Masoumeh Abdi Funeral: Memorial Service Held for Abbas Abdi’s Sister in Tehran

Abbas Abdi and Gallup

The controversy also involved the American polling organization Gallup.

Iranian authorities accused the researchers of receiving money or assistance from foreign sources.

Reporters Without Borders reported that the authorities accused Ayandeh of receiving money from Gallup or a foreign embassy.

Other contemporary reporting described allegations concerning cooperation with Gallup in connection with the survey.

These accusations formed part of the legal case against Abdi and his colleagues.

International human-rights organizations and press-freedom groups followed the case closely.

The United Nations Special Rapporteur also documented the detention of Abbas Abdi and other researchers in connection with the opinion poll on US-Iranian relations.

Human Rights Concerns Surrounding Abbas Abdi’s Case

Abbas Abdi’s arrest became an international press-freedom and human-rights issue.

Amnesty International reported in November 2002 that Abdi and other researchers had been detained in connection with an opinion poll on US-Iranian relations. The organization expressed concern that the detainees could face ill-treatment.

The United Nations also documented the case.

The UN Special Rapporteur’s report referred to Abdi as a journalist and director of the Ayandeh public-opinion organization and described his arrest in connection with the publication of an opinion poll showing substantial support for restoring Iran’s ties with the United States.

These records provide an important historical context for understanding why the 2002 case remains associated with Abbas Abdi’s name.

September 26, 2026 | 5:16 pm