Kurdish MMA Athlete Rojhan Ebrahimi Arrested by Security Forces in Iran
Human rights groups express concern over the arrest of 20-year-old Kurdish MMA athlete Rojhan Ebrahimi in Saqqez, Iran, by security forces without a warrant.
Arrest of Kurdish MMA Athlete in Iran Raises Concerns
Human rights organizations and foreign-based media have expressed deep concern regarding the arrest of Rojhan Ebrahimi, a 20-year-old Kurdish mixed martial arts athlete from the city of Saqqez in western Iran. Ebrahimi was taken into custody by security forces over the weekend and transferred to an undisclosed location.
According to reports, Ministry of Intelligence agents arrived at Ebrahimi's family home on Saturday afternoon. They detained her without presenting a judicial warrant or explaining the legal basis for the arrest before removing her from the premises.
Lack of Official Information and Legal Representation
Since her detention, Iranian authorities have not issued any official statement regarding the reasons for her arrest. It remains unclear which state body is holding her, whether formal charges have been filed, or if she has been granted access to legal counsel.
The Kurdish human rights organization Hana reported that Ebrahimi's family has been denied any visits or phone contact since the arrest. The Hengaw organization, which monitors human rights violations in Iran's Kurdish regions, also confirmed the detention and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding her whereabouts.
Broader Context of Arrests in Kurdish Regions
Ebrahimi, an active MMA athlete from the Kurdistan province, hails from Saqqez—the hometown of Mahsa Amini, whose death in custody in 2022 sparked nationwide protests across Iran. While the region has since experienced frequent crackdowns on activists and young women, there is currently no verified information linking Ebrahimi's arrest to political dissent or anti-regime activities.
According to Hengaw data, at least 17 women were arrested in Iran during September, including seven Kurdish women. While this statistic highlights a broader pattern of detentions, the specific motives behind Ebrahimi's apprehension remain entirely unknown as human rights groups continue to seek answers.
