A Sign of Enforced Disappearance and Grave Human Rights Violations
Naser Akbari Rezaqeshlaqi, a media activist from Shahin Dezh and a political prisoner held in Miandoab Prison, has been completely deprived of contact with his family and denied in-person visits for over 40 days. This total lack of communication, combined with the prison authorities’ refusal to provide answers and the reported intimidation of his family, has significantly heightened concerns over a possible enforced disappearance, torture, and the fabrication of new charges against him.
Akbari Rezaqeshlaqi, who had previously come under pressure from security agencies due to his peaceful online activities and involvement in community aid efforts, has not had any contact with his family since May 19, 2025. There has been no information available regarding his location or his physical and mental condition. Existing evidence—including the sudden cutoff of phone calls and the ban on visits—strongly suggests that he may have been transferred to an unofficial detention center affiliated with either the IRGC Intelligence Organization or the Ministry of Intelligence.
Local sources close to the family report that Akbari Rezaqeshlaqi was moved from Miandoab Prison to an unknown location around the time security tensions escalated in western Iran. Since then, his family’s persistent efforts to learn about his situation have not only been unsuccessful but have also led to direct threats from security forces. Officials have reportedly warned that continued inquiries could result in similar consequences for the family.
This situation comes after Akbari Rezaqeshlaqi was arrested on April 10, 2025—despite the fact that the appellate court had not yet issued a final verdict on his previous case. His arrest was reportedly carried out violently and without adherence to proper legal procedures, violating basic principles of due process. He had previously been sentenced to 21 months in prison by a lower court, a ruling he contested due to the lack of fair trial standards and the baseless nature of the charges. He had formally appealed the decision, protesting the enforcement of the sentence before the appellate process was complete.
Despite these appeals, not only has no resolution been reached, but reports now indicate that the security-judicial apparatus is preparing a new case against him. This case reportedly includes charges such as “propaganda against the regime” and “spreading falsehoods with the intent to disturb public opinion.” These accusations are based solely on his critical posts on social media, his writing of opinion pieces, and his membership in public channels—activities that clearly fall within the bounds of freedom of expression.
Earlier, in March 2025, Akbari Rezaqeshlaqi was sentenced by the Urmia Revolutionary Court to 21 months in prison and a substantial monetary fine on similar charges. With his continued disappearance and new allegations reportedly being pursued, fears over the serious and ongoing violation of his fundamental human rights are deepening.
