HRANA – The death sentences of Shahab Zahdi, Abolfazl Salehi Siavashani, and Yaser Rajaeifar, detainees from the January 2026 protests who are currently held in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj, have been overturned by Branch 9 of the Supreme Court.
According to HRANA, the Supreme Court has overturned the death sentences of three detainees from the January 2026 protests.
According to information received by HRANA, Branch 9 of the Supreme Court overturned the death sentences of Shahab Zahdi, Abolfazl Salehi Siavashani, and Yaser Rajaeifar and referred their cases to a branch of the Tehran Revolutionary Court for retrial. In February 2026, the prisoners had been sentenced to death by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, in connection with a case involving the burning of a Basij base in eastern Tehran.
During the nationwide protests of 2026, these individuals, along with four other prisoners, Mohammad-Amin Biglari, Shahin Vahedparast Kalur, Amirhossein Hatami, and Ali Fahim, were prosecuted and arrested in a joint case related to the burning of the “185 Martyr Mahmoud Kaveh” Basij base in eastern Tehran on the evening of January 8, 2026. The trial was subsequently held on February 7, 2026, before Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati. Their death sentences were issued the following day, February 8.
In April 2026, the death sentences of Mohammad-Amin Biglari, Shahin Vahedparast Kalur, Amirhossein Hatami, and Ali Fahim were carried out.
Iranian state media had previously published videos showing forced confessions by these individuals. The circumstances under which the videos were recorded remain unclear.
An informed source, confirming the report, told HRANA about the judicial proceedings in Shahab Zahdi’s case: “Mr. Zahdi’s trial was held without his lawyer present.” The charges brought against him were “assembly and collusion against national security” and “moharebeh (enmity against God) and corruption on earth through setting fire to public property and facilities.” His interrogation session was held on January 10, 2026, at Branch 33 of the Tehran Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office (Shahid Moghaddas Security Prosecutor’s Office). Zahdi had been arrested by security forces on January 8 of that year.
Abolfazl Salehi Siavashani was arrested by security forces on January 9, 2026, while Yaser Rajaeifar was arrested on January 8, 2026.
The three are currently being held in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.
Abolfazl Salehi Siavashani is 52 years old, married, and the father of an 18-year-old child. Before his arrest, he worked as a motorcycle courier. Yaser Rajaeifar is 31 years old, and Shahab Zahdi is the father of a 15-year-old daughter.
Background on the January 2026 Protests
The 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.