The Alahwazi Organization for Human Rights (A.O.H.R) strongly condemns the arbitrary and systematic arrests of Arab cultural activists, civil figures, and poets in the Alahwaz region by security apparatuses, particularly the Intelligence Organization of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). These repressive practices constitute a flagrant violation of freedom of expression, thought, and fundamental human rights.
Details of Arrests and Threats:
1ـMehdi Naseri: On September 8, 2026, Mehdi Naseri—a poet, broadcaster, and Arab cultural activist residing in the city of Alahwaz—was arrested by the IRGC Intelligence Organization. His arrest is linked to his civic and social activities, specifically the production and release of the epic anthem titled “From Karun to the Olive Tree.” This anthem had been produced and published after obtaining official authorization from the Alahwaz Department of Culture and Islamic Guidance; however, following its publication on YouTube, the video was removed and Naseri was detained. Mehdi Naseri is also the founder of the “Sada al-Afkar” award, established to honor cultural, artistic, social, and athletic elites (with its inaugural edition held in Alahwaz), and serves as the manager of the talk show program “Sada al-Afkar.”
2 ـ Aref Naseri (Abu Naif): Four days later, on Saturday, September 12, 2026, Aref Naseri (known as “Abu Naif”), a poet, civil-cultural activist, and cousin of Mehdi Naseri, was arrested at his home in the Saadi district of the city of Fallahieh (Shadegan) by IRGC intelligence forces and taken to an undisclosed location. Security forces extensively searched his home, causing profound fear and distress among his family members and young children. Aref Naseri hosted the program “Asala,” a sub-segment of the “Sada al-Afkar” talk show network. As of the drafting of this report, no precise information is available regarding the allegations against them, their place of detention, or their legal status.
3 /4 – Hussein Alahwazi and Mehdi Zaeeri: In the same context, Hussein Alahwazi and Mehdi Zaeeri, the two vocalists of the song “From Karun to the Olive Tree,” were summoned and severely threatened by the IRGC Intelligence Organization.
5 – Mohammed Kaabi (Abu Idris): Continuing the broad and targeted wave of suppression directed at Alahwazi Arab poets, artists, and civil activists, Mohammed Kaabi (known as “Abu Idris”), a poet and cultural activist from the city of Shush, was arrested on the afternoon of Saturday, September 12, 2026, by IRGC intelligence forces and transferred to an unknown location.
The Organization’s Position:
Expressing its deep concern for the safety and physical well-being of those detained, the Alahwazi Organization for Human Rights (A.O.H.R) condemns these repressive policies, arbitrary arrests, creation of terror among families, and ongoing pressure against artists and writers.
The organization calls upon all international human rights bodies, United Nations Special Rapporteurs, and human rights NGOs to intervene immediately and urgently to secure the prompt and unconditional release of all detained cultural, civil, and political activists in Alahwaz, and to put a definitive end to the systematic violations of human rights in the region.
