According to a report published on the Telegram channel Khabaraneh, managed by journalist and political activist Mehdi Mahmoudian, the body of Niloofar Haddadi, a professional dubbing director and voice actor, was discovered at her Tehran residence on July 8, 2026. Haddadi died under ambiguous circumstances following a period of arbitrary arrest, interrogation, and intense pressure from security forces.
Haddadi was detained in late April 2026 after security police raided her home, reportedly creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation in her neighborhood. She was initially targeted on charges of attempting to place a phone call to an overseas satellite television network - a call that was never successfully connected. Despite the failed call, judicial authorities subsequently levied charges of espionage and cooperation with hostile states against her during the prosecution.
As the primary caregiver for her elderly mother, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, Haddadi experienced acute psychological distress regarding her mother’s well-being while in custody. Her temporary release was eventually granted on bail of 3 billion tomans, funded by a film industry colleague.
Acquaintances noted that Haddadi suffered from a pre-existing autoimmune condition, which was severely aggravated by the physical and mental stress of detention, interrogation, and unresolved legal proceedings. Her anxiety escalated significantly after her case was assigned to Revolutionary Court Judge Afshari, who is known for handing down severe sentences in security cases.
