Eight arrested by government forces in Tehran, Rasht, Bandar Anzali, Tarom, and Qarchak

Hengaw – Monday, February 9, 2026

At least eight people have been arrested by Iranian government forces in Tehran, Qarchak, Bandar Anzali, Rasht, and Tarom in Zanjan Province over recent weeks.

According to information received by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, the detainees include one woman, three Gilak residents, and two Turks. 

Details are as follows:

Tehran and Qarchak
Three political activists — Azar Mansouri, Ebrahim Asgharzadeh, and Mohsen Aminzadeh — were arrested by government forces in Tehran and Qarchak on February 8, 2026. Authorities have accused them of charges including “targeting national cohesion,” “taking positions against the Constitution,” “coordinating with enemy propaganda,” “promoting surrenderism,” “deviating political groups,” and “creating covert subversive networks.”

Bandar Anzali
Two Gilak brothers, Damoun Ladani and Yashar Ladani, were arrested by government forces in Bandar Anzali on January 9, 2026. They later made brief phone calls confirming their detention and transfer to Lakan Prison in Rasht.

Tarom (Zanjan Province)
Fazel Mirsadeqi and Gholam Najafi were arrested by government forces in Tarom County on January 9, 2026. No verified information has been released regarding their place of detention, legal status, or physical condition. Both are reported to be heads of their households, and their continued incommunicado detention has raised serious concern among their families.

Rasht
In Rasht, Hossein Khorsandi, a Gilak man, was arrested in recent weeks following protests in the city, when government forces raided his workplace. No information has been released regarding the detaining authority, his charges, place of detention, or condition.