Civil activist Keyvan Zandkarimi remains in detention as pressure intensifies

Hengaw — Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Keyvan Zandkarimi, a civil activist from Sanandaj (Sine), has been held in detention by Iranian authorities for about a month and continues to face severe physical and psychological pressure, after his detention order was extended for at least another month.

According to information obtained by Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, Zandkarimi has spent the past 30 days in detention facilities operated by the Intelligence Department in Sanandaj, where he remains under sustained pressure.

An informed source said Zandkarimi has been subjected to continuous physical and psychological coercion over the past month in an attempt to force a confession against himself, raising serious concerns about his health condition.

The source added that among the accusations reportedly brought against this civil and environmental activist is alleged contact with one of the Kurdistan political parties.

Zandkarimi was arrested alongside nine other civil and environmental activists during coordinated raids on their homes on January 3, 2026, without the presentation of a warrant. At least seven of those detained were later released temporarily on bail, while Zandkarimi remains in custody.