Amid a growing wave of arrests targeting women and teenage girls across multiple Iranian cities, numerous reports have emerged detailing the manner of detention, conditions of confinement, and the legal status of those held. These arrests, often marked by ambiguity, denial of access to legal counsel, and lack of notification to families, have intensified serious concerns over human rights violations and prison conditions in Iran. This report examines the arrest procedures and current status of several of these individuals.
Urmia: Arrest and alleged torture of Kurdish blogger Hadis Haghighi
Hadis Haghighi, a 21-year-old Kurdish blogger from Urmia, has been held by security forces for over a month and is reported to have been subjected to severe pressure and torture during this period.
More than 30 days after her arrest, authorities have reportedly brought serious security-related charges against her, while her social media accounts have been shut down.
Throughout her detention, she has been denied access to legal representation and family visits. Haghighi was arrested at her family home in early March 2026, and as of the time of writing, the reasons for her arrest remain unclear.
Isfahan: Zeynab Shafi’zadeh detained and transferred to an undisclosed location
Zeynab Shafi’zadeh, a resident of Isfahan, was arrested by security forces at her home on the evening of Sunday, April 12, 2026, and transferred to an undisclosed location.
No information has been released regarding the reasons for her arrest, her place of detention, or any charges brought against her.
Previously, on January 5, 2026, her home had been searched and personal belongings, including her passport, were confiscated. She had also been summoned to a security institution following that search.
Kerman: Uncertainty surrounding the detention of Minu Mehrabani and Houman Forouhari
Minu Mehrabani, a researcher and cultural activist, along with her husband Houman Forouhari, a Zoroastrian cleric, were arrested by intelligence forces affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Kerman on March 15, 2026.
Nearly a month later, no clear information is available about their whereabouts or condition.
The couple administered a Telegram channel titled “Puyandegan-e Rah-e Asha,” which focused on education related to the Zoroastrian faith. Family efforts to obtain information about their situation have yielded no results, heightening concerns about their physical well-being and legal status.
Torbat-e Heydarieh Prison: Continued legal limbo for Sara Shahbazi
Sara Shahbazi, a university lecturer and a Bakhtiari citizen from Khuzestan province, was arrested on March 6, 2026, in the city of Sabzevar. After being transferred from Sabzevar Prison, she is currently being held in the women’s ward of Torbat-e Heydarieh Prison.
More than 45 days after her arrest, she remains in legal limbo, with no information disclosed about the charges against her or the authority responsible for her detention.
Her family’s attempts to follow up on her case have so far been unsuccessful.
Saqqez: Sahar Mahdi arrested on espionage charges
Sahar Mahdi, 32, from Saqqez, was arrested on April 16, 2026, following a raid by security forces on her family home.
Agents reportedly detained her without presenting a judicial warrant and transferred her to an undisclosed location.
Authorities have accused her of espionage and issued a two-month detention order. The charge is said to be linked to the political activities of her brother.
Shiraz: Arrest of Baha’i citizen Sara Sepehri
Sara Sepehri, a Baha’i resident of Shiraz, was arrested on April 9, 2026, after intelligence agents raided her home.
According to informed sources, security forces first searched her mother’s residence and then forcibly entered Sepehri’s home, confiscating personal and electronic belongings.
Her arrest occurred while she was under medical care, raising concerns that her detention could endanger her health. Additionally, her mother, who has a disability, depends on her for ongoing care.
As of the time of writing, no information has been released regarding her place of detention, the reasons for her arrest, or any charges against her.
