Dual German–Turkish citizen Serkan held at Sanandaj Prison under unclear circumstances

Hengaw – Saturday, October 4, 2025

A dual German–Turkish citizen identified as Serkan remains in detention under unclear circumstances in Sanandaj Central Prison (Sine) after being arrested by Iranian security forces during the twelve-day war between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Israel.

Information obtained by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights shows that, Serkan was held for three months in the detention facility of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Intelligence Organization before being recently transferred to Sanandaj Central Prison. He is currently being held without formal charges, and his legal status remains ambiguous.

In connection with this case, the German humanitarian organization STELP, which provides food, medicine, and hygiene assistance, previously confirmed Serkan’s detention—without specifying the time or location—and stated that he had traveled to Iran on a humanitarian mission.

A reliable source informed Hengaw that Serkan was arrested by IRGC intelligence forces during the war for reasons that remain unknown.

He has been denied all basic rights, including access to legal counsel and communication with his family.