedly deeply traumatized by the incident.

Later, Ms. Khosravi filed a complaint against the agents involved; however, investigator Ruhollah Farzadnasab from Branch 2 of the Behbahan Prosecutor’s Office dismissed the case, ruling in favor of the security agents and issuing a non-prosecution order.

Forough Khosravi is an elementary school teacher with a Ph.D. in Education, residing in Behbahan. Following the 2009 protests, she was expelled from Payame Noor University in Bandar Imam. Her former husband, Hadi Hakim Shafa’i, is a writer and researcher of religion and philosophy living in Bojnourd, who has previously faced arrest and conviction for his activities.

Khomein: Nurse Seyed Behzad Saeedi Arrested and Sent to Prison

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News
Behzad Saeedi, irgc, IRGC Intelligence, Khomein, بهزاد سعیدی

HRANA – Seyed Behzad Saeedi, a resident of Khomein, was arrested by security forces on Wednesday, October 22. He was charged the following day at the Khomein Prosecutor’s Office and subsequently transferred to the city’s prison under a two-month detention order.

A source close to the family confirmed the arrest to HRANA, stating: “Mr. Saeedi was arrested by agents of the IRGC Intelligence on Wednesday, October 22, at his father’s home and taken to The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility. After one day, he was brought before the Khomein Prosecutor’s Office, where he was charged with ‘assembly and collusion to act against internal security’ and ‘propaganda against the regime.’ Following this, the prosecutor issued a two-month detention order, and he was transferred to Khomein Prison.”

According to this informed source, “sending photos of sensitive locations in the city to foreign media” has been cited as an example of the charges brought against Mr. Saeedi.

Seyed Behzad Saeedi, born in 1990, is a nurse and a native and resident of Khomein.

Death Sentence of Hossein Shahoozahi Upheld by the Supreme Court

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Executions, News
irgc, Razavi Khorasan Province, Vakilabad prison, Yousef Mohammad-Hosseini

HRANA – Hossein Shahoozahi, a detainee held in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, has been sentenced to death by the Mashhad Revolutionary Court, a verdict that has recently been upheld by the Supreme Court.

Following his arrest by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Intelligence Organization, Shahoozahi has been accused of attempting to assassinate the Supreme Leader’s representative in Razavi Khorasan Province and of planning an attack on the governor’s office.

According to Haal Vsh, Mashhad Revolutionary Court had previously issued the initial death sentence against Shahoozahi, which has now been upheld by the country’s highest judicial authority.

Hossein Shahoozahi, 29, a native of Zahedan, is currently being held in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

He was arrested by IRGC Intelligence forces at the Mashhad bus terminal. On December 9, 2022, the Public Relations Office of the IRGC in Razavi Khorasan Province confirmed the arrest of several individuals, including Shahouzehi, claiming that they were affiliated with an opposition group. The IRGC’s statement further alleged that “a significant quantity of weapons, ammunition, and explosives was discovered and confiscated from these individuals.”

Following his arrest, Shahoozahi faced multiple charges, including possession of weapons, attempting to assassinate Ahmad Alamolhoda -the Supreme Leader’s representative in Razavi Khorasan Province – and planning an attack on the governor’s office in Mashhad. The Revolutionary Court ultimately sentenced him to death. Throughout the judicial process, he was denied the right to access legal counsel.

According to local media reports, Shahouzehi was held for about six months in the IRGC Intelligence detention facility, where he was subjected to pressure and violent treatment by interrogators. During this period, he was also denied any contact or visits with his family.

Local sources further reported that Shahoozahi had been arrested simultaneously with another individual named Yousef Mohammad-Hosseini, 25, and a native of Mirjaveh. To date, there has been no information about Mohammad-Hosseini’s fate, which remains unknown.