Tag: Rasht

Sunni Prisoner Hamzeh Darvish Continues Hunger Strike

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News, Prisoners
Hamzeh Darvish, Lakan prison, Mehdi Fallah Miri, Rasht, Talesh, حمزه درویش

HRANA – Hamzeh Darvish, a Sunni prisoner held in Lakan Prison, Rasht, remains on hunger strike. He began his strike on August 2 in protest against authorities’ neglect of his demands.

Three days ago, a source close to his family confirmed the news to HRANA, saying: “Mr. Darvish is currently on the fourteenth day of his hunger strike.”

This Sunni prisoner went on strike on Saturday, August 2, in protest against what he describes as his continued unjust imprisonment, psychological and physical torture, the violation of the principle of separation of crimes, and the authorities’ disregard of his previous requests. He has demanded transfer to the political prisoners’ ward in Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj.

In December 2024, Darvish wrote a letter to the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran, urging attention to his case. Following this action, he was held in solitary confinement with handcuffs and shackles for one month by order of Gilan’s Prosecutor, Mehdi Fallah Miri.

Hamzeh Darvish, a prisoner from Talesh, was previously sentenced to 14 years in prison, later reduced to 10 years and 6 months in August 2024 after he submitted to the court’s ruling. He had already served another long-term prison sentence before this case.

Additionally, following a prison altercation on October 9, 2022, and a complaint filed by the Prisons Organization, a new legal case was opened against him. On May 11, 2020, this Sunni prisoner was transferred from Rajai Shahr Prison in Karaj to Lakan Prison in Rasht.

Darvish’s journey through adversity began in 2014 when he was deceived by ISIS forces into traveling to Turkey and later to Syria, as he claims. Following a period of confinement in an ISIS jail, he managed to escape and returned to Iran, where he surrendered himself to security forces.

Death Sentence of Sharifeh Mohammadi Upheld by the Supreme Court

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Executions, News
Amir Raisian, HRANA, Lakan prison, Rasht, Sharifeh Mohammadi

HRANA News Agency – Amir Raisian, attorney at law, announced that the death sentence of Sharifeh Mohammadi, a labor activist held in Lakan Prison in Rasht, has been upheld by Branch 39 of the Supreme Court.

Confirming the news, Mohammadi’s lawyer stated: “Branch 39 of the Supreme Court, which had previously overturned the death sentence of Sharifeh Mohammadi, this time—despite all persisting ambiguities and flaws in the case—upheld the ruling.”

According to Raisian, Branch 39 of the Supreme Court had earlier annulled the sentence due to numerous deficiencies, including the lack of evidence connecting her to armed operations, the failure to prove her membership in an organization classified under Baghi (armed rebellion) or a rebel group, as well as flaws in the intelligence agents’ report. The case had then been referred to Branch 2 of the Revolutionary Court of Rasht, but that court “treated the judicial officer’s report as conclusive evidence” and reissued the death sentence.

The lawyer stressed that the ruling of Branch 2 of the Revolutionary Court in Rasht merely repeated the earlier decision of Branch 1, without addressing the Supreme Court’s objections, relying solely on the intelligence report. Raisian added: “It was expected that the Supreme Court would once again overturn the ruling, but contrary to expectations, it did not.”

Reaffirming his client’s legal prospects, Raisian said: “We are still hopeful for retrial. We will continue to pursue a request for retrial and try to annul the death sentence of this prisoner through other legal avenues.” He expressed hope that given the numerous flaws in the case and the judicial process, the death sentence of Sharifeh Mohammadi would be overturned and its enforcement stopped.

In late December of last year, the trial of Sharifeh Mohammadi’s charges was held in Branch 2 of the Revolutionary Court of Rasht. Prior to that, after the Supreme Court’s Branch 39 had overturned her death sentence, the case had been referred back to Branch 2 of the Revolutionary Court of Rasht for retrial.

Mohammadi was sentenced to death on July 4, 2023, on charges of baghi (armed rebellion) due to her alleged membership in an opposition group. This sentence against the female labor activist triggered widespread public outcry.

Her trial, held on June 8, 2023, revolved around multiple charges, including propaganda against the regime, actions against national security, and baghi through her supposed affiliation with the group.

Mohammadi was arrested by the Ministry of Intelligence at her home in Rasht on December 5, 2023. Later that month, she was transferred from Lakan Prison to Sanandaj Prison on December 30, only to be sent back to Lakan after some time.

A source close to her family told HRANA: “Sharifeh was a member of the Association of Labor Organizations until 2013, which has no ties to the Komala group. The charge of baghi is based on her alleged membership in this group, which is not true.”

Execution of Three Prisoners in Lakan Prison, Rasht

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Executions, News
Hadi Gerousi, HRANA, Lakan prison, Mehdi Babaei, Peyman Afshar, Rasht

HRANA– On Wednesday, July 16, three prisoners were executed in Lakan Prison in Rasht.

HRANA had previously reported the execution of Peyman Afshar, approximately 43 years old, on murder charges. Iran Human Rights later identified the other two executed individuals as Hadi Gerousi, 28, and Mehdi Babaei, 31.

