Amid a continuing wave of widespread arrests targeting Ahwazi Arab poets and cultural and civil rights activists, reports received by the Karoon Human Rights Organization indicate that Mohammad Kaabi, also known as “Abu Idris,” son of Abd, a resident of Sūs (Shush), was arrested on the afternoon of Saturday, September 12, 2026 by forces of the Intelligence Organization of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC Intelligence) and transferred to an undisclosed location.
According to information received, following his arrest, Mohammad Kaabi was taken to an undisclosed location. To date, no precise information is available regarding his place of detention, any charges against him, or his legal status.
The arrest comes amid the recent detention of Mehdi Naseri and Aref Naseri, two Ahwazi Arab civil and cultural activists, by IRGC Intelligence.
Mehdi Naseri and Aref Naseri had previously been arrested in connection with raising civil and social demands and activities related to the anthem and epic song “From the Karoon to the Olive Tree.” The song had been produced and released after obtaining authorization from the Ahwaz Department of Culture and Islamic Guidance. However, following its publication on YouTube, it was removed from the platform by IRGC Intelligence.
In connection with the same case, Hossein Ahwazi and Mehdi Zaeri, the two singers who performed the song, were also summoned and threatened by IRGC Intelligence.
The continued detention of Ahwazi Arab poets and cultural and civil activists comes despite the fact that the peaceful expression of civil and cultural demands and activities carried out within the framework of the law are fundamental rights of citizens.
The Karoon Human Rights Organization condemns the arrest of Mohammad Kaabi and other cultural and civil activists connected to this case. It calls for the immediate disclosure of their charges and places of detention, guarantees of all their legal and judicial rights, and their immediate release.
