The Tehran Revolutionary Court has issued sentences of 13 and 12 years to two female journalists, Niloofar Hamedi and Elahe Mohammadi, respectively. In addition to their prison terms, they have been prohibited from participating in political groups and are subject to restrictions on their social media and media-related activities. These journalists are currently incarcerated in Evin Prison.
Judge Salavati, who presided over the case, sentenced Hamedi to seven years for “collaboration with an adversarial country, the USA,” five years for “assembly and collusion against national security,” and one year for “propaganda against the regime.” Mohammadi received six, five, and one-year sentences for the same charges, respectively.
Should the verdicts be upheld on appeal, the initial jail terms, specifically seven years for Hamedi and six years for Mohammadi, will be enforced.
Hamedi, a reporter for the daily newspaper Shargh, was arrested at her residence in Tehran on September 22, 2022, by security forces. She gained recognition as the first journalist to publish a picture of Mahsa Amini in a coma.
Mohammadi, a reporter for the daily newspaper Ham-Mihan, was arrested on September 29, 2022, after traveling to Saqqez and covering the funeral of Mahsa Amini.
Saleh Nikbakht has been sentenced to one year in prison by the Tehran Revolutionary Court and faces restrictions on his social media activities.
Presided over by Judge Mohammad-Reza Amoozad, the Tehran Revolutionary Court delivered this verdict to Nikbakht for “spreading propaganda against the regime.” Additionally, he has been prohibited from engaging in social media activities for a duration of two years.
According to sources cited by HRANA, Nikbakht’s refusal to accept the forensic report concerning the cause of Mahsa Amini’s death was cited as evidence supporting this charge. Nikbakht, who served as Amini’s lawyer, found himself embroiled in this legal case following a complaint filed by the Ministry of Intelligence, primarily due to his interviews with media outlets outside Iran.
On March 11, 2023, Nikbakht was indicted at Evin Courthouse and subsequently released on bail.
Notably, Nikbakht has represented Mahsa Amini and several political prisoners, including Jafar Panahi, Eskandar Lotfi, and Masoud Nikkhah, in legal matters.
On the first anniversary of the Brutal crackdown on Baloch citizens, commonly referred to as the “Bloody Friday of Zahedan,” this report, presented by HRA’s Spreading Justice team, furnishes an overview and contextual information about the events. Additionally, it includes a list of regime officials implicated in the Zahedan Massacre.
Summary
It has been one year since Iranian authorities unleashed a brutal barrage of lethal force on Baloch citizens living in Zaheden. During the nationwide protests of 2022 in Iran sparked by the tragic death in detention of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini, Zahedan witnessed a brutal crackdown on September 30, 2022. As protestors converged at the Great Mosalla of Zahedan after the Friday prayers, the Iranian security forces unleashed a barrage of live ammunition, metal pellets, and tear gas, resulting in significant casualties. This tragedy, now known as the “Bloody Friday of Zahedan,” has come to symbolize the Iranian authorities’ increasing disdain for the sanctity of human life and the broader struggles of the Baloch community in the country.
Baloch Persecution in Iran
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The Baloch community in Iran, primarily residing in the country’s southeastern region, including Sistan and Baluchestan, has faced longstanding socio-economic and political marginalization. As a Sunni Muslim minority in a predominantly Shiite nation, the Baloch people have often grappled with ethnic and religious discrimination.
Economic Disparities: Sistan and Baluchestan, despite being one of the country’s largest provinces, is also among the most impoverished. Basic amenities like water, electricity, and healthcare remain inaccessible to many. The unemployment rate is significantly higher than the national average. The systemic economic deprivation has fueled grievances and driven a wedge between the Baloch populace and the central government.
Political Marginalization: The Balochs have limited representation in Iran’s political system. Policies decided in Tehran often overlook the unique needs and challenges of the Baloch community. The absence of substantial Baloch representation means their voice often goes unheard in policy-making corridors.
Religious Discrimination: As Sunni Muslims in the Shia-majority Iran and the Shia regime, the Baloch have faced religious discrimination. This is evident in their limited access to religious education, restrictions on building Sunni mosques, and harassment of Sunni clerics.
Cultural Suppression: The Iranian government’s policy towards minorities, including the Baloch, leans towards forced assimilation. Baloch traditions, languages, and customs often face suppression. The state’s educational system rarely offers courses in the Balochi language, thus slowly eroding the community’s linguistic heritage.
Human Rights Abuses: Arbitrary arrests, unlawful detention, torture, and extrajudicial killings have been reported in the Baloch region. The region’s volatile security situation, partly due to its border with Pakistan and Afghanistan, is often used as a pretext for these violations.
