Tag: irgc

Security Forces Arrest Three Christian Converts in Rasht

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News, Prisoners, Religious Minorities
Ahmad Sarparast, Ayub Pour Rezazadeh, Christian converts, Citizens arrested, Citizens detained, Freedom of religion, irgc, Islamic Law, Morteza Hajeb Mashhoud Kari, Pur Rezazadeh, Rasht, Religious Minorities, Religious persecution, Saparast

On Sunday, September 5, Christian converts Ahmad Sarparast, Ayub Pour Rezazadeh, and Morteza Hajeb Mashhoud Kari were arrested by security forces in Rasht and taken to an unknown location.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activist, Mr. Sarparast and Mr. Pour Rezazadeh were detained in a house church. Security forces raided the homes of these citizens and confiscated some of their belongings, including cell phones, books, and pamphlets related to Christianity. According to an informed source, the agents behaved violently and insultingly and refused to show arrest or search warrants.

Relatives of these citizens are said to have been threatened by IRGC intelligence agents for providing information about the condition of their loved ones. Also, one of their relatives along with several other members of the house church were summoned to the Rasht IRGC Intelligence Office and interrogated.

According to a source close to the families of these citizens, after their families went to Branch 4 of the Rasht Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office to follow up on the case, they were not given any answer and were told, “Do not follow up. They will not be released any time soon. They do not deserve freedom and must stay.”

25-year-old Ahmad (Yohanna) Sarparast, 28-year-old Ayub (Farzin) Pour Rezazadeh, and 38-year-old Morteza Hajeb Mashhoud Kari are residents of Rasht.

Even though Christians are recognized as a religious minority under Islamic law, the security services nevertheless pursue the issue of Muslims converting to Christianity with particular sensitivity and deal harshly with activists in this field.

The Iranian regime targets Christian converts despite Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which state that every individual has the right to freedom of religion and belief and freedom to express it openly or secretly.

As of this writing, the reasons for the arrest, the charges against them, and the whereabouts of these citizens are unknown.

Citizen Detained by IRGC intelligence in Ardabil Province

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News, Prisoners
Ardabil, Ardabil Province, Citizen arrested, Citizen arrests, freedom of expression, ILNA, intelligence forces of the Revolutionary Guards, irgc, judicial official

IRGC intelligence agents recently arrested a citizen in one of the cities of Ardabil Province.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, quoting ILNA, the citizen was arrested for what is being called “insulting Islamic sanctities”, “disturbing the public mind”, and “publishing [disappointing] content to blacken [catastrophize] the situation in the country”.

The citizen was transferred to prison by order of a judicial official. The report does not mention the identity of the detainee, the name of the city he was detained in, or the prison where he is being held.

Maryam Ebrahimvand Arrested by Security Forces in Tehran

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Cultural, Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners, Women
Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran, cash bail, censorship, Ebrahimvand, Evin, Evin Prison, freedom of expression, irgc, Maryam Ebrahimvand, Ministry of Intelligence, Tehran, Women's Ward of Evin Prison

On the morning of Sunday, August 22, Maryam Ebrahimvand, a director, filmmaker, and former prisoner, was arrested by security forces and taken to an unknown location.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, she was released after a couple of hours interrogation.

According to a close source to Ms. Ebrahimvand, she had gone to the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance to seek permission for her confiscated films, and was arrested in front of the Ministry’s building in Tehran.

“A few months ago,” the source told HRANA, “Ms. Ebrahimvand was told by the Ministry of Guidance that after receiving a letter working ban from the IRGC,  it is not possible to grant permission for her films.”

Ms. Ebrahimvand had previously been detained and convicted. IRGC intelligence agents arrested Ms. Ebrahimvand in September 2016. After 35 days, she was released on  a bail of 300 million Tomans from the IRGC Intelligence Detention Center, Ward 2A, Evin Prison.

Nearly two years later, in July 2018, Ms. Ebrahimvand was arrested again after being summoned to Branch 4 of the Culture and Media Court. She was transferred to Ward 2A of the IRGC, and then was transferred to prison a month after interrogations ended, while a bail of 10 billion Tomans was issued for her.

Ms. Ebrahimvand, who had been detained in the Women’s Ward of Evin Prison from July 2018, was sentenced by Branch 1059 of the Government Employees’ Court to ten years in prison in November of last year on charges of “making a vulgar film”, “insulting the President”, and “spreading lies against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps”.

In the second part of her case, Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran sentenced her to 6 months in prison on charges of “propaganda against the regime,” and in the final verdict, she was sentenced to a total of ten years and six months in prison.

Ms. Ebrahimvand was finally informed of her release in June of this year after appearing before the Culture and Media Court.

