Political Prisoner Atefeh Hassani has faced direct threats from a representative of the Ministry of Intelligence at Fardis Prison in Karaj. She is the sister of Mohammad Hassani, a political prisoner held at Karaj Central Prison.
The security official told Atefeh Hassani that she would not be released as long as her brother refused to comply with the demands of the authorities.
Similar reports of pressure being exerted on relatives of political prisoners have emerged in previous years. Atefeh Hassani’s detention and the recent threats against her have once again drawn attention to pressure placed on the families of political prisoners.
Who Is Atefeh Hassani and Why Was She Arrested?
Atefeh Hassani was arrested by intelligence agents at her home in Karaj in early January 2025.
Following her arrest, she was transferred to a detention facility in Karaj for interrogations and was later transferred to Fardis Prison, also known as Kachoui Prison. According to the latest information available, Hassani is currently being held at Fardis Prison in Karaj.
Atefeh Hassani’s arrest is linked to her relationship with Mohammad Hassani. At the same time, security authorities have accused her of offenses including “membership in groups opposed to the regime.”
No specific evidence or documentation supporting these allegations has been made public, according to available information.
Mohammad Hassani, Political Prisoner Held at Karaj Central Prison
Mohammad Hassani is 33 years old, from Sonqor. He lived in Karaj and was pursuing his master’s degree.
Arrested in January 2020, he was subjected to pressure and torture during his detention and interrogation.
The charges brought against Mohammad Hassani include “supporting the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran,” “propaganda against the state,” and “damaging public property.”
Mohammad Hassani was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Initially, six years of the sentence were designated as enforceable. However, in September 2024, he was informed that he would have to serve the full 12-year sentence because the Ministry of Intelligence had prevented the consolidation of his cases.
The Ministry of Intelligence is also seeking to open another case against Mohammad Hassani, which could add another eight years to his prison sentence.
Mohammad Hassani has remained imprisoned at Karaj Central Prison since 2020 without a single day of leave.
