Yousef Absari

On 24 February 2026 a court session for Youssef Ansari a writer and member of the board of directors of the Iranian Writers Association was held at Branch 21 of the Revolutionary Court in Tehran. Following the court session he was returned to Greater Tehran Prison. This court session like many others lasted only a few minutes and the acceptance of bail was postponed to an unspecified time.

Youssef Ansari was arrested on 7 January 2026 during a ceremony commemorating Behtash Abtin and was transferred to Greater Tehran Prison the following day. Judicial authorities despite issuing a bail order on 8 January 2026 and its immediate provision refused to accept the bail and did not provide any response. His case was referred to the Revolutionary Court on 3 February 2026.

Despite his illness he remains imprisoned in Greater Tehran Prison and his case has been referred to the court. Although a bail amount of one billion tomans was issued and provided immediately the investigator at Branch 8 has refused to accept the bail. Since the beginning of his detention he has experienced health issues and is facing worsening symptoms including chest and kidney pain in inadequate prison conditions without sufficient access to treatment and proper nutrition.