According to information received by Hana Human Rights Organization, Amirali and Emad Zakerifard, two athlete brothers from illam and among those arrested during the “Woman, Life, Freedom” uprising, were previously sentenced by the judiciary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to lengthy terms of Ta’zir imprisonment, fines, and flogging on multiple charges. The sentences issued against the two brothers were upheld by the illam Province Court of Appeal and subsequently approved by Branch 15 of the Supreme Court on May 28, 2026. On June 24, 2026, they were transferred to illam Central Prison to begin serving their sentences.
The two citizens were arrested on November 2, 2022, during a raid by Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Intelligence Organization forces on their mother’s home in illam. Following their arrest, they were transferred to the IRGC Intelligence Organization detention facility in illam, where they were subjected to severe physical and psychological torture for 15 days in an attempt to extract forced confessions. As a result of the torture, Amirali sustained injuries to his head, neck, and shoulder, while Emad suffered injuries to his head and leg. Emad also suffered a heart attack during interrogations. Despite his poor physical condition, he was denied access to medical care, and interrogations continued.
After the interrogation period ended, the two brothers were transferred to illam Central Prison. Several weeks later, they were temporarily released upon posting bail. On July 19, 2025, Amirali Zakerifard was arrested for a second time by IRGC Intelligence Organization forces. Several weeks later, he was temporarily released from illam Central Prison upon posting bail of 1.5 billion tomans.
Following the issuance of an indictment, the case against the two brothers was referred to Branch 104 of the illam Criminal Court Two. On July 30, 2025, the branch sentenced each of them to 33 years of Ta’zir imprisonment, a fine of 6.25 billion rials, and 70 lashes on charges including insulting Islamic sanctities, insulting the Supreme Leader, propaganda against the Islamic Republic, unlawful possession of weapons and ammunition, carrying and possessing a pellet gun, assembly and collusion against internal security, disturbing public order and peace, and possessing alcoholic beverages and satellite reception equipment.
In a separate case, Amirali Zakerifard was also sentenced to an additional two years of Ta’zir imprisonment by Branch One of the Ilam Revolutionary Court. Accordingly, the total prison sentences imposed on Amirali Zakerifard amount to 35 years, while Emad Zakerifard received a total of 33 years.
The sentences were subsequently upheld in full by the illam Province Court of Appeal and were also approved by Branch 15 of the Supreme Court on May 28, 2026. Under the rules governing the consolidation of sentences, the most severe penalty, namely 10 years of imprisonment, is enforceable for each of the two brothers.
It should be noted that Amirali and Emad Zakerifard were transferred to illam Central Prison on June 24, 2026, to serve their prison sentences. They are currently serving their sentences in this prison.