Journalist Ali Pourdarab summoned to prosecutor's office over new criminal case

Hengaw – Thursday, August 6, 2026

The Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor's Office in Kermanshah has opened a new criminal case against Ali Pourdarab, a Kurdish journalist based in the city, on the charge of "propaganda against the state."

According to information received by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, judicial authorities issued an official summons for Pourdarab on Saturday, August 1, 2026, requiring him to appear before the prosecutor's office.

The case has been referred to Branch 16 of the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor's Office in Kermanshah, informed sources told Hengaw. Under the summons, Pourdarab has five days from the date of notification to appear before the branch, where he will be formally charged with "propaganda against the state" and given the opportunity to present his defense.

Pourdarab is an independent journalist and civil activist in Kermanshah. In recent years, he has consistently reported on the widespread protests in Iran, followed legal proceedings related to those killed during the demonstrations, and covered the situation of families seeking truth and justice. His summons comes amid escalating pressure by Iranian authorities on journalists and others documenting human rights violations.