Human Rights Appeal to Protect the Life of Koorosh Berenjani

Executive Summary

Urgent Situation: Koorosh Berenjani, a 23-year-old Lor activist residing in Isfahan, was re-arrested on September 15, 2026 (24 Shahrivar 1405), and transferred to Dastgerd Prison, Isfahan. Following his previous detention in January 2026, he was released on heavy bail exhibiting severe marks of torture, including pulled nails, broken ribs, and deep lash wounds.

Current Status: Since his re-arrest—reportedly stemming solely from expressing support for death-row prisoner Alireza Sepahi—Berenjani has been held in incommunicado detention with no family contact, clear information regarding his physical condition, or access to legal counsel. Amid ominous warnings from agents that his “time is up,” his upcoming trial poses an imminent threat to his life and physical integrity.

Call to Action: Immediate intervention by the UN Special Rapporteur on Iran, the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, and the Special Rapporteur on Torture is required to halt incommunicado detention, ensure access to medical care and legal defense, and guarantee his safety within international accountability mechanisms.

Background and Context of Re-arrest

Koorosh Berenjani, born April 7, 2003 (18 Farvardin 1382), a resident of Isfahan, was previously arrested during the protests and heightened security climate following January 2026 (Dey 1404). He was held in detention until March 16, 2026 (25 Esfand 1404), when he was temporarily released on heavy bail and fitted with an electronic ankle monitor.

Reports regarding his physical condition upon release raised severe concerns regarding his treatment in custody. Visible marks of severe torture were documented, including pulled fingernails and toenails, broken ribs, and deep lacerations and lash marks across his back and soles of his feet.

On the morning of Tuesday, September 15, 2026 (24 Shahrivar 1405), Berenjani was re-arrested outside his residence and transferred to Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan. Available records indicate that the sole ground for his re-arrest was his public support for Alireza Sepahi—a protester sentenced to death in the “Alekhani Square, Isfahan” case, who suffered a cardiac arrest and was hospitalized on July 28, 2026 (6 Mordad 1405), while being moved to the gallows for execution.

Re-arrest and Immediate Concerns

Since his re-arrest on September 15, 2026:

• No phone contact with his family has been permitted;
• His precise physical condition and exact location within Dastgerd Prison remain unknown;
• No information regarding access to legal representation has been provided;
• His family remains in total state of uninformed distress.

Furthermore, reports indicate that his court hearing is scheduled to take place in the coming days. These concerns are further heightened by reports that security agents previously warned him or those close to him that “his time is up,” raising grave fears for his immediate life and physical safety.

Human Rights Concerns

The circumstances surrounding the case of Koorosh Berenjani present multiple severe human rights violations:

• Arbitrary Detention: If his re-arrest is based solely on expressing support for another prisoner, it directly violates the fundamental right to freedom of expression and opinion.
• Risk of Torture and Ill-treatment: Documented evidence of severe torture during his prior detention, combined with his current re-arrest and total isolation, creates a critical risk of continued physical abuse, torture, or inhuman treatment.
• Incommunicado Detention: Denying his family information regarding his status and whereabouts constitutes a disturbing pattern of incommunicado detention.
• Fair Trial Guarantees: The lack of transparent information regarding access to legal counsel, the ability to prepare an effective defense, and case status violates core international standards for due process and fair trial.

Legal Analysis

The documented practices in this case indicate clear non-compliance with the Islamic Republic of Iran’s obligations under international human rights treaties:

1. Article 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR): Absolute prohibition of torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.
2. Article 9 of the ICCPR: Prohibition of arbitrary detention and the right to be informed of the reasons for arrest.
3. Article 14 of the ICCPR: Guarantee to a fair trial and immediate access to legal counsel of choice.
4. United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules): Specifically regarding humane treatment, access to family communication, medical evaluations, and protection from abuse.

Conclusion

The case of Koorosh Berenjani extends far beyond a routine arrest. The documented history of severe torture during prior detention, his current re-arrest, total isolation from family, lack of judicial transparency, and imminent court proceedings under threatening conditions render this case an urgent human rights emergency. Given the lack of independent oversight and his past treatment, immediate international intervention is necessary to clarify his status and protect his life.

Urgent and Actionable Calls

1. To the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran: Requesting an urgent communication to the Iranian authorities to demand immediate clarification regarding Koorosh Berenjani’s health, location, legal status, and the grounds for his re-arrest.
2. To the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention: Requesting an urgent review into the legality of his re-arrest and the conditions of his current detention.
3. To the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment: Requesting immediate attention to the documented severe torture during his previous detention and the heightened risk of recurrent abuse.
4. To the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR): Requesting that this case be formally recorded and tracked within ongoing monitoring and documentation mechanisms on Iran.
5. To Relevant UN Mandate Holders: Urging priority focus on Koorosh Berenjani’s case within urgent action protocols to document violations and prevent irreparable harm to his life and physical integrity.
6. To International Human Rights Organizations and Independent Legal Bodies: Requesting continuous oversight of this case and swift, coordinated public responses to any threats against Koorosh Berenjani’s life and safety.