Security forces raid memorial for Yalda Aghafazli, arrest two people

Hengaw; Friday, November 8, 2024 

Security forces of Islamic Republic of Iran raided the second-anniversary memorial for Yalda Aghafazli, a young artist killed during the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement, arresting two attendees. Those arrested include Hossein Naderbeigi, an eye injury victim during the movement, and another individual, Majid Salahi. 

According to a report received by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, security forces disrupted the memorial gathering in Tehran on Friday, November 8, 2024, which was attended by Aghafazli’s family and other grieving families seeking justice. The raid reportedly created an atmosphere of fear, with security forces using physical violence during the arrests. 

Witnesses report that amid the raid, both Naderbeigi, who suffered an eye injury during previous protests, and Salahi, a family friend, were detained and taken to an undisclosed location. 

Yalda Aghafazli, a 19-year-old artist, was initially arrested by security forces on October 27, 2022 during the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement. After 11 days in detention, she was released on November 6, only to die under suspicious circumstances five days later, on November 11.