Engines of Abuse: Commander of the County Basij Resistance District

Posted on December 4, 2025December 4, 2025 by admin admin

This report constitutes the third installment in a five-part series published by Human Rights Activists (HRA) through its Spreading Justice project. This publication, uniquely within the series, is produced in collaboration with HRA’s Pasdaran Documentation Project and examines local IRGC commanders. The series, Engines of Abuse, aims to shed light on the roles within the Iranian regime’s legal and security apparatus that enable and sustain serious human rights abuses and violations of international law. The Spreading Justice database currently contains profiles of more than a thousand individuals implicated in such violations. Beyond identifying these individuals, the series also analyzes how and why the positions they hold perpetuate the entrenched cycle of repression and abuse.

Although Iranian law outlines the general duties and organizational structure of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the legal texts do not explicitly detail the full range of duties and powers of the Commander of the IRGC. However, by drawing on provisions within the IRGC Statute (1982), the IRGC Employment Regulations Act (1983), and the Disciplinary Regulations of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the mandate, operational scope, and practical authority associated with this position can be inferred, and as such are laid out briefly below.

As the highest-ranking IRGC official at the county level, the County IRGC Commander plays a central role in implementing the IRGC security, cultural, social, and developmental missions. This geographic unit—variously referred to in official materials as a county or district constitutes the primary arena in which IRGC policy is translated into practice. The commander serves as the critical link between the Provincial IRGC Command and the operational ranks within local Resistance Districts and Bases, ensuring that IRGC directives are executed and adapted to local conditions.

Within this structure, the County IRGC Commander is also referred to as the Commander of the County Basij Resistance District. He acts as the IRGC’s official representative in the area and operates directly under the supervision of the Provincial IRGC Commander. According to the IRGC Employment Regulations Act, this position must be filled by a special Basij member or a permanent IRGC officer who meets the required standards of ideological commitment, technical competence, and operational experience. He is responsible for tasks across four domains: training, operations, discipline, and administration. In practice, this makes the County IRGC Commander not merely a coordinator but an active executor of IRGC strategy, entrusted with broad authority over all IRGC and Basij activities within the county.

Legal Basis for the County IRGC Commander’s Position

Article 94 of the IRGC Employment Regulations Act (1983) establishes that the commander of a Resistance District, equivalent to the County IRGC Commander, is responsible for leading and managing Basij units in training, operational matters, disciplinary enforcement, and administrative oversight. This article provides the legal foundation for the commander’s authority within the IRGC hierarchy.

Articles 35 and 36 of the IRGC Statute (1982) further define the Basij’s overarching objectives, including cultivating societal readiness to defend the Islamic Republic, conducting military and ideological training, organizing popular forces, supporting relief and development efforts, and safeguarding the Islamic Revolution.

Together, these provisions delineate the statutory framework that empowers the County IRGC Commander and embeds the role within the administrative, political, and military apparatus of the Islamic Republic^[1].

Duties of the County IRGC Commander

Drawing from the IRGC’s foundational documents, the commander’s responsibilities fall into several key categories:

1. Training Duties

The commander oversees the military, ideological, and security training of local Basij forces. He is responsible for ensuring training quality, developing skill-building programs, and enhancing the operational readiness of forces, consistent with Article 36 of the IRGC Statute and Article 94 of the Employment Regulations Act.

2. Operational Duties

In routine situations, the commander prepares local forces for security and defense operations. In times of crisis or unrest, he assumes direct command, coordinating with the Provincial IRGC Command and the County Security Council to implement security, suppression, and defense plans.

3. Disciplinary and Administrative Duties

The commander enforces discipline, organizational order, and regulatory compliance within all subordinate units. Under the Disciplinary Regulations of the Armed Forces (1979), he is empowered to impose disciplinary measures. He also oversees administrative operations, personnel management, and financial affairs in accordance with IRGC directives.

4. Cultural and Social Duties

Article 2 of the IRGC Statute identifies safeguarding the Islamic Revolution, including through cultural and social interventions, as a core IRGC mission. At the county level, the commander directs Basij cultural programming, ideological campaigns, and public outreach. The commander works with state cultural and educational institutions to counter perceived “cultural threats,” maintain social control, and reinforce regime-aligned narratives.

5. Developmental and Service-Oriented Duties

Clause 6 of Article 36 of the IRGC Statute mandates Basij participation in national development efforts. The commander oversees Basij construction brigades, disaster response efforts, and poverty alleviation programs, coordinating closely with the County Governor’s Office and relevant executive agencies. In practice, these activities, when they are carried out, serve to strengthen the IRGC’s political and social influence at the local level.

Powers of the County IRGC Commander

The commander’s formal authorities, as outlined in IRGC regulations, include:

Issuing operational, administrative, and disciplinary orders to all IRGC and Basij units within the county.
Selecting or recommending commanders for local Resistance Districts and Bases, subject to provincial approval.
Participating in County Security Council meetings as the IRGC’s official representative.
Signing all official, financial, and disciplinary correspondence related to the Resistance District.
Exercising disciplinary powers

These authorities establish the County IRGC Commander as a fully empowered local military and security official capable of exercising substantial control over coercive, cultural, and administrative structures.

