Tag: Karaj

Two Inmates Executed in Karaj and Tabriz for Murder and Drug Offenses

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Executions, News
Ebrahim Zamharir, Karaj, Qezel Hesar Prison, Tabriz

On Wednesday, November 22, two inmates faced execution for their involvement in murder and drug offenses, with one execution taking place in Qezel (Ghezel) Hesar Prison, Karaj, and the other in Tabriz Prison.

According to Etemad Online, the execution in Qezel Hesar prison involved a man convicted of murder. In April 2011, he fatally attacked his brother’s wife. The identities of the individuals involved were not disclosed, but it was mentioned that his brother received a prison sentence for aiding in the murder.

Simultaneously, the Iran Human Rights Organization reported the execution of Ebrahim Zamharir, aged 48 and a father of one, in Tabriz Prison for drug offenses. Zamharir had been sentenced to death three years ago.

Nine Inmates Executed in Qezel Hesar Prison

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Executions, News
Bagher Mohammadi, Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, Karaj, Nazir Mohammad, Qezel Hesar Prison

On November 15, 2023, authorities at Qezel (Ghezel) Hesar Prison carried out the execution of nine individuals on death row. HRANA has identified two of the executed as Nazir Mohammad, an Afghan national, and Bagher Mohammadi, both convicted of drug offenses.

Additionally, two other inmates faced execution for “enmity against God (Moharebeh) via armed robbery,” while the remaining five were convicted of murder.

The relocation of these individuals to solitary confinement was reported by HRANA one day prior to the executions.

As of the time of writing, no official statements from government sources or coverage by domestic media outlets within the country have been made regarding these executions.

According to data compiled by the Center of Statistics of Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA), between October 10, 2022, and October 8, 2023, a total of 659 individuals were executed by hanging in Iran, representing a 24% increase compared to the corresponding period in the previous year. Seven of these executions were conducted publicly. Concerningly, many of the defendants were denied access to a fair trial and due process. For details and statistics, read HRANA’s report.

 

Arrests of Five Baha’i Citizens in Karaj Heighten Concerns

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News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizens, Fahimeh Yazdi, Foad Taefi, Iman Ehsani, Iren Rahmani, Karaj, Reza Yazdi

In a recent development, security forces in Karaj have detained Baha’i citizens Iman Ehsani, Iren Rahmani, Foad Taefi, Reza Yazdi, and Fahimeh Yazdi.

According to information received by HRANA, the Ministry of Intelligence apprehended these individuals on Tuesday, November 7. The exact location of their detention remains unknown, intensifying concerns among their families.

Iman Ehsani and Iren Rahmani are parents of two sons aged 2 and 4.

This incident follows HRANA’s prior report on the arrest of four other Baha’is in Karaj. The reasons behind these detentions and the charges against the individuals are currently undisclosed, adding to the growing uncertainty surrounding the situation.

The Baha’i faith is not recognized as a legitimate religion by Iranian authorities, leading to systematic and longstanding violations of the rights of Baha’is in the country. This includes the denial of their fundamental right to practice their religion, which constitutes a clear breach of both 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.

 

Four Baha’i Citizens Arrested in Karaj

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News, Religious Minorities
Babak Zeynali, Baha'i citizen, HRANA, Karaj, Nika Esmaeil Pour, Sahba Taef, Shervin Shabrokh

On November 7, Baha’i citizens Sahba Taef, Shervin Shabrokh, Nika Esmaeil Pour, and Babak Zeynali were apprehended by security forces in Karaj and subsequently taken to an undisclosed facility.

The arrests were brought to the attention of HRANA by a concerned Baha’i citizen. According to this source, security agents conducted a search of their residence during the operation. As of now, the reasons for their arrests and their current whereabouts remain unknown, raising significant concerns about their well-being and the circumstances surrounding their detention.

HRANA’s annual report has highlighted a concerning trend where, in 2022, 64.63% of reported human rights violations against religious minorities are directed toward the Baha’i community.

The Baha’i faith is not recognized as a legitimate religion by Iranian authorities, leading to systematic and longstanding violations of the rights of Baha’is in the country. This includes the denial of their fundamental right to practice their religion, which constitutes a clear breach of both 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.

 

Execution of Nine Inmates in Qezel Hesar Prison, Karaj

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Executions, News
Bahman Fathollah Zadeh, Ghezel Hesar prison, Karaj, moharebeh, Qezel Hesar Prison, Rasoul Teymouri

On November 8, 2023, Qezel (Ghezel) Hesar Prison officials carried out the execution of nine inmates.

Among these inmates, three were convicted of drug offenses, with two of them identified as Bahman Fathollah Zadeh and Rasoul Teymouri by HRANA.
Five individuals were convicted of murder and one was convicted of “enmity against God (Moharebeh) via armed robbery.” HRANA is actively working on identifying these individuals to shed light on their cases.

Just a day earlier, HRANA reported that ten inmates had been relocated to solitary confinement, a move that signaled their imminent execution.

