Ahmad Hassanzadeh, Father of Slain Protester, Arrested Again by Iranian Security Forces in Bukan

Hengaw; Sunday, September 15, 2024

Ahmad Hassanzadeh, a member of the justice-seeking families and the father of Mohammad Hassanzadeh, who was killed during the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement, has been arrested once again by Iranian security forces. His whereabouts remain unknown.

According to a report received by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, at 11:00 AM on Sunday, September 15, 2024, security forces from the Intelligence Department arrested 57-year-old Ahmad Hassanzadeh, a grieving father from Bukan, outside his home.

A source close to the Hassanzadeh family confirmed to Hengaw, stating, "One hour after his arrest, Mr. Hassanzadeh contacted his family to inform them of his arrest, but his phone was turned off afterward. Since then, no further information has been available regarding his fate."

Ahmad Hassanzadeh was previously arrested on July 30, 2024 (on the birthday of his deceased son), along with his daughter, Solmaz Hassanzadeh. They were temporarily released the following day on bail. Both were also arrested earlier on September 5, 2023. On Wednesday night, October 5, 2023, Solmaz was arrested alongside three friends while traveling from Bukan to Saqqez.

Mohammad Hassanzadeh, Ahmad's son, was killed on November 16, 2022, during protests in Bukan. He was fatally stabbed and shot in the chest and heart by security forces while trying to rescue a girl abducted by government agents.

As of the time of this report, no detailed information is available regarding the reasons for Ahmad Hassanzadeh’s arrest, the charges against him, or his current whereabouts.