Tag: Sari

12 Baha’i Citizens Sentenced in Sari

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News, Religious Minorities
Anahita Koushakbaghi, Baha'i citizens, Banafsheh Asadian Arabi, Emilia Fanaian, Fouad Leghaei, Hossein Fanaian, HRANA, Keyumars Akbari, Melody Samimi, Nasim Samimi, Qaem Shahr, Raquel Ataian, Sari, Soheil Haghdoost, Sohrab Leghaei, Zahra Golabian

HRANA – Twelve Baha’i citizens have been sentenced by the Sari Revolutionary Court to a combined 26 years and 165 days in prison and 76 years of deprivation of social rights.

According to HRANA, 12 Baha’i citizens in Sari have been sentenced to prison.

According to a verdict issued on August 20, 2026, Baha’i citizens Raquel Ataian, Keyumars Akbari, Sohrab Leghaei, Zahra Golabian, Banafsheh Asadian Arabi, Fouad Leghaei, Anahita Koushakbaghi, Nasim Samimi, Hossein Fanaian, Emilia Fanaian, Melody Samimi, and Soheil Haghdoost were convicted by Branch 1 of the Sari Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Ammar Ramezani. Under the ruling, Ataian was sentenced to four years in prison and 10 years of deprivation of social rights. Each of the other defendants was sentenced to two years and 15 days in prison and six years of deprivation of social rights.

The verdict states that the charge against these citizens was “engaging in educational and promotional activities contrary and detrimental to the sacred Islamic Sharia, with the aim of promoting and encouraging the Baha’i sect.” Court hearings on the charges against these citizens were held on August 1, 2, and 3, 2026, before the same branch.

A source close to one of the Baha’i citizens confirmed the news to HRANA and, describing the proceedings in the case, said: “The first hearing on the charges against these citizens was held in May 2024 before Branch 1 of the Sari Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Shoja Zoghi. Due to deficiencies in the investigation, the court returned the case to the investigative branch three times. However, because the deficiencies were not addressed, the case was removed from the branch’s docket. It was subsequently referred to Branch 104 of the Qaem Shahr Criminal Court, presided over by Judge Reza Majazi, where hearings were held on July 12 and 13, 2025.”

The source added: “During these proceedings, Soheil Haghdoost and his wife, Raquel Ataian, were arrested and were unable to attend the hearings. Following their temporary release, the two were tried separately from the other defendants. The Criminal Court subsequently issued a ruling declaring that it lacked jurisdiction and referred the case back to Branch 1 of the Sari Revolutionary Court. After holding three hearings, the branch ultimately issued its verdict.”

The source further stated: “During her detention last year, Raquel Ataian faced a new judicial case. By decision of Branch 104 of the Qaem Shahr Criminal Court, the proceedings in that case were consolidated with this case. Ultimately, both cases resulted in a verdict issued by Branch 1 of the Sari Revolutionary Court.”

Previously, final defense sessions for these 12 Baha’i citizens were held separately in March 2024 before Branch 6 of the Investigative Office of the Qaem Shahr Prosecutor’s Office, presided over by Reza Majazi. Prior to that, security forces had searched their homes, and each of them had received a separate text message informing them that a judicial case had been opened against them at the Qaem Shahr Prosecutor’s Office.

Five Baha’i Citizens Arrested in Sari

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News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizens, Fakhereh Zahedi, HRANA, Maral Roshani, Negar Badiei, Sari, Shima Sanaei

HRANA – On Saturday, August 22, four Baha’i citizens, identified as Maral Roshani, Negar Badiei, Shima Sanaei, and Fakhereh Zahedi, were arrested in Sari. Yesterday, HRANA reported the arrest of Soraya Manouchehrzadeh, another Baha’i citizen residing in the city. Including her, the number of Baha’i citizens arrested in Sari has reached five.

According to HRANA, on Saturday, August 22, 2026, four additional Baha’i citizens were arrested in Sari.

HRANA has verified the identities of these citizens as Maral Roshani, Negar Badiei, Shima Sanaei, and Fakhereh Zahedi. According to information received by HRANA, Maral Roshani and Negar Badiei were arrested by Security Police officers and, after several hours of interrogation, were released at approximately 7:00 p.m. the same day. The two women were instructed to report to the relevant authorities next Saturday for further questioning.

