HRANA – Mehdi Karimi, a resident of Malekshahi who had been under judicial prosecution after a photo of him during the 2026 nationwide protests was published, was arrested on Thursday, June 18, 2026, by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence in the city of Mehran. Several days after his arrest, no information is available regarding his whereabouts or condition. A video of his forced confession has also been released by state media, although the circumstances under which it was recorded remain unclear.
According to HRANA, Mehdi Karimi was arrested in Mehran, Ilam province.
A source close to Mr. Karimi’s family confirmed the news to HRANA, stating: “During the protests in Malekshahi, an image of Mr. Karimi sitting on a chair in front of the governor’s office building was published. Some time later, he came under judicial prosecution in connection with this issue and his participation in the protests. On Thursday, June 18, 2026, he was arrested in the city of Mehran by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence and was beaten during the arrest. The efforts of his family and relatives to obtain information about his whereabouts and condition have so far been unsuccessful.”
According to information received by HRANA, Mr. Karimi’s physical condition has reportedly deteriorated following his arrest. This has heightened concerns among his family and relatives regarding his well-being. He has also been denied access to legal counsel.
At the same time, a video of this citizen’s forced confession has been released, although it remains unclear under what conditions it was recorded.
Yesterday, Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence announced in a statement the arrest of 17 citizens in connection with the January nationwide protests in Ilam Province. In the statement, Mr. Karimi was identified only as “Mehdi-K.”
It should be noted that protests and strikes by shopkeepers and bazaar merchants began in Tehran on Sunday, December 28, 2025, and within two days spread beyond markets and commercial centers. With the participation of students, citizens, and various social groups, these protests became one of the largest protest movements of recent years. Following the crackdown by security and law enforcement forces, thousands were killed or injured, and tens of thousands were arrested or summoned by security agencies. For more information, readers may refer to HRANA’s comprehensive report titled “Crimson Winter,” documenting the first fifty days following the outbreak of Iran’s nationwide protests.
