Report on Abolfazl Pour-Hosseini’s Condition in Central Prison of Karaj

Abolfazl Pour-Hosseini, a follower of Iranian mysticism known as Erfan-e-Halgheh, has recently been sentenced to three years in prison with an additional two years of suspended imprisonment by the Revolutionary Court. He is currently imprisoned in the Central Prison of Karaj.

A source close to Pour-Hosseini’s family provided HRANA with details about this verdict. Moreover, Pour-Hosseini faces charges of “propaganda against the regime and inciting people to act against national security” in a separate case under review by the Karaj Revolutionary Court.

According to this source, Pour-Hosseini has rejected the charges and declined to sign the charge sheet.

On June 13, 2023, IRGC Intelligence forces in Karaj arrested Pour-Hosseini, detaining him in the Central Prison of the city. According to a statement from one of his friends to HRANA, Pour-Hosseini was distributing a leaflet about Erfan-e-Halgheh at the time of his arrest.

Pour-Hosseini had previously been arrested in 2022 for attending a meeting of this mysticist group in Qom, being released on bond after a period of detention. Aged approximately 47, Pour-Hosseini is the father of one daughter and anticipates becoming a father once again.

Notably, concerns persist about the violation of freedom of religion in Iran, exemplified by cases like Pour-Hosseini’s. This incident adds to ongoing apprehensions regarding the protection of religious rights in the country.

 

Three Political Defendants Sentenced to Over 61 Years in Prison

The Tehran Revolutionary Court has issued a combined sentence of 61 years and 10 months to political defendants Reza Mohammad-Hosseini, Mahboobeh Rezaie, and Samaneh Nowruz Moradi.

Presided over by Judge Amoozad, the court communicated the following verdicts:

Reza Mohammad-Hosseini: Seven years and nine months for “membership in anti-regime groups to act against national security,” seven years and nine months for “assembly and collusion against national security,” one year and seven months for “spreading propaganda against the regime,” three years with property confiscation for “illegal acquisition of property,” and one year and seven months for “defying government officers on duty.”

Mahboobeh Rezaie: Seven years and nine months for “membership in anti-regime groups to act against national security,” seven years and nine months for “assembly and collusion against national security,” one year and seven months for “spreading propaganda against the regime,” seven years and nine months for blasphemy, and one year and seven months for “removing hijab and showing the act of depravity on the Internet.”

Samaneh Nowruz Moradi: Six years and three months for “membership in anti-regime groups to act against national security,” six years and three months for “assembly and collusion against national security,” and one year and three months for “propaganda against the regime.”

As additional penalties, they have been sentenced to two years of compulsory residence in Tehran and a two-year prohibition from participating in political/civil groups and engaging in activities on social media.

The court session addressing their charges took place on November 4, 2023.

Reza Mohammad-Hosseini was arrested at his residence on May 1, 2023, and initially detained at Detention Facility A-1 under the IRGC’s jurisdiction, later moved to Evin Prison, and ultimately relocated to Qezel Hesar Prison, Karaj.

Samaneh Nowruz Moradi was arrested at her Tehran residence on April 24, 2023, and incarcerated in Evin Prison.

Mahboobeh Rezaie was arrested by security forces on May 22, 2023, and detained in Evin Prison after a period.

These individuals, known for their activism, had previously faced arrests and imprisonment.

 

Sakineh Parvaneh’s Prison Sentence Confirmed on Appeal

The Court of Appeal in Razavi Khorasan Province has upheld the seven-year, six-month prison sentence of Sakineh Parvaneh, as reported by Kurdpa.

In early October of this year, the Mashhad Revolutionary Court initially sentenced Parvaneh to seven years and six months in prison on charges of “assembly and collusion against national security,” “propaganda against the regime,” and “insulting the Supreme Leader of Iran.”

Parvaneh was taken into custody in April 2023 by IRGC Intelligence agents after her visit to the burial site of Ali Mozafari, one of the protestors killed during the nationwide protests in 2022, in Quchan. Following 12 days of detention, she was subsequently transferred to Vakilabad Prison.

It is important to note that Parvaneh has a prior arrest and conviction related to her activism. In her previous encounter with the security institutions, she was detained by IRGC Intelligence forces in the winter of 2020. Subsequently, she received a five-year prison sentence and a two-year prohibition from participating in political groups. However, in February 2023, she was granted amnesty and released in accordance with a general “pardon and commutation” directive.

Civil Rights Advocate Arsham Rezaie Arrested in Karaj

On October 17, civil rights activist Arsham (Mahmood) Rezaie was arrested by security forces in Karaj and transferred to an undisclosed location.

According to a source closely connected to his family, the IRGC intelligence conducted the apprehension at Rezaie’s residence in Karaj. As of now, the specific reasons for his arrest and any charges brought against him remain undisclosed.

It’s worth noting that Rezaie has faced previous arrests and convictions due to his involvement in civil rights activities.

Mohammad Moradi Kia-pey Sentenced to Six Years in Prison

The Court of Appeal in Mazandaran Province has confirmed the initial six-year prison sentence and travel ban imposed on Mohammad Moradi Kia-pey, a resident of Sari.

Initially, Moradi Kia-pay was sentenced to five years for “inciting actions against national security through activities on social media” and an additional year for “repeatedly promoting anti-regime propaganda.”

