According to reports received by the Karoon Human Rights Organization, Ahwaz Intelligence Department forces arrested Abdolhossein (Abu Masoud) Badawi, a 61-year-old Sunni Arab citizen, on Wednesday night, June 17, 2026, in connection with the holding of Eid al-Adha congregational prayers in Kut Abdullah, Ahwaz.
Abu Masoud Badawi, who suffers from several medical conditions, was transferred to an undisclosed location following his arrest. His family has so far received no information regarding his whereabouts or his health condition.
The Karoon Human Rights Organization had previously reported that security forces carried out simultaneous raids on the homes of several Arab citizens in the Kut Abdullah area of Ahwaz last Wednesday, arresting at least 29 Sunni Arab citizens. According to that report, the arrests were carried out solely due to the individuals’ peaceful religious beliefs and activities.
Human rights sources have also stated that some of those arrested had previously been detained and convicted because of their religious activities. Despite completing their previous sentences, they were once again targeted by security forces.
Eyewitnesses reported that security forces entered residential homes without presenting judicial warrants, creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation among families, particularly women and children. They searched homes, confiscated personal belongings, and transferred those arrested to undisclosed locations.
The identities of some of the detainees that have so far been confirmed include: Hossein Betrani, Hassan Obeydavi, Mohammad (Abu Aqil) Hazbawi, Abdolrahman Mohammad Hazbawi, Jassem (Abu Majed) Sawari, Mohammad Khanfari, and Mohammad Hazbawi.
As of the publication of this report, no information has been released regarding the detainees’ places of detention, legal status, or health conditions. Their families have been denied access to phone calls, visits, and legal representation.
The Karoon Human Rights Organization condemned the arrest of Abu Masoud Badawi and other Sunni citizens in Kut Abdullah, Ahwaz, describing these actions as clear violations of fundamental rights, including freedom of religion and belief, the right to peaceful assembly, and the right to a fair trial. The organization called for the immediate release of the detainees, disclosure of their places of detention, access to lawyers and family members, and an end to security measures targeting peaceful religious activities.
