Sudden Cancellation of Shahin Zoughi-Tabar’s Visit at Evin Prison; Interrogation and Threats Against the Family of This Political Prisoner
Iran Human Rights Society– October 8, 2026– The in-person family visit of Shahin Zoughi-Tabar, a political prisoner held in Evin Prison, was abruptly canceled without prior notice. Prison authorities reportedly transferred him to the prison administration office and interrogated him
regarding messages allegedly sent from inside the prison to individuals outside. Reports also indicate that members of his family were threatened during the course of these actions.
Cancellation of Shahin Zoughi-Tabar’s Visit and Transfer to the Prison Administration Office
On October 6, 2026, during the scheduled time for in-person family visits at Evin Prison, prison officials announced that all in-person visits had been canceled and would instead be conducted through cabin visitation booths.
However, although Shahin Zoughi-Tabar’s name was included on the visitation list, he was denied even a cabin visit. According to received information, prison officials, acting on the orders of the prison director, transferred the political prisoner to the prison administration office before the visit could take place.
At the prison office, Shahin Zoughi-Tabar was reportedly informed that he would not be allowed to meet with his family because of messages allegedly sent from inside the prison to external recipients. Prison officials subsequently interrogated him regarding those communications.
This action took place despite the fact that Shahin Zoughi-Tabar had previously faced restrictions on in-person family visits. In an earlier report by the Iran Human Rights Society, it was noted that he had repeatedly submitted requests for in-person visits, but prison authorities had consistently refused to approve them.
Threats Against Shahin Zoughi-Tabar’s Family
According to received information, pressure on Shahin Zoughi-Tabar has not been limited to interrogation concerning his communications and messages sent outside the prison. During the incident, officials reportedly threatened him, warning that if he continued to oppose government policies, the security of his family could also be placed at risk.
Such threats against a political prisoner, particularly those involving family members, raise concerns regarding the use of psychological pressure as a means of controlling prisoners’ behavior. Under these circumstances, family members are also subjected to additional anxiety regarding both the condition of their loved one and their own personal safety.
History of Judicial Pressure Against Shahin Zoughi-Tabar
The recent cancellation of Shahin Zoughi-Tabar’s visit and his subsequent interrogation come amid a broader pattern of legal proceedings and escalating pressure against him in recent months.
In October 2025, Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, sentenced Shahin Zoughi-Tabar to 10 years of imprisonment. The charges against him reportedly included “membership in the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (MEK),” “spreading false information,” “propaganda against the state,” and “insulting the Supreme Leader.”
Subsequently, additional cases were brought against the political prisoner. In March 2026, Shahin Zoughi-Tabar was transferred to Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court to face a new charge of “propaganda against the state.” According to published reports, Judge Iman Afshari threatened him during the proceedings with the imposition of the “maximum possible punishment.”
In September 2026, Shahin Zoughi-Tabar was formally notified of an additional one-year prison sentence on the charge of “propaganda against the state.” This sentence was issued in addition to his previous ten-year prison term.
Denial of Visitation Rights and Escalating Pressure in Evin Prison
Shahin Zoughi-Tabar, born in 1987 and a resident of Tehran, was arrested on July 24, 2025, during a raid on his home by agents of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Intelligence Organization. He was later transferred to Ward 7 of Evin Prison. He had previously served a prison sentence in Gohardasht Prison.
Previous reports have also raised concerns regarding conditions in Ward 7 of Evin Prison, including overcrowding, as well as Shahin Zoughi-Tabar’s physical health problems, including a kidney disorder and swelling in his legs.
Legal Review of Shahin Zoughi-Tabar’s Case Under Domestic Law
The laws enforced by the ruling authorities in Iran have long been criticized for inconsistencies with fair trial standards and for restricting prisoners’ rights. Reviewing this case under domestic law does not imply endorsement of those laws; rather, it highlights the necessity of complying even with the existing legal framework.
Article 22 of Iran’s Constitution emphasizes the protection of individuals’ dignity and rights, while Article 35 recognizes the right to legal counsel. Additionally, the regulations governing the Iranian Prisons Organization recognize prisoners’ rights to communicate and meet with family members within established legal procedures. Denial of visitation rights without a clear and lawful explanation, combined with interrogation and threats against family members, warrants serious examination from the perspective of prisoners’ rights.
Human Rights Perspective
Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights prohibits all forms of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. Article 12 protects individuals against arbitrary interference with their private and family life, while Article 19 recognizes the right to freedom of expression and opinion.
Furthermore, the Nelson Mandela Rules emphasize the preservation of prisoners’ dignity and their right to maintain regular contact with family members. Therefore, if reports concerning the interrogation of Shahin Zoughi-Tabar, threats against his family, and denial of visitation rights are accurate, these actions may raise serious concerns regarding compliance with international human rights standards in his treatment.
See also the below articles:
- Mohsen Babaeian and Borzou Rezaei Sentenced to Death
- Mai Sato Condemns the Execution of Alireza Sepahi
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