Hesam Bakhshi

Hesam Bakhshi, a resident of Mashhad and an actor in theatre and cinema, was arrested by Ministry of Intelligence forces on 24 January 2026. After more than a month of interrogation at the Ministry of Intelligence detention centre, he was transferred to the quarantine section of Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad on 25 February 2026, facing several charges. Reports indicate that the charges include posting content on Instagram against the Islamic Republic, forming a group, participating in protests, and possessing Molotov cocktails. It has been reported that Hesam Bakhshi frequently mentioned the multiple charges against him during his detention. In phone calls from prison, he stated that, in addition to the aforementioned charges, he was also accused of "enmity against God," "insulting the Prophet," and "Satanism," which he considered unfounded. Security officials reportedly attempted to link him to a fire at the Mashhad Justice Department building, although he only admitted to being present at the scene. He emphasised that part of his case was related to stories posted on his personal Instagram page.

According to the report, after being held in uncertain conditions for 123 days, Hesam Bakhshi was transferred to section 6/1 of Vakilabad Prison. However, inmates in this section reported that he was again handed over to security agents and was taken back to the intelligence detention centre for a period. Sources close to the family stated that in the early days of his arrest, security agents contacted Hesam's family, requesting them not to publicise his arrest. It was also reported that in the initial days of his detention, some social media pages published images of Hesam Bakhshi, claiming he had been hit in the eye with pellets. The pellet injury resulted in damage to some of the capillaries in his eye. Informed sources also mentioned that Hesam's family faced repeated threats that if the case became public, he might receive a death sentence. Concerns about the status of his case and his health have increased. Available information indicates that Hesam Bakhshi has been denied access to a chosen lawyer throughout his detention. Additionally, he has suffered from haemophilia since childhood, requiring continuous medical care.