Reports from Ahwaz indicate a heightened security atmosphere and a new wave of arrests in the region. On Saturday, November 6, 2023, intelligence forces conducted a widespread raid on the homes of citizens in the Saadi neighborhood of Mahshahr, detaining at least seven Arab citizens and transferring them to an undisclosed location.
The Telegram channel “Wave of Ahwaz” reported, citing informed sources, that this intimidating operation was carried out by intelligence forces dispatched from Ahwaz, accompanied by masked individuals dressed in black. Security agents created an atmosphere of terror, conducting searches of homes and confiscating personal belongings of these citizens.
The identities of the seven detained citizens have been confirmed as follows:
- 1. Adel Othmani
- 2. Sultan Othmani
- 3. Tehran Othmani
- 4. Aziz Gharghouli
- 5. Ali Heydari
- 6. Mohsen Salehavi
- 7. Ali Salehavi
So far, families have been unable to obtain any information regarding the reasons for the arrests, the charges against them, the exact agency responsible for the detentions, or the location where these individuals are being held; this reflects a clear case of arbitrary detention and a violation of fundamental citizens’ rights.
Arrests Amid the Anniversary of the Bloody November 2019 Protests
It is noteworthy that these unlawful arrests come just ahead of the anniversary of the November 2019 protests and the horrific “Marsh Massacre” in the city of Mahshahr. During that historic and bloody event, military and security forces targeted defenseless protesters seeking refuge in the marshes using heavy weaponry, including tanks, BKC machine guns, and drones, resulting in the deaths, injuries, and arrests of hundreds of Arab citizens.
The Karoon Human Rights Organization believes that the recent escalation of security activities and arrests in Mahshahr is a preventive measure by intelligence agencies aimed at instilling fear and preventing any memorial or accountability events for the victims of the marsh massacre. We demand immediate clarification regarding the status of the detainees, assurance of their physical well-being, and the unconditional release of these citizens.