Nationwide Protests in Iran
The death in detention of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini in September 2022, after a traumatic incident with Iran’s “morality” police, catalyzed a series of demonstrations. This 22-year-old’s fate swiftly became emblematic of broader frustrations with the Iranian regime’s repressive policies. Protests titled “Woman, Life, Freedom” or “Mahsa Amini” protests erupted outside Kasra Hospital in Tehran and rapidly swept across all 31 provinces, including Sistan and Baluchestan. While these protests were ignited by Mahsa’s death, their scope widened to challenge the ideological underpinnings of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Zahedan’s Bloody Friday: An In-depth Account
Zahedan, the capital of Sistan and Baluchestan province, became the focal point of global attention on September 30, 2022, an event now seared into collective memory as “Bloody Friday.” Here, national grief over Mahsa Amini’s tragic death converged with regional anger due to the alleged sexual assault of a 15-year-old Baloch girl by a high-ranking police officer, Ebrahim Kouchakzai.
Bloody Friday Unfolds: On September 30, 2022, thousands gathered, their chants echoing a shared sentiment of a desire for justice and change. The vast expanse of the Great Mosalla of Zahedan became a sea of protestors, peacefully raising their concerns.
However, evident by the decision to block exit routes, and their elevated positions above the emerging crowds, security forces had preemptively planned a violent crackdown. As protestors congregated, security forces units took positions on strategic rooftops surrounding the Mosalla, the nearby Makki Mosque, and Police Station number 16 near the Mosalla. As the crowd’s momentum grew, security forces began indiscriminately firing tear gas canisters, live ammunition, and pallets upon the civilian population.
Protestors, including women, children, and the elderly, were caught in the open barrage. Many tried to flee, but the security forces shot the protesters from the rooftops surrounding the area. Blood stained the grounds of the Mosalla.
The Aftermath: The brutal crackdown lasted hours, but its impact will be felt for generations. Immediate reports were chaotic, with the numbers of the dead and injured fluctuating. However, reliable sources estimate that approximately 100 individuals were killed including at least 10 juveniles under the age of 18 with hundreds more injured. Some were trampled in the stampede attempting to escape, while others were direct victims of the gunfire.
In the immediate aftermath, Zahedan was in shock. But as the days progressed, the city, and indeed the wider Baloch community, rallied. This tragedy became a symbol, uniting various groups against what they saw as the unchecked brutality of the Iranian regime.
Despite the violence of Bloody Friday, the spirit of the protestors was not broken. In the weeks that followed, Zahedan saw more protests, namely after Friday prayers, signaling an ongoing resistance and a refusal to let the events of September 30 be forgotten.
Legacy of Bloody Friday
Zahedan’s Bloody Friday is more than just an event—it’s now a symbol of resistance against oppression in Iran and globally. The international community expressed horror and condemnation, with human rights organizations demanding a thorough and impartial investigation into the actions of the Iranian security forces. While tragic, the events of that day have solidified a call for change, justice, and an end to systemic and oppressive violence.
September 30th, 2022 saw a brutal display of excessive use of force against civilians that ultimately escalated to the use of lethal force. It is evident there were no considerations of proportionality taken into account. The security forces’ decision to block exit routes additionally suggests heinous premeditation.
These actions constitute a clear violation of international human rights law. Iran, as a state party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), is bound by its provisions. Article 6 of the ICCPR stipulates that “Every human being has the inherent right to life. This right shall be protected by law. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of their life.” Furthermore, Article 7 prohibits torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. It is well-established by the United Nations and other international bodies that these rights extend to police and other security forces.
In situations where a protest escalates to a point where the use of force may be necessary, security officers are still obligated to respect and preserve human life. Firearms should only be used in self-defence or in defence of others.
In response to the distressing reports of sexual assault and rape allegedly committed by security forces in this city, it is imperative that the United Nations Fact-Finding Mission, in line with its mandate, conducts a swift and thorough investigation into the sexual abuse of women and girls in the context of the protests. This mandate also urges the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to respect, protect, and fulfil human rights and to take all measures necessary to stop and prevent extrajudicial killings, other forms of arbitrary deprivation of life, enforced disappearances, sexual and gender-based violence, arbitrary arrests and detentions, and torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, including against peaceful protesters.
