Eyes for Freedom | Cheshm Baraye Azadi | چشم برای آزادی

On 1 September 2026, HRANA confirmed the devastating news the Ali Zarei has been sentenced to death.

Ali had suffered an eye injury in 2022, Woman Life Freedom Protests and had been actively advocating for justice since. He had faced prosecution in Iran, being harassed and arrested over posts on social media.

Due to the pressures he was facing, Ali had made the difficult decision to leave Iran and had sought refuge in Germany where he had been residing for almost a year. Our team has learned that at some point in early 2026, Ali made the decision to return to Iran. The circumstances around his return and arrest have not been confirmed due to undue pressure and threats by the regime on those attempting to share information regarding Ali’s condition.

HRANA has been able to verify information that Ali has been sentenced to death by Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court on the charge of “Corruption on Earth through extensive engagement in political activities, creating the appearance of fabricated damages, producing false reports, propaganda against the regime, disrupting security, and illegally entering and exiting the country.”

Ali is currently being held in ward 37 of Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

We condemn the use of death sentences as a form of retribution. Protest is a human right and Ali has only exercised his right to protest and seek justice. We demand transparency, an update on Ali’s physical and mental condition and his immediate and unconditional release.