More than three months after the January 2026 Protests, a wave of Iranian citizens remains trapped in a judicial “black hole,” held in prolonged detention without clear charges or access to due process. What began as a sweeping crackdown has evolved into a strategic campaign of legal attrition, as authorities keep protesters in a state of agonizing uncertainty to stifle the embers of nationwide unrest.
The situation is dire in Mashhad, where women and young activists have been transferred to the notorious Vakilabad Prison. Many have spent months in pre-trial limbo, facing the shadow of draconian charges such as Moharebeh (“Enmity against God”), a capital offense that carries the threat of the death penalty. These arbitrary detentions are a form of “judicial hostage-taking,” designed to intimidate families and paralyze a society still reeling from the January uprising.
Continued Detention of Zeinab Mousavi and Her Brother
Zeinab Mousavi, known publicly as “Aban,” has been in the custody of Iranian security forces since February 24, 2026. She is currently being held in quarantine at Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. Mousavi and her brother, Hassan Mousavi, were arrested in connection with the January 2026 protests and are both facing the serious charge of “enmity against God.”
During interrogations, security authorities accused the two siblings of throwing Molotov cocktails during the protests.
At the time of publication, no detailed information has been released regarding the circumstances of their arrest, their initial place of detention, or the conditions of their interrogations. Reports, however, confirm that Zeinab Mousavi is currently being held in quarantine inside Vakilabad Prison.
A court hearing for Hassan and Zeinab Mousavi was held on April 26, 2026. Both defendants were formally charged by the Iranian judiciary with “enmity against God,” one of the gravest offenses under Iran’s penal code, carrying the possibility of a death sentence.
Najmeh Amini Held for 98 Days
Ninety-eight days after her arrest, Najmeh Amini, a 23-year-old accounting student, remains imprisoned in the women’s ward of Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad while facing multiple serious security-related charges.
Amini was arrested on Saturday, January 31, 2026, in Mashhad’s Ferdowsi Market during the January protests. According to reports, she was subjected to severe physical assault during her arrest by government forces. She is accused of charges including “enmity against God,” “insulting the Supreme Leader,” “blasphemy,” and “assaulting a government officer,” accusations that could result in heavy sentences, including capital punishment.
Throughout her detention, Najmeh Amini has reportedly been denied access to legal counsel of her choosing.
Continued Legal Limbo of Samira Bayat
Samira Bayat, a 35-year-old resident of Mashhad, remains in legal limbo in the women’s ward of Vakilabad Prison more than 106 days after her arrest. She has also been denied access to legal representation.
Bayat, who worked as a cashier at a restaurant in Mashhad, was arrested by government forces on Friday, January 24, 2026, during the January protests.
As the sole provider for her family, her prolonged detention and unresolved legal status have placed her dependents under severe financial hardship and growing insecurity, in addition to the psychological and physical pressure imposed on her personally.
As of this report, no clear information has been released regarding the charges against Bayat or the status of judicial proceedings in her case. Nevertheless, she has reportedly been denied basic rights afforded to political prisoners, including access to legal counsel and a fair trial.
Continued Detention of Melika Khavari and Mina Zarei
Melika Khavari Khorasani, 21, and Mina Zarei, both residents of Mashhad, remain in legal uncertainty at Vakilabad Prison 71 days after their arrests.
The two women were arrested separately by security forces on March 1, 2026. According to published reports, Mina Zarei’s arrest was linked to her reaction to the recent conflict and the death of Khamenei.
As of the publication of this report, judicial and security authorities have provided no transparent explanation regarding the reasons for their arrests, the charges against them, or the status of legal proceedings in their cases.
Najmeh Rouhandeh Held Without Clear Charges
Najmeh Rouhandeh was arrested by government forces in Mashhad on the evening of March 20, 2026, just before the Persian New Year. Following interrogation procedures, she was transferred to the women’s ward of Vakilabad Prison.
Despite repeated efforts by her family to obtain information, judicial and security authorities in Mashhad have so far refused to provide any clear explanation regarding the reasons for her arrest, the charges against her, or the justification for her continued detention.
Pediatric Specialist Dr. Mohebat Ghafouri Rearrested
Five days after the rearrest of Dr. Mohebat Ghafouri, a pediatric specialist in the city of Lar in Fars Province, no information has been released regarding her whereabouts or physical condition. Dr. Ghafouri was previously among those detained during the January 2026 protests. Reports also indicate that her assets have recently been confiscated by the Iranian judiciary.
Dr. Ghafouri had previously been arrested by security forces on the evening of January 2, 2026. After nearly eight weeks in detention and legal uncertainty, she was temporarily released.
She is widely recognized in Lar as a respected pediatric physician and is also known for her charitable activities and financial support for underprivileged families.
