Hosseyn Shanbe-Zadeh's Family Expresses Concern Over His Uncertain Status

The family of Hosseyn Shanbe-Zadeh expressed concern over the status of this detained editor in their second statement. In this statement released on Friday, June 8, on the page of Abbas, Hosseyn Shanbe-Zadeh's brother, on the social media platform 'X', it was stated that 'the previous claims and accusations against our beloved light are being repeated and intensified while Hosseyn still does not enjoy any of the basic rights of a prisoner.' The statement continues, 'We are completely unaware of Hosseyn's situation and do not know where he is. We do not know which agency has detained him. We do not know if he is safe or not.' According to Mr. Shanbe-Zadeh's family, he 'never' went to Urmia and his final destination was Ardabil, where he intended to meet his friends. The message emphasizes that 'the weight of the accusations is such that we only believe news of Hosseyn's health from him, provided we know he is not under pressure.' The family of Hosseyn Shanbe-Zadeh pointed out that the 'most reliable source' for information about the status of this detained editor is Abbas's account, his brother's, on social media X, and the family's statements. They expressed that they have 'serious doubts' about news from other sources and individuals, considering their narratives 'safe and logical.' The Shanbe-Zadeh family concluded, 'We and Hosseyn Shanbe-Zadeh need your help in raising our voice for justice. Please stand by us.' Following the arrest of Hosseyn Shanbe-Zadeh, a former political prisoner and editor, the Ardabil prosecutor accused him of 'connections with high-ranking Mossad officers.' Jalal Afaqi, the Ardabil prosecutor, stated on Friday without naming Hosseyn Shanbe-Zadeh that the detained individual is accused of 'espionage for high-ranking Mossad officers,' 'insulting sacred things,' and 'multiple blasphemies.' The Ardabil prosecutor claimed without providing evidence that Hosseyn Shanbe-Zadeh 'is accused based on existing documents of having been in contact with high-ranking Mossad officers through social media.' These claims come while this civil activist is deprived of access to a lawyer and contact with his family. The Ardabil prosecutor mentioned that a legal case had been opened against this social media activist in the Tehran prosecutor's office and that he is being pursued in Ardabil based on judicial orders. Hosseyn Shanbe-Zadeh was arrested after he reacted to a point-less note on Ali Khamenei's 'X' page by placing a single point, which users appreciated more than twice the leader's writing. The Ardabil prosecutor claimed that Hosseyn Shanbe-Zadeh intended to leave the country by passing through Ardabil, Bostanabad, and ultimately going to Urmia. However, this well-known user had previously published posts and photos about his trip to Ardabil before his arrest. Hosseyn Shanbe-Zadeh was active on the social media platform 'X' and, in addition to addressing social and literary issues, recounted parts of his memories from his time in prison and being whipped. Pressure on civil and political activists in Iran has increased by the Islamic Republic in recent months.