Maryam Ebrahimvand is a writer, film director, and producer of “Comedy of Love”, “We Are All Alone”, and “Girls’ Boarding House”.

Citizen Arrested by Security Forces in Oshnavieh in West Azerbaijan Province

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News
Agriculture, Alani, City of Oshnavieh, irgc, Kurdpa, Oshnavieh, Sadar Alani, Singan, Singan Village, West Azerbaijan, West Azerbaijan Province

On Monday, August 16th, Sardar Alani was arrested by security forces and taken to an unknown location.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, quoting Kurdpa, Sardar Alani is a resident of the village of Singan in the City of Oshnavieh and has a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture.

The report quoted an informed source as saying that IRGC intelligence forces detained Mr. Alani at a checkpoint between Singan village and Oshnavieh town without a court order.

As of this writing, no information is available on the reasons behind Alani’s arrest or the charges against him.

Saqqez Citizen Khaled Karimnia Sentenced to 7 Months in Prison

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Prisoners
irgc, Javad Mostafaei, Karimnia, Khaled Karimnia, Kurdistan, Kurdistan Province, Saqqez, Saqqez city

Saqqez citizen Khaled Karimnia was recently sentenced by the Saqqez Revolutionary Court to 7 months in prison.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, quoting Kurdpa, Mr. Karimonia was summoned to the IRGC on June 8, 2010 and was released on bail after being interrogated.

Khalid Karimnia, a citizen of Saqqez, was sentenced to imprisonment by the First Branch of the Revolutionary Court of this city, headed by Judge Javad Mostafaei.

According to the report, the First Branch of the Revolutionary Court of Saqqez, headed by Judge Javad Mostafaei, sentenced this citizen to 7 months in prison on charges of “propaganda against the regime”.

This citizen has a history of interrogation by security agencies. Mr. Karimonia was summoned to the IRGC on June 8, 1400, and after completing his interrogation, he was released on bail until the end of the trial.

He has appealed against the verdict and his case has been referred to the court of appeals for review.

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Nasser Hemmati Transferred to Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan to Endure his Sentence

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News, Prisoners
Dastgerd, Dastgerd Prison, Hemmati, irgc, Isfahan, Isfahan Prosecutors Office, Nasser Hemmati

On Tuesday, August 10, Nasser Hemmati was detained after being summoned by the Isfahan Prosecutor’s Office, and transferred to Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan to endure his sentence.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, Nasser Hemmati is a psychiatrist and a resident of Isfahan.

Mr. Hemmati had arrested by IRGC intelligence agents in January 2020 and was temporarily released on bail two weeks later.

He was sentenced to 2 years in prison by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan in June this year on charges of “insulting officials” and “propaganda against the regime”.

Atena Daemi on a Hunger Strike in Lakan Prison in Rasht in Gilan Province

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners, Women
Atena Daemi, Evin, Evin Prison, Gilan province, Hunger Strike, hunger strikes, irgc, Lakan, Lakan prison, Rasht, Supreme Court, Tehran

On August 12, civil activist Atena Daemi went on a hunger strike in Lakan prison in Rasht in protest of repeated telephone cuts and prison mismanagement.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, it is said that the head of the prison has not been seen in the prison for about 4 weeks, and his absence has slowed down the release process of many prisoners.

According to an informed source, the frequent interruption of the prison phone raised concerns among Atena’s family members, and her parents had to travel to the Lakan Prison to visit Atena while they were infected with the coronavirus to confirm her well being.

Atena (Fatemeh) Daemi was sentenced to 14 years in prison on May 15, 2015, by Branch 28 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran, headed by Judge Mohammad Moghiseh, on charges of conspiracy against national security, propaganda against the regime, and insulting the leadership. After the appeal and application of Article 134, 5 years of prison were enforceable to her.

In 2018, while enduring her sentence in the women’s ward of Evin Prison, she and Golrokh Ebrahimi faced a new case, they were sentenced by Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran to an additional 2 years and 1 month in prison after applying Article 134.

In July 2020, Branch 24 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran, presided over by Judge Mohammad Reza Amouzad, sentenced Ms. Daemi to two years in prison and 74 lashes for a new lawsuit filed against her while imprisoned. The case was opened by the complaint of the Ministry of Intelligence and the IRGC against Ms. Daemi.

In March 2021, the Supreme Court overturned a request for a retrial of Atena’s lawyers. Atena Daemi and her family members have also faced numerous other security and judicial cases and pressures. In March 2021, Atena was transferred in handcuffs and shackles from Evin Prison to Lakan Prison in Rasht in Gilan Province.

This is not the young activist’s first hunger strike. Atena Daemi once went on a hunger strike in 2015, which led to health problems and removal of her gallbladder. Her previous hunger strike experience has increased her family’s concern.

