As the clerical regime in Iran intensifies its repression of dissent following nationwide protests, authorities have expanded their campaign against women, teachers, and artists. From arbitrary arrests and prolonged detentions to lengthy prison sentences and the denial of basic rights behind bars, women remain at the center of regime’s crackdown.
At the same time, many detainees continue to be denied fair trial guarantees, medical treatment, and regular contact with their families.
Denial of Family Visits, a Tool of Pressure Against Female Political Prisoners
Political prisoner Souri Babaei Chegini is currently serving a three-year prison sentence in Qazvin Prison. She had been sentenced by the city’s Revolutionary Court not only to imprisonment but also to additional punitive measures.
Babaei Chegini was arrested by security forces in Qazvin on January 5, 2026, during nationwide protests. She has now been denied family visits for more than 140 days.
Soheila Hosseini and Her Husband Held Without Charges After 75 Days
Artist and painter Soheila Hosseini and her husband, university professor Ahmad Rahimi, remain in legal limbo 75 days after their arrest and are being held in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.
Their family has not been informed of the reasons for their detention or the charges against them. The couple were arrested at home by security forces on March 18, 2026. Reports indicate that their detention may be linked to humanitarian assistance they provided to individuals injured during the January 2026 protests, as well as allegations that they used Starlink internet services.
Continued Denial of Medical Care in Evin Prison
Mahshar (Mohtaram) Parandin, a Christian convert imprisoned in Evin Prison, continues to be denied access to specialized medical treatment. She urgently requires a cardiac angiography procedure and surgery for tumors in her neck.
Although she was transferred to a hospital last week, she was returned to prison after undergoing only a single diagnostic test, without receiving the necessary medical treatment or prescribed medication. She is also reportedly suffering from a mass located at the back of her head.
Parandin was transferred to the women’s ward of Evin Prison in December 2025. Despite meeting the conditions for conditional release, prosecutors have opposed her release. The artist and mother of one child had previously been sentenced to two years in prison.
Arrested for Expressing an Opinion: What Lies Ahead for Farzaneh Farahbod and Her Husband?
Poet, presenter, and women’s rights activist Farzaneh Farahbod and her husband, retired teacher Alireza Shayegan, have been held without a clear legal status in Torbat-e Heydarieh Prison since April 14, 2026.
The couple were arrested after being summoned to the Intelligence Office. According to reports, their detention stems from statements expressing satisfaction following the death of Ali Khamenei and a request for a one-minute moment of silence in memory of those killed during the January 2026 protests.
Heavy Prison Sentence for a Participant in Nationwide Protests
Maryam Babajani, arrested during the 2026 nationwide protests in Izeh, has been sentenced by Branch One of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court to 32 years, six months, and two days in prison.
She was arrested in late January 2026 in connection with the protests and was later released temporarily on bail equivalent to 10 billion tomans pending further legal proceedings.
Two Sisters Imprisoned in Evin Prison’s Women’s Ward
Political prisoners Leila Afarin and Maryam Afarin are currently serving prison sentences in Evin Prison.
Leila Afarin suffers from a malign tumor in her brain, but she is deprived of access to much needed medical treatment.
The two sisters were each sentenced to one year in prison and were transferred to the women’s ward of Evin Prison on December 10, 2025.
A Teacher and Artist Arrested After Leaving Court
Teacher, writer, and artist Zahra Arefimehr was arrested on May 31 after the conclusion of a court hearing at the Sabzevar Revolutionary Court and transferred to Torbat-e Heydarieh Prison.
Authorities reportedly cited her publication of online content and images related to individuals killed during the 2026 protests in Iran as part of the case against her.
Six-Year Prison Sentence Upheld for Roya Ostovar
An appeals court in Isfahan Province has upheld without modification the sentence imposed on Roya Ostovar, a member of Iran’s Baha’i community from Isfahan.
According to the ruling, she was sentenced to five years in prison, a financial penalty, and a 15-year deprivation of social rights for educational and promotional activities related to the Baha’i faith. An additional one-year prison sentence was imposed for content she allegedly published online.
Filmmaker Samira Norouz Naseri Arrested in Tehran
Samira Norouz Naseri, a filmmaker and director based in Tehran, was arrested on Monday, June 1, 2026, after security forces raided her home and transferred her to an undisclosed location.
Iranian regime agents entered Naseri’s residence without presenting a judicial warrant or any written legal authorization before carrying out the arrest.
During the operation, security forces conducted a thorough search of the filmmaker’s apartment and confiscated a range of personal and professional belongings, including electronic devices such as her laptop and mobile phone. The seized items were taken away by the agents.
