January protest detainee Erfan Hajbonyan Dhaghani sentenced to 11 years in prison in Isfahan

Hengaw – Saturday, September 12, 2026

Erfan Hajbonyan Dhaghani, a 26-year-old man from Isfahan who was arrested in connection with the January 2026 protests, has been sentenced to a total of 11 years in prison by Branch 5 of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court. Under Iran’s sentencing rules for multiple convictions, the most severe sentence of 10 years is enforceable.

According to information obtained by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, a verdict issued on August 11, 2026, a copy of which has been reviewed by Hengaw, sentenced Dhaghani to one year in prison on the charge of “propaganda against the state.”

The charge cited his participation in gatherings, chanting slogans on January 8, 2026, wearing clothing bearing a particular symbol and wording described as being “against national interests,” and his activities on social media.

He was separately sentenced to 10 years in prison on a charge of possessing 6.1 grams of hallucinogenic mushrooms.

Hengaw’s review of the case shows that the sentences were issued in proceedings that did not meet fair trial standards and that the charges against Dhaghani were brought under pressure from security agencies.

Under Iran’s sentencing rules for multiple convictions, the most severe sentence of 10 years is enforceable. The court ordered that the sentence be served at the prison closest to his place of residence.

Dhaghani was arrested by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Intelligence Organization in Isfahan on March 6, 2026, and remained in pretrial detention until April 7. He subsequently remained imprisoned after being unable to post the high bail set for his release.