The IRGC Statute (1982), the IRGC Employment Regulations Act (1983), and Article 150 of the Constitution collectively situate the IRGC as the “guardian of the Islamic Revolution and its achievements.” Within this mandate, the County IRGC Commander plays a pivotal role. He serves as the primary executor of the IRGC’s mission at the local level, directing Basij forces, shaping security and cultural policy, and overseeing activities that directly affect the daily lives of residents. This authority has profound implications for human rights. During the nationwide protests of 2022, for example, at least sixteen civilians were killed and many more injured or detained in Mahabad by IRGC, Basij, Special Forces (Yegan-e Vijeh), and other security units. Akbar Norouzi, then serving as the County IRGC Commander and a member of the County Security Council, played a role in the violations perpetrated against the local population.

Throughout the protests, IRGC and Special Forces units deployed across Mahabad’s main squares and residential areas, conducting continuous armed fire against protesters and homes. This sustained military presence demonstrates the decisive role that IRGC command structures, and specifically County IRGC Commanders, play in orchestrating, enabling, and carrying out violent crackdowns on peaceful dissent.

By examining this position, the Spreading Justice series underscores how local IRGC leadership functions as an essential component of Iran’s machinery of repression, contributing directly to systemic patterns of rights violations and impunity.

Table of Former and Current County-level IRGC Commanders

*Note, this table also includes profiles from HRA’s Pasdaran Documentation Project. The Pasdaran Documentation Project maps the structure and documents the activities of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The database is the first of its kind, offering an overview of the IRGC’s organizational structure, its chain of command, and the historical context of its units and key individuals alongside an analysis of its behavior both inside of Iran and beyond. PDP utilizes a progressive data accumulation approach to document the IRGC. This methodology allows us to incrementally build detailed profiles on IRGC personnel and units. As new information becomes available, researchers update profiles, continuously refining our understanding of the IRGC’s extensive network. While our approach can result in some incomplete profiles, it allows us to cover the breadth of the IRGC’s activities, providing a broad and evolving view of its operations. Learn more here: https://iranpdp.org/about-us/

