Judiciary Confirms Arrest of Iranian-American Citizen in Gorgan

Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, the spokesperson for Iran's judiciary, confirmed on July 25 that a dual national, Iranian-American citizen, has been arrested in Gorgan. A report regarding the arrest of Reza (Robin) Shahini had been published at the end of July. Mr. Ejei stated that he has 'no information' about the charges against this dual national. He also added that despite the arrest in Gorgan, the case will be transferred to Tehran for further investigation. Prior to this, Mr. Shahini's daughter had informed Radio Farda about his arrest: 'Reza Shahini traveled to Iran in early June to visit his sick mother. Security agents visited his mother's house in Gorgan on July 21, searched the house, confiscated his personal belongings including his computer and mobile phone, and arrested Reza Shahini.' One day after the news of this arrest was published, on August 1, the U.S. State Department stated that it is reviewing the relevant reports. The confirmation of the arrest of another dual national in Iran comes at a time when several dual nationals have been arrested in Iran in recent months. The British Foreign Office has also recently warned its citizens, especially Iranian-British citizens, that traveling to Iran may put them at risk of arrest. The Tehran Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor had stated on July 21, the same time Mr. Shahini was reportedly arrested, that the cases of Nazanin Zaghari (Iranian-British), Homa Hoodfar (Iranian-Canadian), Siamak Namazi (Iranian-American), and Nizar Zakka (Lebanese-American) as well as seven protesters from the 2009 presidential election have been sent to court.