Shima Sanaei and Fakhereh Zahedi were also arrested by Ministry of Intelligence agents. In a phone call with their families, they stated that they are being held at the Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility in Sari, known as the “Keshouei” detention facility.

Yesterday, HRANA reported the arrest of Soraya Manouchehrzadeh, a Baha’i citizen residing in Sari. Ms. Manouchehrzadeh was also arrested by Ministry of Intelligence agents and transferred to the Sari detention facility.

A source close to the family of one of these citizens confirmed the news to HRANA and said: “The judicial orders presented by the agents when they arrived were solely search warrants and did not include orders for the arrest of these citizens. Nevertheless, the agents proceeded to arrest them. During the interrogations of Maral Roshani and Negar Badiei, most of the questions focused on their professional activities and allegations that they had used their occupations to ‘promote the Baha’i faith.’ When agents went to the homes of these two citizens, four officers were present, including one female officer.”

The source further added: “The arrests of Soraya Manouchehrzadeh, Shima Sanaei, and Fakhereh Zahedi involved a larger number of security personnel. Approximately 14 agents, five private vehicles, and a representative of the prosecutor’s office were present during these arrests.”

Maral Roshani is a health and personal care products retailer; Negar Badiei is an English-language instructor; Soraya Manouchehrzadeh is a Montessori instructor; Shima Sanaei is a health and personal care products retailer; and Fakhereh Zahedi is a homemaker.

Baha’i Citizen Soraya Manouchehrzadeh Arrested

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News, Religious Minorities
Baha'i citizen, HRANA, Sari, Soraya Manouchehrzadeh, ثریا منوچهرزاده, هرانا

HRANA – On Saturday, August 22, Soraya Manouchehrzadeh, a Baha’i citizen residing in Sari, was arrested by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence and transferred to an undisclosed location. At the same time, the agents searched her family home and confiscated a number of personal belongings and electronic devices.

According to HRANA, Soraya Manouchehrzadeh, a Baha’i citizen residing in Sari, was arrested.

According to information received by HRANA, Ministry of Intelligence agents climbed over the wall of Ms. Manouchehrzadeh’s family home and entered the property without presenting a judicial warrant before arresting her.

During the operation, the agents also searched the home and confiscated a number of books and electronic devices belonging to Ms. Manouchehrzadeh and members of her family.

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding her place of detention, the charges against her, or her current condition.

In 2022, the home of this Baha’i citizen was also searched by security forces.

Over the past decade, Iran’s Baha’i community has been subjected to security and judicial actions more frequently than any other religious minority in the country. A review of HRA’s annual report reveals that over the past year an average of 62.41% of reports concerning religious minorities involved violations of the civil rights of Baha’is.

Four Prisoners Executed in Sari and Aligudarz Prisons

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Executions, News
Aligudarz, Ferdows Memari, HRANA, Karim Mirzaei, Saeed Armand, Sari, Shahin Sadr

HRANA – At dawn on Wednesday, July 15, the death sentences of four prisoners previously convicted on drug-related and murder charges were carried out in Sari and Aligudarz prisons.

According to HRANA, citing the Iran Human Rights Organization, four prisoners were executed in two separate prisons at dawn on Wednesday, July 15.

The three prisoners executed in Sari Prison were identified as Ferdows Memari, 47, a resident of Rasht and father of two; Shahin Sadr, 37, from Sari; and Saeed Armand, 35, also from Sari. The prisoner executed in Aligudarz Prison was identified as Karim Mirzaei, 27, from Aligudarz.

According to the report, Mr. Memari was arrested two years ago on drug-related charges involving the possession and transportation of 17 kilograms of heroin. He was subsequently sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court.

Mr. Sadr and Mr. Armand were arrested approximately four years ago in a joint case on drug-related charges and were later sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court.

Karim Mirzaei was arrested about five years ago, at the age of 22, on a murder charge after fatally attacking a man in what was described as an honor-related dispute involving the alleged harassment of his cousin. He was subsequently sentenced to death by a Criminal Court.

