The decision to accuse cultural activist Ehsan Rostami of the security charge known as “rebellion” and move him into solitary confinement has deepened concerns over his health and the fairness of his judicial process.
Iran Human Rights Society, Saturday, December 13, 2025 – Ehsan Rostami, a prominent cultural activist, publisher, and translator, now faces solitary confinement in Evin Prison. Authorities charged him with “armed rebellion,” a grave offense. This development sparks deep concerns for his health and judicial future.
On December 11, 2025, officials at Branch 5 of Tehran’s Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office formally indicted him. Investigator Jalayer oversaw the process. Hours later, guards moved Rostami to isolation. His family, colleagues, and activists worry intensely.
Furthermore, this heavy charge can trigger severe punishments, including execution. However, no clear evidence supports the accusations yet.
The Charge of Rebellion and Severe Judicial Consequences
The charge of “rebellion” is considered one of the most severe accusatory titles in security cases. Under the criminal laws of the ruling dictatorship, this charge can lead to punishments such as execution or other hudud penalties. Imposing such a charge against Ehsan Rostami, even at the investigative stage, has intensified concerns about the fate of his case—especially since no official report has been published on the evidence or legal documentation of the charge.
Human rights activists emphasize that the widespread use of broad and heavy security titles, without transparency and adherence to fair trial guarantees, creates grounds for disproportionate and irreversible sentences. In this case as well, ambiguity in the proceedings and lack of transparent information have raised serious questions about respecting the defendant’s rights.
History of Arrest and Medical Concerns
Security forces arrested Ehsan Rostami on August 20, 2025. They raided homes in Tehran and detained him with four relatives and friends. Guards sent him to Ward 209 in Evin Prison.
His family earlier reported a dry hunger strike. They expressed alarm over his deteriorating health.
Now, solitary confinement adds grave risks. Reports highlight its devastating psychological and physical impacts. Prisoners often lack medical care and family contact. In Rostami’s case, indefinite isolation threatens his life further.
Cultural Activities and Ambiguity in Proceedings
Ehsan Rostami has been active in publishing, bookselling, and translation and is known as a cultural figure. His colleagues have confirmed his history of cultural activities and consider his arrest in conflict with fundamental cultural and intellectual freedoms. However, no report has been issued so far on his access to a trusted lawyer or official explanation of the exact legal process of the case.
Ambiguity in the lawyer’s status, lack of transparency in investigative stages, and rapid transfer to solitary confinement are all factors that have increased concerns about violations of this political prisoner’s basic rights.
Human Rights Violations by Transferring Ehsan Rostami to Solitary Confinement
Formal charging with a heavy offense, isolation, and lack of transparent access to a lawyer are examples of violations of Ehsan Rostami’s fundamental rights.
- Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights– Right to life, liberty, and personal security; transfer to solitary confinement and threat of death penalty endanger the defendant’s personal security.
- Article 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights– Prohibition of arbitrary arrest and detention; ambiguity in reasons for arrest and continued detention without transparency constitute arbitrary detention.
- Article 10 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights– Right to a fair and public trial; lack of transparent information and failure to guarantee effective access to a lawyer violate this right.
- Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights– Prohibition of inhuman and degrading treatment; holding in solitary confinement can be considered inhuman treatment.