Children’s Rights Activist Afshin Heyratian Sentenced to 31 Years in Prison

Breathing in Confinement, Thursday, 30 July 2026: Afshin Heyratian, a children’s rights activist currently held in Evin Prison, has been sentenced by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, to a total of 31 years in prison and financial penalties.

According to Breathing in Confinement, the news outlet of the Prisoners’ Rights League in Iran, the sentence was issued following proceedings on multiple charges against him. Under the court’s ruling, Mr Heyratian was sentenced to 12 years in prison on the charge of “forming an illegal group,” 11 years for “propaganda activities deemed disruptive to the sacred principles of Islam,” and six years for “assembly and collusion against national security.” The court also ordered him to pay a fine of 330 million tomans.

In addition, on the charge of “acquiring property through unlawful means,” in connection with receiving US$1,000, he was sentenced to two years in prison and ordered to pay a fine equivalent to twice the amount received (US$2,000).

Afshin Heyratian was arrested by security forces at his mother’s home in Tehran on 11 November 2025. During the arrest, officers searched the premises and confiscated a number of personal belongings belonging to him and members of his family. Following his arrest, he was transferred to Evin Prison. His trial was held on Saturday, 18 July 2026.

Afshin Heyratian is a 46-year-old unmarried Baha’i citizen residing in Tehran. He has been a member of the Society for the Protection of Working and Street Children and has previously faced arrest and judicial action in connection with his civil activities and religious beliefs. Reports indicate that his prosecution has taken place within the broader context of restrictions imposed on civil society activists and religious minorities in Iran.