Ongoing arrests of Arab Activists: 6 arrested in Ahvaz and Shadegan

Hengaw: Wednesday, January 15, 2025

In the ongoing wave of arrests targeting Arabs, six more individuals—Hossein Shalibawi, Ma’leh Shavardi, Mohsen Barihi, Ahmad Zanbouri, Tareq Jenami, and Baqer Shavardi—have been arrested by security forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Ahvaz and Shadegan. They have been transferred to undisclosed locations.

According to a report received by Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, on Saturday, January 11, 2025, five people—Hossein Shalibawi, Ma’leh Shavardi, Mohsen Barihi, Ahmad Zanbouri, and Tareq Jenami—were arrested in Ahvaz by security forces and taken to undisclosed locations.

Additionally, on Sunday, January 12, 2025, Baqer Shavardi was arrested in the town of Shadegan, Khuzestan province, by security forces. Despite four days having passed since his detention, no information about his condition or whereabouts is available.

It is noteworthy that the families of these six individuals have made repeated attempts to obtain information about their situation. However, their efforts have been unsuccessful, as security agencies have refused to provide any response.

As of the time of this report, no precise details are available regarding the reasons for their arrest, or the charges brought against them.