On January 15, 2024, security forces apprehended Sina Band-Alizadeh in Ardabil.

The grounds for Band-Alizadeh’s arrest and his current location remain undisclosed. However, close associates have confirmed his arrest, linking it to his criticism in published posts as a media activist addressing the current state of the country.

As reported in HRA’s annual report, there has been an alarming 86% increase in the number of citizens arrested for expressing opinions and thoughts compared to the previous year. Band-Alizadeh’s arrest adds to concerns about the shrinking space for free expression in the country.