Tag: Malekan

Akbar Yousefi Arrested in Malekan Over Instagram Post

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Freedom of Expression, News
Akbar Yousefi, East Azerbaijan province, Ebrahim Raisi, Malekan

On May 20, 2024, Akbar Yousefi was arrested by Ministry of Intelligence agents at his home in Malekan, East Azerbaijan province.

According to a source close to his family who spoke to HRANA, the arrest is linked to a recent Instagram post by Yousefi about the helicopter crash that killed Iran’s president, Ebrahim Raisi, and several others, including the foreign minister.

Details regarding the specific charges against Yousefi remain unclear. Notably, Yousefi has a history of arrest and judicial confrontation during the nationwide protests in 2022.

Security Forces Arrest Mother and Daughter in Malekan

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Freedom of Expression, News
Akram Kookhian, East Azerbaijan province, Farangis Fathi, HRANA, Malekan, اکرم کوخیان, فرنگیس فتحی

On May 12, 2024, security forces in Malekan, East Azerbaijan province, arrested Farangis Fathi and her daughter, Akram Kookhian. The arrests occurred at their home, from where they were taken to an undisclosed location.

A source close to the family confirmed to HRANA that the operation involved several agents who forcibly entered the residence, breaking a window and conducting an extensive search. During the raid, their car and various personal items were seized.

Additional reports obtained by HRANA indicate that the security team, consisting of five agents, used pepper spray against Fathi and Kookhian during a confrontation sparked by the latter’s protest. The agents returned a few hours later to conduct a second search of the property.

The reasons for the arrests, the current location of the detained individuals, and any charges filed remain undisclosed at this time.

29 People Arrested in Malekan and Bonab

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Freedom of Expression, News
Bonab, East Azerbaijan province, Iran protests 2022, Malekan

During the last three days, at least 29 people were arrested in Malekan and Bonab, East Azerbaijan Province.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, security forces arrested 29 people, including a student, in the cities of Malekan and Bonab.

The reason for these arrests and their whereabouts are still unknown.

Since the outbreak of nationwide protests, over 18000 people, including journalists, lawyers, teachers, students and civil rights activists, have been arrested. For more details and statistics on the nationwide protest across Iran, read HRANA’s comprehensive report here.