Maryam Ebrahimvand, an independent filmmaker and human rights activist, has said that after being verbally informed by the Iranian consulate that her nationality had been revoked, she filed a complaint through the UN Human Rights Office’s Special Procedures mechanism. According to her, on April 3, 2026, she was told that her Iranian nationality had been cancelled by order of judicial authorities in Iran and that, as a result, she would no longer be provided consular services.
In recent weeks, judicial officials of the Islamic Republic have spoken of pursuing the confiscation of assets belonging to Iranians abroad who supported U.S. and Israeli military strikes. At the same time, the Tehran prosecutor has announced orders to identify, seize the assets of, and freeze the accounts of more than 100 well-known individuals accused by authorities of supporting the enemy. In the same climate, reports have also emerged that pro-government media have promoted the idea of stripping critics of their nationality, while some Iranian diplomatic missions abroad have reportedly refused to renew passports or provide consular services to government critics.
This action by the Iranian consulate also appears to be inconsistent with Iran’s own domestic legal framework. Article 41 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic states that Iranian nationality is an unquestionable right of every Iranian and cannot be revoked unless the individual requests it or acquires another nationality. In addition, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry’s own explanation of Article 988 of the Civil Code, renunciation of nationality is only possible under specific conditions and with the approval of the Council of Ministers. At the international level, the OHCHR has also stressed that no one should be arbitrarily deprived of nationality.
The significance of this case extends beyond the allegation of nationality deprivation itself. A verbal notification, the absence of any legal documentation, and the continued refusal to return identity documents or provide consular services could, if sustained, effectively place a person at risk of statelessness. Guidelines issued by the UN refugee agency also make clear that even in the absence of a formal decision, a consistent refusal by authorities to issue or renew identity documents may amount to arbitrary deprivation of nationality.
So far, the issue has been raised primarily through the personal accounts of affected individuals, including Ebrahimvand, and through its circulation in media reports and social media, while the Foreign Ministry of the Islamic Republic has not published any formal explanation or directive on the matter. Still, considering recent moves by the Islamic Republic to confiscate assets and restrict consular services for critics, this case may point to an expansion of pressure on opponents of the government outside Iran.
@iranhrdc
#DigitalBlackoutIran
#iran_strikes
#iran_human_rights
#iranmassacre
#Maryam_Ebrahimvand
In recent weeks, judicial officials of the Islamic Republic have spoken of pursuing the confiscation of assets belonging to Iranians abroad who supported U.S. and Israeli military strikes. At the same time, the Tehran prosecutor has announced orders to identify, seize the assets of, and freeze the accounts of more than 100 well-known individuals accused by authorities of supporting the enemy. In the same climate, reports have also emerged that pro-government media have promoted the idea of stripping critics of their nationality, while some Iranian diplomatic missions abroad have reportedly refused to renew passports or provide consular services to government critics.
This action by the Iranian consulate also appears to be inconsistent with Iran’s own domestic legal framework. Article 41 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic states that Iranian nationality is an unquestionable right of every Iranian and cannot be revoked unless the individual requests it or acquires another nationality. In addition, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry’s own explanation of Article 988 of the Civil Code, renunciation of nationality is only possible under specific conditions and with the approval of the Council of Ministers. At the international level, the OHCHR has also stressed that no one should be arbitrarily deprived of nationality.
The significance of this case extends beyond the allegation of nationality deprivation itself. A verbal notification, the absence of any legal documentation, and the continued refusal to return identity documents or provide consular services could, if sustained, effectively place a person at risk of statelessness. Guidelines issued by the UN refugee agency also make clear that even in the absence of a formal decision, a consistent refusal by authorities to issue or renew identity documents may amount to arbitrary deprivation of nationality.
So far, the issue has been raised primarily through the personal accounts of affected individuals, including Ebrahimvand, and through its circulation in media reports and social media, while the Foreign Ministry of the Islamic Republic has not published any formal explanation or directive on the matter. Still, considering recent moves by the Islamic Republic to confiscate assets and restrict consular services for critics, this case may point to an expansion of pressure on opponents of the government outside Iran.
@iranhrdc
#DigitalBlackoutIran
#iran_strikes
#iran_human_rights
#iranmassacre
#Maryam_Ebrahimvand