Activist Detained in Home Raid
Maryam Abbassi Nikou, a 44-year-old resident of Shahin Shahr in Iran's Isfahan Province, was re-arrested on Monday, November 10, 2025, by intelligence agents of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). According to reports, agents raided her home without presenting a legal warrant and subsequently transported her to an undisclosed location.
Her daughter, Bita Shafiei, confirmed the incident via an Instagram post, stating that 'IRGC intelligence agents stormed our house, abducted my mother, and refuse to provide any information about where she is being held.' Shafiei also reported that agents caused damage to household items during the raid.
History of Activism and Prior Arrests
Abbassi Nikou has a documented history of activism and has been repeatedly targeted by Iranian authorities for her outspoken criticism of the regime's policies.
- Previous Arrest (2023): She was previously arrested on June 26, 2023, by IRGC Intelligence agents at her residence. During that arrest, agents reportedly searched her home, damaged belongings, and physically assaulted her husband.
- Serious Charges: Following her 2023 detention, Abbassi Nikou was held for 52 days in Dowlatabad Prison in Isfahan without trial and was reportedly accused of 'insulting the Prophet,' a charge that carries the death penalty in Iran. She was denied a lawyer of her choice during this period.
- Daughter's Arrest: Her daughter, Bita Shafiei, was also arrested and reportedly tortured in 2022 after participating in protests against chemical attacks on girls' schools across Iran.
Pattern of Targeting Activists
The re-arrest of Maryam Abbassi Nikou aligns with a broader pattern of Iranian authorities detaining civil and social activists, often without warrants and with little transparency regarding their whereabouts or charges. Human rights organizations frequently report on such incidents, highlighting concerns about due process and the treatment of detainees.
5 Comments
Comandante
This is absolutely outrageous! Free Maryam now!
Bella Ciao
While Maryam's dedication to activism is clear, her repeated arrests highlight the severe risks faced by those challenging the regime, and the international community's options are limited.
Muchacha
Another brave voice silenced. The world needs to act.
Fuerza
This pattern of detaining activists without transparency is alarming and damages Iran's international standing, though the regime often frames these actions as maintaining internal stability against perceived threats.
Manolo Noriega
She broke the law, she faces consequences. Simple as that.