least nine arrested across several Iranian cities

Hengaw – Thursday, February 12, 2026

At least nine people have been arrested by Iranian government forces in Tehran, Tarom, Bandar Anzali, Rasht, Tonekabon, Qaemshahr, and Kashan, according to information obtained by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights. No reliable information has been released regarding their whereabouts or legal status.

Details of the cases are as follows:

Tehran

Atila Soltanpour, 45, was arrested during a raid on his home in Pardis Township, Tehran, on the evening of January 29, 2026. Government forces also conducted a full search of his residence during the arrest.

Tarom

In Tarom County, Zanjan Province, Mohammad Mohammadi, a Turkish man and father of two, was arrested by government forces on February 3, 2026, and transferred to an undisclosed location.

In a separate case, Behbod Taheri, another Turkish resident of Tarom, has been held in detention for more than one month after being arrested in the city and taken to an unknown location. No updates have been released regarding his condition.

Rasht and Bandar Anzali

Jassem Veyshaghi, a Gilak world karate champion, was arrested on February 7, 2026, when government forces raided his home in the Anzali Coastal Village area. He was initially taken to Anzali Prison and later transferred to an undisclosed location after several hours. His electronic devices were confiscated.

Also in Gilan Province, Abolfazl Dukht, an 18-year-old Talesh resident from Bejarsar village in Shaft County and a youth football player, was arrested in Rasht on January 9, 2026, in the Yakh-sazi area and transferred to Lakan Prison. Sources say he is facing a charge of moharebeh (“waging war against God”).

Tonekabon and Qaemshahr

Mostafa Amraji, a 39-year-old Mazani resident of Abbasabad in Tonekabon County, was violently arrested on January 10, 2026, with the use of beatings and weapons and transferred to an undisclosed location. According to informed sources, he owned a coastal resort property that was later demolished by bulldozers following his arrest.

In Qaemshahr, Amin Shirzadeh, a Mazani man and father of two, was arrested during public protests in the city and is reportedly facing heavy charges.

Kashan

Mehdi Asgharzadeh, 30, from Nushabad and a resident of Aran va Bidgol, was arrested in Kashan’s Jihad Square on January 9, 2026, and transferred to Yazdel Prison. He has had no contact with his family and, according to sources, may be at risk of a death sentence.

Mohammad Zohri, also from Aran va Bidgol, was arrested in Kashan on the same date. No information has been released regarding his fate.