According to the report, Gerousi and Babaei were arrested five years ago in a joint case on charges of murder stemming from an honor-related dispute. Both were later sentenced to death by a criminal court.

As of the time of this report, the execution of these prisoners has not been officially announced by prison authorities or responsible institutions.

In 2024, according to 812 reports compiled by HRANA, the Iranian regime executed 930 individuals in its prisons—marking the highest number of executions in the past 12 years. Despite the scale of these executions, prison officials and other relevant authorities publicly acknowledged only 6% of them, highlighting the regime’s lack of transparency and accountability.

Prisoner Executed in Lakan Prison, Rasht

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Executions, News
HRANA, Lakan prison, Peyman Afshar, Rasht

HRANA– On Wednesday, July 16, the execution of a prisoner previously sentenced to death for murder was carried out in Lakan Prison in Rasht.

HRANA has identified the prisoner hanged at dawn on Wednesday as Peyman Afshar, approximately 43 years old. According to information received by HRANA, Mr. Afshar had been arrested on murder charges and later sentenced to death by the criminal court.

As of the time of this report, the execution has not been officially announced by prison authorities or responsible institutions.

According to HRANA reports, in 2024, only 6% of executions were announced by official bodies or domestic media outlets. Over the past five years, 77% of executions have gone unreported—commonly referred to as secret executions. In some of these cases, the lack of transparency is so severe that the death-row prisoners are denied even the chance for a final visit with their families.

Dozens Arrested as Truckers’ Strikes Spread Across Iran

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Freedom of Expression, News
Bandar Imam Khomeini, Bandar Lengeh, Gilan, HRANA, irgc, IRGC officials, Kermanshah, Rasht, Sanandaj, Shiraz

HRANA News Agency –At least 20 truckers and supporters have been arrested in connection with a wave of truckers’ strikes that began on May 22 in cities across Iran, including Sanandaj, Eslamabad-e Gharb, Kermanshah, Rasht, Bandar Imam Khomeini, Bandar Lengeh, and Shiraz.

The strikes, launched in protest of longstanding grievances over working conditions and economic pressures, have drawn a strong security response. Among those detained are Sediq Mohammadi and Shahab Darabi, arrested in Sanandaj and Eslamabad-e Gharb respectively. The whereabouts of Mohammadi remain unknown.

The National Union of Truckers and Drivers has released several statements confirming the arrest of at least 11 drivers in Kermanshah and several others in Sanandaj. The union also reported violent police tactics, including the use of pepper spray against striking drivers at the Sanandaj terminal.

In Rasht, the IRGC’s Gilan provincial office announced the arrest of a citizen for allegedly supporting the strike. The individual was accused of “disrupting the order and security of road transport” and “aiding opposition groups” through negative portrayals of the situation.

The IRGC in Khuzestan Province reported the arrest of two individuals in Bandar Imam Khomeini on similar charges. State media later aired what appeared to be their forced confessions.

Authorities in Bandar Lengeh also arrested a citizen for allegedly producing and distributing videos encouraging strike participation. Police claimed the videos were shared with foreign media outlets.

In Shiraz, the local prosecutor confirmed the detention of several drivers, accusing them of “deliberate and organized disruption” of the transportation system. No specific number of detainees was disclosed.

HRANA previously published a detailed report on the first week of the truckers’ strike, outlining its causes, scale, and the government’s response, including arrests and repression.

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Maryam Karimi Sentenced to Prison Under Electronic Monitoring

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Freedom of Expression, News, Women
Esmaeil Rostami Tarsari, Maryam Karimi, ran-Aghideh, Rasht

HRANA News Agency – Maryam Karimi, a tour guide and resident of Rasht, has been sentenced by the Gilan Province Appeals Court to two years and seven months of imprisonment under electronic monitoring. She had previously received a one-year suspended prison sentence from the Rasht Revolutionary Court in another part of her case.

In a public post, Ms. Karimi stated that she had been sentenced to two years and seven months of monitored imprisonment within Rasht, under electronic ankle bracelet supervision. She was charged with “promoting immorality and indecency by encouraging others to remove their hijab in public” and “displaying indecent images in public view.” The verdict was issued by Judges Esmaeil Rostami Tarsari and Mohammad Sadegh Iran-Aghideh.

Under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the most severe charge—two years of imprisonment under electronic monitoring—will be enforceable.

She was initially tried and convicted in this part of the case by Branch 12 of the Rasht Criminal Court.

In a separate part of her case, she had already been sentenced to a one-year suspended prison term by the Rasht Revolutionary Court on charges of “propaganda against the regime.”

The charges against Ms. Karimi are reportedly based on images she posted on social media.

Maryam Karimi, a tour designer and guide, was arrested in May 2023 and later released.

A Prisoner Executed in Lakan Prison, Rasht

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Executions, News
HRANA, Jafar Pour-Asadi, Lakan prison, Ramhormoz, Rasht

HRANA News Agency – On Wednesday, May 7, the death sentence of a prisoner previously convicted on drug-related charges was carried out in Lakan Prison in Rasht.