Name	Current Position	Location	HRA’s Pasdaran Documentation Project Profile
Abbas-Ali Reihani	Commander of the IRGC and Basij of Bojnourd County	Bojnourd	https://iranpdp.org/people-information/?id=692575dd4fe23749d816bfa8
Akbar Nowrouzi	Commander of the IRGC Corps and Basij of Mahabad County	Mahabad	https://iranpdp.org/people-information?id=65f788866718f83d4490cb0b
Behrouz Hekmatpour	Commander of the IRGC Corps and Basij of Dezful County	Dezful	https://iranpdp.org/people-information/?id=692d73534fe23749d816c030
Mohammad Loveymi	Commander of Khorramshahr IRGC Corps and Basij	Khorramshahr	https://iranpdp.org/people-information/?id=692d74564fe23749d816c061
Amir Ghamarzadeh	Commander of Mahshahr IRGC Corps and Basij	Mahshahr	https://iranpdp.org/people-information/?id=692d756a4fe23749d816c092
Ruhollah Ghasemi-Kheshab	Commander of the IRGC of Behbahan County	Behbahan	https://iranpdp.org/people-information/?id=692d76854fe23749d816c0c3
Mohammad Amin Sabbaghian-Moghaddam	Commander of the Basij Resistance and IRGC Corps of Firuzabad County	Firuzabad	https://iranpdp.org/people-information/?id=692d78d04fe23749d816c0f4
Sadegh Jamali	Commander of Qorveh County IRGC Corps	Qorveh	N/A
Ruhollah Zamani-Nia	Commander of Basij Resistance and IRGC Corps of Bampur County	Bampur	N/A
Esmaeil Kouhkan	Commander of Basij Resistance and IRGC Corps of Lashar County	Lashar	N/A
Mohsen Darabi	Commander of the IRGC Corps and Basij of Sahneh County	Sahneh	N/A
Hojjatollah Salari	Commander of Hormuz IRGC Corps and Basij	Hormuz	N/A
Ali Yaghoubian	Commander of Torbat-e Heydariyeh District IRGC Corps	Torbat-e Heydariyeh	N/A
Fayaz Allahyari	IRGC Commander of Shahriar County	Shahriar	https://iranpdp.org/people-information/?id=66f7d73181dfdde40363a7a0
Gholamreza Shabaninia	Commander of Marvdasht District IRGC Corps	Marvdasht	N/A
Seyed Ali-Asghar Pourbehesht	Commander of the IRGC Corps and Basij of Kohgiluyeh County	Kohgiluyeh	N/A
Sadegh Erfani-Magham	Commander of Dena County IRGC Corps and Basij	Dena	N/A
Alireza Heidari	IRGC Commander of Imam Hassan Mojtaba Qazvin County	Qazvin	N/A
Mehrdad Babaei	Commander of the Babol County IRGC Corps and Basij	Babol	N/A
Mehrdad Ebrahimpour	IRGC Commander of Nowshahr County	Nowshahr	N/A
Mostafa Bazvand	Babolsar district IRGC Corps and Basij Commander	Babolsar	https://iranpdp.org/people-information/?id=670c05cbf0735539d2b6365a
Yaghoub Rashidi	IRGC Commander of Oshnavieh County	Oshnavieh	N/A
Hossein Maleki	IRGC Commander of Kamyaran County	Kamyaran	https://iranpdp.org/people-information/?id=66f76b5fc0b823155963a749
Jalil Naghshi Gharebagh	IRGC Commander of Piranshahr County	Piranshahr	N/A
Ali Ahmad Safizadeh	IRGC Commander of Divandarreh County	Divandarreh	N/A
Hamid Janbaz	Commander of the IRGC Corps and Basij of the Bandar-e Anzali County	Bandar-e Anzali	N/A
Mohammad-Ali Setizeh	Commander of Talesh district IRGC Corps	Talesh	N/A
Mohammad Mehrzad	Commander of Langrud District Corps	Langrud	N/A
Iraj Galini	Garmsar IRGC and Basij	Garmsar	N/A
Abbas Forouzan Mehr	Commander of the Joveyn County IRGC	Joveyn	N/A
Seyed Ebrahim Sharifi	IRGC Commander of Sari County	Sari	N/A
Mohammad Baramaki	Commander of Borujerd District IRGC Corps and Basij	Borujerd	N/A
Abedin Daghmehchi-Firouzjaei	Commander of the Amol District IRGC Corps	Amol	N/A
Mosayyeb Mohammadjani	Commander of the IRGC Corps of Astaneh-ye Ashrafiyeh County	Astaneh-ye Ashrafiyeh	N/A
Samad Mohammad Alizadeh	Commander of the IRGC of Sardasht County	Sardasht	N/A
Karam Nazari	Commander of the IRGC of Shahrekord district	Shahrekord	N/A
Mousa Hayavi	Commander of the IRGC and Basij in the Hoveyzeh district	Hoveyzeh	N/A
Mahdi Torofi	Commander of the IRGC and Basij of Shush County	Shush	N/A
Heydar Olfati	Commander of the IRGC in the Ilam district	Ilam	https://iranpdp.org/people-information/?id=66f77c87c0b823155963a7df
Mostafa Emam Bakhsh	Commander of the IRGC in Baft County	Baft	N/A
Ahmad Maldar	Commander of Khash County IRGC Corps	Khash	https://iranpdp.org/people-information/?id=66f6c7ce9f7dcde3ff537b26
Bahram Mirzaei	Commander of the IRGC Corps and Basij of Paveh County	Paveh	https://iranpdp.org/people-information/?id=6920cfce4fe23749d816bbbc

