Amir Mehdi Rajabi, a 21-year-old Turkish rapper from Astara, known by his stage name “Bangard,” was arrested on January 20, 2026 (30 Dey 1404) after being summoned by phone to the local Office of Intelligence.
According to informed sources close to the young artist, Rajabi was subjected to severe physical abuse and intense psychological pressure during his detention in an attempt to force him to confess to charges including “setting fire to a bank,” “manufacturing Molotov cocktails,” and “physically confronting security forces” during protests held on January 7, 8, and 9.
A source speaking to the Karun Human Rights Organization reported that the physical and psychological harm inflicted on Rajabi was so severe that he developed a speech stutter. Additionally, a source interviewed by IranWire stated that intelligence agents brutally beat him and used explicit death threats—to coerce confessions.
Sources further report that, in addition to physical violence, Rajabi was subjected to food deprivation as a method of pressure to force him to make self-incriminating statements and testify against his friends. According to an individual familiar with his condition, the psychological pressure continues, and Rajabi has not returned to a normal mental state, is unable to resume work, and his daily life has been severely disrupted.
Amir Mehdi Rajabi is a construction worker who is also active as a rapper, songwriter, and music producer. He was previously detained in 2023 after releasing a freestyle rap video while wearing military service attire. At that time, he was held for one month by Law Enforcement Intelligence and later sentenced by a military prosecutor to three additional months of compulsory service and a 27 million toman fine (approximately USD 600).
According to the latest reports, Rajabi was released from the Intelligence Ministry detention facility after signing a written pledge, though serious concerns remain regarding his physical and psychological well-being.
