Forced confessions raise concern over fate of 18-year-old detainee Shadi Mousavi Rekati

Hengaw – Monday, May 4, 2026

Shadi Mousavi Rekati, an 18-year-old Lor from Izeh arrested during the January protests, remains in prolonged detention at Sepidar Prison in Ahvaz after nearly four months, with authorities yet to clarify her legal status. The broadcast of her forced confessions by state-affiliated media has intensified concerns over the risk of a heavy sentence.

Based on information received by Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, Mousavi Rekati was arrested by government forces in Izeh on Friday, January 9, 2026, and, following interrogation, was transferred to the women’s ward of Sepidar Prison in Ahvaz.

In recent weeks, media outlets affiliated with government institutions have aired videos of what they described as her “confessions,” portraying the 18-year-old as a “leader of the Izeh unrest.” However, according to Hengaw’s sources, these statements were extracted under severe psychological pressure and torture while she was held in security detention facilities.

The case constructed by security forces against Mousavi Rekati, including accusations such as “leading protests,” raises serious concern given the judiciary’s record of issuing lengthy prison sentences or severe charges such as “efsad-e fel-arz” (corruption on earth) against young protesters.