Doctoral student and teenage relative detained in Tehran, transferred to separate facilities

Hengaw – Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Iranian government forces have detained a doctoral student, Baran Omidian, and her 17-year-old niece, Dorsa Ayazi, in Tehran and transferred them to separate detention facilities.

According to information obtained by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, the two were arrested on March 18, 2026, by Iranian government forces.

Omidian was transferred to Qarchak Prison, also known as Shahr-e Rey Correctional Facility, following initial interrogations. Ayazi, who is a minor, was transferred to a juvenile detention center.

Sources familiar with the case said both were subjected to psychological and physical pressure during interrogations to extract forced confessions.

Authorities have not disclosed the reasons for their detention, the agency responsible for the arrests, or any charges against them.

Both individuals have been denied access to legal counsel and basic detainee rights.