Name	Previous Position	Current Position	Workplace	Pasdaran Documentation Project Profile
Majid Ranjbari	Commander of Parsian County Basij and IRGC Corps	Unknown	Unknown	https://iranpdp.org/people-information/?id=6920c9694fe23749d816baf1
Omid Nasibi	Commander of Marvdasht District County IRGC Corps	Representative of Mamsani and Rostam in Fars province in the 12th Assembly of the Islamic Council	Tehran	https://iranpdp.org/people-information/?id=6920cb864fe23749d816bb24
Arsalan Soltangholi	Commander of the Guards Corps of Eslamabad-e Gharb County	Unknown	Unknown	https://iranpdp.org/people-information/?id=6920cde44fe23749d816bb78
Mohammad PourEsmaeili-Foumani	IRGC Commander of Rezvanshahr County	Deputy for Cultural and Artistic Affairs of the Qods IRGC of Gilan Province	Rasht	https://iranpdp.org/people-information/?id=6920d1bc4fe23749d816bc05
Faramarz Deilam-Katouli	Commander of the Gorgan County IRGC Corps	Unknown	Unknown	https://iranpdp.org/people-information/?id=6920d3cb4fe23749d816bc49
Abozar Anvari	IRGC Commander of Kermanshah County	Unknown	Unknown	https://iranpdp.org/people-information/?id=6920d5174fe23749d816bc82
Hassan Mahdavi	Commander of Tonekabon District IRGC Corps	Unknown	Unknown	https://iranpdp.org/people-information/?id=692160b44fe23749d816bcb3
Mohammad Mahjouri	Commander of Arak District IRGC Corps	Inspection Deputy of the Ruhollah IRGC in Markazi Province	Arak	https://iranpdp.org/people-information/?id=692161cd4fe23749d816bcde
Hojjat Amirikia	Qeshm County IRGC Corps and Basij Commander	Unknown	Unknown	https://iranpdp.org/people-information/?id=692163244fe23749d816bd19
Mansour Valiei	Marivan city IRGC corps commander	Commander of the 22nd Beit-al-Moqaddas Operational Division of Kurdistan	Sanandaj	https://iranpdp.org/people-information/?id=692164034fe23749d816bd44
Azim Hasani Kahangi	IRGC Commander of Izeh County	Unknown	Unknown	https://iranpdp.org/people-information/?id=692166954fe23749d816bd89
Mohammad Nik-Fetrat	Commander of the Rasht District IRGC Corps	Executive Deputy of the Qods IRGC of Gilan Province	Rasht	https://iranpdp.org/people-information/?id=6724826ceb21a16a0fad241e
Mohammad Harati	Commander of the Iranshahr Revolutionary Guards	Unknown	Unknown	https://iranpdp.org/people-information/?id=6921697c4fe23749d816bdd0
Ghahraman Eyvazlou	Commander of the IRGC and Basij of the Urmia district	Commander of the Basij of Various Social Groups of the Shohada IRGC of West Azerbaijan Province	Urmia	https://iranpdp.org/people-information/?id=69216c7e4fe23749d816be06
Morteza Abdollahi	Commander of Semnan Guards Corps	Deputy Commander of the Qaem Al-Mohammad IRGC of Semnan Province	Semnan	https://iranpdp.org/people-information/?id=69216daf4fe23749d816be34
Ali Zarghani	Commander of the Guards Corps of Quchan District	Unknown	Unknown	https://iranpdp.org/people-information/?id=69216f604fe23749d816be61
Amir-Abbas Amri	IRGC Commander of Baneh County	Unknown	Unknown	https://iranpdp.org/people-information/?id=6921709d4fe23749d816be91
Yousef Maroufi	Commander of the Revolutionary Guards in Saqqez County	Deputy Commander of the Boroujerdi IRGC Garrison in West Azerbaijan Province	Urmia	https://iranpdp.org/people-information/?id=66f78197c0b823155963a842
Ali Khadem	Commander of Ghaemshahr District Corps	Unknown	Unknown	https://iranpdp.org/people-information/?id=692172784fe23749d816beca
Issa Afsari	Commander of the Revolutionary Guards and Basij in Larestan district	Unknown	Unknown	https://iranpdp.org/people-information/?id=6921742d4fe23749d816bf00
Faramarz Bavandpour	Commander of the Javanrud IRGC in Kermanshah province	Unknown	Unknown	https://iranpdp.org/people-information/?id=692175e24fe23749d816bf3c
Ali Samareh Hosseini	IRGC Commander of Saravan County	Deputy Coordinator of the Salman IRGC in Sistan and Baluchestan	Zahedan	https://iranpdp.org/people-information/?id=692177194fe23749d816bf67
Mohammad Ghodrati	Commander of the Revolutionary Guards of Roudsar County	Unknown	Unknown	N/A
Morteza MirAghaei	Commander of the Basij resistance area of Sanandaj County	Unknown	Unknown	N/A

Footnotes

Islamic Republic of Iran, “Statute of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps,” adopted 6 September 1982, https://rc.majlis.ir/fa/law/show/90595
Islamic Republic of Iran, “Law on the Employment Regulations of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (Qānun-e Moqarrarāt-e Esteʿdādmi-ye Sepāh-e Pāsdārān-e Enqelāb-e Eslāmī),” adopted 21 Mehr 1370 (13 October 1991), https://rc.majlis.ir/fa/law/show/91961
“Iran: Disciplinary Regulations of the Armed Forces,” Shenasname-Law Database, https://shenasname.ir/defa/20714-%D8%A2%DB%8C%DB%8C%D9%86-%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%87-D8%A7%D9%86%D8%B6%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B7%DB%8C-D9%86%DB%8C%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%87%D8%A7%DB%8C-D9%85%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%AD
Islamic Republic of Iran, “Law on the Employment Regulations of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (Qānun-e Moqarrarāt-e Esteʿdādmi-ye Sepāh-e Pāsdārān-e Enqelāb-e Eslāmī),” adopted 21 Mehr 1370 (13 October 1991), https://rc.majlis.ir/fa/law/show/91961
Islamic Republic of Iran, “Statute of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps,” adopted 6 September 1982, https://rc.majlis.ir/fa/law/show/90595
Islamic Republic of Iran, “Law on the Employment Regulations of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (Qānun-e Moqarrarāt-e Esteʿdādmi-ye Sepāh-e Pāsdārān-e Enqelāb-e Eslāmī),” adopted 21 Mehr 1370 (13 October 1991), https://rc.majlis.ir/fa/law/show/91961
“The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Guardian Council Research Center, https://www.shora-gc.ir/fa/news/4707/قانون-اساسی-جمهوری-اسلامی-ایران
Spreading Justice, “Akbar Norouzi,” Spreading Justice – Human Rights Violators Database, https://spreadingjustice.org/fa/individual-violator/sj08917/
Radio Farda, “IRGC and Special Units Deployed in Mahabad Squares; At Least Three Protesters Killed in Piranshahr and Javanroud,” published 21 November 2022, Radio Farda, https://www.radiofarda.com/a/32139820.html

[1] Article 35 identifies the purpose of establishing the Basij of the Oppressed as “creating the necessary capabilities among those who believe in the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran to defend the country and assist the people in times of need.” Article 36 defines the Basij’s duties as including military training, organizing popular forces, assisting in relief and development efforts, and guarding the Islamic Revolution.

