According to reports received by the Hana Human Rights Organization, nearly three months after the violent arrest of two citizens, Sheikh Zahed Shahabi and Arman Khaleqpanah, judicial and security authorities in Saqqez County continue to refuse to provide transparent information regarding their health status and legal proceedings. The obstruction of official information by these institutions, combined with denying the two citizens’ right to family visits, has caused severe concern for their families.
Based on information provided by an informed source to the Hana Human Rights Organization, these two citizens were arrested by security forces in Saqqez on March 8, 2026, during an operation involving extreme violence and gunfire. During the arrest, Arman Khaleqpanah was shot twice in the leg and severely injured.
Regarding the health status of the detainees, the source added:
”Following his arrest, Sheikh Zahed Shahabi was subjected to severe physical and psychological torture at the Saqqez Intelligence Department detention center, resulting in a fractured jaw and broken ribs, as well as a drastic weight loss of 25 kilograms.”
Mr. Shahabi was transferred to Saqqez Prison after completing his interrogation phase and is currently being held in legal limbo. Notably, he had been previously arrested for participating in Nowruz celebrations and was released on bail after two months.
Meanwhile, Arman Khaleqpanah, who was detained despite sustaining severe gunshot wounds, has been moved to an unknown location. Despite repeated inquiries by his family, judicial and security officials refuse to give clear answers regarding his medical treatment or current whereabouts, denying him any contact with his family. Consequently, his fate remains entirely unknown.
The Hana Human Rights Organization expresses its deep concern for the lives and health of these two citizens. The organization views the secrecy of the security apparatus, the use of torture, and the denial of immediate medical treatment to wounded detainees as a clear violation of international human rights laws and conventions against torture.