As of the time of writing, prison authorities and the relevant institutions have not officially announced the executions.

According to HRA’s Annual Report, in 2025 at least 2,063 citizens, including 61 women and 2 juvenile offenders, were executed. Of these, the sentences of 11 individuals were carried out in public. During the same period, 172 other individuals were sentenced to death.

Sari Prosecutor: 700 Cases Opened in Connection with January 2026 protests

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Freedom of Expression, News
January 2026 Protests, Sari

HRANA – The Prosecutor of Sari announced that 700 judicial cases have been opened in connection with January 2026 protests. Of these, around 450 cases have been referred to the Revolutionary Court following the issuance of indictments. He also reported the identification of 139 cases of what he described as “activities against the regime.”

According to HRANA, citing Mehr News Agency, 700 cases have been opened in Sari in relation to January 2026 protests.

Announcing the figures, the Prosecutor of Sari stated that nearly 450 of these cases had been referred to the Revolutionary Court after indictments were issued.

He further added: “So far, 139 cases of affiliation with and activities against the Islamic Republic of Iran have been identified and documented. Some of these individuals reside outside the country and engage in anti-state activities through propaganda, media activities, and organizing actions against the regime.”

According to him, these 139 cases were identified by “security institutions, including the IRGC, the Ministry of Intelligence, and the Law Enforcement Command.”

The report does not provide the identities of the individuals concerned or any details regarding their cases.

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.

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Romina Goli, Baha’i Citizen in Sari, Arrested and Charged

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News, Religious Minorities
HRANA, Romina Goli, Sari

HRANA – Romina Goli, a Baha’i citizen residing in Sari, was arrested on Saturday, May 9, and her interrogation session was held yesterday at the prosecutor’s office in the city. At the conclusion of the session, a one-month temporary detention order was issued against her.

Based on information received by HRANA, Ms. Goli’s interrogation session was held on Sunday, May 10, at the Sari Prosecutor’s Office. During the session, she was charged under Article 500 and Article 500 bis of the Islamic Penal Code with “propaganda against the regime” and “propaganda activities contrary to Islamic law.”

A source familiar with the matter confirmed to HRANA: “Romina Goli was arrested yesterday by security forces in Sari. At the same time, her home was searched, and officers confiscated her personal digital devices and religious books related to the Baha’i faith.”

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding Ms. Goli’s place of detention.

Over the past decade, the Baha’i community in Iran has faced more security and judicial pressure than any other religious minority. HRA’s annual report reveals that in 2025, an average of 62.41% of reports concerning religious minorities were related to violations of the rights of Baha’i citizens.

Baha’i Citizen Minou Andakhs Arrested in Sari

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News, Religious Minorities
Minoo Andakhs, Minou Andakhs, Sari

HRANA – Minou Andakhs, a Baha’i resident of Sari, was arrested by security forces last night and transferred to an undisclosed location.

Based on information received by HRANA, the arrest of this Baha’i citizen took place on the evening of Tuesday, March 31, 2026, when security forces entered her home in Sari without presenting a judicial warrant. At the same time, Ms. Andakhs’ mobile phone was confiscated by the agents.

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding her place of detention or the charges brought against her.

Previously, on December 28, 2025, the home of this citizen was also searched by security forces while she was not present. During that search, religious books and some of her personal belongings were confiscated.

Over the past decade, the Baha’i community in Iran has been subjected to security and judicial repression more than any other religious minority. A review of HRA’s annual reports, 62.41% of reports concerning religious minorities in the past year were related to violations of the rights of Baha’i citizens.

Four Prisoners Executed in Prisons on Murder and Drug-Related Charges

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Executions, News
Behbahan, Ferdows, HRANA, Sari, Taybad, Yasuj

HRANA – Today, Thursday, February 26, the death sentences of four prisoners previously convicted of murder in separate cases were carried out in the prisons of Behbahan, Taybad, Ferdows, and Sari.

The identities of three of the prisoners have been confirmed by HRANA as Reza Azarang from Yasuj; Ahmad Ali Jamshidi; and Naser Mazloom, from Sari. The identity of the fourth executed prisoner, an Afghan national, is currently under investigation.

