Iranian psychologist jailed after Trump plea; family reports regime pressure to insult Americans

Seyed Ahmad Seyedabdollahi, a 32-year-old psychologist and counselor from Borujen, has been sentenced to seven months in prison and a five-year ban from public service for 'engaging in media activities against national security.' The conviction followed a January 4, 2026, video in which he urged Donald Trump to fulfill his pledges to support Iranian protesters. Seyedabdollahi was arrested ten days later at his father's home. According to relatives, security authorities subjected him to intense pressure, demanding he record a video insulting Trump and the American people for broadcast on state media. His family states that he refused to comply despite enduring solitary confinement and repeated interrogations. Reports indicate that during his detention, he was denied access to legal counsel of his choice and was frequently cut off from his family. Authorities have also opened a separate case against him for 'propaganda against the system.' Interrogators reportedly accused him of ties to foreign intelligence agencies, an allegation his family denies. Seyedabdollahi has been serving his sentence in Borujen Prison since July 2026.