Nasrin arrest comes amidst a disturbing trend of detaining relatives of those who perished in last year’s Iran uprising. Her whereabouts remain undisclosed, and the reasons for her arrest are unknown. This event marks yet another attempt by the Iranian regime to suppress the memories of the uprising and the voices that echo its aftermath.
Shirin Alizadeh, a 35-year-old mother, was fatally shot by security forces in Ramsar in 2022 while traveling with her family. Her husband, Mr. Kourosh Vaziri, was arrested earlier this month after commemorating her birthday at her gravesite. The couple’s son witnessed the distressing arrest.
Further north in the capital of Mazandaran Province, Sari, security forces apprehended Ms. Mahsa Yazdani, mother of Mohammad Javad Zahedi, another victim from last year’s protests. Once again, details surrounding her arrest remain scanty.
These incidents occur as the anniversary of the Iran Uprising approaches, marking the brutal crackdown that followed the death of Mahsa/Zhina Amini on September 16, 2022. The regime’s actions suggest a preemptive move to prevent commemorative events by the families of the victims.
Amnesty International has been vocal in its criticism of the Iranian regime’s treatment of these grieving families. A report from the organization on August 21 highlighted the systematic harassment they face, from arbitrary arrests to the destruction of gravestones.
Diana Eltahawy, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, condemns the regime’s actions: “The cruelty of the Iranian authorities knows no bounds. The international community must stand by the victims’ families, urging the Iranian regime to respect basic human rights.”
Amnesty International’s findings further reveal that at least 36 families across ten Iranian provinces have faced human rights violations recently. This includes families of 33 protest victims, two who were executed arbitrarily related to the protests, and a family of a torture survivor who took their life post-release.
Social media has also shed light on the regime’s tactics. In July 2023, a grieving mother shared the regime’s retaliation against her family after seeking justice for her 16-year-old son killed by security forces.
Beyond the detentions, the regime is also attempting to silence families by barring them from holding commemorative ceremonies. Reports suggest a menacing security presence at these events, with forceful crackdowns, surveillance, and further arrests.
As the anniversary looms, the world watches closely, hoping that international pressure can provide some reprieve for these families and hold the Iranian authorities accountable.
MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her site, Twitter & Facebook, NCRI (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu
