HRANA – Mojtaba Azhadi, a resident of Joweyn and one of those arrested in connection with the January 2026 protests, remains in legal limbo in Mashhad’s Vakilabad Prison nearly eight months after his arrest. Azhadi, who was struck by pellet gunfire in the face and neck during the protests, continues to be denied medical treatment to remove several pellets still lodged in his forehead and behind his eye.

According to HRANA, Mojtaba Azhadi remains incarcerated in Mashhad’s Vakilabad Prison.

According to information received by HRANA, Azhadi remains in legal limbo at Vakilabad Prison. Despite 238 days having passed since his arrest, no trial has yet been held, nor has he been granted the possibility of temporary release on bail.

An informed source close to his family confirmed the situation to HRANA, stating: “During the protests in January of last year, he was struck by pellet gunfire in the face and neck. Despite undergoing surgery, several pellets remain lodged in his forehead, with another pellet behind his eye. Azhadi requires medical treatment and surgery to remove the pellets from his face, but due to obstruction by the relevant authorities, he has been denied transfer to a hospital outside the prison.”

The informed source further stated: “A hearing on the charges against Azhadi is scheduled for September 28, 2026, before Branch 1 of the Sabzevar Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Mohammad Gholami. Following his arrest, Mojtaba Azhadi was initially taken to Joweyn Prison and, three days later, transferred to Sabzevar Prison. Five days after his transfer to Sabzevar Prison, he was taken to Mashhad for surgery and was held for a period at Vakilabad Prison. After undergoing surgery, he was returned to Joweyn Prison. While there, he went on a four-day hunger strike in protest against his situation and was held in solitary confinement. Azhadi was later transferred to Mashhad’s Vakilabad Prison.”

Mojtaba Azhadi was arrested by security forces in Joweyn on January 15, 2026, in connection with the nationwide protests.

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the charges brought against Azhadi. HRANA’s efforts to obtain further information in this regard are ongoing.

Mojtaba Azhadi, 45, is the father of one child, holds a master’s degree in accounting, and is from Joweyn County.