HRANA – The death sentences of Mehdi Nazer and Mahnaz Chardouli, who were arrested in connection with the January 2026 protests, have been overturned by the Supreme Court. The two political prisoners had previously been sentenced to death by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati.
According to HRANA, the death sentences of Mehdi Nazer and Mahnaz Chardouli have been overturned by the country’s highest judicial authority.
Based on information received by HRANA, the Supreme Court has overturned the death sentences of Mehdi Nazer and Mahnaz Chardouli, who were arrested in connection with the nationwide protests of January 2026. Mehdi Nazer is currently incarcerated in Greater Tehran Prison, while Mahnaz Chardouli is being held in Qarchak Prison in Varamin.
The two prisoners were previously tried in a joint case by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, and sentenced to death on charges including destruction of public property, participation in illegal gatherings, and assembly and collusion against national security. The same judicial branch also sentenced the two political prisoners, along with another defendant in the case, Atefeh Nazer, to 10 years in prison each.
Mehdi Nazer and Mahnaz Chardouli were arrested in Tehran on January 11, 2026, in connection with the nationwide protests.
Background on the January 2026 Protests
It should be noted that protests and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025, and within two days spread beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests became one of the largest protest movements of recent years. Following the crackdown by security and law enforcement forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security agencies. For more information, readers may refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “Crimson Winter,” documenting the first fifty days following the outbreak of Iran’s nationwide protests.