Month: August 2023

Journalist Nazila Maroufian was re-arrested on August 30, 2023, at her residence in Tehran by security forces. The subsequent transfer of Maroufian to the Ershad Courthouse unfolded amidst distressing circumstances, as she reportedly endured physical mistreatment during the apprehension. According to a source close to her family, on Wednesday morning, security forces forcibly entered Maroufian’s residence, breaking down the door. The incident escalated as Maroufian was subjected to physical aggression. The agents confiscated some of her personal belongings and transferred her to the Ershad Courthouse for further proceedings. Maroufian’s family…

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Nazila Haghar, a Baha’i citizen, has received a five-year prison sentence from the Tehran Revolutionary Court, a verdict that was subsequently affirmed on appeal on August 20, 2023. In a trial in absentia, Haghar was handed down a five-year sentence for “membership in an illegal group aimed at undermining national security.” The court cited her involvement in organizing educational programs for children as evidence of this charge. In July 2022, security forces conducted a thorough search of her residence and confiscated some of the items belonging to her and her…

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The Tehran Court of Appeals has upheld an eight-year sentence against Farhad Hafezi Semnani (Azarm). Pursuant to Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, a five-year prison term will be enforceable. Originally, the Tehran Revolutionary Court had issued a verdict of five years on charges of “assembly and collusion against national security,” one year for “propaganda against the regime,” and an additional two years for “insulting former and current Supreme Leaders of Iran.”

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The Tehran Court of Appeals has handed down an eleven-year sentence to Azerbaijani (Turk) activist Mahmood Ojaghlou. Originally facing multiple charges, Ojaghlou had initially received a five-year term for “assembly and collusion against national security,” an additional year for “propaganda against the regime,” five more years for “affiliation with anti-regime groups that threaten national security,” and another five years for “incitement of individuals to participate in warfare.” Notably, the Court of Appeals has cleared him of the last accusation, leading to a reduced cumulative sentence of 11 years. Pursuant to…

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In a recent development, Afshin Naziri was apprehended by security forces in Tehran on August 29 and subsequently confined to Evin Prison. According to accounts, Naziri’s arrest transpired at his Tehran residence, where six plainclothes agents conducted the apprehension. His family was informed by the security forces that he would be prohibited from communicating with the outside world, including phone calls and visitations, for ten days. The motives behind this arrest and the charges brought against him remain unknown at this time.

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