Re-Arrest of Hamid Haj Jafar Kashani Raises Serious Human Rights Concerns
Hamid Haj Jafar Kashani, a former political prisoner and supporter of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), was arrested by security forces on Sunday, April 27, 2025, in North Kargar Street, Tehran. Reports indicate that following his arrest, Kashani was transferred to a security facility, where he is currently subjected to interrogation and torture.
The reason for his re-arrest was his active presence in the streets and chanting of protest slogans such as “Death to Khamenei the criminal” and “Death to the principle of Velayat-e Faqih (Supreme Leadership).” He was also carrying a placard reading “This homeland will not be free until the mullahs are buried.” This protest action took place amid heightened security measures in Tehran.
Hamid Haj Jafar Kashani, born in 1982 in Tehran, is a former futsal coach and referee and has a history of long-term imprisonment. He was first arrested in February 2019 on charges of “propaganda against the regime” and “membership in the PMOI,” and sentenced to three and a half years in prison. He served his sentence in Rasht, Evin, and Greater Tehran prisons.
After completing his initial sentence, Kashani migrated to Turkey but was deported back to Iran, where he was once again targeted by the security apparatus and detained in Evin Prison for another year. During this period, he was repeatedly subjected to pressure and torture to coerce him into publicly expressing “remorse” for his beliefs.
Given his previous experiences of severe torture and mistreatment, there are serious concerns about his physical and psychological well-being following this latest arrest. Hamid Haj Jafar Kashani is currently being held incommunicado at an undisclosed location without access to family or legal counsel.