Report Offers Blueprint for Holding IRGC Accountable for HRVs and International Crimes

Posted on April 9, 2025April 9, 2025 by admin admin

April 9, 2025 – HRA’s latest report published today presents a detailed roadmap for accountability for members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and alleged involvement in serious human rights violations and international crimes both inside Iran and around the world.

Accountability Pathways: A Practitioner’s Guide to Addressing Alleged Serious Human Rights Violations and International Crimes Committed by the IRGC in Iran and Abroad

This publication, prepared by HRA with the legal support of UpRights, is part of the Pasdaran Documentation Project (PDP), an HRA initiative dedicated to mapping the IRGC from inception to the present day alongside addressing violations and international crimes perpetrated by its members.

The guide spans over 20 judicial and quasi-judicial pathways for accountability, offering practitioners concrete guidance on available mechanisms to seek justice for serious human rights violations and international crimes attributed to the IRGC both within Iran and abroad.

*Download the full report, “Accountability Pathways,” in PDF*

The IRGC has played a central role in the systematic suppression of political dissidents, activists, and journalists within Iran, as well as in the abduction and extrajudicial targeting of perceived regime enemies beyond Iran’s borders. The IRGC’s involvement in armed conflicts, particularly in Syria and Iraq, has also led to allegations of grave international crimes. Despite these extensive allegations, Iran’s legal system lacks independence, rendering domestic accountability mechanisms ineffective. The Iranian judiciary remains complicit in widespread human rights abuses, making external avenues for justice essential.

This guide is designed to equip civil society actors, victims, and legal practitioners with practical tools to navigate the complex landscape of accountability mechanisms. It systematically outlines the feasibility, strengths, and limitations of various pathways, categorized into:

Domestic judicial mechanisms in third states, including universal jurisdiction and extraterritorial prosecutions;
International tribunals, such as the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice;
United Nations mechanisms, including special procedures and treaty bodies;
Targeted sanctions regimes, such as Magnitsky-style sanctions against human rights violators;
Truth-seeking initiatives and other transitional justice approaches.
And more

The publication also draws on 12 incidents that were analyzed under international law as part of the Pasdaran Documentation Project by UpRights and HRA.

These incidents and their associated analyses and alleged perpetrators, provide critical insights into patterns of violations and the modus operandi of the IRGC. These incidents’ full details and legal implications can be accessed at iranpdp.org.

Given Iran’s non-cooperation with international accountability mechanisms and its rejection of key human rights instruments, practitioners must employ a strategic approach. The guide underscores the importance of combining judicial and non-judicial pathways, leveraging international pressure, and ensuring victim-centered approaches throughout.

Ultimately, Accountability Pathways aims to facilitate informed, coordinated, and effective efforts to hold perpetrators accountable while centering the needs and rights of victims in the pursuit of justice.

“This isn’t about theory — it’s about action. When impunity prevails, we need practical options. This guide arms practitioners with concrete tools to start the conversation on how we can move, strategically and creatively, toward justice. It’s a call to coordinate, to act, and to make clear that accountability is possible — even when states refuse to deliver it. It comes alongside a body of extensive work to uncover an intentionally veiled institution — one designed to shield decision makers and key perpetrators from public scrutiny and consequence. Together, both work in coordination to offer an opportunity to discuss new, timely, and creative paths forward.” Skylar Thompsin, Deputy Director, HRA.

Looking Ahead

The publication arrives at a moment of heightened international scrutiny of Iran’s human rights record. In recent weeks, the mandate of the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Iran has been renewed as it has identified crimes against humanity in many ways linked to the IRGC’s suppression of the 2022 protests and beyond.

Despite these developments, the report cautions that accountability will require sustained effort and international coordination. It urges states, international bodies, and civil society actors to work collaboratively, pool resources, and support action across all feasible fronts.

This recorded webinar features legal experts and practitioners discussing concrete accountability mechanisms for addressing serious human rights violations and international crimes committed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
🔹 Panelists:
Valérie Gabard (UpRights)
Natalia Kubesch (REDRESS)
Skylar Thompson (HRA)
UN Fact-Finding Mission on Iran (Secretariat)
🎤 Moderator: Julie Heezius (HRA)

Introducing the PDP: An Unprecedented Resource on Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

Posted on December 16, 2024December 16, 2024 by admin admin

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has long been a shadowy force, with its operations largely hidden from the international community. Its influence on Iran and the broader Middle East has been both profound and destructive. Now, after two years of intensive research, the Pasdaran Documentation Project (PDP) is launching an unparalleled resource that seeks to bring transparency to the IRGC’s activities. This project marks the culmination of extensive work involving thousands of documents and the identification of key IRGC units and personnel alongside a legal analysis of incidents attributed.

