English teacher Forouzan Nojavan transferred to women’s ward of Urmia Central Prison

Hengaw – Sunday, May 24, 2026

Forouzan Nojavan (Eslami), a Kurdish woman, English teacher, and well-known blogger from Urmia, has been transferred to the women’s ward of Urmia Central Prison following the completion of interrogations in government detention facilities.

Based on reports obtained by Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, Nojavan recently informed her family during a brief phone call that she had been transferred to the women’s ward of Urmia Central Prison.

An informed source told Hengaw: “Despite the completion of the initial interrogation process, the investigating branch of the Urmia Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office has refused to approve bail and temporary release for Ms. Nojavan and has ordered the extension of her detention. Throughout this period, she has been denied access to a lawyer of her choosing and in-person visits with her family.”

Forouzan Nojavan (Eslami), director of the “Nojavan” language academy and a well-known figure on social media in Urmia, was arrested by security forces on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, without the presentation of any warrants.

Security and judicial authorities in Urmia have so far provided no explanation regarding the reasons for her arrest, the charges brought against her, or the activities that led to her detention.