As of the time of writing, no official sources or domestic media outlets within the country have reported on these executions, raising concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in the process.

According to data compiled by the Center of Statistics of Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA), between October 10, 2022, and October 8, 2023, a total of 659 individuals were executed by hanging in Iran, representing a 24% increase compared to the corresponding period in the previous year. Seven of these executions were conducted publicly. Concerningly, many of the defendants were denied access to a fair trial and due process. For details and statistics, read HRANA’s report.

 

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Tragic Execution of Ten Inmates at Qezel Hesar Prison

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Executions, News
Citizen executed, Ghezel Hesar prison, Karaj, Mohammad Behzadi, Qezel Hesar Prison, Shahab Shahbazi

In a somber development on October 18, 2023, Qezel (Ghezel) Hesar Prison bore witness to the execution of ten inmates who had been convicted of drug-related offenses and murder.

HRANA has identified two of these individuals as Shahab Shahbazi and Mohammad Behzadi, both convicted of drug-related crimes. The organization is actively working to confirm the identities of the remaining inmates who met a similar fate.

It’s worth noting that HRANA had previously reported on the relocation of two inmates to solitary confinement within this prison, signaling the imminent implementation of the death penalty.

At the time of composing this report, official sources and domestic media outlets within the country have not yet provided any information regarding these executions.

According to data compiled by the Center of Statistics of Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA), between October 10, 2022, and October 8, 2023, a total of 659 individuals were executed by hanging in Iran, representing a 24% increase compared to the corresponding period in the previous year. Seven of these executions were conducted publicly. Concerningly, many of the defendants were denied access to a fair trial and due process. For details and statistics, read HRANA’s report.

 

Civil Rights Advocate Arsham Rezaie Arrested in Karaj

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News
Arsham Rezaie, irgc, Karaj, Mahmood Rezaie

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.

Four Inmates Executed in Qezel Hesar

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Executions, News
Ghezel Hesar, Karaj, Nazir-Mohamad Tajik, Nour-Mohammad Barbari, Qezel Hesar

On October 11, Qezel Hesar (Ghezel Hesar) Prison in Karaj witnessed the execution of four inmates who had been convicted of murder. HRANA, citing Etemad News, had previously reported the execution of another inmate at the same facility.

Three of the executed individuals have been identified by HRANA as Nazir-Mohamad Tajik, Nour-Mohammad Barbari, both Afghan nationals, and Shahab Elhami.

Just yesterday, HRANA disclosed the transfer of six death-row inmates to solitary confinement in Qezel Hesar, hinting at the impending executions.

HRANA is actively pursuing further information regarding these recent executions.

According to data compiled by the Center of Statistics of Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA), between October 10, 2022, and October 8, 2023, a total of 659 individuals were executed by hanging in Iran, representing a 24% increase compared to the corresponding period in the previous year. Seven of these executions were conducted publicly. Concerningly, many of the defendants were denied access to a fair trial and due process. For details and statistics, read HRANA’s report.

Execution of Inmate in Qezel Hesar Prison

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Executions, News
Citizen executed, Ghezel Hesar prison, Karaj, Qezel Hesar Prison

On October 11, 2023, an inmate who had been convicted of murder faced execution at Qezel Hesar (Ghezel Hesar) Prison in Karaj, as revealed by Etemad News.

The prisoner who met his fate through hanging was found guilty of the murder of a friend in a coffee house seven years ago. Following the crime, he fled to Turkey, where Turkish authorities apprehended him. He was subsequently transferred to Interpol and later into the custody of Iranian authorities.

HRANA had reported just yesterday about the transfer of six death-row inmates to solitary confinement in Qezel Hesar, indicating their impending executions.

According to data compiled by the Center of Statistics of Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA), between October 10, 2022, and October 8, 2023, a total of 659 individuals were executed by hanging in Iran, representing a 24% increase compared to the corresponding period in the previous year. Seven of these executions were conducted publicly. Concerningly, many of the defendants were denied access to a fair trial and due process. For details and statistics, read HRANA’s report.

 

Student Arzhang Mortazavi Arrested Once Again in Karaj

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Freedom of Expression, News
Arzhang Mortazavi, HRANA, Karaj, Kharazmi University

Arzhang Mortazavi, a student at Kharazmi University, found himself in the custody of security forces in Karaj on October 7th, where he was subsequently transported to an undisclosed location. This marks his second arrest, following his previous detention during the 2022 nationwide protests.

A reliable source with close ties to Mortazavi’s family provided HRANA with information regarding his arrest at his residence. It has been reported that the agents conducted a search of his home and confiscated some of his personal belongings.

Mortazavi had previously informed on social media about his summons to appear before the Public Security Police.

His initial arrest took place on December 17, 2022, in front of the university entrance. However, on February 21, 2023, he was released from the Central Prison of Karaj under the provisions of a general “pardon and commutation” directive.

In a separate development, late last month, Mortazavi received a suspension from the university for four semesters and was compelled to transfer to Damghan University.