Judicial Persecution of Reza Mahmoudi Parsian: A Golestan Journalist’s Struggle

Reza Mahmoudi Parsian, a Golestan journalist and tourism activist, faces relentless judicial persecution and security pressures in Iran, highlighting systemic human rights violations.

Iran Human Rights Society, September 3, 2025– Reza Mahmoudi Parsian, a dedicated journalist and tourism activist in Golestan province, endures ongoing judicial persecution and severe security pressures. His arrests, unfair trials, and restricted activities expose Iran’s crackdown on independent voices. This case highlights systemic human rights violations, demanding urgent attention.

Relentless Arrests and Intimidation Tactics

Security forces arrested Reza Mahmoudi Parsian on May 18, 2024, in Azadshahr, Golestan province. They raided his home, detained him, and held him in solitary confinement. After several days, he secured temporary release on bail. However, the Gonbad Revolutionary Court opened a new case, charging him with “propaganda against the system”—a vague accusation used to silence journalists and activists.

His second arrest intensified the pressure. Authorities subjected him to harsh psychological and physical stress. His health deteriorated, requiring brief hospitalization, yet security forces returned him to solitary confinement shortly after. On June 9, 2024, he gained temporary release on bail. These actions left lasting physical and mental scars, reflecting Iran’s pattern of targeting dissenting voices.

Promoting Golestan’s Tourism and Culture

Reza Mahmoudi Parsian significantly contributed to Golestan’s tourism sector. He established an ecotourism complex and founded the province’s first rural museum, showcasing Iran’s cultural and natural heritage. His social media presence as a blogger and tourism guide amplified lesser-known attractions, earning widespread recognition.

However, these efforts triggered further persecution. After his first arrest, authorities sealed his ecotourism complex, citing images of guests “without hijab” and promotional videos as violations. This closure caused severe financial losses and damaged his reputation. Consequently, it sent a chilling message to other tourism activists: deviation from official policies invites harsh repercussions.

Unfair Trials in Gonbad Revolutionary Court

On September 2, 2025, the Gonbad Revolutionary Court held a new trial with “security-related” charges. The process lacked fairness, featuring closed-door hearings and limited access to an independent lawyer. Judges often rely on security agency reports, undermining the defendant’s right to a fair defense. Such practices make trial outcomes predictable and unjust, further entrenching judicial persecution.

Broader Pressures and Social Restrictions

Beyond arrests, Reza Mahmoudi Parsian faces relentless security and social pressures. Surveillance and control by security forces restrict his professional and social activities. The closure of his ecotourism complex stripped his income and damaged his reputation. Additionally, he suffers from physical and psychological issues stemming from detention, solitary confinement, and repeated threats. Limited family and lawyer visits exacerbate these grueling conditions.

Human Rights Violations in Focus

Reza Mahmoudi Parsian’s case symbolizes Iran’s systematic human rights violations. Several fundamental principles suffer in this ordeal:

Freedom of Expression: Arresting a journalist for media and tourism activities violates the right to free expression.
Fair Trial Rights: Closed-door trials and restricted legal access undermine fair trial principles.
Health and Dignity: Psychological pressure, solitary confinement, and inhumane treatment breach protections against torture.
Property Rights: Sealing his ecotourism complex for ideological reasons violates individual property rights.

This case extends beyond politics, affecting cultural and tourism sectors. It serves as a stark reminder that independent voices, even those promoting heritage, face threats and judicial persecution in Iran.

A Call for Urgent Action

Reza Mahmoudi Parsian’s name now represents more than an individual. It symbolizes growing restrictions on press freedom, independent tourism, and citizens’ rights in Iran. His judicial persecution underscores the need for civil society and international organizations to act. By raising awareness and increasing pressure, they can challenge Iran’s human rights violations.

The suppression of voices like Mahmoudi Parsian’s stifles cultural progress and tourism development. Furthermore, it highlights the broader struggle for freedom and dignity in Iran. Urgent action is essential to support those facing such injustices and to hold authorities accountable.