The fate of eight abducted citizens from Darreh Shahr remains unknown

Hengaw: December 25, 2022

Iranian government forces abducted Mohammad Amin Faridi, Behrouz Alaei, Ali Zainivand, Ayub Rahimifar, Javad Zainivand, Mohammad Zainivand, Ashkan Shirkhoda, and Mozafar Shahbazi in the city of Darreh Shahr in the province of Ilam.

According to a report obtained by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, Iranian security forces abducted 18-year-old Mohammad Amin Faridi from Darreh Shahr and 33-year-old Behrouz Alaei from the village of Chapikeh in this city in the early hours of Saturday, December 24, 2022.

Furthermore, on December 12, 2022, Ali Zainivand, 25, Javad Zainivand, 29, and Ayoub Rahimifar were detained in Darreh Shahr and transported to an undisclosed location.

Mozafar Shahbazi, a resident of Darreh Shahr, was also abducted by government agents on the evening of December 7; his condition and whereabouts are unknown.

Additionally, the condition of poet and musician Mohammad Zainivand, who had been detained by government forces stationed in Darreh Shahr on Sunday, December 4, is still unclear. Zainivand was moved to an undisclosed location after his arrest.

In late November, 20-year-old Ashkan Shirkhoda was arrested by the security forces and is currently in Mah-e Pareh prison in Darreh Shahr.

All these citizens have been deprived of the right to contact and visit their relatives since their arrest, and their exact physical and mental condition is unclear.