Tag: Ministry of Intelligence

Appeals Court Upholds 10-Year Prison Sentence and Additional Punishments for Reza Valizadeh

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, irgc, IRGC Intelligence, Ministry of Intelligence, Reza Valizadeh

HRANA News Agency – The Tehran Court of Appeals has upheld the 10-year prison sentence and additional punishments for Reza Valizadeh, a journalist currently imprisoned in Evin Prison.

He was previously convicted by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court and sentenced to 10 years in prison, a travel ban, a ban on residing in Tehran and neighboring provinces, and a two-year prohibition on membership in political and social groups.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, the Appeals Court confirmed all aspects of the initial verdict against Reza Valizadeh.

His lawyer, Mohammad-Hossein Aghasi, stated:

“Today, I visited Abdolreza Valizadeh to show him the appeal rejection. I had previously said that the court’s standard procedure is to uphold the original ruling, but perhaps a retrial could finally open the blindfolded eyes of justice.”

In December 2024, Judge Iman Afshari of Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced Reza Valizadeh to 10 years in prison on charges of “collaboration with a hostile government (the U.S.)”. Additionally, he was banned from leaving the country, prohibited from residing in Tehran and neighboring provinces, and barred from joining political or social groups for two years.

Background on Reza Valizadeh’s Arrest

  • After living abroad for several years, Reza Valizadeh returned to Iran in March 2023. Upon arrival, he was interrogated by IRGC intelligence and the Ministry of Intelligence, released after signing a commitment, and allowed to remain free.
  • However, a few months later, in early October 2023, he was arrested by security forces and transferred to Evin Prison.
  • According to Voice of America (VOA), he was detained in Ward 209 of Evin Prison, controlled by the Ministry of Intelligence, and denied family visits.

Before emigrating, Reza Valizadeh was previously arrested in 2007 but later released on bail. He reportedly holds dual citizenship and has worked with various media outlets, including Radio France, Voice of America (VOA), Radio Farda, and the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB).

Journalist Azhdar Piri Sentenced to One Year in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, Labor and Guilds, News
Azhadar Piri, Karaj, Ministry of Intelligence, اژدر پیری

HRANA News Agency – Azhdar (Ajdar) Piri Sarmanlou, editor-in-chief of the Pazhuhesh-e Melal monthly magazine, has been sentenced by Branch 3 of the Revolutionary Court of Karaj to one year in prison and a two-year ban on online activities.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, Mr. Piri was convicted of ‘propaganda against the regime’ and ‘insulting officials and agents.’ The verdict, issued in January by the Revolutionary Court of Karaj, also imposes a two-year prohibition on membership and activity on social media as additional penalties.

Earlier, on October 21, 2024, Mr. Piri was arrested at his residence in Karaj by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence. He was transferred to one of the city’s security detention facilities, where he was denied access to legal counsel throughout his detention. After 21 days, Mr. Piri was moved to Karaj Central Prison upon the completion of interrogations. He was released three days later on a bail of 200 million tomans (approximately 3,300 dollars).

Azhdar Piri Sarmanlou, 36, originally from Urmia and currently residing in Karaj, serves as the editor-in-chief of Pazhuhesh-e Melal magazine.

Prolonged Detention of Gilan Poet Peyman Farah-Avar Without Trial in Lakan Prison

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News, Prisoners
Amin Farah-Avar, Baghi, Gilan, Lakan prison, Ministry of Intelligence, moharebeh, Peyman Farah-Avar, Rasht, پیمان فرح آور

Peyman (Amin) Farah-Avar, a poet from Gilan Province, remains in detention at Lakan Prison in Rasht more than five months after his arrest, with no resolution to his case.

A source close to his family confirmed to HRANA: “Mr. Farah-Avar faces charges including ‘propaganda against the regime,’ baghi (armed rebellion), and moharebeh (enmity against God). He has been detained for over five months in a state of limbo at Lakan Prison in Rasht, with no court hearings held to address his charges.”

Mr. Farah-Avar was arrested by security forces in August 2024 and initially taken to The Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility. After completing the interrogation process, he was transferred to Lakan Prison in Rasht.

Peyman (Amin) Farah-Avar, a poet from Gilan and the father of a 10-year-old son, has previously been arrested due to his activities.

Individual Arrested for Writing Anti-regime Slogan on Wall

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, Ministry of Intelligence, Urmia, writing slogans

An individual was arrested for writing slogans on the Ministry of Intelligence’s wall and setting his own car on fire in Azerbaijan Province’s Urmia City. A video circulated on social media showed a security agent pointing a gun at him.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, a citizen was arrested for writing a slogan on the wall and setting his vehicle on fire. 

As an act of protest, this unidentified individual first set his vehicle which was parked by the Ministry of Intelligence on fire in Urmia and then began to write slogans on the wall of the ministry’s office.

