In a continuation of the troubling trend of suspicious deaths of detainees in Iran’s security detention centers, reports indicate that Fouad Alikhani, a 41-year-old resident of Kermanshah, has died in the IRGC Intelligence Detention Center of the province. According to local sources, Alikhani died as a result of severe torture during his detention, and security authorities have so far provided no clear explanation regarding the incident.
Unlawful Arrest and Lack of Notification to the Family
Fouad Alikhani was arrested on Sunday, June22, 2025, at a security checkpoint in Kermanshah by security forces. His relatives state that the arrest took place without a judicial warrant or prior notice. Such actions are a clear violation of the Code of Criminal Procedure of the Islamic Republic of Iran and run counter to fundamental principles of human rights. According to his family, Fouad was taken directly to the IRGC Intelligence Detention Center, and from that moment onward, no information about his condition was available.
Torture: The Likely Cause of Death
Informed sources within Kermanshah report that Fouad Alikhani was subjected to both physical and psychological torture during his detention. The severity of this torture was such that it led to his death. This detention center has previously been criticized by human rights organizations for torture, prolonged detention without charges, and inhumane treatment of detainees.
Family Left in the Dark; Secrecy by Security Agencies
Following Alikhani’s death, only a brief phone call was made to his family, and his death was communicated vaguely. No information was provided regarding the exact location or cause of death, and the family has not been allowed to claim his body. These actions have not only deepened the family’s grief but have also raised serious concerns about the nature and cause of Fouad Alikhani’s death.
One of Alikhani’s family members stated in an interview:
“We don’t even know what happened to Fouad. They just called and said he was dead. No explanation, no documents, no chance to say goodbye or mourn.”
According to this source, the family has tried to follow up with various authorities to learn about the whereabouts of the body and the cause of death, but they have either been met with silence or threats.
Ongoing Pattern of Suspicious Deaths in Custody
Fouad Alikhani is only one of several individuals in recent years who have died under suspicious circumstances while in security-related detention. Previously, citizens such as Sattar Beheshti, Sina Ghanbari, and Kavous Seyed-Emami also died under similar conditions. Despite both domestic and international outcries, these cases have either been completely silenced or closed with vague and non-transparent reports.
