According to Ahwazi human rights activists, four Arab citizens who were arrested in the early hours of July 20, 2026, by agents of the Ahwaz Intelligence Department in the Mendeli neighborhood have, in recent days, been transferred from a Ministry of Intelligence detention facility to the Central Prison of Ahwaz (Sheiban).
It had previously been reported that agents of the Intelligence Department raided the homes of several Arab residents of the Mendeli neighborhood and arrested them because of their adherence to Sunni Islam and their religious activities. The operation was carried out in the early hours of the morning and, according to local sources, caused fear and distress among the families, particularly women and children.
The names of the four detainees whose identities have so far been confirmed are:
• Saeed Obeydavi, 25
• Hassan Chenani, also known as “Abu Arkan,” 38
• Jafar Shamousi
• Esmail Obeydavi, 35
After searching the homes and confiscating some personal belongings, security forces transferred the detainees to an undisclosed location. According to the latest information received, they are now being held in Sheiban Prison in Ahwaz.
The Karoon Human Rights Organization has condemned the arrest of citizens on the basis of their religious beliefs and peaceful religious activities. It has called for the detainees’ legal rights to be respected, for them to have access to their families and legal counsel, and for the release of those detained solely because of their religious beliefs.