Hircani News Outlet has identified the hanged prisoner as Jafar Pour-Asadi, 45 years old, a father of five, and a resident of Ramhormoz.

According to the report, Mr. Pour-Asadi had been arrested two years ago on drug-related charges and was sentenced to death by a judicial authority.

As of the time of this report, the execution has not been officially announced by prison officials or relevant institutions.

In 2024, Iranian prisons witnessed the execution of 930 inmates. According to HRANA’s data, the number of executions carried out by the Iranian regime’s judiciary has risen steadily over the past five years. The percentage of executions related to drug charges has also increased year after year.

Appeals Court Upholds Over 5-Year Sentence for Azerbaijani-Turk Activist Vadood Asadi

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Ethnic Minorities, News, Prisoners
Abolghasem Salavati, Azerbaijani Turk activist, Evin Prison, Rasht, Vadood Asadi

HRANA News Agency –The Gilan Province Appeals Court has upheld the five-year-and-six-month prison sentence of Vadood Asadi, an Azerbaijani-Turk activist currently detained in Evin Prison. The verdict was confirmed without any changes.

A source close to Asadi’s family told HRANA that the sentence, originally issued by Branch 3 of the Rasht Revolutionary Court, was reaffirmed by Branch 11 of the Gilan Appeals Court. Asadi was convicted on charges of propaganda against the regime, membership in anti-regime groups, and insulting the Supreme Leader.

On March 3, 2025, Asadi was transferred to Evin Prison to begin serving his sentence following an official summons.

In a separate case, Asadi had earlier been sentenced to four years in prison by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, for “assembly and collusion to act against national security.” That sentence was later reduced to one year under a general pardon. After he accepted the verdict, a further reduction was applied, resulting in a final sentence of nine months.

Asadi was initially arrested by security forces in Rasht in February 2024. He was transferred to Evin Prison in March of that year and released on bail several days later.

The activist has a history of facing legal action related to his civil and political activities.

According to HRANA’s report, in 2024, 20 ethnic minority rights activists were sentenced to a total of 471 months (nearly 40 years) in prison. Over the past decade, the total length of such prison sentences has reached 913 years.

Younes Azadbar Arrested by Security Forces

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Freedom of Expression, News
HRANA, irgc, IRGC Intelligence, Rasht, Rasht County, Younes Azadbar, یونس آزادبر

HRANA News Agency – Younes Azadbar, a resident of Rasht County, was arrested today by IRGC Intelligence agents and transferred to their facility for interrogation.

A source close to Azadbar’s family confirmed the news to HRANA and said: “Mr. Azadbar was arrested a few minutes ago at his home by IRGC Intelligence agents without a court warrant and was taken for questioning. At the same time, his home was searched, and personal belongings, including his mobile phone, were confiscated.”

The source added: “Mr. Azadbar is 62 years old, suffers from epilepsy, and has a mechanical heart valve and a cardiac pacemaker. His physical condition is highly concerning, and his family is worried about the impact of interrogation pressure on his health.”

He was initially arrested on July 19, 2023 and then released on bail in December 2023 to receive medical treatment.

During his previous detention, he appeared before Branch 1 of the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office, where he defended himself against charges including “enmity against God (moharebeh),” propaganda against the regime, and “membership in anti-government groups.”

Younes Azadbar, 62, is a resident of Sangar, a town in Rasht County. He has a prior conviction related to his activism.

Hamideh Zeraei Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison and 178 Lashes

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Freedom of Expression, News
Asif Al-Hosseini, Hamideh Zeraei, Kachooei Prison, Karaj, Lakan prison, Rasht, حمیده زراعی

HRANA News Agency – Hamideh Zeraei, a former political prisoner, has been sentenced to one year and six months in prison and 178 lashes by Branch 104 of the Rasht Criminal Court, according to the Hyrcani news outlet.

The court, presided over by Judge Majid Shadpour, issued the verdict against Zeraei for refusing to comply with compulsory hijab regulations during a court appearance. She was sentenced to nine months in prison and 74 lashes on charges of “disturbing public order” and an additional nine months in prison for “defying law enforcement officers.” Furthermore, she received 74 lashes for “insulting an officer on duty” and 30 lashes for “causing minor physical harm.”

Zeraei was arrested in connection with this case on February 4, 2025, and released approximately one month later on bail from Lakan Prison in Rasht.

In a previous case, on November 16, 2023, the Revolutionary Court of Karaj—presided over by Judge Mousa Asif Al-Hosseini—had sentenced Zeraei to one year in prison, two years of exile to Rasht, a two-year travel ban, and a two-year ban on social media use. After accepting the verdict, her prison sentence was later reduced to nine months.

Zeraei was first arrested by security forces on May 29, 2023, at her home and transferred to Kachooei Prison in Karaj. She was released on February 22, 2024, after serving her sentence.

Previously, Hamideh (Shimin) Zeraei had also been arrested during the 2022 nationwide protests. She was released on February 7, 2023, from Kachooei Prison in Karaj following a general “pardon” directive.