 The media outlets inside Iran and officials have not reacted to this incident so far. Yet, a video showing a security agent pointing a gun toward the protestor from about a short distance has become viral on social media.

Three Individuals Arrested and Accused of Association with Foreign Intelligence Services

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News, Other
association with foreign intelligence services, Ministry of Intelligence, Sistan and Baluchestan

The Ministry of Intelligence announced that three individuals have been arrested and accused of “association with foreign intelligence services.”

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, quoting Fars News Agency, three individuals were arrested in Sistan and Baluchestan Province allegedly for “association with foreign intelligence services.”

Without mentioning any details about the individuals arrested, the Ministry of Intelligence’s statement  stated, “these individuals who are associated with Israel’s intelligence service have published classified documents.”

Although the prosecution of individuals for espionage is not considered a violation of human rights, there are concerns about the validity of these allegations due to the frequent use of such accusations by the Iranian regime to suppress its political dissidents and due to the ambiguities in legal proceedings and the lack of transparency about such legal cases.  

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Mohammad Imami Sentenced to Imprisonment and Flogging

Posted on by A MN
Ethnic Minorities, News
Azerbaijani Turk activist, flogging, Imami, Khuzestan, lashes, Ministry of Intelligence, Mohammad Imami, Tabriz, Tabriz City, Tabriz Protests

Branch 113 of the criminal court in Tabriz sentenced Azerbaijani Turk activist, Mohammad Imami, a resident of Tabriz, to 16 months imprisonment and 40 lashes.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, the sentence has been suspended for five years.

Azerbaijani Turk activist, Mohammad Imami was sentenced to 8 months in prison on a charge of “contumacy the government agent’s order”, 8 months in prison on a charge of “disturbing the public order”, and 40 lashes on a charge of “deliberately injuring the police officer”.

On July 24, security forces arrested Imami and transferred him to a detention center at the disposal of the Ministry of Intelligence in Tabriz City. After spending one week in detention, he was released on a bail of 80 million tomans.

It is worth mentioning that on the same day of his arrest, several other citizens in Tabriz were also arrested in regards to the protests and demonstrations of Tabriz citizens in support of the nationwide Khuzestan protests against water mismanagement.

Vahedian Shahroudi Still in Detention After 84 Days Despite Poor Health Condition

Posted on by A MN
News, Prisoners
Abbas Vahedian Shahroudi, Mashhad, Mashhad Prison, Ministry of Intelligence, Revolutionary Court of Mashhad, Rezvanshahr, Rezvanshahr County, Shahroudi, Vahedian, Vakilabad, Vakilabad prison, Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad

After 84 days, writer, educator and civil activist Abbas Vahedian Shahroudi is still in a Ministry of Intelligence detention center in Mashhad.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, Shahroudi suffers from a severe infection in the gums and teeth but has been deprived of adequate medical treatment throughout his detention.

In early November of this year, he was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by Branch 4 of the Mashhad Revolutionary Court. This verdict has been finalized following his refusal to request an appeal.

Shahroudi’s daughter Hengameh Vahedian expressed her deep concern about her father’s health condition in a social media post.

“Two weeks ago, In the last visitation, he had severe infection in the gums, loosen teeth, and acute pain,” Hengameh wrote. “He needs urgent treatment before his disease worsen. Until now, however, he has not received any treatment.”

Earlier, HRANA reported about his poor health condition in a solitary confinement cell in a Detention Center at the disposal of the Ministry of Intelligence.

On September 1 of this year, intelligence agents arrested Vahedian in Rezvanshahr County. Two days later, in a phone call to his family, he informed them about the opening of a new case  against him on a charge of “acting against national security.” Meanwhile, Vahedian’s daughter’s home in Mashhad was searched by security forces and some personal belongings were confiscated.

Vahedian has previously been arrested and convicted for his writings and civil activities. In one case, he was arrested in Mashhad in October 2018 and later charged by Branch 903 of the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad with “acting against national security”, and “attempting to overthrow the regime”. He was released on bail of 350 million tomans from Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad in December 2018.

Shortly after his interrogation, in August 2019, Vahedian was again arrested and transferred to Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. He was one of the 14 signatories of a letter of request for the resignation of Ayatollah Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran. Mr Vahedian was released on bail from Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad in July 2020.

Vahedian is an author of several books including “The Return of Genghis Khan” published by Khatam Publishing in Mashhad.

Educator and Union Activist Aziz Ghasemzadeh Summoned by Public and Revolutionary Court of Rudsar County

Posted on by A MN
Cultural, Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Activist arrested, Aziz Ghasemzadeh, Citizen arrested, educator arrested, Ghasemzadeh, Ministry of Intelligence, Revolutionary Court of Rusdar, Rudsar City, Rusdar, SENA, Teacher arrested, Teachers' Trade Associations, union activist

On Saturday, November 6, educator and union activist Aziz Ghasemzadeh was summoned by the Public and Revolutionary Court of Rudsar County.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, Aziz Ghasemzadeh received a summons via the online judicial system SENA to appear at the Branch 2 of the Revolutionary Court of Rudsar within eight days.

