Milad Shahbazi was reportedly taken back into custody after his first court hearing
Fresh concern is growing around Iranian MMA fighter Milad Shahbazi after he was reportedly detained again following a court appearance in Rasht. According to information published by IranWire, Shahbazi appeared in court on June 5 alongside three other athletes connected to the same case. The other defendants were reportedly allowed to leave under their existing bail conditions. Shahbazi was not.
Instead, the young mixed martial artist was taken into custody directly after the hearing and transferred to Lakan Prison in Rasht. His family and friends say they have received no meaningful information about his condition, the legal grounds for the renewed detention or what may happen next.
The Iranian MMA fighter was first arrested in February 2026
Shahbazi was initially detained on February 13 during an operation by intelligence agents in Gilan Province. He was later released on bail in April while waiting for the case to reach court.
The case reportedly relates to demonstrations held in Rasht on January 8 and 9. Shahbazi and the other defendants were accused of “acting against national security,” a broad charge frequently used in politically sensitive cases in Iran. No final verdict has been publicly reported.
#Breaking: The war waged by the Islamic regime of #Iran against Iranian athletes has now reached another level.
— Babak Taghvaee - The Crisis Watch (@BabakTaghvaee1) February 14, 2026
Intelligence Ministry forces have arrested five athletes in #Masal and transferred them to the Ministry of Intelligence's detention in #Rasht. They are facing… pic.twitter.com/SE9AkOTqgp
His family says authorities have provided no explanation
The most troubling part of the report is the silence that followed the June hearing. Shahbazi’s relatives have reportedly visited judicial and security offices repeatedly, but say they still do not know why his bail status changed or whether new accusations have been added to the case.
That lack of information has left the family unable to confirm his physical condition or speak clearly about his legal situation. At the time of writing, there has been no public explanation from the authorities regarding why Shahbazi remained in custody while the other defendants were released again.
Questions remain over Milad Shahbazi’s detention in Lakan Prison
Shahbazi’s case is now drawing attention beyond the Iranian MMA community because it touches on a wider pattern of athletes becoming involved in politically sensitive cases. For his family, however, the immediate issue is much simpler: they want confirmation that he is safe, access to reliable legal information and a clear explanation for why he was returned to prison after appearing in court.
Until officials provide that information, the status of Milad Shahbazi remains uncertain.
Milad Shahbazi Arrest and Court Case FAQ
Who is Milad Shahbazi?
Milad Shahbazi is an Iranian mixed martial arts fighter who was reportedly arrested in connection with protests in Rasht.
When was Milad Shahbazi first arrested?
Shahbazi was reportedly arrested on February 13, 2026, during an operation by intelligence agents in Iran’s Gilan Province.
Why was Milad Shahbazi arrested?
IranWire reported that Shahbazi and several other athletes were accused of “acting against national security” because of their alleged participation in protests held in Rasht on January 8 and 9.
Was Milad Shahbazi released on bail?
Yes. He was reportedly released on bail in April while awaiting trial, but was taken back into custody immediately after his first court hearing on June 5.
Where is Milad Shahbazi being held?
He was reportedly transferred to Lakan Prison in Rasht after the June 5 court hearing.
Why was Milad Shahbazi re-arrested after court?
The reason has not been publicly explained. His family reportedly remains unaware of why he was detained again while the other defendants were allowed to leave under their previous bail conditions.
Has Milad Shahbazi’s family received any information about him?
According to the report, his family has repeatedly contacted judicial and security authorities but has not received clear information about his condition or current legal status.
