According to information received by the Hana Human Rights Organization, Mostafa Ghasemi Hasanvand, a political activist and former political prisoner from Alashtar, lost his life following a suicide attempt in front of the United Nations office in Baharka, Erbil, on Sunday, August 2, 2026.
Reports indicate that after leaving Iran, he had repeatedly visited the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office to follow up on his asylum case. However, he was met with prolonged uncertainty, a lack of effective support, and difficult living and psychological conditions. It is also reported that the physical and psychological scars of torture endured during his detention in Iran continued to impact his health after his release.
This tragic incident once again highlights the urgent need for the transparent, rapid, and effective processing of political asylum seekers’ cases, as well as the provision of legal, financial, and psychological support for at-risk individuals.
The Hana Human Rights Organization is calling for an independent investigation into this incident and demands accountability from the UNHCR regarding its handling of Mostafa Ghasemi Hasanvand’s case and his requests for support.