Iran arrests dozens of Ahwazi Arabs ahead of Eid al-Adha celebrations

Iranian security forces arrested dozens of Arab activists and citizens in Ahwaz to prevent marches and celebrations during Eid al-Adha, the Ahwaz Human Rights Organization (AHRO) said in a statement which Al-Arabiya.net received a copy of.

AHRO, which published the names of 35 detainees, said Iran must commit to the International Human Rights Council resolutions and respect freedoms and people’s right to peacefully gather and march.

The organization also condemned the arrests which it described as arbitrary and said these security measures during Eid are a flagrant violation of Arab citizens’ rights in Ahwaz and a violation of international laws and treaties.

AHRO called for putting an end to these detentions and for protecting the detainees from possible ill treatment and torture.

Iranian security forces carried out similar raids and arrests during Eid al-Fitr in Ahwaz and detained dozens of Arabs who participated in popular gatherings that called for national rights and chanted against persecution.

Ahwazi activists said security forces fear Arab gatherings during religious and social events as they’ve turned into an occasion for Arab youths to speak out and demand their rights.

source: Alarabiya