Available at www.iranpdp.org, this database provides unprecedented access to detailed information on the IRGC.

Origins and Purpose

Founded by Human Rights Activists (HRA), the Pasdaran Documentation Project was established to shed light on the structure, operations, and influence of the IRGC—a state within a state in Iran. The IRGC’s activities have not only shaped Iran’s political landscape but also contributed to widespread human rights abuses and violations of international law.

The project’s core objective is to identify the IRGC’s personnel, units, and key players as a step toward dismantling the regime’s power structure. By exposing the individuals and entities involved in abuses across decades, the project helps create a roadmap for judicial and quasi-judicial accountability, including international targeted sanctions, and state-led prosecution under international law.

The project’s underlying philosophy stems from the belief that public awareness—and open-source accessibility to underlying information—is the key to change. For decades, the IRGC has operated behind a veil of propaganda, with many Iranians and global observers unaware of its extensive illicit activity. This project intends to break this cycle by offering transparent, accessible, and meticulously researched information on the IRGC’s structure and activity.

Research Methods and Technological Innovation: NALA

In the project’s first phase, the structure and chain of command were created through an in-depth analysis of books derived from Iran, first-hand accounts, open-source data, and more. This comprehensive research would not have been possible without a pioneering technological solution developed by HRA.

HRA has designed an innovative software called NALA, a multilingual research facilitation tool specifically created to enhance data analysis and streamline content discovery. NALA processes data in multiple languages, identifies key themes using custom keyword lists, and retrieves relevant material with precision. Its advanced filtering system minimizes errors and saves time, making it an indispensable tool with sustainable applications that extend far beyond its original purpose. The integration of NALA into the PDP has enabled a level of depth, accuracy, and efficiency that would otherwise be unattainable.

The Importance of Identifying the IRGC

Understanding the IRGC is critical not only for those directly affected by its actions but also for the global human rights community. The IRGC was established in 1979 to protect and export Iran’s Islamic Revolution. Over time, it has morphed into a militarized and economic juggernaut with unparalleled influence over Iranian politics, military actions, and regional affairs. Its tentacles reach far beyond Iran’s borders, impacting conflicts in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen and extending its ideological and military support to Iran-backed groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas.

What makes the IRGC particularly dangerous is its multifaceted approach to control—using both brute force through its military wing, the Quds Force, and soft power through an intricate web of economic, political, and media influence. It has committed or facilitated endless human rights violations, including torture, unlawful detention, extrajudicial killings, and the repression of political dissent.

The Pasdaran Documentation Project’s Capabilities and Tools

At the heart of the Pasdaran Documentation Project is its public-facing website, a powerful tool that offers an in-depth look into the IRGC’s operations. This online database will be the first of its kind, providing easily accessible and verifiable data on the IRGC, including:

Detailed Profiles of IRGC Units and Personnel: The PDP has compiled over 90,000 profiles on the IRGC’s units and personnel, ranging from high-ranking commanders to mid-level operatives. These profiles outline the responsibilities, activities, and, when available and thoroughly investigated by our legal team, crimes committed by each unit or individual. Researchers, journalists, policymakers, and legal experts can use this data to track the IRGC’s operations across various domains. At the website’s initial launch, many profiles remain partially complete and will be filled with detailed information over time.
Dynamic Charts: One of the most unique features of the PDP website is its interactive tools, which visually represent the IRGC’s chain of command from 1979 to the present.
Searchable Databases: The website offers a powerful search function, enabling users to filter data by region, type of activity, or individual names or units. This allows for targeted research into specific members or units of the IRGC.
Human Rights Violations and Violations of International Law: The PDP has recorded a range of human rights violations attributed to the IRGC, including incidents of torture, unlawful detentions, forced confessions, and more. This section also covers the IRGC’s role in suppressing civil unrest, particularly during the 2009, 2017, 2019, and 2022-23 protests, during which numerous civilians were killed or arbitrarily detained. At the website’s initial launch, the PDP had documented at least 100 individual incidents, which are currently under review and available for public examination. Twelve of these incidents have been fully reviewed in accordance with human rights and international law.
Partnerships and Collaborations: HRA has collaborated with international criminal lawyers and other civil society organizations ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the data. These partnerships also enable HRA to present strategic reports on legal accountability pathways, presenting potential avenues for bringing IRGC members to justice in several emblematic circumstances. These publications are forthcoming.