According to information received by HRANA, Reza Azarang committed murder in 2020 during a dispute over financial matters in Behbahan and was subsequently arrested. He was sentenced to death by a criminal court, and his sentence was carried out today in Behbahan Prison.

Ahmad Ali Jamshidi had also previously been arrested and sentenced to death on murder charges. His execution was carried out in Ferdows Prison. Another prisoner, Naser Mazloom, committed murder in 2021. After his arrest and trial before a criminal court, he was sentenced to death, and his sentence was carried out in Sari Prison.

An Afghan national was also executed today in Taybad Prison. His identity, previously sentenced to death on murder charges, is currently being verified by HRANA.

As of the time of this report, prison authorities and relevant institutions have not officially announced these executions.

According to HRA’s annual report, in 2025, at least 2,063 people were executed in Iran. This represents a 119% increase in executions compared to the year 2024. In many of these cases, due to secrecy surrounding the executions, prisoners were even deprived of the right to a final visit with their families.

Report on the Arrest of Six Citizens by Security Forces in Sari

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Freedom of Expression, News
Hoda Fori, irgc, Maryam Mirzaei, Meysam Yazdani, Nika Mahmoudi, Omid Zabihi, Sanaz Jahantigh, Sari

HRANA – Hoda Fori, Maryam Mirzaei, Nika Mahmoudi, and Meysam Yazdani were arrested on Sunday, February 22, and Omid Zabihi was arrested on Saturday, February 21, by IRGC Intelligence agents in Sari and transferred to undisclosed locations. Meanwhile, Sanaz Jahantigh, another resident of Sari, has been in detention for more than a month, and no information has been obtained regarding her fate or place of detention.

Based on information received by HRANA, Sanaz Jahantigh has been detained in Sari for over a month, and no information has yet been obtained about her place of detention. Omid Zabihi was arrested on Saturday, February 21. In addition, Hoda Fori, Maryam Mirzaei, Nika Mahmoudi, and Meysam Yazdani were arrested yesterday. These individuals were detained by IRGC Intelligence agents in Sari. The reason for their arrest has been reported as their activities on social media and participation in ceremonies commemorating those killed during the January protests.

It should be noted that Meysam Yazdani is the maternal uncle of Mohammad Javad Zahedi, one of those killed during the 2022 protests.

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the charges brought against these six citizens or their place of detention.

It should be noted that gatherings and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began on Sunday, December 28, 2025, in Tehran. After two days, the protests expanded beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these demonstrations became one of the most widespread protests in 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 institutions. For more information about these protests, refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report.

Execution of Nine Prisoners on Murder and Drug-Related Charges

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Executions, News
Behbahan, Bojnord, Bukan, Esfarayen, Ferdows, HRANA, Mahshahr, Sari, Taybad

HRANA – At dawn yesterday, Thursday, February 19, 2026, the death sentences of at least nine prisoners were carried out in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, as well as in the prisons of Esfarayen, Sari, Bukan, Behbahan, Taybad, Bojnord, Mahshahr, and Ferdows.

According to information received by HRANA, Rahman Omari was executed in Esfarayen Prison; Mehrshad Panji in Sari Prison; Farez Babaei in Bukan Prison; Ali Jafar Sadeghi in Behbahan Prison; Milad Ghaedi in Mahshahr Prison; Rahim Mashayekhi in Ferdows Prison; and Hassan Narouie in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. These prisoners had previously been arrested on charges of murder and were subsequently sentenced to death by criminal courts.

In addition, the executions of Mokhtar Azizian in Bojnurd Prison and an Afghan national in Taybad Prison were carried out on charges related to drug offenses. Further details, including the identity of the ninth prisoner executed at dawn today, are still under investigation by HRANA.

As of the time of this report, the executions have not been officially announced by prison authorities or relevant institutions.

According to HRA’s annual report, in 2025, at least 2,063 individuals were executed in Iran during the one-year period from January 1, 2025, to January 1, 2026. This represents a 119% increase in executions compared to 2024. In many of these cases, due to secrecy, prisoners were even deprived of the right to a final visit with their families.