The last message Kaveh Taheri sent his family was two words:
“Arrested. Deportation.”
Since that moment, an Iranian journalist who spent his life exposing corruption and human rights abuses is now sitting in a deportation detention center in Turkey — facing forced return to the country where he was previously imprisoned and tortured.
We are urgently raising $4,000 to cover legal fees to stop his deportation and help him reach safety.
Kaveh has spent years reporting on corruption, political repression, and human rights abuses in Iran. Because of this work, he was forced to flee his homeland and was officially recognized as a refugee by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). That recognition confirms what his family already fears: returning to Iran could cost him his life.
On January 26, while traveling by bus to Istanbul, Kaveh was detained despite holding a valid travel permit. He was on his way to an appointment to apply for a humanitarian visa — a critical step toward rebuilding his life in safety. Instead, he was arrested and transferred to the Kocaeli Deportation Center.
According to Kaveh’s lawyer, his detention is arbitrary. A deportation order was issued just two days after his arrest, citing “national security” — a vague accusation frequently used against journalists and dissidents. No evidence, intelligence reports, or formal hearing have been provided.
If deported to Iran, the consequences would be severe. International press freedom and human rights organizations have expressed serious concern about his case.
In 2012, Kaveh was arrested by Iranian intelligence forces and spent nearly a year imprisoned in Shiraz. During that time, he endured harsh interrogations, psychological abuse, and torture, and was forced to make a false confession. Despite this, he continued his work after release, refusing to be silenced.
His writing has appeared in international outlets including The Huffington Post and The Times of Israel, and he continues to publish analysis on Iranian and international affairs through independent platforms.
As a refugee he is not allowed to work and because Kaveh is detained, he has no way to support himself. Legal representation is his only protection. The estimated cost to challenge the deportation order and security charges and pursue safe relocation is $4,000.
That amount may be overwhelming for one person — but together, it is achievable.
Every contribution, no matter how small, directly supports Kaveh’s legal defense. If you cannot donate, sharing this campaign is another powerful way to help. Public attention can save lives in cases like this.
Kaveh has spent his life telling the stories of others, often at great personal risk. Today, he needs others to help tell his story and stand beside him.
He is someone’s brother. Someone’s son. Someone’s father. A journalist who believed that truth matters and always dreamt to make the world a better place. Today, he is relying on the kindness and solidarity of people who believe those values still matter.
Legal action must happen quickly. The time to help Kaveh is now.
Thank you for standing with Kaveh Taheri and helping give him a chance at safety, dignity, and freedom.
Organiser
