Osman Mameh faces over 33 months of enforced disappearance in Iran. Learn about his case and the ongoing human rights crisis.
Iran Human Rights Society, Monday, August 17, 2025 – Osman Mameh, a 55-year-old from Bokan, vanished after his arrest on November 18, 2022, during nationwide protests. Security forces shot him with pellet rounds while apprehending him, injuring his wife with over 50 pellets. For over 1,000 days, his family has received no information about his fate. This case highlights Iran’s systematic human rights abuses, including arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance. The silence from authorities fuels fears that Mameh may have died under torture. Below, we explore his story and its broader implications.
Osman Mameh’s Arrest and Disappearance
Security forces arrested Osman Mameh on November 18, 2022, while he returned home in Bokan. Eyewitnesses reported that authorities used pellet rounds, injuring both Mameh and his wife. Since then, no institution has acknowledged his detention or provided details about his condition. His family’s inquiries to Bokan’s security and judicial bodies met with silence. This lack of transparency marks Mameh’s case as a clear enforced disappearance, violating global human rights standards.
A Family’s Endless Struggle
Ardalan Mameh, Osman’s son, shared a video message. He revealed that his father has been held by the Intelligence Ministry for over 1,000 days without any updates. Ardalan described the uncertainty as psychological torture, leaving the family in constant fear. He appealed to human rights organizations for help, urging them to demand answers from Iran’s authorities. The family’s persistent efforts to seek information have yielded only vague promises to “wait for the Intelligence Ministry’s announcement.” This ongoing silence deepens their distress.
Security Threats Against the Family
Security agents have repeatedly threatened Mameh’s family, forbidding them from speaking to the media. These actions aim to suppress the truth about Osman’s fate. The family believes authorities use these threats to intensify psychological pressure and force their silence. Despite these challenges, the family continues to seek answers, showing remarkable resilience in the face of oppression.
Economic and Health Struggles
Osman Mameh was the sole breadwinner for his family. His arrest has plunged them into severe financial hardship. His wife, injured during the arrest, suffers from chronic migraines and struggles with daily tasks. Their eldest child has a heart condition, and their youngest battles severe depression due to their father’s disappearance. No institution has offered support, leaving the family in a dire situation. This neglect compounds their suffering, highlighting the broader impact of Mameh’s detention.
Fears of Torture and Death
With no contact or visits allowed, the family fears Osman may have died under torture. Their repeated inquiries to courts and security agencies have gone unanswered, and authorities have denied them the right to file formal complaints. Human rights activists warn that this secrecy could indicate a tragic outcome. The lack of accountability fuels concerns about Mameh’s safety and underscores the brutality of Iran’s security apparatus.
A Worker Caught in Repression
Before his arrest, Osman Mameh worked at a poultry farm in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, traveling across the Iran-Iraq border to support his family. He had no political background or organized activism. His arrest while returning home reflects Iran’s indiscriminate repression of ordinary citizens. This case shows how authorities target individuals without clear justification, spreading fear in marginalized regions like Bokan.
Osman Mameh’s Legacy of Resistance
Osman Mameh’s case symbolizes Iran’s broader human rights crisis. His family’s suffering reflects the toll of enforced disappearances on countless others. The authorities’ refusal to provide answers reveals a systemic failure to uphold justice. Yet, the family’s persistence, led by Ardalan’s public appeals, inspires hope. Their fight for truth keeps Mameh’s story alive, urging civil society and human rights groups to demand accountability. This case highlights the urgent need for global action to address Iran’s unaccountable practices.
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