Iran Detains Families of Outspoken Exiles to Silence Dissent

Activists overseas say Tehran is cracking down on their loved ones back home amid ongoing war

Apr. 4, 2026 at 10:23am

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Iran's government is detaining family members and threatening to seize property of Iranian opposition figures in exile, some tell The Associated Press, in the latest crackdown on dissenting voices as the war rages on. Activists overseas play a key role in tracking the crackdown, which is complicated by the internet shutdown imposed earlier this year during massive nationwide protests against the Islamic theocracy.

Why it matters

This latest wave of detentions and property seizures targeting the families of outspoken Iranian exiles is part of the government's broader efforts to silence dissent and prevent the voices of opposition figures from reaching the outside world, especially as Iran faces ongoing conflict with the U.S. and Israel.

The details

Intelligence agents in Tehran have detained the brother of Hossein Razzagh, a former political prisoner who fled to Europe last year, as well as the 20-year-old niece of activist Behnam Chegini, who is now based in France. Another activist, Sareh Sedighi, said her mother was detained from her home. The judiciary has also begun seizing the property of public figures critical of Iran's rulers, including actor Borzou Arjmand, soccer player Sardar Azmoun, musician Mohsen Yeghaneh, and university professor Ali Sharifi Zarchi.

  • On March 15, intelligence agents in Tehran detained the brother of Hossein Razzagh.
  • On March 10, Behnam Chegini's 20-year-old niece was detained for a week.
  • Last month, the mother of activist Sareh Sedighi was detained from her home.

The players

Hossein Razzagh

A former political prisoner who fled to Europe last year.

Behnam Chegini

An activist now based in France.

Sareh Sedighi

An activist who fled Iran after her 2021 death sentence was overturned.

Borzou Arjmand

An Iranian actor living in California who has expressed support for protests in 2022.

Nasrin Sotoudeh

A human rights lawyer detained by intelligence agents from her house in Tehran.

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What they’re saying

“My own brother isn't at all political and doesn't do any kind of political activity. It's to put me under pressure.”

— Hossein Razzagh

“The Islamic Republic took my mother away to make me be quiet.”

— Sareh Sedighi

“Explosions and smoke can be heard and seen from everywhere in the city. Every time we hear a sound, we get scared.”

— Wife of a political prisoner

What’s next

Activists overseas are planning an opposition conference in London called the Iran Freedom Congress to bring together pro-democracy groups and push for a 'political transition' in Iran.

The takeaway

This crackdown on the families of outspoken Iranian exiles is part of the government's broader efforts to silence dissent and prevent opposition voices from reaching the outside world, even as the country faces ongoing conflict with the U.S. and Israel.