More than 20 days after the detention of the Validi family, the fate of their 15-year-old daughter, Elina Validi, remains unknown. Authorities have provided no explanation and have refused to transfer her to a juvenile correction and rehabilitation center.
Complete Uncertainty About the Whereabouts of a 15-Year-Old Child After Detention
Iran Human Rights Society, Tuesday, May 27, 2025 – More than 20 days have passed since the simultaneous detention of Elina Validi, a 15-year-old girl, along with her parents, Hamed and Fatemeh Validi. The family remains unaware of the teenager’s fate or whereabouts. Although security authorities promised that Elina would be transferred to a juvenile correction and rehabilitation center to allow her to participate in her June exams, this promise has not been fulfilled, and no trace of her has been found at the facility.
According to informed sources, Elina’s mother, Fatemeh, is being held in inhumane conditions in the quarantine section of Fardis Prison in Karaj. She is deprived of basic prisoner rights, including phone calls, family visits, and access to financial and hygienic facilities.
The primary concern, however, centers on the uncertain fate of Elina Validi, a girl in the sensitive phase of adolescence, held in detention under unknown conditions with no communication with her family. Sources close to the family report that judicial authorities have not responded to repeated inquiries and have provided no clear information about Elina’s whereabouts or her physical and mental condition.
“Propaganda Against the System” Charge Against an Entire Family
The charge leveled against the family is “propaganda against the system,” a vague accusation frequently used in political and security-related cases in Iran. This charge often leads to detention, deprivation of basic rights, and harsh conditions without credible evidence or documentation.
This case is particularly alarming for several reasons: the collective detention of an entire family, the separation of a child from her parents, and the complete lack of information about her status. These actions constitute a clear violation of human rights, not only under Iran’s domestic laws but also under international human rights standards.
Gross Violations of Human Rights Under International Conventions
The detention and lack of information about Elina Validi’s fate involve several clear violations of international principles and commitments:
1) Violation of Children’s Rights:
According to Article 9 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, separating a child from their parents without a judicial order or justified reason is prohibited. Additionally, Article 3 of the same convention mandates that the best interests of the child must be prioritized in all actions concerning children. Secretly detaining a child without informing their parents or legal counsel is a blatant violation of these principles.
2) Arbitrary Detention:
Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) prohibits detention without a legal warrant and access to a lawyer or competent court. In this case, no transparent or legal information has been provided regarding Elina Validi’s whereabouts or legal status.
3) Denial of Contact and Visitation:
Article 10 of the ICCPR emphasizes that detainees must be treated with respect for their human dignity and allowed regular contact with their families. In the case of Elina’s mother, this provision has been entirely disregarded.
Demand for Clarity and Immediate Release
Given Elina Validi’s young age and her sensitive psychological and educational needs, human rights activists have called on authorities to urgently disclose her whereabouts, allow family and legal counsel visits, and immediately release her due to her minor status and the non-violent nature of the alleged offense.
The secret detention of Elina Validi, her separation from her parents, and the complete lack of information about her fate not only serve as a serious warning about the state of human rights in Iran but could also have long-term psychological and social consequences for this teenager and her family.
Follow Iran Human Rights society on social networks:
Telegram /Twitter /Instagram / YouTube / Facebook
Join Iran Human Rights Society on Twitter
Discussion about this post