Arrest of Dr. Alireza Rezaei coincides with security pressures on medical staff in suppressing nationwide protests in 2015

Reports of the arrest of at least 17 doctors during the crackdown on nationwide protests in 2015; the whereabouts of Dr. Alireza Rezaei remain unknown

Iran Human Rights Society ,Sunday, February 1, 2026 – Dr. Alireza Rezaei, a urology specialist, was arrested in Tehran about two weeks ago after leaving his clinic. No information has been released so far regarding his fate or place of detention.

According to local sources, Dr. Alireza Rezaei was targeted for arrest after leaving his workplace at one of Tehran’s medical centers. Since his detention, his family and colleagues have received no information about his health status or location.

Dr. Alireza Rezaei’s arrest occurred amid a new wave of nationwide protests starting in December 2025, during which a significant number of doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers have faced security crackdowns.

Intensification of Security Pressure on Medical Centers

Multiple reports from hospital and local sources indicate that security agencies have raided medical facilities in search of injured individuals and healthcare workers linked to the nationwide protests. This situation seriously undermines the principle of medical neutrality.

At the same time, some sources have reported the arrest of more than 15 doctors in recent months. While some accounts attribute these arrests to treating injured protesters, others suggest possible direct participation in the protests. However, none of these allegations have been officially confirmed by responsible authorities.

Responses from Domestic and International Bodies

Mohammad Raeiszadeh, head of the Medical Council of Iran, confirmed in response to these arrests that 17 cases have been reported to the organization so far. He called for respect for the professional rights of doctors and nurses.

Internationally, the World Health Organization issued a statement expressing deep concern over the increase in attacks on healthcare workers. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called for an immediate halt to these actions and the release of detained doctors.

Some of the medical staff who have been arrested

WHO’s Call to End the Suppression of Healthcare Workers

The World Health Organization stated that doctors and paramedics have faced intimidation, arrest, and violence in their workplaces. This international body emphasized that such actions not only violate human rights commitments but also place public health at serious risk.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus wrote: “Healthcare workers should never be threatened or detained for carrying out their humanitarian duties.” He warned that obstructing medical services during a crisis directly endangers human lives.

UN Special Rapporteur’s Report

Mai Sato, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran, reported receiving information about the arrest of injured individuals from hospitals during the suppression of nationwide protests. According to her, this practice constitutes a clear violation of the right to non-discriminatory access to healthcare services.

World Medical Association’s Protest Against Violations of Medical Neutrality

The World Medical Association also issued an urgent official letter warning of the rise in violence against health workers. The letter states that security forces have arrested injured individuals on hospital premises and compelled doctors to provide patient information.

The association stressed that such actions represent a blatant violation of the principle of medical neutrality and are inconsistent with global human rights standards.

Human Rights Violations in the Arrest of Dr. Alireza Rezaei

World Health Organization warns against arrest of health workers

The arrest of Dr. Alireza Rezaei and the security measures against healthcare workers exemplify clear violations of several fundamental human rights principles in international instruments.

Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights – Right to liberty and security of person: Arrest without transparent information about the individual’s location and status.
Article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights – Right to health: Creating obstacles to medical services for injured protesters.
Principle of medical neutrality in humanitarian law – Respect for the professional independence of healthcare workers: Security pressure to disclose patient information and interference in medical services.

This report aligns with broader documented patterns during the 2025–2026 protests in Iran, where healthcare professionals treating injured demonstrators have faced arrests, intimidation, and raids on facilities, drawing international condemnation for endangering medical neutrality and public health. The location of Dr. Rezaei remains unknown, with ongoing calls for his release and protection of medical staff.

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