TEHRAN, Iran — Hossein Mirbahari, 58, a prominent child rights activist and co-founder of the Society for the Protection of Working and Street Children, was arrested by security forces at his home in Pardis, Tehran Province, on Saturday, June 21, 2025.
According to the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, six plainclothes agents detained Mirbahari around 4 p.m. The family only learned of the arrest after reviewing surveillance footage from their residence. Security agents also confiscated Mirbahari’s phone, laptop, and other personal items.
Mirbahari has spent years advocating for marginalized and working children in Iran through his civil society work. Details regarding the reasons for his arrest, his current whereabouts, and any charges remain unknown.
Human rights groups are calling for transparency and immediate information on Mirbahari’s condition and legal status.