Why This Project Matters: Objectives and Broader Impacts

The Pasdaran Documentation Project is more than just an archive—it is a living resource designed to empower activists, policymakers, and legal experts. By providing open access to verifiable data, the PDP will serve as a cornerstone for human rights advocacy and lay the groundwork for initiating investigations into the IRGC and its members for future prosecutions.

More to Come

The Pasdaran Documentation Project is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand or challenge the IRGC’s power. HRA encourages human rights activists, legal experts, and policymakers to explore the website, use its tools, and help shine a light on the IRGC’s activities. By working together, we can build a future where the IRGC’s influence is curbed, and justice is served.

For media inquiries, detailed reports, or additional information, please contact us at [email protected]. The PDP team is available for interviews, in-depth briefings on methodology and contents unveiled, and to assist in the preparation of news reports and background understanding regarding the IRGC.

This is just the beginning. The work of exposing the truth and ensuring justice continues as PDP is updated daily with new information.

HRA Unveils Groundbreaking Report on Iran’s Use of Child Soldiers in Armed Conflicts

Posted on August 14, 2024September 23, 2024 by admin admin

In a groundbreaking publication today, Human Rights Activists (HRA) has released an extensive report detailing Iran’s longstanding practice of recruiting the economically disadvantaged segments of society, including asylum seekers, immigrants, and using child soldiers in armed conflicts. The report particularly spotlights the exploitation of Afghan minors within the Fatemiyoun Division. This comprehensive investigation sheds light on a series of violations of international humanitarian law and international children’s rights, revealing the depth of Iran’s involvement in the recruitment, training, and deployment of children in combat zones.

The primary focus of this report, prepared by Spreading Justice (a database of human rights violators), the Pasdaran Documentation Initiative, and the HRANA news agency, is on the use of children—specifically individuals under 18 years of age—in war zones, who are predominantly of Afghan nationality and, to a lesser extent, Pakistani.

Purpose of Publishing the Report:

Promoting Transparency and Accountability: This report also aims to encourage transparency and accountability regarding the recruitment and use of child soldiers. By conducting a thorough analysis of Iran’s recruitment networks, training centers, and the roles played by various institutions and commanders, HRA seeks to ensure that those responsible for these violations are held accountable.

Unmasking the Exploitation of Vulnerable Populations: The primary aim of this report is to unmask the systematic exploitation of vulnerable populations, with a particular focus on Afghan immigrants and minors, by Iran’s military and paramilitary forces. Through detailed accounts, testimonies, and evidence, HRA endeavors to bring to the forefront the realities of these practices that have long been shrouded in secrecy and obfuscation.

Encouraging International Action and Dialogue: This report aims to spur international action and dialogue on the urgent issue of child soldiers.It calls for a united global effort to address and mitigate the factors driving the recruitment of child soldiers, advocating for policy reforms and the implementation of protective measures in line with the principles of international humanitarian law and children’s rights.

Through this report, HRA not only highlights the grave injustices experienced by child soldiers but also provides a roadmap for change, urging all stakeholders to commit to protecting the most vulnerable in conflict zones.

Executive Summary: A Deep Dive into Iran’s Recruitment of Child Soldiers

HRA’s report is a comprehensive analysis that exposes Iran’s systematic recruitment and exploitation of child soldiers, particularly focusing on the use of Afghan minors within the ranks of the Fatemiyoun Division, a paramilitary group fighting in Syria under the auspices of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This investigation is the result of meticulous research, including interviews with former child soldiers, analysis of recruitment tactics, and examination of the training and deployment processes.

Key Findings of the Report:

Systematic Recruitment and Use of Child Soldiers: The report exposes Iran’s long-standing practice of systematically recruiting child soldiers, a practice dating back to the Iran-Iraq War and persisting through its involvement in the Syrian conflict. It details how Iran targets vulnerable populations, particularly Afghan refugees and immigrants, many of whom are minors, coercing them into military service with promises of financial rewards or legal residency.

Violation of International Laws and Conventions: The HRA’s findings reveal Iran’s egregious violations of international law, encompassing both International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law. Despite its obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which prohibits the use of children under 15 in hostilities, Iran has been documented recruiting children as young as 14. This flagrant disregard for international norms extends to Iran’s failure to adhere to the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention on child soldiers and Customary International Law. These actions highlight Iran’s blatant disregard for its international commitments and the urgent need for accountability.

Inadequate Training and Preparation: The investigation details the insufficient and hastily conducted training provided to these child soldiers and other recruits, often lasting only three to four weeks. The training primarily focuses on combat tactics rather than imparting a comprehensive understanding of International Humanitarian Law (IHL). This lack of proper training not only exposes these children to immense danger on the battlefield but also contravenes the principles of IHL, which Iran is obligated to teach its armed forces.

Exploitation and Coercion: The report exposes the exploitation and coercion inherent in Iran’s recruitment practices. Testimonies from former child soldiers and other former members reveal a troubling pattern of manipulation, where minors and individuals in precarious visa situations are coerced into combat roles under threats of violence or death. Promises of financial compensation and legal status made to them are consistently broken.

