Wave of Arbitrary Arrests and Enforced Disappearances: Iranian Security Forces Escalating Repression Against Ahwazi Civilians and Activists
The Alahwazi Organization for Human Rights (A.O.H.R) reports a dangerous escalation in arbitrary raids and detentions carried out by the IRGC Intelligence and the Ministry of Intelligence targeting Ahwazi civilians and activists without judicial warrants.
A.O.H.R documents the following three cases in chronological order:
1. Armed Raid in Fallahiye and Arrest of Mohammad Zanburi in Abadan (August 2026):
Security forces raided the Sayyid Ali neighborhood in Fallahiye and opened live fire, wounding Mohammad Zanburi (27). He initially escaped but was later arrested in Abadan. The fate of Haider Khanjari (35) remains unknown amid reports of his killing during pursuit, while his family was subjected to forced televised confessions.
2. Arrest of Cultural Activist Asad Halfi in Ahwaz Capital (September 25, 2026):
At 4:00 AM, IRGC Intelligence forces raided the home of cultural activist Asad Halfi (37, father of two) in the Hayy Al-Wurud district of Ahwaz capital without presenting a warrant, confiscating his belongings and forcibly transferring him to an undisclosed location.
3. Street Abduction of Mehdi Abyat (October 1, 2026):
Ministry of Intelligence agents abducted Mehdi Abyat (31, known as Abu Farooq, a street vendor) from a public street in the Koy Shahrak district of Ahwaz capital without any legal authorization.
Legal Framework and Violations:
The Alahwazi Organization for Human Rights (A.O.H.R) affirms that night raids, extrajudicial arrests, enforced disappearance, and forced televised confessions directly violate:
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Articles 3, 9, and 12 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) regarding personal security, freedom from arbitrary detention, and privacy of the home.
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Articles 9 and 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) guaranteeing liberty of person and prohibiting self-incrimination under coercion.
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The International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.