Widespread Protests Continue in Iran, Rallies Held in Tehran and Karaj

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Environment, Freedom of Expression
Albors, Alborz province, Anoushirvan Mohseni Band-Pey, Hamidreza Goodarzi, irgc, Karaj, Khuzestan, Khuzestan province, Khuzestan water crisis, Khuzestan water shortages, Tehran

On Monday, July 26, citizens in Tehran and Karaj held protest rallies in which protesters chanted slogans against the current situation in the country. According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, today’s protests fall on the first day after a week-long holiday in Tehran,  Iran’s capital, and Alborz Province.

Hamidreza Goodarzi, the deputy security director of Tehran Province, said that the situation has returned to normal and attributed the protests only to the power outage in a cellphone market center in Tehran. Tehran Governor Anoushirvan Mohseni Band-Pey has threatened to identify the protests’ organizers.

During these rallies, protesters chanted slogans such as “From Karaj to Khuzestan, unity, unity”, “Death to the dictator”, “Shame on Khamenei, leave the power”, “Iranians will die but won’t accept humiliation”, “The mullah must go away”, “Do not be afraid, do not be afraid, we are all together,” “Zealous Iranians, support, support” and “Neither Gaza nor Lebanon, I give my life for Iran.”

The gathering of Tehran citizens faced a large presence of police forces and efforts to disperse the people.

A source familiar with the Tehran protest rally told HRANA, “First, a rally started in the streets in Tehran with anti-government slogans; then, shop holders in the cell phone market chanted against the government after the power outage.”

Despite the release of videos of marches and protests by hundreds of Tehranians, Fars News Agency, the media close to the IRGC, released a short video of these rallies and said the number of attendees is only about 50 shop holders and the reason for the protest is only the two hours power outage.

From the night of Thursday, July 15th, public rallies in protest of water shortage and mismanagement of officials began in Khuzestan province and spread to more than 30 cities. On Saturday, July 24, citizens of Tabriz showed their support for the protests in Khuzestan by holding street protests and marches. Many were arrested during the protests in Tabriz.

Three Political Prisoners Facing New Charges of Questionable Legitimacy After Protesting the Beating of Nayeb Hajizadeh Yangjeh

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Freedom of Expression, Prisoners
Hajizadeh Yangjeh, irgc, Kayhan Mokaram Al-Nabi, Nayeb Askari, Nayeb Hajizadeh, Nayeb Hajizadeh Yangjeh, Political Prisoners, Urmia, Urmia prison

On Monday, July 12, political prisoners Nayeb Hajizadeh Yangjeh, Kayhan Mokaram Al-Nabi, and Nayeb Askari were faced with new charges after protesting the beating of Hajizadeh Yangjeh.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, per an informed source, the lawsuit was filed at the request of Urmia Prison director Amir Sohrabi after several political prisoners protested the beating of Nayeb Hajizadeh by two prisoners accused of violent crimes.

It is said that one of the assailants was also summoned to the court as a witness in the case.

During the briefing session, the three accused were briefed on the alleged charges of “disturbing the order of the prison” and “blasphemy”.

Nayeb Hajizadeh was arrested by security forces in August 2019 and sentenced to 7 years and six months in prison shortly after being charged for membership in an opposition group. Kayhan Mokarram Al-Nabi was arrested by security forces in January 2020 and sentenced to five years in prison on charges of membership in an opposition group.

Nayeb Askari was arrested by IRGC intelligence agents in Urmia in April this year and was transferred to prison in June. Mr. Askari has been charged with collaborating with an opposition party.

Baha’i Citizen Sina Kamali Sarvestani Released from Adelabad Prison on Bail

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Prisoners, Religious Minorities
Adelabad Prison, Adelabad Prison in Shiraz, Arrest without warrant, Citizen arrested, Citizen detained, irgc, IRGC detention center, Kamali Sarvestani, medical neglect, Shiraz, Sina Kamali Sarvestani

On Sunday, July 11, Sina Kamali Sarvestani, a Baha’i citizen, was released on bail from Adelabad Prison in Shiraz.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, still no information is available on the reasons for his arrest and the charges against him as of this writing.

Kamali Sarvestani was arrested by security forces on June 14 and was first transferred to the IRGC Intelligence Detention Center and later to Adelabad Prison in Shiraz, where he was held for nearly a month. He has been released on bail temporarily until the end of his trial.

According to unofficial sources, more than 300,000 Baha’is live in Iran, but the Iranian constitution recognizes only Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism. Because their faith is not considered legitimate by authorities, the rights of Baha’is in Iran have been systematically violated for years.

This deprivation of the freedom to practice their religion is a violation 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.