Batoul Gerami, the mother of Sajad Samadi, who was killed during Iran’s nationwide protests January 2026, was violently assaulted by security forces while attending a graveside ceremony for her son in the city of Gonabad, located in Razavi Khorasan province.
The incident took place during the final Thursday of the Iranian year, a day traditionally marked by memorial visits to cemeteries. According to reports, Gerami, a bereaved mother seeking justice, was severely beaten at her son’s gravesite. She sustained serious injuries, lost consciousness, and was subsequently transferred to a hospital. Medical reports indicate significant physical trauma, including a fractured shoulder blade, and confirm that she remains hospitalized.
At the same time, approximately 40 attendees present at the ceremony were arrested by forces affiliated with the Basij militia and the Revolutionary Guard Corps. Authorities reportedly used violence during the arrests. As of the time of this report, no information has been released regarding the detainees’ whereabouts or conditions, raising concerns about potential violations of their rights.
Arrest of Soheila Hosseini and Her Husband in Mashhad
In a separate development, Soheila Hosseini and her husband, Ahmad Rahimi, a former professor at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, were arrested on March 18, 2026, following a raid by security forces on their home in Mashhad. They were taken to an undisclosed location.
Judicial authorities have not provided any explanation for the arrests, and no formal charges have been announced.
Dr. Ahmad Rahimi had previously resigned from his academic position during the 2022 nationwide protests in protest to the government’s crackdown on demonstrators.