Following nationwide protests of educators all across the country, on September 26, security forces arrested Ghasemzadeh at his parents’ home in Rudsar City. During the arrest, security forces searched the house and confiscated several of Ghasemzadeh’s personal belongings.

The arrest took place the day after working and retired teachers held protests in 36 cities across the country, which were organized by the Coordination Council of Iranian Teachers’ Trade Associations. Throughout the detention, he was denied any access to a lawyer, phone calls and family visitations. Finally, on October 11, 2021, he was released on bail.

Ghasemzadeh will need to defend himself against charges of “propaganda against the regime” and “spreading lies”.

 

Abbas Vahedian Shahroudi Sentenced to 10 Years Imprisonment by Revolutionary Court in Mashhad

Posted on by A MN
News, Prisoners
Abbas Vahedian Shahroudi, Mashhad, Mashhad Prison, Ministry of Intelligence, Revolutionary Court of Mashhad, Rezvanshahr, Rezvanshahr County, Shahroudi, Vahedian, Vakilabad, Vakilabad prison, Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad

Writer, educator and civil activist Abbas Vahedian Shahroudi was recently sentenced to 10 years by Branch 4 of the Revolutionary Court in Mashhad.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, after spending 70 days in detention, Vahedian received the verdict, which was finalized after he refused to request an appeal.

In regard to a case which opened against Vahedian in 2019, the court issued this final verdict for the charge of “organizing in purpose to disturb national security” and in accordance with Article 498 of the Islamic Penal Code. During his 70 days in detention and throughout the introduction of the new case against him, Vahedian has been denied access to a lawyer.

Earlier, HRANA reported about his poor health condition in a solitary confinement cell in a Detention Center at the disposal of the Ministry of Intelligence.

On September 1 of this year, intelligence agents arrested Vahedian in Rezvanshahr County. Two days later, in a phone call to his family, he informed them about the opening of a new case  against him on a charge of “acting against national security.” Meanwhile, Vahedian’s daughter’s home in Mashhad was searched by security forces and some personal belongings were confiscated.

Vahedian has previously been arrested and convicted for his writings and civil activities. In one case, he was arrested in Mashhad in October 2018 and later charged by Branch 903 of the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad with “acting against national security”, and “attempting to overthrow the regime”. He was released on a bail of 350 million tomans from Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad in December 2018.

Shortly after his interrogation, in August 2019, Vahedian was again arrested and transferred to Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. He was one of the 14 signatories of a letter of request for the resignation of Ayatollah Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran. Mr Vahedian was released on bail from Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad in July 2020.

Babak Dadbakhsh Asks Prosecutor-General for Re-Examination of His Case

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News, Prisoners, Uncategorized
ardabil prison, Babak, Babak Dadbakhsh, Dadbaksh, Ministry of Intelligence, Moharebej, NAJA, Varamin

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activist, political prisoner Babak Dadbakhsh, who is currently being held in Ardabil Prison, recently wrote a letter to the Prosecutor General of Iran asking that his case be re-examined.

In regard to the way his trial was conducted, Dadbakhsh wrote, “Just to receive the verdict letter, I accepted not to appeal. However, after three years, I don’t have any indictment letter to know on what charges and based on what evidences I have been condemned. No one responds to me.”

In part of this letter received to HRANA, Babak Dadbakhsh writes, “The prosecutor-general! I am writing to you as a victim of injustice, a prisoner who has been tortured and sentenced to 25 years without having a trial. Just to receive the verdict letter, I accepted not to appeal. However, after three years, I don’t have any indictment letter to know on what charges and based on what evidences I have been condemned. No one responds to me. I hope that the law does not close its eyes and give me my legal right. I have been convicted within one minute without having an attorney. I request re-examining my case, receiving the indictment letter and using retrial. While I’m suffering stress, as forensic medicine and coroners have diagnosed, I am waiting for justice.”

In November 2017, Babak Dadbakhsh was arrested by security police of NAJA and handed to the Ministry of intelligence officials. Since then, he has been spending in various detention facilities and prisons.  He was once hospitalized in Razi Educational and Therapeutic Psychiatric Center.

In February 2020, he was sentenced to 17 years imprisonment on the charges of “spreading corruption on earth” and “enmity against God” (Moharebeh). However, in April 2021, on the excuse that not all charges have been considered, his sentence was prolonged to 25 years.

It is said that he is suffering from MDD, bipolar disorder and psychotic symptoms based on the diagnosis of Razi Educational and Therapeutic Psychiatric Center.