Journalist Ebrahim Osmani, managing director of Bokan Online, a local news website based in Bukan in Iran’s West Azerbaijan province, was arrested on January 25, 2026, and released on February 9, according to a source close to the journalist.
A source familiar with the case, who requested anonymity due to fear of repercussions, told CPJ that Osmani was detained following a complaint filed by the Intelligence Organization of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Bukan. The source said Osmani’s mobile phone, laptop, and an external hard drive were confiscated, adding that he was held at Urmia Central Prison.
The source said the charges against him include “propaganda against the system,” “disturbing public opinion,” “spreading false information,” and “photographing military sites,” all related to his reporting and the content published by his outlet.
“Osmani was released after posting bail set at 7 billion tomans (US$42,944) and is awaiting the scheduling of his trial,” the source added.
CPJ’s email to the Iranian mission to the United Nations in New York requesting comment did not receive a response.