Fate of civil activist Akbar Azimi remains unknown one month after arrest in Malekan

Hengaw – Tuesday, May 5, 2026

The fate and whereabouts of Akbar Azimi, a Turkish civil activist from Malekan, remain completely unknown nearly one month after his arrest by Iranian authorities.

According to information obtained by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, Azimi, who works at the Natural Resources Department in Malekan, East Azerbaijan province, was arrested by government forces in mid-April 2026.

Due to widespread internet disruptions and the heightened security atmosphere, the exact date of his arrest remains unclear. However, reports received by Hengaw indicate that his family has been denied all forms of contact, including visits and phone calls, over the past month.

Hengaw has learned that Azimi’s arrest was linked to his protests against deteriorating living conditions and economic hardships faced by local residents.

No information has been provided regarding the charges against him or his place of detention.