The Karoon Human Rights Organization has obtained a previously recorded voice message from Aref Naseri, an Ahwazi civil activist currently in detention, in which he emphasizes that the reason for his arrest was his pursuit and expression of the peaceful demands of the people of Ahwaz.
In the message, which was recorded approximately one month ago, he said that he had previously anticipated the possibility of being arrested and had prepared himself for such a day.
Abu Nayef, referring to the activities of the “Sada al-Afkar” (Voice of Thought) initiative over recent years, said that the purpose of its programs was to introduce prominent Ahwazi figures, writers, researchers and intellectuals, as well as to advocate for the rights of the people.
Criticizing discrimination and racism, he stressed that despite enduring hardship, pollution and difficult climatic conditions, the people of Ahwaz have been largely deprived of the wealth of their own land. Aref Naseri said: “Oil pipelines from Abadan, Khorramshahr, Omidiyeh, Hoveyzeh and all our Ahwazi cities are pumped toward other cities in Iran such as Tehran and Isfahan, but we do not benefit from even a single drop of these oil and gas resources, and our right to use our water for agriculture has also been taken away from us.”
In another part of the message, the activist described the demands of Ahwazi activists as entirely legitimate, lawful and within the framework of cultural and peaceful activities. Restoring the historical names of Ahwazi cities that were changed during the Pahlavi period, as well as implementing the right to education in one’s mother tongue, were among the key demands he highlighted. According to him, although this right is recognized in Iran’s Constitution, it has remained “only on paper.”
At the end of his message, Aref Naseri emphasized the determination of present and future generations to achieve these rights, describing the security-based approach to such demands as unjustifiable. He added: “We have not violated Iranian law. These demands remain firmly upheld by me and by all Ahwazi activists, and even if you arrest us, harass us, or use any method against us, we will remain steadfast in pursuing these peaceful demands.”
Arrest of Abu Nayef
According to a report received by the Karoon Human Rights Organization, Aref Naseri, also known as “Abu Nayef,” an Ahwazi Arab poet and civil and cultural activist, was arrested on Saturday, 21 September 2026, at his home in the Saadi area of Fallahiyeh (Shadegan) by forces from the Intelligence Organization of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC Intelligence) and transferred to an undisclosed location.
Aref Naseri is the cousin of Mehdi Naseri, a poet and cultural activist, and the two have collaborated on cultural activities. Arif Naseri is also the presenter of the “Asala” program, one of the programs affiliated with “Sada al-Afkar,” which is managed by Mehdi Naseri.
According to information received by the Karoon Organization, security forces extensively searched his home during the arrest. The incident reportedly caused fear and concern among his family members and children.
The arrest of Aref Naseri comes after Mehdi Naseri was previously arrested by IRGC Intelligence in connection with his advocacy for civil and social demands and activities related to the patriotic song “From Karun to Olive.” The song had been produced and released with authorization from the Ahwaz Department of Culture and Islamic Guidance, but after it was published on YouTube, Mehdi Naseri was arrested by IRGC Intelligence and the work was also removed from YouTube.
Hossein Ahwazi and Mehdi Zaeri, the two singers who performed the song, were summoned and threatened by IRGC Intelligence.
As of the time of publication, no detailed information was available regarding the potential charges against Arif Naseri, his place of detention, or his legal status.
The Karoon Human Rights Organization condemns the arrest of Aref Naseri and other cultural and civil activists connected to this case, emphasizing that the peaceful expression of civil and cultural demands and activities conducted within the framework of the law are fundamental rights and should not result in arrest or deprivation of liberty.
The Karoon Human Rights Organization calls for the immediate disclosure of Aref Naseri’s charges and place of detention, guarantees of all his legal and judicial rights, and his immediate release.
Source: Karoon Human Rights Organization
