According to reports received by the Karoon Human Rights Organization, the judiciary of the Islamic Republic of Iran issued a two-year prison sentence on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, against Amin Askarawi, a 23-year-old Ahwazi Arab poet.
Amin Askarawi is from Oushar village in Fallahiyeh (Shadegan) County, located in the Ahwaz region. He was arrested by security forces approximately five months ago. According to reports, he was subjected to interrogation, torture, and humiliating treatment during his detention. After enduring these conditions in custody, the cultural activist was temporarily released on bail pending the issuance of the court’s verdict.
The imprisonment sentence issued against a young poet is a clear indication of the continued repressive policies and escalating pressure against Ahwazi Arab civil activists, intellectuals, and artists. Iranian security and judicial authorities have frequently targeted peaceful cultural activities, including poetry and efforts to preserve linguistic and cultural identity, by bringing unfounded security-related charges and fabricating cases against individuals in an attempt to silence critical voices.
The Karoon Human Rights Organization expressed deep concern and condemned the issuance of what it described as an unjust sentence, emphasizing that such verdicts—amid growing domestic crises and regional tensions involving the Iranian government—serve primarily to intimidate and create fear within society. The organization called for the immediate annulment of Amin Askarawi’s sentence, an end to arbitrary arrests, and respect for citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and cultural activity.
