Zahra Hojjat arrested in Mashhad after opposing use of rehabilitation center as human shield

Hengaw – Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Zahra Hojjat, a prominent advocate for girls with disabilities and director of the Hamdam Rehabilitation Center in Mashhad, has been arrested by forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran. No information has been made available regarding her fate or whereabouts.

According to information obtained by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, Hojjat was detained by IRGC forces last week after refusing to allow the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to use the facility under her management as a cover for armed personnel.

Known for her longstanding work in the care, education, and support of children with special needs, Hojjat has earned the nickname “the mother of 400 girls” among advocates in the field.

Following her arrest, she was transferred to an undisclosed location and has since been denied contact with her family and access to visitation.