Iranian Activists Report Escalated Crackdown Before Amini Anniversary

Iranian Activists Report Escalated Crackdown Before Amini Anniversary

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*Iran Intensifies Crackdown Ahead of Amini Anniversary, Activists Report**

*Paris, August 30, 2023 (AFP)* - Concerns are rising as Iran tightens its grip in anticipation of the one-year commemoration of Mahsa Amini's passing. Prominent figures, advocates, and relatives of those affected by security force actions in last year's protests have been arrested, according to activists.

Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian Kurd, died in custody on September 16, 2022, after her arrest for alleged dress code violation. Her death ignited months of protests, demanding an end to Iran's Islamic system.

Although the protests have mostly quieted down, occasional flare-ups persist after a harsh crackdown that resulted in thousands detained and hundreds killed by security forces, as reported by the UN and activists.

International campaigners suggest Iranian authorities fear the anniversary might reignite protests. Consequently, security forces are intensifying repression to prevent a recurrence of last year's events.

This month, singer Mehdi Yarrahi was arrested after releasing a song encouraging women to defy the headscarf law. Additionally, 11 women's rights activists were detained in Gilan province, a focal point of last year's protests.

Amnesty International has highlighted that families of crackdown victims face arbitrary arrest and detention, attempting to suppress information about their loved ones' fates.

Hadi Ghaemi from the Center for Human Rights in Iran explained, "These arrests aim to instill fear ahead of the anniversary and deter further protests."

Amnesty's report reveals victims' families have faced abusive interrogations, arrest, detention, unjust prosecution, and sentencing recently. Amnesty's Diana Eltahawy accused Iranian authorities of trying to conceal their crimes.

In a recent incident, security forces arrested three close family members, including the mother, of Hananeh Kia, who was shot during the initial phase of the protests.

Within just eight days of this month, the Center for Human Rights in Iran reported 21 family members of victims were either summoned to court or detained.

Roya Boroumand, from the Abdorrahman Boroumand Center, stated, "Victims' family members have been systematically targeted," with arrests, repeated summonses, interrogations, and pressure to stay silent.

The 2022 protests broke long-standing taboos, with women removing headscarves and slogans against Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Amnesty's separate report suggests Iran has heightened its crackdown on unveiled women, using patrols and surveillance cameras. Despite this, some women continue to defy.

Iran Human Rights reported 486 executions this year, primarily aimed at creating fear and preventing protests. Most of those executed are convicted on drug and murder charges.

The father of executed protester Mohammad Mehdi Karami was detained on August 22, according to CHRI.

Kurdish-focused Hengaw reported an arrest in Saqez, Amini's hometown. Experts believe this coordinated repression aims to curb news dissemination, prevent gatherings, and suppress mobilization.

Ghaemi cautioned that international silence could embolden Iran's security apparatus to further stifle civil society.