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2 clusters · 2 sources · 25 days · First seen · Last updated

Iranian state pressure on PMOI supporters

Overview

The Iranian government has intensified pressure on supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK). In mid-2026, the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) reported that security forces arrested 11 supporters between April and July, including a university student and a PhD holder. The NCRI expressed concerns regarding the unknown whereabouts and potential torture of these detainees, calling for United Nations intervention.

Following these arrests, political prisoners Maytham Dehban-Zadeh and Mohammad Hassani released poetic messages from Qezel Hesar and Karaj Central prisons. These messages commemorated the anniversary of the PMOI’s founding, using historical imagery to honor past members executed during the Shah’s regime and framing current activists as part of a continuing chain of resistance.

Entities

Venice Film Festival · People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran · National Council of Resistance of Iran · Farhad Aslani · United Nations

Timeline

  1. 8 days ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Iranian political prisoners commemorate decades of resistance

    Iranian political prisoners Maytham Dehban-Zadeh and Mohammad Hassani issued poetic tributes from prison to mark the anniversary of the PMOI, honoring decades of resistance against dictatorship.

  2. about 1 month ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Iran arrests 11 supporters of People's Mojahedin Organization

    The NCRI has named 11 supporters of the PMOI arrested by Iranian authorities between April and July 2026, warning that the status and safety of some detainees remain unknown.

Sources

irannewsupdate.com · theguardian.com