Danger of Execution for Danial Niazi, Protester of the Nationwide Protests; 38 Days of Detention and Deprivation of Lawyer

In continuation of the judicial crackdowns related to the nationwide protests, Danial Niazi, an 18-year-old youth from Shirvan, is facing the charge of moharebeh (enmity against God) and several other criminal charges; the family reports violent arrest, torture, and lack of access to a lawyer of choice.

Iran Human Rights Society, Sunday,December 24, 2025 – Amid the continuation of judicial proceedings following the nationwide protests, Danial Niazi, an 18-year-old youth from Shirvan, after 38 days of detention, is facing charges including “moharebeh”. Reports indicate that he has been deprived of access to a lawyer of choice during the interrogation stage, and confessions have been extracted from him under torture.

Nighttime Arrest of Danial Niazi Without Presenting a Judicial Warrant

According to received information, Danial Niazi was arrested in the middle of the night on January 12, 2026 – following a raid by security forces on his home. According to an informed source, this arrest was carried out without presenting a judicial warrant and in a violent manner, and he was immediately transferred to an unknown location. This source emphasized that during the first 24 hours of detention, Danial Niazi was subjected to severe physical torture, and forced confessions were extracted from him. During the same period, heavy charges were brought against him.

Charge of Moharebeh and Case Fabrication Following the Nationwide Protests

Danial Niazi, in the proceedings before Branch 2 of the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office of Shirvan County, is facing the charge of “moharebeh” and other charges including “participation in attempted intentional murder”, “participation in intentional assault and battery”, “membership in a gathering of more than three persons against the internal security of the country”, “disruption of public order”, and “propaganda activity against the regime”. According to a page from the indictment, the issuance of these charges was registered on January 13, 2026. In this process, according to informed sources, reliance has been placed on case fabrication by security institutions, and Danial Niazi’s objection to these charges has been rejected. His case has been formed in the context of judicial crackdowns following the nationwide protests, and given the charge of moharebeh, the danger of issuing a death sentence against him is raised.

Lack of Access to a Lawyer of Choice During the Interrogation Stages

According to available information, Danial Niazi has been deprived of any access to a lawyer during the interrogation and confession extraction stage. Also, at the time of charge notification and issuance of the order, the possibility of the presence of a lawyer of choice was not provided for him. After the end of interrogations and case formation by security institutions, he was transferred to Shirvan Prison. Currently, it is also reported that he is still deprived of the right to access a lawyer of choice and only has limited possibility of contact or meeting with the family. The absence of a lawyer in the sensitive stage of interrogation and confession extraction, in a case with the charge of moharebeh, has created serious concerns about compliance with the principles of fair trial.

Personal Situation and Concern for Danial Niazi’s Fate

Danial Niazi is 18 years old and, according to reports, has been without a guardian since childhood. Sources close to the case have stated that he does not have anyone who can effectively follow up on his legal situation. Given the heavy charges raised and the possibility of issuing a death sentence, concerns about the life and fate of this youth have increased. His family and close associates are demanding fair proceedings and the provision of the possibility of effective legal defense for him. Danial Niazi’s case is proceeding while the handling of cases related to the nationwide protests in recent months has been accompanied by heavy charges and severe sentences.

Violation of Principles of Fair Trial and Prohibition of Torture in Danial Niazi’s Case
The process of arrest and handling of Danial Niazi’s case, given the reports related to torture, forced confessions, and lack of access to a lawyer of choice, is in conflict with Iran’s international human rights commitments.
Violation of the Prohibition of Torture – Article 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: Extraction of confession under physical torture is a clear violation of the prohibition of torture and inhuman treatment.
Violation of the Right to Fair Trial – Article 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: Deprivation of access to a lawyer of choice during the interrogation stage violates the principle of effective defense.
Violation of the Prohibition of Arbitrary Detention – Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: Nighttime arrest without presenting a judicial warrant is considered an instance of arbitrary detention.

Danial Niazi’s case, in the context of proceedings following the nationwide protests, is considered an example of serious challenges in respecting the rights of the accused and guaranteeing fair trial.

See also the below articles:

Follow Iran Human Rights Society on social networks:
Telegram /Twitter /Instagram / YouTube / Facebook

Join Iran Human Rights Society on Twitter