19-year-old protest detainee held in legal limbo in Gonbad-e Kavus

Hengaw – Thursday, April 16, 2026

Iranian authorities continue to hold a 19-year-old protest detainee, Saghar Gholami, in legal limbo more than three months after her arrest, according to information obtained by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights.

Gholami, a Turkmen resident of Gonbad-e Kavus in Golestan province, was detained during the January 2026 protests and has since been denied basic legal rights, including access to a lawyer and clarity regarding her judicial status.

No reliable information is available about her place of detention or her physical and psychological condition, raising concerns among her family.

Iran’s judiciary media outlet, Mizan, confirmed her detention and said she faces charges of “assembly and collusion against national security.” Haidar Asiyabi, head of the Golestan province judiciary, said the case is being handled in accordance with the law.

Authorities have not provided further details about the case or the evidence against her.

The developments come amid reports circulating on social media in recent days claiming that Gholami may face the death penalty, though no official confirmation has been issued.