“Ahmad Hazbawi”, an 18-year-old Arab youth from Ahwaz, was arrested by security forces on February 17, 2026, in the coastal area of Ahwaz and transferred to an unknown location.
According to eyewitnesses and human rights activists, he had returned from the memorial marking the fortieth day of those killed during the January protests and was at the riverside with friends when security forces approached them and began inspecting their mobile phones. After finding protest videos and images on Ahmad’s phone, the officers arrested him without presenting a judicial warrant and reportedly used violence while detaining him. He was then forced into two private vehicles (a Renault L90 and a Peugeot 206) and taken away.
Several days after the arrest, no information has been released regarding his place of detention, the reason for his arrest, or his physical condition.
Ahmad’s family remains in complete uncertainty and has not received any contact from him. They have repeatedly visited the Revolutionary Court and security institutions, but have received no response.
Human rights activists have described the incident as a case of arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance, calling it a serious violation of fundamental human rights.
His family and human rights activists are demanding transparent information about Ahmad’s situation, guarantees of his safety, and his unconditional release.
