Anvar Shahlibar Dies in Custody; Body Still Not Returned to His Family

Breathing in Confinement, Monday, August 31, 2026: Anvar Shahlibar, a 40-year-old man and son of Bayan, died in custody after being arrested by law enforcement forces in Khash County. Reports received indicate that he was subjected to pressure and torture during his detention in an attempt to extract a confession.

According to Breathing in Confinement, the news outlet of the Prisoners’ Rights League in Iran, information received indicates that prior to his arrest, Anvar Shahlibar had gone onto the roof of his home to carry out some work. One of his neighbours, whose home had been burglarised, accused him of involvement in the theft. An argument subsequently broke out between Anvar and the neighbour, after which the neighbour contacted law enforcement authorities.

Following the call, law enforcement officers arrested Anvar Shahlibar and transferred him to the Criminal Investigation Department detention facility in Khash.

According to reports received, while being held at the detention facility, Anvar Shahlibar was subjected to pressure and torture in an attempt to force him to accept the accusation and confess. He died during this treatment.

The death of a person while in custody, particularly amid reports of torture and coercion to extract a confession, requires an immediate, independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances of the arrest, conditions of detention, treatment by officers and the precise cause of death. Judicial and law enforcement authorities must be held accountable for the incident and disclose the findings of any investigation to his family and the public.

It has also been reported that Anvar Shahlibar’s body has still not been returned to his family.