Sepideh Gholian

HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER

Country(ies) of nationality

Type of HRD

HRD's thematic area of engagement

HRD's bio and work: Sepideh Gholian is a law graduate and is recognized as a social activist and human rights advocate. She has been arrested and imprisoned multiple times due to her activism focused on women's rights and her criticism of the policies of the Islamic Republic. As a prominent figure in civil and social movements in Iran, she works to raise awareness about human rights and civil liberties. Despite facing significant challenges, Gholian continues her activism and is seen as a symbol of resistance and the struggle for human rights in Iran

Country or area of detention

Region of detention

Geolocation of detention

Latitude: 36.30339520255212

Longitude: 59.606149380329455

Charge(s)

Recent case update / evolution: Sepideh Gholian, a civil activist, was previously detained on 15 March 2023 and released from Evin Prison on 11 June 2025 after completing her 2-year sentence.

On 12 December 2025, she was re-arrested while attending a memorial service in honour of human rights lawyer Khosro Alikordi and charged with 'spreading propaganda against the system' and 'assembly and collusion against national security’.

Allegations / reports of ill-treatment: During her previous period of imprisonment in Evin Prison, Sepideh Gholian was denied phone contact with her family since early April by order of the prison’s disciplinary committee because she had given her phone card to another prisoner.

During her re-arrest occurred on 12 December 2025, Sepideh Gholian was allegedly beaten by Iranian security forces.

Protection actions and campaigns

Any other relevant documents: Sepideh Gholian – FLD Profile https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/en/profile/sepideh-gholian

بیانیه سازمان عفو بین الملل در خصوص وخامت وضعیت جسمانی سپیده قلیان در پی اعتصاب غذا https://www.hra-news.org/statements/a-411/

Documented by

Supporting files