In the ongoing repression by the Iranian government, a media activist in Baneh arbitrarily detained

Hengaw; Sunday, July 23, 2023

Hengaw has received information concerning the case of Shojaa Husseinzadeh, the administrator of the Telegram channel "Baneh News," who has been held in undisclosed detention for the past four months. His arrest, allegedly on grounds of "desecrating sanctities," has exposed him to the risk of severe punishment, including the possibility of capital punishment.
 

According to reports obtained by the Hengaw organization for Human Rights, Shojaa Husseinzadeh, a media activist from Baneh, was apprehended approximately 123 days ago by the intelligence agency in Baneh and is presently held incommunicado.
 

Sources from Baneh have revealed that during his detention in solitary confinement, Shojaa Husseinzadeh has been denied access to legal representation, visitations, and communication with a lawyer. He is currently incarcerated at Sanandaj Central Prison.
 

Based on video evidence and documents acquired by Hengaw, Shojaa Husseinzadeh's family residence has been subjected to multiple attacks and raids by individuals associated with fundamentalist “Salafi” groups, without any legal consequences.
 

Furthermore, on the day of his arrest, in the presence of government authorities, in collaboration with members of the “Efta” Council and certain religious activists affiliated with Salafi groups, Shojaa Husseinzadeh was coerced into delivering a dictated statement that the Salafi groups have referred to as a "repentance letter."
 

Consequently, the Telegram channel and Instagram page of “Baneh News”, which Shojaa Husseinzadeh managed, were forcefully shut down and ceased operation under the direct orders of the government authorities.
 

It has been alleged that this media activist is facing charges of "blasphemy," a grave accusation that may lead to possibility of death sentence.
 

Shojaa Husseinzadeh was initially detained by the intelligence forces of Baneh on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, and endured 70 days of solitary confinement at the detention center of this government institute. 
 

Approximately six weeks ago, he was transferred from the Baneh intelligence detention center to Sanandaj Prison, where he remains incommunicado.
 

It is important to note that, as of this moment, no media outlet has covered the story of Shojaa Husseinzadeh's detention, and for the first time Hengaw is reporting this matter.