University lecturer Sara Shahbazi held in legal limbo for over 45 days

Hengaw – Monday, April 20, 2026

Sara Shahbazi, a university lecturer and a Lor from Khuzestan province, was arrested by Iranian government authorities in the city of Sabzevar and has since been transferred to Torbat-e Heydarieh Prison.

According to information received by Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, she was arrested in Sabzevar on Wednesday, March 5, 2026. More than 45 days after her arrest, she remains in legal limbo, held in detention without a clear legal status.

Sources told Hengaw that Ms. Shahbazi was initially transferred to Sabzevar Prison following her arrest and, after several days, was moved to Torbat-e Heydarieh Prison, where she is currently being held in the women’s ward.

Authorities have not disclosed the reasons for her arrest, any charges against her, or which body is responsible for her detention. The family’s efforts to obtain information about her legal case have so far remained unsuccessful.