Abolfazl Damenjani, Arrested During the January Protests, Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison

Breathing in Confinement, Wednesday, 14 October 2026: Abolfazl Damenjani, a political prisoner arrested during the January protests and currently held in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, has been sentenced to a total of 15 years in prison by Branch 5 of the Mashhad Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Yazdankhah.

According to Breathing in Confinement, the news outlet of the Prisoners’ Rights League in Iran, information received indicates that Abolfazl Damenjani was sentenced to five years in prison on charges of “assembly and collusion”, two years for “propaganda against the regime”, and eight years for “acting against national security”. The combined sentences for these three charges amount to 15 years of imprisonment.

The verdict was communicated to Mr Damenjani in person on Saturday, 10 October, and was also formally served on his lawyer. However, no information is currently available regarding whether the verdict is final or subject to appeal, or whether an appeal has been lodged.

Arrest and Detention in Solitary Confinement
Abolfazl Damenjani, a resident of Mashhad, was arrested by security agents at his workplace on 10 January 2026. According to information received, his family remained unaware of his whereabouts and condition for approximately one month following his arrest.

Following his arrest, he was transferred to Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, where, according to reports, he was held in solitary confinement for two months and subjected to pressure and interrogation. After this period, he was transferred to the prison’s security ward.

Concerns Regarding Judicial Proceedings and Defence Rights
As of the publication of this report, no independently verified information has emerged regarding the details of the judicial proceedings, the evidence relied upon by the court in issuing its verdict, the conduct of the hearings, or whether Damenjani had access to a lawyer of his choosing during interrogation and trial.

The right to a fair trial, effective access to legal representation, and the opportunity to be informed of and defend oneself against criminal charges are fundamental rights of defendants. Furthermore, solitary confinement and the exertion of pressure on detainees, particularly when accompanied by harmful conditions or degrading treatment, may raise serious human rights concerns regarding the prohibition of torture and ill-treatment.

Breathing in Confinement continues to follow the case of Abolfazl Damenjani and emphasises the importance of safeguarding his defence rights, ensuring transparency in judicial proceedings, and independently investigating reports concerning the conditions of his arrest and detention.