At least 12 held in Miandoab on ‘espionage’ charges

At least 12 people arrested on charges of “espionage” remain held in pre-trial detention in Miandoab Prison, where they face harsh conditions and have yet to appear before a court.

The Kurdistan Human Rights Network (KHRN) has learned that the detainees were arrested at different times since the protests of December 2025–January 2026.

Some have been indicted on charges of “espionage”, with their cases referred to Islamic Revolutionary Courts in various cities, including Mahabad and Miandoab in West Azerbaijan Province. No hearings have yet taken place.

Three Kurdish citizens from Takab, identified as Kazem, Ramin and Saman, who were arrested in Tehran Province around four months earlier on charges of “espionage” and subsequently transferred to Miandoab Prison under a judicial delegation order, were transferred back to a prison in Tehran on 22 September 2026.

Another detainee is Isa, a Kurdish programmer from Takab who was arrested in Tehran in recent months before being transferred to Miandoab Prison.

He has reportedly been indicted on a charge of “espionage for Israel”, and his case has been referred to Branch One of the Islamic Revolutionary Court in Mahabad, presided over by Judge Siami.

The detainees in Miandoab Prison are being held across various wards, with their cases unresolved.