Feb 9, 2026, 9:31 a.mFeb 9, 2026, 9:31 a.m
In Iran, prominent figures from the political reform camp were arrested around a month after the mass protests. In addition to Asar Mansuri, the leader of a reformist party, several other politicians were arrested, Iranian media reported unanimously. The justice-affiliated Misan news agency confirmed the arrest of four politicians, but did not name them. The judiciary accuses them of “incitement” and “spreading untrue positions”.
Ebrahim Asgharsadeh was also arrested.image: wikimedia/Mardetanha
According to media reports, in addition to Mansuri, Ebrahim Asgharsadeh, a well-known politician and critic of the ultra-conservative leadership, was also arrested. He was a member of Parliament and a member of the Tehran City Council. Also arrested was Mohsen Aminsadeh, a former deputy foreign minister under moderate President Mohammad Khatami. He is considered an experienced diplomat and is a founding member of a reform party.
At the end of December, demonstrations broke out in Iran due to the severe economic crisis, which quickly developed into mass protests against the country’s authoritarian rule. At the height of the protests, security forces killed thousands of demonstrators on the nights of January 8 and 9, human rights activists reported.
The state, on the other hand, spreads a different narrative: mercenaries hired by the arch-enemies USA and Israel are said to have carried out terrorist attacks across the country. Several prominent journalists and politicians from the moderate reform camp had publicly criticized the official version of events. You now face legal consequences. (sda/dpa)