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Bahareh Soltani, an Iranian citizen residing in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and a social media user and activist, has reportedly been arrested and transferred to Urmia Central Prison after returning to Iran. According to an informed source, her return was made under pressure and following threats against her family. The source told the Iran Human Rights Documentation Center that, prior to her return, Soltani had informed people close to her that she had been threatened by Iranian intelligence agencies and felt compelled to return because of pressure on her family, her deteriorating health, her need for medical treatment, and concerns about her child. Before entering Iran, she also recorded a video stating that if no information emerged about her after her return, her situation should be publicized.
According to the source, Soltani’s arrest took place during a period of internet shutdowns and widespread disruptions to communications across Iran. Due to the internet blackout and severe restrictions on international communications, it was not possible to immediately report on or follow up on her case. In recent days, a video dated February 5, 2026, has circulated in which Soltani discusses her decision to return to Iran. The informed source stated that her use of Instagram, her political views, and allegations that she used Starlink internet services have been among the subjects of her case and interrogations.
Based on information received, Bahareh Soltani is currently being held in Urmia Central Prison, where her physical condition has reportedly deteriorated significantly. She suffers from insulin-dependent diabetes and other serious health conditions and, according to the source, requires urgent medical care and regular access to medication. The source further stated that Soltani began a hunger strike and refused insulin injections while in prison, after which she was transferred to solitary confinement. According to the same account, she has been subjected to ill-treatment and torture during detention and has been denied regular contact with her family, including telephone calls and visits.
The informed source also identified Naser Atabati, the Head of the West Azarbaijan Province Ministry of Justice Office, as a judicial official allegedly involved in exerting additional pressure in Soltani’s case. According to information received, serious national security charges, including allegations of espionage or collaboration with Mossad, have been raised against her. Such accusations against an individual who, according to the source, engaged in independent protest-related activity on social media raise serious concerns about violations of fair trial rights, the risk of coerced confessions, denial of access to independent legal counsel, and the possibility of a harsh sentence.
Due to the highly securitized environment, limited access to sources inside Iran, and ongoing communication disruptions, some aspects of the case remain under verification.
@iranhrdc
#DigitalBlackoutIran
#iran_strikes
#iran_human_rights
#iranmassacre
#bahareh_soltani
According to the source, Soltani’s arrest took place during a period of internet shutdowns and widespread disruptions to communications across Iran. Due to the internet blackout and severe restrictions on international communications, it was not possible to immediately report on or follow up on her case. In recent days, a video dated February 5, 2026, has circulated in which Soltani discusses her decision to return to Iran. The informed source stated that her use of Instagram, her political views, and allegations that she used Starlink internet services have been among the subjects of her case and interrogations.
Based on information received, Bahareh Soltani is currently being held in Urmia Central Prison, where her physical condition has reportedly deteriorated significantly. She suffers from insulin-dependent diabetes and other serious health conditions and, according to the source, requires urgent medical care and regular access to medication. The source further stated that Soltani began a hunger strike and refused insulin injections while in prison, after which she was transferred to solitary confinement. According to the same account, she has been subjected to ill-treatment and torture during detention and has been denied regular contact with her family, including telephone calls and visits.
The informed source also identified Naser Atabati, the Head of the West Azarbaijan Province Ministry of Justice Office, as a judicial official allegedly involved in exerting additional pressure in Soltani’s case. According to information received, serious national security charges, including allegations of espionage or collaboration with Mossad, have been raised against her. Such accusations against an individual who, according to the source, engaged in independent protest-related activity on social media raise serious concerns about violations of fair trial rights, the risk of coerced confessions, denial of access to independent legal counsel, and the possibility of a harsh sentence.
Due to the highly securitized environment, limited access to sources inside Iran, and ongoing communication disruptions, some aspects of the case remain under verification.
@iranhrdc
#DigitalBlackoutIran
#iran_strikes
#iran_human_rights
#iranmassacre
#bahareh_soltani