According to reports received by the Karoon Human Rights Organization, a 17-year-old Ahwazi Arab teenager, Abbas Shawerdi, was arrested in Fallahieh (Shadegan) amid an ongoing wave of security pressure against civil and religious activists in the Ahwaz region.
On 18 September 2026, security forces reportedly raided the home of the teenage religious activist, arrested him, and transferred him to an undisclosed location.
As of the time of this report, there is no clear information regarding the reasons for his arrest, the charges against him, or his exact place of detention. Efforts by his family to obtain information about his whereabouts have so far been unsuccessful.
The arrest of Ahwazi Arab citizens, particularly religious and cultural activists, has a documented history in the Ahwaz region. However, the detention of individuals under the age of 18—children and adolescents—because of their religious beliefs or activities constitutes a serious violation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and international human rights standards.
Earlier this month, in a similar case, 13-year-old Ali Cheldawi was arrested by security forces, highlighting what appears to be a continuing pattern of coercive measures against individuals under the age of 18 in connection with their religious activities.
The Karoon Human Rights Organization expresses serious concern over the detention of Abbas Shawerdi and strongly condemns the security crackdown against minors. The organization calls for immediate clarification of his condition and whereabouts, guarantees of his legal rights, and his unconditional release.
