Benyamin Vahidi, 17, detained in Iran over December 2024 protests

Benyamin Vahidi, a 17‑year‑old from Bojnord, was taken into custody in early August 2026 to enforce a sentence handed down for his participation in the nationwide protests that began on 7 December 2024. A court in Bojnord sentenced him in absentia to two years’ imprisonment and a fine of 100 million rials for charges including "disturbing public order," "damage to public property," and "clashing with officers." The sentence was issued without his presence or legal representation and was declared final.

According to a family source, police entered Vahidi’s home around 9 p.m., beat him, and transferred him to Bojnord police station No. 11. His current location is unknown, and authorities have told his family that he will be denied visits or contact until the fine is paid. Vahidi is also a boxer and mixed‑martial‑arts athlete.