Death of Abbas Rashidi, One of the Wounded Protesters, in Isfahan Detention Centre
14-February-2026
Category: Prisoners
14 February 2026
News category: Prisoners
Breathing in Confinement – Abbas Rashidi, a 35-year-old man from Semirom, has died after presenting himself to security forces in Isfahan and being detained in the city’s detention centre.
According to Breathing in Confinement, the news outlet of the Prisoners’ Rights League in Iran, Abbas Rashidi had been injured during the popular protests on 8 January 2026 in Isfahan after being struck by pellet gunfire. Following his referral to security authorities and subsequent detention in Isfahan’s detention centre, he lost his life.
Reports from informed sources indicate that Abbas Rashidi was subjected to severe violence and ill-treatment during detention, and signs of physical assault were observed on his body.
As previously reported, Abbas Rashidi had sustained injuries from pellet gunfire during the 8 January 2026 protests in Isfahan. According to these reports, security agents used pressure and threats, including threats of arrest and the issuance of a death sentence against his brother, to force him to present himself at Baharestan Police Station No. 22 in Isfahan on 4 February. Such actions may constitute coercion, violation of the prohibition of compulsion, and a breach of the fundamental principles of a fair trial.
Reports further indicate that during the initial days of his detention, his family was kept uninformed of his place of detention and condition. On 9 February, the family was instructed to report to the authorities to receive his body.
According to information obtained by Breathing in Confinement, the family has been pressured to declare the cause of death as a “heart attack.”
The Prisoners’ Rights League in Iran, while condemning the treatment of detainees from the recent protests, has called for an independent investigation into the death of Abbas Rashidi, the guarantee of his family’s safety, and the accountability of those responsible for this incident.