Vahid Online in English

Automated AI translations of Vahid Online reporting. Exported from the Telegram Channel. Original content also available on X/Twitter.

← Back to latest feed

8 Sept 2026, 12:38

Erfan Mirzaei, a 21-year-old rapper and one of the detainees from the protests in December 2024, has died in Dashtgerd prison in Isfahan.

Two different narratives have emerged regarding the circumstances of his death; IranWire reported that he was executed, while Independent Persian stated that he died due to torture.

According to IranWire, Mirzaei was arrested after being identified in connection with the protests and was sentenced to death on charges of "moharebeh" (waging war against God). This media outlet claims that his sentence was carried out on Sunday, September 15, without prior notice to his family, and their efforts to prevent the execution were unsuccessful.

IranWire also reported, citing its sources, that Mirzaei's family had previously been threatened to refrain from disclosing information about the case and the death sentence. According to these sources, multiple signs of injury and bruising were observed on his body and face after his death, and his body was buried under security restrictions in the village of Gharghan in Fereydun.

In contrast, Independent Persian provided a different account of his death, citing Mirzaei's relatives, stating that the young man died as a result of severe torture and beating during his detention. His family reported that upon receiving his body, they noticed fractures in his hands, legs, and pelvis, which they attribute to mistreatment in prison.

According to this report, Mirzaei was arrested in late Farvardin 1405 (April 2026) at a checkpoint in Shahinshahr; officers transferred him to Dashtgerd prison after inspecting his mobile phone and finding videos related to his participation in the protests. His relatives claim that he was subjected to pressure and torture to obtain forced confessions during his months of detention.

Dadban emphasizes that the significant difference between the two narratives regarding the cause of Erfan Mirzaei's death underscores the necessity for an independent, impartial, and transparent investigation into his death in custody. Article 38 of the Constitution prohibits torture for obtaining confessions or information and considers confessions obtained under duress to be invalid; furthermore, any suspicious death in prison, especially accompanied by claims of torture and signs of injury, necessitates effective investigation and accountability from officials.
dadban4
Two sources told Iran International that the cause of his death was severe torture in Dashtgerd prison in Isfahan.

Reports indicate that his body showed multiple signs of torture at the time of burial, with his hands, face, and pelvis severely swollen.

According to the information received, security forces, fearing a public gathering, did not allow Erfan Mirzaei to be buried in Isfahan, and his body was buried on Tuesday, September 16, in the village of Gharghan in Fereydun County. The exact time of Erfan Mirzaei's arrest is unclear, but sources say he was detained in connection with the protests in December.

According to this information, officers found a video on Mirzaei's mobile phone showing clashes between protesters and government forces, which was used as evidence against him in the case.
iranintl.com

📡 @VahidOnline

Mapped locations (4)

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors