Vahid Valizadeh, Azerbaijani Turk Cultural and Civil Activist, Arrested in Tabriz

Breathing in Confinement, Thursday, 20 August 2026: Vahid Valizadeh, an Azerbaijani Turk cultural and civil activist, was arrested after Ministry of Intelligence agents raided his home in Tabriz and was taken to an undisclosed location.

According to reporters from Breathing in Confinement, the news outlet of the Prisoners’ Rights League in Iran, agents from the Tabriz Intelligence Department searched Vahid Valizadeh’s home and confiscated several of his personal belongings, including his mobile phone and laptop.

Vahid Valizadeh has been involved in activities concerning the Azerbaijani Turkish language, culture, and social issues relating to Azerbaijan. In recent years, he has been active in the region’s cultural and civil spheres.

According to information received, the cultural activist was arrested without any clear explanation being provided regarding the reasons for his arrest or the possible charges against him. No information is currently available about his place of detention, physical or legal condition, or whether a judicial case has been opened against him.

Amid the continuing arrests and security-related pressure against cultural and civil activists in Azerbaijan, concerns over Vahid Valizadeh’s situation have increased.