High Casualty Rates and Lack of Support: One of the most harrowing findings is the disproportionately high casualty rates among the Fatemiyoun Division’s child soldiers. Testimonies and data point to instances where a significant amount of child soldiers were deployed in combat operations with minimal support, resulting in significant loss of life and injury. Furthermore, the report criticizes the lack of adequate support for injured child soldiers and the families of those killed in action, highlighting a neglectful and dismissive attitude by the IRGC towards these individuals upon their return from Syria.

Call to Action: In light of these findings, the report urges immediate action from the international community, including the implementation of targeted human rights sanctions for human rights abusers, support from international organizations and non-governmental organizations working on the ground to protect vulnerable populations from recruitment. Emphasizing Iran’s duty to uphold international standards, the report urges Iran to immediately halt its recruitment of child soldiers and to initiate comprehensive measures for the rehabilitation and support of those already impacted by such egregious practices.

The report by HRA is not just a condemnation of Iran’s actions but a plea to safeguard the rights and well-being of children caught in conflicts. By shedding light on these issues, HRA seeks to catalyze global efforts to ensure that no child is coerced into bearing arms and that those who have suffered receive the support needed to rebuild their lives.

Methodological Challenges:

HRA report on the recruitment and use of child soldiers by Iran represents a significant accomplishment, prepared despite considerable security and information challenges. Conducting research in a context where access to reliable data is heavily restricted, and where subjects of investigation face significant risks, required innovative approaches and steadfast determination. The organization’s commitment to uncovering the truth led to the deployment of undercover investigations, extensive interviews with survivors, and collaboration with a network of local activists, all undertaken while ensuring the safety and anonymity of those involved.

The International Community’s Role

The international community cannot afford to overlook the findings of this report. The documented violations have profound implications for global peace, security, and human rights. Addressing the use of child soldiers requires a concerted effort from nations worldwide to:

Invitation to Engage

HRA urges all concerned individuals, organizations, and government entities to engage with this critical issue by reviewing the full report. By understanding the depth and severity of the violations against children in armed conflicts, collective work can be done to safeguard the rights of the vulnerable.

To access the comprehensive report and learn more about the findings and recommendations, please download the full PDF version by clicking on the image below. HRA encourages readers to contact us with any questions, insights, or support for our ongoing efforts to protect human rights worldwide.

The active involvement and support of individuals are instrumental in addressing the use of child soldiers and upholding human rights globally. Collaboratively, efforts aim to contribute to positive change, fostering a safer, more just world for future generations.

Click Here to Download the Full Report in English (PDF)

HRA urges Tippmann Sports LLC to condemn the Iran government’s use of its equipment in the repression of protests

Posted on August 14, 2024September 23, 2024 by admin admin

Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA) published an open letter addressed to Tippmann Sports Company, asking this company to condemn the Iranian government’s use of equipment manufactured by this company in repressing Iranian protests. According to the reports and documents received by HRA, the security forces in Iran including FARAJA have widely used paintball guns made by this company in confronting protesters.

ATTN: Tippmann Sports

4230 Lake Ave

Fort Wayne, IN 46815

United States

Human Rights Activists (HRA), a U.S. based non-governmental organization that monitors and reports on human rights violations inside Iran. HRA writes to inform Tippmann Sports LLC that based on the information we have received and other existing evidence, its manufactured paintball equipment (specifically the Model 98 Paintball Gun) has been widely used by the security forces in the repression of unarmed protestors in Iran .

In the last month, the Iranian people have come to the streets to demand their human and democratic rights. In return, the security forces of the Islamic Republic have violently suppressed unarmed protestors. Hundreds have been killed, many more injured, and tens of thousands have been arbitrarily arrested. HRA has reported serious violations of human rights by the security forces of the Islamic Republic, including by FARAJA special units, against unarmed protestors. The acts documented by HRA and others include the killing, including by indiscriminate shooting, injuring, and arbitrary arrest of civilians, including minors.

Iran is under severe economic sanctions by the United States and other democracy-supporting countries. While we are not aware, nor do we claim any malice on the part of Tippmann Sports LLC, and further, have found no evidence that supports claims that the Iranian government has obtained this weapon directly from the manufacturer, it saddens us to see that your equipment, which is designed for games and sports, has been deployed in such a fashion.

HRA urges Tippmann Sports LLC to publicly and strongly condemn the Iranian government’s use of its equipment in the repression of protests, and with this position, stand by the people who are fighting for democracy and human rights in their country. In addition, we request that it considers implementing measures in its future contractual sales that would prevent the sale of this equipment to repressive regimes, namely the Islamic Republic.

Keyvan Rafiee

Director

Human Rights Activists (in Iran)

PASDARAN DOCUMENTATION PROJECT
A Human Rights Activists (HRA) Initiative

Author: admin admin

Engines of Abuse: Commander of the County Basij Resistance District