Conclusion
Zahedan’s Bloody Friday is a stark reminder of the intersection of broader national issues with specific regional grievances. As Iranians across the nation stood up to voice their discontent with the government’s oppressive policies, in Zahedan, the Baloch community, already marginalized, found their struggles magnified. Their calls for justice, both for Mahsa and their native daughter, met with bullets and gas, some lethal. As the world grapples with these events, it underscores the importance of understanding regional dynamics within broader national movements. The people of Zahedan, and by extension, the Baloch community, seek justice for the events of September 30 and an end to decades of systemic neglect and oppression.
The Imperative of Identifying Perpetrators: Ensuring Accountability in the Zahedan Massacre
The acts that transpired on Bloody Friday in Zahedan are not just isolated events; they are emblematic of deeper systemic issues related to governance, control, and the exercise of power. The violence unleashed upon protestors affronts fundamental human rights principles and international laws. Identifying the perpetrators is essential to uphold human rights and protect civil society’s very fabric. Here’s why:
1. Upholding Justice: Justice is a universal principle transcending borders and cultures. For the families of the victims and the injured, knowing who was responsible for the tragedy provides a sense of closure and a belief that their sufferings have been acknowledged. It is a step towards healing, both for individuals and the community at large.
2. Accountability and Deterrence: Holding those responsible accountable sends a clear message to other potential violators: that such acts will not go unpunished. This, in turn, serves as a deterrent, ensuring that such heinous acts are not repeated.
4. Promotion of Human Rights: The global community looks to human rights organizations as watchdogs and protectors of universal rights. Their proactive role in such incidents affirms their commitment to these ideals and strengthens the global human rights framework.
5. Creating Historical Record: A historical record is created by documenting the details and holding individuals accountable. This ensures that future generations know of past mistakes and that history doesn’t repeat itself. More so, while some perpetrators might be able to escape justice and remain safe within the current government, this historical record ensures that in the future, when the opportunity arises, their actions are not forgotten, and justice can be served.
Identifying the Perpetrators
Several sources and witnesses have begun identifying critical actors involved in the Zahedan massacre. Some of the names mentioned include: (click on each name to read their full profile and involvement in human rights violations)
11. Ali Sarhadi – Sistan and Baluchestan province chief of police deputy for intelligence and public security. According to Haal Vsh this person has personally been present in Police Station 16 near the Makki Mosque on September 30, 2022 when the massacre happened and encouraged the killing of people.
12.Ahmad Shafahi – Commander of Salman Revolutionary Guard Corps in Sistan and Baluchestan Province
13. Ahmad Maldar– Commander of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Saravan
14. Seyed Mohammad Azami – Deputy Operations Commander of Quds Base of IRGC Ground Forces. According to Haal Vsh, Mohammad Azami was personally present in the Makki Mosque on September 30, 2022, when the massacre happened and encouraged the killing of people.
15. Hamze Dehghan – Chief of Information Protection of Quds Corps in the province. (Haalvsh, 2023).
16. Morteza Jokar – Deputy Commander of the Provincial Police Force (Haalvsh, 2023).
17. Hossein Ghanbari – Head of the Second Branch of Shahid Nouri Judicial Complex (Zahedan General Court)
18. Majid Moalemzadeh Ansari – General and Revolutionary Prosecutor of Chabahar at the time
23. Abouzar Mohammadpour – The head of the protection and intelligence department of the prisons of Sistan and Baluchestan
24.Nik-Mohammad Balouch-Zehi – Information and Communications Technology department of Sistan and Baluchestan
This list is not comprehensive. HRA’s Spreading Justice database of Human Rights Perpetrators, together with its partners, remains dedicated to documenting the full list of individuals involved in the use of lethal force against civilians on September 30th, 2022. Should you have any information that may help in identifying those involved please contact: [email protected]
On the first anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s tragic passing on September 16, security forces apprehended twelve individuals in various cities across Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, subsequently transferring them to undisclosed locations.
The detained individuals include Mostafa Mohammad-Hosseini, Benyamin Afra, Alireza Foroohar, Samad Pourshah, Sam Bijan-Nejad, Reza Moradi-Nejad, Amir Nategh (arrested in Yasuj), Farzaneh Moeini, Mohammad Moeini, Farhad Charamin, Dariush Parisaie (arrested in Dehdasht), and Davoud Haddadi (arrested in Bahmai).
The current whereabouts of these individuals and the specific charges against them remain unknown. Notably, Benyamin Afra and Dariush Parisaie have previously encountered arrests and legal confrontations due to their activism during the nationwide protests in 2022.
It is essential to highlight that on the anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s tragic death while in detention, scattered protests unfolded in several cities across the country. Explore HRANA’s reporton the events of this day.
