Farhad Baranzehi, a Baluch political prisoner held in Ward 9 of Zahedan Central Prison, has reportedly been threatened by Intelligence Department agents following the issuance of his indictment after 482 days in detention; a threat stating that if he refuses to cooperate with this security agency, it will result in the issuance and rapid implementation of a death sentence.
Iran human rights Society, Friday, July 10, 2026 – Published reports indicate that Farhad Baranzehi, a Baluch political prisoner, has been placed under intense
pressure by Intelligence Department agents to cooperate with the security apparatus following more than 482 days of detention in the political ward of Zahedan Central Prison, coinciding with the issuance of his indictment. Informed sources state that he was explicitly told that if he refuses this cooperation, he will face a death sentence that will be executed in the shortest possible timeframe; a development that has raised widespread concerns regarding the situation of this political prisoner.
Who is Farhad Baranzehi?
Farhad Baranzehi, approximately 25 years old, son of Abdolrahman and also known as “Hejaz,” is a resident of Kofiza village, located in Rask County, Sistan and Baluchestan Province.
According to published data, prior to his arrest, he was a seminary student at the Kuh-Vanak religious school in Sarbaz County, pursuing his studies at one of the region’s Islamic sciences centers. Informed sources say that even before his arrest, he was under intense pressure from security agencies due to his studies at this religious center, which ultimately forced him to drop out.
How Was Farhad Baranzehi Arrested?
According to published reports, Farhad Baranzehi was arrested during a large-scale raid by military and security forces on Kofiza village on March 12, 2025.
From the time of his arrest to the present, he has been held in Ward 9 (the political ward) of Zahedan Central Prison, passing more than 482 days in detention. Reports show that he remains in custody as his judicial case continues to move forward.
What Charges Face Farhad Baranzehi?
Based on the issued indictment, the charges leveled against Farhad Baranzehi include “membership in opposition groups” and “propaganda against the Velayat-e Faqih regime.”
However, informed sources have stated that he rejects all of these accusations, maintaining that the security case against him was fabricated after he refused to cooperate with the Intelligence Department and rejected their demands to act against Baluch activists and dissidents.
Threats of a Capital Sentence
Reports highlight that alongside the issuance of the indictment, Intelligence Department agents have once again pressured Farhad Baranzehi to collaborate with their office. According to sources close to the case, security agents warned him that if he continues to refuse cooperation, a death sentence will be handed down and implemented as swiftly as possible. Human rights activists point out that such coercion during active legal proceedings completely invalidates the integrity of the judicial process.
History of Pre-Arrest Security Pressure
Informed sources state that the pressure on Farhad Baranzehi dates back to the period prior to his actual detention.
According to these reports, agents from the Iranshahr Intelligence Department had summoned him on multiple occasions, demanding his collaboration. Following his consistent refusals, agents began threatening him with arrest and the fabrication of a security file, an escalatory pattern that ultimately culminated in his arrest in March 2025.
Legal Review of the Case Based on Domestic Laws
Introduction
Before examining the legal aspects of this case, it must be noted that many criminal laws within the ruling dictatorship—particularly regarding political and security cases and the application of capital punishment—are heavily criticized by international human rights bodies for violating fair trials, the right to life, and basic freedoms. However, even under these domestic laws, security and judicial organs routinely fail to adhere to statutory mandates, defense rights, and formal trial procedures.
Legal Ambiguities
Coercing a defendant with a death sentence for refusing to collaborate with an intelligence service, prolonged pretrial detention, security harassment prior to arrest, and fabricating files following non-cooperation represent the primary legal violations of this case. An independent review is necessary to examine the judicial process and how evidence was compiled.
Related Legal Articles
- Article 32 of the Constitution: Prohibition of arrest outside formal legal procedures.
- Article 34 of the Constitution: The right to seek justice and a fair hearing.
- Article 35 of the Constitution: The right to select a lawyer.
- Article 37 of the Constitution: The presumption of innocence.
- Article 38 of the Constitution: Prohibition of forced confessions, coercion, and all forms of torture.
- Article 39 of the Constitution: Absolute prohibition of violating the honor and dignity of prisoners and detainees.
Violations of Law
- Prolonged detention without a final verdict or resolution.
- Coercive pressure to force cooperation with a security entity.
- Threatening a defendant with the death penalty during interrogation.
- Violation of the right to an effective defense and the presumption of innocence.
- Subjecting the defendant to severe psychological pressure.
Human Rights Violations Indicated in Farhad Baranzehi’s Case
From a human rights standpoint, Farhad Baranzehi’s case raises urgent alarms regarding arbitrary detention, the use of capital punishment threats as an interrogation tool, and the right to a fair trial. Human rights organizations have consistently stressed that extracting statements or forced collaboration under the threat of execution violates fundamental international standards.
Violated Articles
- Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: The right to life, liberty, and security of person.
- Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Absolute prohibition of torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
- Article 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Prohibition of arbitrary arrest and detention.
- Article 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: The right to a fair trial and effective defense counsel.
- Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: Safeguarding the right to life and imposing strict restrictions on the application of the death penalty.
See also the below articles:
- Evin Prison: Phone Ban Continues for Four Female Political Prisoners
- Execution of Protesters: 12 Detainees in Isfahan Face Imminent Death Sentences
Follow Iran Human Rights Society on social networks:
Telegram /Twitter /Instagram / YouTube / Facebook
Join Iran Human Rights Society on Twitter
