Four Turkish activists arrested outside Evin Prison in Tehran

Hengaw — Tuesday, November 11, 2025

Four Turkish activists, Abbas Lesani, Ali Kheirjou, Yousef Kari, and Behzad Dashti, were arrested by security forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran outside Evin Prison in Tehran. The four were detained for showing support to Taher Naqavi and Vadoud Asadi, two imprisoned political activists.

According to information received by Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, Lesani, Kheirjou, Kari, and Dashti, all Turkish activists from Ardabil, were taken into custody outside Evin Prison in Tehran on November 11, 2025.

The arrests occurred as the activists had gathered to stand with the families of Naqavi and Asadi, two political detainees held in Evin Prison.

Naqavi, an imprisoned lawyer, and Asadi, a civil activist, began a hunger strike on October 27, 2025, in protest against being denied access to medical care.

Hengaw has learned that Lesani, Kheirjou, Kari, and Dashti have previously been arrested for their civil and political activities.