On Saturday, September 16, 2023, the nation observed the anniversary of the death of Mahsa (Jina) Amini, marked by scattered protest gatherings amidst an environment of heightened security, leading to the detention of several individuals across various cities in the country.
Reports obtained by HRANA reveal an extensive police presence and increased security measures in multiple urban centers, including Saqqez, Sanandaj, Tehran, Ardabil, Rasht, Arak, and Lahijan.
Despite these security measures, sporadic gatherings took place in cities such as Karaj and Kermanshah. In Tehran, attempts by some citizens to organize protest gatherings were met with intervention by security and military forces.
Local sources have reported that traders and shopkeepers in several Kurdish cities, including Sanandaj, Saqqez, Divandareh, Dehgolan, and Baneh, staged strikes by refraining from their daily activities. Additionally, residents of Saqqez received threatening text messages from the Ministry of Intelligence, warning of potential legal consequences if they participated in gatherings or rallies.
Several news outlets, including Dideban, have reported instances of gunfire being heard during the Kermanshah protest.
Furthermore, local human rights sources in the Kurdish region have documented an incident involving an individual named Fardin Jafari, who sustained injuries after entering a restricted area and subsequently being struck by gunfire from security forces. Shortly after this incident, Mehdi Ramezani, Deputy Governor of Kurdistan, confirmed the shooting but refuted reports of a fatality. He asserted that Saqqez remained entirely calm, with no gatherings or protests transpiring. Ramezani attributed the shooting of Fardin Jafari to his “entry into a restricted military area and disregard for warnings.” Jafari has since been hospitalized and underwent surgery due to the severity of his injuries.
Security forces also briefly detained and then released Amjad Amini, Mahsa Amini’s father after he left his home today.
Ramezani justified the brief detention of Amjad Amini by alleging that “several members of a ‘terrorist group’ had planned to ‘assassinate’ Amjad Amini on his way to visit his daughter’s burial site. Security forces intervened and apprehended them, foiling their sinister plot.” However, IRNA, the official news agency of the Islamic Republic, contradicted the Deputy Governor of Kurdistan by denying any short-term detention of Amjad Amini.
Ramezani also reported the detention of several individuals in various cities of Kurdistan Province on charges related to their alleged membership in anti-regime groups. He explained, “These individuals were detained early on Saturday as they filmed and photographed businesses and industrial facilities. Security forces identified and subsequently detained them.”
The Public Prosecutor of Ardabil also informed the media of the detention of two individuals in the city on charges of “actions against national security.”
Furthermore, an intelligence official affiliated with the IRGC issued a statement announcing the detention of several individuals in Marvdasht county. These individuals were apprehended for what the statement described as “widespread propaganda and inscribing protest slogans on city walls aimed at disturbing public opinion.”
The Public Prosecutor and Revolution Prosecutor of Qarchak county also reported the detention of one individual on the charge of “membership in anti-regime groups” in their jurisdiction, along with several other detentions across various counties in Tehran Province.
Meanwhile, the IRGC’s intelligence unit in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province reported the detention of fifteen individuals in this region, citing their alleged intention to incite insecurity.
HRANA has received reports indicating that, in commemoration of the anniversary of the protests, thirteen inmates in Qezal Hesar Prison in Karaj have embarked on a hunger strike.
Prior to this, Amir Hossein Moradi and Ali Younesi, incarcerated students, had publicly announced their intention to undertake a three-day hunger strike in solidarity with nationwide protests.
Additionally, on Saturday, some female inmates at Evin Women’s Ward ignited their scarves within the prison compound as a symbolic protest act.
Background on the 2022 Nationwide Protests
The arrest of Mahsa Amini by Tehran Morality Police for her improper hijab and her suspicious death on September 16 sparked protests sweeping across Iran. Protesters came to the streets with the central slogan “Women, Life, Freedom” in protest against the performance, laws, and structure of the regime. During the nationwide protests, thousands of people, including journalists, artists, lawyers, teachers, students, and civil rights activists, were arrested.
Sheida Saberi was apprehended by security forces on September 16, 2023, in Yasuj, and subsequently incarcerated in the city’s prison.
The information regarding her detention was relayed to HRANA by a source with close ties to Saberi’s family.
At this juncture, the motives behind Saberi’s arrest and the specific charges levied against her remain undisclosed.
Sheida Saberi’s initial arrest occurred on October 8, 2022, in the midst of nationwide protests in Yasuj. She was detained in Yasuj Prison for a duration of three days.
It is worth noting that on Saturday, on the anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s demise while in detention, scattered protests took place in several cities across the country. Explore HRANA’s reporton the events of this day.
