Six arrested across five Iranian cities, including two brothers
Hengaw – Monday, February 23, 2026
At least six people have been arrested by Iranian government forces in the cities of Sabzevar, Vahidieh (Shahriar County), Ahvaz, Rasht, and Tonekabon.
Hengaw Organization for Human Rights has learned that the detainees include two brothers, an Arab man, and a Gilak man.
The details are as follow:
Shahriar County
Ruhollah Naderi and his brother Saeed Naderi were arrested at their homes in Vahidieh, Shahriar County, on February 22, 2026. During the arrest of Saeed Naderi, government forces searched the residence and confiscated personal belongings, including mobile phones belonging to him and his wife.
No official explanation has been provided regarding the reasons for their detention or their place of transfer.
Ahvaz
Ahmad Hazbavi, an 18-year-old Arab man, was arrested in the coastal Kianpars district of Ahvaz on February 17, 2026, after attending a memorial ceremony marking the 40th day of victims killed during the December protests.
According to reports, government forces violently seized his mobile phone at the time of detention. No information has since been released regarding his whereabouts.
Sabzevar
Saeed Qareqoli was detained by the Intelligence Organization of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on February 11, 2026, and subsequently transferred to Sabzevar Prison. He has been denied visitation rights.
He recently underwent heart surgery and requires regular medication, raising serious concerns about his health in custody.
Tonekabon
Behnam Norouz Rajabi was arrested during a raid on his family home in Tonekabon on February 22, 2026. He is the brother of Pezhman Norouz Rajabi, who was killed during the December 2025 protests in the city.
No information has been provided regarding the charges against him.
Rasht
Ali Pishvarzadeh, known locally as “Ali Ostad,” a 28-year-old resident of Rasht, was arrested on January 8, 2026. He is facing security-related charges and may be at risk of receiving a heavy sentence.
