Iranian Security Forces Arrest Researchers, Economists in Tehran

Iranian security forces arrested two researchers and translators in Tehran on Monday.

Agents confiscated their electronic devices and books before taking them to undisclosed locations.

Mahsa Asadollahnejad, a sociologist, was detained Monday morning at her parents' home.

Shirin Karimi, a writer and translator, was arrested the same day when officers arrived at her home at 7:30 a.m., searched the premises, and seized books and personal belongings.

Authorities have not disclosed the reasons for the arrests or which agency ordered the detentions.

Family members and relatives say they have no information about the women’s whereabouts or conditions.

Asadollahnejad holds a doctorate in political sociology from Tarbiat Modares University. She has published translations and articles, including works by Herbert Marcuse and Theodor Adorno, as well as pieces on the war in Gaza.

Karimi, 41, holds a master’s degree in sociology from the University of Tehran.

The same day, security agents confiscated electronic devices and books from the homes of Mohammad Maljo and Parviz Sedaghat, both economists based in Tehran.

Officers arrested Sedaghat after seizing his belongings. Maljo’s family said he reported to a location designated by security authorities following the search.

On Saturday, authorities arrested Maryam Zobeydi, 58, in Ahvaz after summoning her to the enforcement branch of the Revolutionary Court.

Officers transferred her directly to the women’s ward of Sepidar Prison despite her reported respiratory and stomach ailments.

Zobeydi, an Iranian Arab civil activist and mother of three, was previously arrested in 2020 and convicted of “acting against national security” and “communicating with foreign entities.”

She was sentenced to four years in prison, a ruling recently upheld on appeal. Her son, Benyamin, was killed during the 2019 protests.