Elham Omidian detained after returning from Germany, fate remains unknown

Hengaw — Friday, January 23, 2026

Elham Omidian, a Kurdish woman from Shno (Oshnavieh) and a resident of Germany, was arrested by Iranian government forces after returning to Iran to visit her family. Her whereabouts remain unknown.

According to information received by Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, Omidian was detained in Shno several days ago. Since her arrest, no information has been provided about her condition or place of detention, and her family’s efforts to obtain details have so far been unsuccessful.

Hengaw has learned that Omidian had recently traveled from Germany to her hometown for a family visit.

A source familiar with the case told Hengaw that the family was allowed to see her only once at a court session and was not permitted to speak with her.