The Tehran Court of Appeals has confirmed the four-year, three-month sentence imposed on Arash Sadeghi, a prominent former political prisoner.
In this ruling, Sadeghi has been sentenced to three years and seven months for “assembly and collusion against national security,” in addition to eight months for “spreading propaganda against the regime.” Pursuant to Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the three-year and seven-month portion of the sentence will be enforceable.
Earlier in January 2023, Sadeghi had been initially sentenced to five years and eight months, alongside other penalties. A retrial was conducted on April 11, 2023, following an objection raised by Sadeghi’s legal counsel.
Arrested by security forces during the nationwide protests of 2022 on October 12, 2022, Sadeghi was subsequently taken to Ward 209 of Evin Prison. On January 21, 2023, he was granted release on bail.
It’s worth noting that Sadeghi has a history of previous arrests and convictions.
Background on the 2022 Nationwide Protests
The arrest of Mahsa Amini by Tehran Morality Police for her improper hijab and her suspicious death on September 16 sparked protests sweeping across Iran. Protesters came to the streets with the central slogan “Women, Life, Freedom” in protest against the performance, laws, and structure of the regime. During the nationwide protests, thousands of people, including journalists, artists, lawyers, teachers, students, and civil rights activists, were arrested.
Armin Rostami has been apprehended by security forces in Tehran and transported to an undisclosed facility.
The specific grounds for his arrest, his current whereabouts, and the charges against him remain unknown at this time.
Notably, Armin’s sister, Aida Rostami, was a 36-year-old physician who provided medical assistance to injured protestors during the 2022 nationwide protests, offering aid outside of medical facilities to protect their identities. On December 13, 2022, her death was reported under suspicious circumstances. While security-affiliated media outlets claimed her demise resulted from an accident, her family has confirmed the presence of torture marks on her body.
Background on the 2022 Nationwide Protests
The arrest of Mahsa Amini by Tehran Morality Police for her improper hijab and her suspicious death on September 16 sparked protests sweeping across Iran. Protesters came to the streets with the central slogan “Women, Life, Freedom” in protest against the performance, laws, and structure of the regime. During the nationwide protests, thousands of people, including journalists, artists, lawyers, teachers, students, and civil rights activists, were arrested.
Mostafa Mohebi (also spelled as Mohebbi) has begun serving his three-year prison term in Rudsar Prison. His arrest dates back to the nationwide protests in 2022, also known as the Mahsa Amini Protests.
According to a source close to his family who spoke with HRANA, Mohebi was convicted by the Revolutionary Court on charges of “acting against national security,” leading to a three-year sentence. On August 28, 2023, he commenced his sentence in Rudsar Prison.
Mohebi was apprehended by security forces in January 2023 and subsequently incarcerated in Lakan Prison, Rasht, on February 3.
A 35-year-old computer engineer and Langarud resident in Gilan Province, Mohebi’s case continues to garner attention in the ongoing discourse on civil rights and freedom of expression in Iran.
Background on the 2022 Nationwide Protests
The arrest of Mahsa Amini by Tehran Morality Police for her improper hijab and her suspicious death on September 16 sparked protests sweeping across Iran. Protesters came to the streets with the central slogan “Women, Life, Freedom” in protest against the performance, laws, and structure of the regime. During the nationwide protests, thousands of people, including journalists, artists, lawyers, teachers, students, and civil rights activists, were arrested.
In a recent development reported by Kolbar News, on September 5, 2023, authorities from the Ministry of Intelligence in Bukan took into custody Ahmad Hassanzadeh (56) and Solmaz Hassanzadeh (29), the father and sister of the late Mohammad Hassanzadeh. Mohammad tragically was killed by regime forces during the nationwide protests in 2022.
They were reportedly arrested following an appearance at the Ministry of Intelligence office.
Mohammad Hassanzadeh, 28 years old at the time, met a fatal end when he was shot by government forces during the protests in Bukan on November 16, 2022.
In a related development, with the anniversary of the Mahsa Amini protests drawing near, security institutions have intensified their pressure on the families of victims, resulting in the detention of many.
Background on the 2022 Nationwide Protests
The arrest of Mahsa Amini by Tehran Morality Police for her improper hijab and her suspicious death on September 16 sparked protests sweeping across Iran. Protesters came to the streets with the central slogan “Women, Life, Freedom” in protest against the performance, laws, and structure of the regime. During the nationwide protests, thousands of people, including journalists, artists, lawyers, teachers, students, and civil rights activists, were arrested.
