Hamid Haj Jafar Kashani, former futsal referee, faces a second conviction in Iran for peaceful protests, sentenced to 15 months and a residency ban.
Iran Human Rights Society, Sunday, September 7, 2025 – Hamid Haj Jafar Kashani’s conviction in September 2025 marks another chapter in Iran’s crackdown on dissent. Authorities sentenced the former futsal referee to 15 months in prison and a two-year residency ban for peacefully protesting on Tehran’s streets. This ruling, handed down by the Tehran Revolutionary Court, highlights Iran’s ongoing violation of human rights. Kashani’s case, rooted in his vocal opposition to the regime, underscores the judiciary’s role in silencing activists. This article details his second conviction, prior arrests, and the broader human rights implications.
Kashani’s Arrest on Enghelab Street
On April 27, 2025, security forces arrested Hamid Haj Jafar Kashani on Enghelab Street in Tehran. He chanted slogans like “Death to Khamenei” and held a placard reading, “Until the mullahs are gone, this homeland will not be a homeland.” Authorities charged him with “propaganda against the system.” Despite his peaceful protest, they transferred him to a security detention center for intense interrogations. Sources close to Kashani confirm his actions involved no violence, yet the regime targeted him for his outspoken dissent.
Tehran Revolutionary Court’s Harsh Ruling
The Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced Kashani to 15 months in prison for his protest. Additionally, it imposed a two-year ban on residing in Tehran and neighboring provinces. The court cited his slogans and placard as “insulting” to the leadership. Such punitive measures aim to isolate activists and curb their influence. This ruling reflects a pattern of politically motivated convictions in Iran, where the judiciary prioritizes suppression over justice.
History of Persecution: Kashani’s First Conviction
Kashani, born in 1982 in Tehran, faced his first arrest in February 2019. Authorities accused him of “propaganda against the system” and “membership in the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK).” He served three and a half years in Rasht, Evin, and Greater Tehran prisons. After his release, he sought asylum in Turkey but was deported back to Iran. This led to another year in Evin Prison, where he endured pressure to renounce his beliefs. His steadfast refusal made him a repeated target.
Peaceful Protest and Torture Allegations
Kashani’s May 2025 arrest stemmed from his protest on North Kargar Street, where he criticized the regime and Khamenei. Local sources emphasize his non-violent approach. However, during detention, he faced physical and psychological torture, including threats against his family and prolonged isolation. These tactics aimed to coerce him into compliance. Despite such pressures, Kashani remains a symbol of resistance within Iran’s sports and activist communities.
Human Rights Violations in Kashani’s Case
Hamid Haj Jafar Kashani’s conviction violates multiple international human rights standards:
- Article 19 of the ICCPR: His punishment for peaceful expression breaches freedom of speech.
- Article 20 of the UDHR: Authorities suppressed his right to peaceful assembly.
- Article 9 of the ICCPR: His arbitrary detention lacked a fair trial process.
- Article 14 of the ICCPR: The non-public trial and biased judges denied him justice.
- Article 12 of the ICCPR: The residency ban restricts his freedom of movement.
These violations highlight Iran’s systematic repression of dissent, using the judiciary as a tool to silence activists.
Broader Context: Iran’s Crackdown on Dissent
Kashani’s case reflects Iran’s escalating repression. The UN reported 975 executions in 2024, the highest since 2015, with many targeting dissidents. The regime’s use of harsh penalties, like Kashani’s residency ban, aims to isolate activists. Posts on X echo outrage over such convictions, noting Iran’s fear of voices like Kashani’s. His case, alongside others like Sharifeh Mohammadi’s death sentence, underscores a judiciary weaponized against dissent.
Kashani’s Legacy in Futsal and Activism
Colleagues in Iran’s futsal community praise Kashani as a dedicated, justice-seeking individual. His transition from a respected referee to a political prisoner highlights the regime’s intolerance for free thought. His repeated convictions symbolize Iran’s broader suppression of freedom of expression and peaceful protest. Activists and supporters continue to rally for his release, amplifying his case globally.
See also the below articles:
- Iran Executions Surge: 15 Prisoners Executed Across Multiple Prisons
- Two Years of Limbo for Ruhollah Khosravi
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