Rapper Emad Ghavidel Arrested

On October 26, security forces arrested social rap singer Emad Ghavidel in Rasht, Gilan Province.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, on October 26, rapper Emad Ghavidel was arrested at his workplace in Rasht.

The reason for his arrest and whereabouts are still unknown.

According to the latest available data gathered by HRANA, about 14000 people have been arrested during the nationwide protests. For more details and statistics on the nationwide protest across Iran, read HRANA’s comprehensive report here.

Songwriter Mona Borzooi Arrested

On September 28, 2022, security forces arrested poet and songwriter Mona Borzooi.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, on September 28, 2022, Mona Borzooi was arrested. This was due to the latest poem she wrote in support of Mahsa Amini and the Iranian protests.

Borzooi’s career, as a songwriter, kicked off in 2003 with the lyric “My Tear”. She has written plenty of lyrics for famous Iranian popular singers.

Kermanshah Chief of Police: 1700 Women Taken to Custody for Violation of Islamic Veiling Rule

In recent days, Iran’s law enforcement has intensified the harassment of women in public for failing to observe the Islamic veiling rules, known as Hijab. The chief of police of Kermanshah Province announced that since the beginning of spring, police have taken into custody or summoned 1700 people due to their failure to observe compulsory veiling. Also, 230 vehicles have been impounded for “roaming in the city in a vehicle”.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, quoting Tabnak, Kermanshah’s Police Chief Ali Akbar Javidan revealed the temporary detention of 1700 women on the streets for the failure to observe veiling codes since the beginning of spring.

Claiming that the Iranian people demand that women must cover their hair, Javidan said that  26 morality checkpoints are working visibly and six are undercover to impose the rules in Kermanshah. 

According to Kermanshah’s police chief, since the beginning of spring, security forces have stopped individuals numerous times to warn them about the veiling and morality codes, 1700 individuals were taken into custody and 230 vehicles have been impounded for driving around the city. Javidan also stated that these rules for recreational, tourist and commercial places are also enforced. Dog walking is forbidden in Kermanshah, Javidan warned that if ceased, the dogs will be taken to animal shelters and if repeated, dog walkers will face legal penalties.  

Dance Coach Jailed for Publishing Pictures of Dancers

In Tabriz, security forces arrested dance coach Jila (Mitra) Ebrahimi for publishing pictures of dancing on social media and transferred her to Tabriz Prison.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, on Friday, July 8, 2022, dance coach Jila Ebrahimi was arrested in Tabriz.

Ebrahimi is an Azerbaijani dance teacher and a member of a cultural association.

Revolutionary Court Orders the Seizure of Singer’s House

Recently, the Revolutionary Court ordered the confiscation of Iranian pop singer Hassan Shamaizadeh’s House in Tehran. The court cited “obtained by illegitimate means” as the reason.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, singer Hassan Shamaizadeh stated on social media that his house in Iran has been seized by the order of the Revolutionary Court.

The Revolutionary Court argues that the house can be confiscated because it was bought through singing, which is considered to be illegitimate according to Sharia law.

Pictures circulated on social media showing the house is demolished.

Shamaizadeh had warned last month about the authorities’ plan to take over this property, pleading with the public for help.

Hassan Shamaizadeh, age 79, is a famous Iranian pop singer and songwriter who fled Iran to the US after the Revolution in 1979. The practice of seizing personal property has been the regime’s common practice.

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At Lease 20 Coffee Shop Closed in Shiraz

At least 20 coffee shops were shut down by the order of the Shiraz Department of Public Safety. In recent days in Shiraz, as a retaliation measure against a youth gathering to promote skateboarding on June 21, an annual ‘Go SkateBoarding Day’, authorities have taken strict measures to prevent similar cultural activities. 

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, quoting Rokna News Agency, in Shiraz, at least 20 coffee shops were closed by the local authorities.

Earlier, on June 21, police arrested ten individuals for organizing a youth gathering called the “Go Skateboarding Day” event. Following the authorities’ requests for restrictive measures, the Shiraz Department of Public Safety shut down at least 20 coffee shops, which were considered skateboarding youth’s hangout locations.

According to one of the shop owners,  the police had warned that they want the coffee shops closed by night time. The police did not provide any written notice. The same individual said it is unclear when the coffee shops would re-open. 

 

The police and plainclothes agents have also increased the harassment of women in the streets allegedly for failing to comply with forced veiling. A few days after the event, some unverified pictures circulating on social media showed some individuals praying at the place of the event to repel the wrath of God for skateboarding.

Iran’s regime routinely violates citizens’ privacy rights and cultural activities, which they say are unlawful according to Islamic values.

Turkish-Farsi Book Fair Prevented by Authorities in Marand City

A permit previously granted to a Turkish-Farsi book fair was revoked by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance of Marand City only a day before launch. 

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance is in charge of granting permits for cultural events and prevented the book fair due to its promotion of Turkish-Farsi books.

In a post on Instagram, Nabati Publishing’s manager Vahid Fatemi announced that the permit had been cancelled. He was summoned and notified verbally about the annulment, and was told that the use of “Turkish” in the name of the event and in promotional materials was one of the reasons behind this decision.

In 2019, Marand’s public office obstructed the issuance of the permit for a similar bilingual book fair. At the time, the office of the publishing company “Tak Derakht” was shut down by the order of judicial authorities due to the publication of books in Turkish.

The rights of ethnic minorities relating to education and cultural education in their mother tongue are systematically suppressed by the regime.

Retired Educator and Union activist Latif Roozikhah Sentenced to Seven Months Imprisonment

The Revolutionary Court of Jolfa City recently sentenced retired educator and union activist Latif Roozikhah to seven months imprisonment.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, Roozikhah was asked to appear at the court on November 10.

He was sentenced to seven months in prison on a charge of “propaganda against the regime.”

 

 

Educator and Union Activist Aziz Ghasemzadeh Summoned by Public and Revolutionary Court of Rudsar County

On Saturday, November 6, educator and union activist Aziz Ghasemzadeh was summoned by the Public and Revolutionary Court of Rudsar County.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, Aziz Ghasemzadeh received a summons via the online judicial system SENA to appear at the Branch 2 of the Revolutionary Court of Rudsar within eight days.

Following nationwide protests of educators all across the country, on September 26, security forces arrested Ghasemzadeh at his parents’ home in Rudsar City. During the arrest, security forces searched the house and confiscated several of Ghasemzadeh’s personal belongings.

The arrest took place the day after working and retired teachers held protests in 36 cities across the country, which were organized by the Coordination Council of Iranian Teachers’ Trade Associations. Throughout the detention, he was denied any access to a lawyer, phone calls and family visitations. Finally, on October 11, 2021, he was released on bail.

Ghasemzadeh will need to defend himself against charges of “propaganda against the regime” and “spreading lies”.

 

Rahil Mousavi Arrested By Security Forces in Khorramshahr City

On November 9, photographer and media activist Rahil Mousavi was arrested by security forces in Khorramshahr City.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, Mousavi was transferred to an unidentified location following the arrest.

Ms. Mousavi had previously faced other arrests. On December 8, 2016, intelligence agents detained her for a while due to taking photos of a protest against Karun water transfer.

The reasons for Mousavi’s arrest, the charges against her, and her whereabouts are still unknown as of this writing.