HRANA – Three individuals arrested during the January 2026 protests, one of whom has been identified by HRANA as 23-year-old Matin Farnian, have been sentenced to death by Branch 5 of the Mashhad Revolutionary Court on charges of “moharebeh” (enmity against God). They are currently held in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

According to HRANA, three citizens have been sentenced to death in Mashhad in connection with the January 2026 protests.

Based on information received by HRANA, the three individuals, one of whom has been identified as Matin Farnian, were sentenced to death in a joint case by Branch 5 of the Mashhad Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Hossein Yazdankhah, on charges of “moharebeh” (enmity against God).

The three were arrested by security forces in Mashhad on January 18 and 19, 2026, in connection with the nationwide protests. Following their arrests, they were transferred to Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, where they remain detained in different wards, including Ward 6/1.

Matin Farnian, 23, is a native and resident of Mashhad. HRANA is still working to verify the identities of the other two individuals sentenced to death in the same case.

HRANA’s investigation into further details of the case and the judicial proceedings remains ongoing.

Background on January 2026 Protests:

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.