Iranian Teenager Died While in Custody

An 18-year-old Iranian teenager died in November under suspicious circumstances after being transferred to Shahr Reza prison in Isfahan province, the Dadban legal group said on February 20. 

Arian Ghorbanishenas was arrested on November 20, 2023, following an altercation with friends and accusations of alcohol consumption. 

Ghorbanishenas appeared in court the next day "in good physical condition and without any visible injuries." 

On November 22, he was found unconscious and rushed to Amir al-Momenin Hospital. His family was informed of his hospitalization nine hours later. 

Ghorbanishenas died on November 23. 

The cause of death was "brain death due to alcohol poisoning,” according to the medical examiner. 

However, Dadban highlighted that Ghorbanishenas was in good health before entering the prison, as confirmed by his parents during a visit.

Additionally, the delay in notifying his family about the teenager’s hospitalization raises concerns about potential neglect or mistreatment.

The family filed a complaint regarding the suspicious circumstances surrounding Ghorbanishenas' death. 

However, judicial authorities accepted the forensic report and closed the case.