Among the items seized were technical and telecommunications equipment, as well as SIM cards. Additionally, he is prohibited from traveling abroad for two years, engaging in information technology-related work, and using the Internet and social media without restrictions.

On June 25, 2023, IRGC intelligence agents apprehended Moradi Kia-Pey in Sari. Subsequently, he was detained in a facility located in Tir Kola Village. After 16 days of detention, he was released on bail.

Moradi Kia-Pey had a prior encounter with the law during the nationwide protests of 2022. He was granted amnesty through a general “commutation and pardon” directive, leading to his release after approximately 30 days of confinement.

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Mehrnaz Khorrami Arrested in Nowshahr

Mehrnaz Khorrami was apprehended at her residence in Nowshahr on the 22nd of September by security forces. She was later transferred to the detention facility operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Sari.

A source with connections to her family shared with HRANA the news of Khorrami’s arrest by IRGC authorities in Nowshahr, located in Mazandaran province. Presently, the motive behind her detention and the specific charges levied against her remain undisclosed.

Poet and Writer Habib Mousavi Sentenced to One Year in Prison

Habib Mousavi, a poet and writer, has been handed a one-year prison sentence by the Gorgan Criminal Court. Mousavi’s attorney, Ramezan Haji Mashhadi, was officially notified of his conviction for “disseminating false information on the Internet.” Additionally, Mousavi has been fined 20 million Tomans.

A source who spoke to HRANA cited “protesting against rising bread prices” as an example of the charge brought against Mousavi.

In the second segment of his legal proceedings, for the charge of “propaganda against the regime,” Mousavi had previously received an eight-month prison term, which was later commuted to a 20-million-toman fine,

Mousavi, 50 years old, was arrested on July 31, 2023, shortly after receiving a summons and visiting the IRGC’s intelligence office in Gorgan, Golestan Province.

Majid Khademi Imprisoned in Behbahan Prison for Sentencing

On Tuesday, August 22, Majid Khademi, aged 31, a resident of Behbahan, commenced serving his sentence in Behbahan Prison.

Khademi was summoned by the Public and Revolutionary Court of Behbahan to appear for sentencing. Initially handed a ten-year and one-month sentence, Khademi’s legal journey took a turn after his plea of no contest and a subsequent reduction in his punishment. The final verdict stipulates five years and five months of imprisonment for “assembly and collusion against national security,” in addition to one year and four months for “spreading propaganda against the regime.” Pursuant to Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, an enforceable sentence of five years, five months, and 18 days has been established.

In addition to his prison term, Khademi has been subjected to supplementary penalties, including a mandatory two-year residency requirement in Taft County within the Yazd province, along with a prohibition from engaging in civil/political groups for a duration of two years. Furthermore, his participation in orientation classes has been mandated.

Khademi also finds himself grappling with another legal case that stems from an arrest on June 22, 2022, following a court appearance at the Mahshahr Revolutionary Court. After a period of detention, he was eventually released on bail from Sheyban Prison in Ahvaz.

On January 18, 2020, Khademi was arrested by IRGC Intelligence and subsequently taken to a detention facility in Behbahan City. Following one month of interrogation, he was transferred to Behbahan Prison. On June 15, 2021, Khademi was released on bail of 2.5 billion tomans until the conclusion of legal proceedings.

 

Baha’i Citizen Susan Badavam Sentenced to Over Four Years in Prison

The Rasht Revolutionary Court has handed down a verdict against Susan Badavam (Farhangi), a Baha’i citizen, sentencing her to a total of four years and 47 days of imprisonment, coupled with additional social restrictions.

The court’s ruling, delivered to Badavam on Monday, August 21st, includes a sentence of three years, six months, and one day for her alleged “educational activities associated with religious sects and groups contrary to Islamic Sharia,” alongside an additional seven months and 16 days for purportedly “disseminating propaganda against the regime.” Additionally, she has been deprived of some civil rights for a duration of ten years.

If the verdict is upheld on appeal, three years and six months for the first count will be enforceable to her.

Badavam’s arrest dates back to December 19, 2022, when she was apprehended by intelligence agents from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Gilan Province.

 

Mohammad Moradi Kia-Pey Receives Six-Year Prison Sentence

Mohammad Moradi Kia-Pey, a resident of Sari, has been sentenced to six years in prison by the Sari Revolutionary Court. The verdict includes the forfeiture of particular possessions, a travel prohibition, and other social restrictions.

The court’s ruling specifies that Moradi Kia-Pey will serve five years for “inciting actions against national security by disseminating false accusations against the regime” and an additional year for “repeatedly promoting anti-regime propaganda.” Among the items seized are technical and telecommunications equipment, along with SIM cards. Furthermore, he is prohibited from traveling abroad for two years, engaging in information technology-related work, and using the Internet and social media without limitations.

If the verdict is upheld on appeal, based on Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, five years in prison will be enforceable.

On June 25, 2023, IRGC intelligence agents apprehended Moradi Kia-Pey in Sari. He was subsequently confined in a detention facility located in Tir Kola Village. After 16 days of detention, he was released on bail.

Moradi Kia-Pey had a previous encounter with the law during the nationwide protests of 2022. He was granted clemency through a general “commutation and pardon” directive, leading to his release after roughly 30 days of confinement.