Ebrahim Parsamehr, Ahvaz lawyer, detained in Sheiban Prison since June 13, 2025, faces arbitrary detention. His case sparks calls for release amid human rights concerns.
Iran Human Rights Society, Sunday, August 23, 2025 – Ebrahim Parsamehr, a prominent Ahvaz lawyer, languishes in Sheiban Prison since his arrest on June 13, 2025. IRGC Intelligence forces detained him violently at his home, sparking widespread concern. Over two weeks later, his family remains uninformed about his charges or condition. His arbitrary detention highlights Iran’s crackdown on lawyers defending human rights.
Violent Arrest and Ongoing Uncertainty
IRGC agents raided Parsamehr’s Ahvaz home, arresting him without a warrant. They searched his residence, leaving no clarity on his charges. This lack of transparency fuels fears among his family and colleagues. Furthermore, it reflects a broader trend to suppress freedom of expression and limit lawyers’ independence in Iran.
A Defender of Religious Minorities
Parsamehr tirelessly defended Christian converts and religious minorities, earning scrutiny from authorities. He viewed his legal work as a duty to uphold justice and civil liberties. However, his advocacy drew threats, making his arrest a stark warning to others. His detention underscores the risks faced by those championing human rights.
Crackdown on Iran’s Legal Community
Parsamehr’s case mirrors a wider assault on Iran’s legal profession. Authorities increasingly target lawyers defending religious minorities, workers, or activists. Many face imprisonment, license revocations, or arbitrary arrests. Consequently, these actions erode the independence of the legal system and restrict citizens’ access to fair trials.
Family’s Desperate Search for Answers
Parsamehr’s family receives no updates despite repeated inquiries to authorities. He has made brief, monitored phone calls, reportedly under surveillance. Sources suggest he endures solitary confinement in Sheiban Prison, notorious for harsh conditions. This raises serious concerns about his physical and mental well-being.
Sheiban Prison’s Harsh Realities
Sheiban Prison faces criticism for overcrowding, inadequate facilities, and denial of medical care. Its use of solitary confinement to pressure inmates intensifies fears for Parsamehr’s safety. These conditions violate basic human rights, making his detention even more alarming.
Outcry from Advocates and Colleagues
The Independent Lawyers’ Coordination Council condemns Parsamehr’s arrest as a threat to the legal profession’s independence. They warn it undermines public trust in the judicial system. Human rights observers and colleagues demand his immediate release, citing the illegality of his detention. Their calls amplify the urgency of his case.
Violations of Fundamental Rights
Parsamehr’s detention breaches several human rights principles:
- Arbitrary Arrest: His detention without clear charges or a warrant violates Article 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
- Right to a Fair Trial: Prolonged detention without a hearing defies Article 10.
- Freedom of Expression: His arrest, likely tied to public statements, violates Article 19.
- Lawyers’ Rights: His detention for professional duties contravenes UN principles on lawyers’ roles.
Parsamehr’s case exposes the precarious state of Iran’s legal profession. His detention undermines fair defense and judicial integrity. Therefore, his family, colleagues, and advocates urgently demand his release.
See also the below articles:
- Inhumane Conditions in Ward 7 of Evin Prison: Widespread Violations of Prisoners’ Rights
- Younes Azadbar Faces Ongoing Judicial Pressure in Rasht
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