Ahmad Rahimi

On 18 March 2026, Dr Ahmad Rahimi and his wife were arrested at their home in Mashhad by security forces. The arrests reportedly followed Dr Rahimi's provision of humanitarian assistance to people injured during the Dey 1404 protests (December 2025–January 2026) and allegations that he had used Starlink internet services.

According to reports, on 14 June 2026, Mr Rahimi was transferred from an IRGC Intelligence detention facility to Vakilabad Prison. He had been held by the intelligence agency for interrogation since 16 May 2026, and was kept in solitary confinement throughout that period.

He was subsequently held in the quarantine ward of Vakilabad Prison. Following allegations that he had played a leading role in organising the protests and had been involved in a hunger strike by approximately 350 prisoners protesting the mistreatment of political prisoners, he was transferred to Ward 6.1. For a period of time, he was also denied telephone contact and family visits.

According to a report dated 26 July 2026, Dr Ahmad Rahimi was transferred to the psychiatric ward of Vakilabad Prison. The report stated that "his trial has not yet been held, and no judgment has been issued against Mr Rahimi. Given that the investigation (interrogation) phase has concluded, he should, in principle, be eligible for release on bail."

Dr Rahimi was a computer science professor at Montazeri University of Mashhad and also taught at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad and the Shandiz Institute of Higher Education.

In 2022, Dr Rahimi resigned from his academic position in protest against the prevailing conditions in the country. His wife, Sohila Hosseini, is a painter and editor.