Bijan Kazemi, a political prisoner, was transferred to a Ministry of Intelligence safe house. Fears of torture and enforced disappearance grow.
Iran Human Rights Society, Friday, July 4, 2025 -Bijan Kazemi, a civil activist detained in Iran, faces a dire situation after his unannounced transfer to a Ministry of Intelligence safe house outside Tehran. This move, lacking judicial transparency, raises serious concerns about enforced disappearance and torture. His case reflects Iran’s ongoing repression of activists. Immediate action is needed to protect his rights and ensure his safety.
Sudden Transfer Sparks Fears of Enforced Disappearance
On June 30, 2025, Bijan Kazemi, a political prisoner from Kuhdasht, was transferred from Fashafouyeh Prison to an undisclosed Ministry of Intelligence safe house, as confirmed by his mother, Ms. Khosravi, after a brief call on July 3, 2025. Held with other detainees in isolated cells, Kazemi faces strict control, fueling fears of torture and unlawful interrogations. The lack of transparency about his whereabouts heightens concerns about enforced disappearance.
Judicial Silence and Denied Rights
Since his detention on January 20, 2025, Kazemi has faced multiple transfers, first to Khorramabad Intelligence Agency, then to Evin Prison’s Ward 241, and later to Ward 209, controlled by the Ministry of Intelligence. No formal charges have been filed, and his family’s lawyer cannot access his case file. Authorities claim the case is with the Evin Security Court, but the court denies its existence, violating fair trial rights under Article 10 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Pressure for Forced Confessions
Ms. Khosravi reports that security agents have conditioned Kazemi’s access to legal rights, like phone calls or a lawyer, on his “cooperation” with the Ministry of Intelligence. This tactic, often used to extract false confessions, is a hallmark of Iran’s repressive security apparatus. Such pressure violates Article 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which prohibits inhumane treatment. Kazemi’s family has had only one five-minute call and no in-person visits.
History of Persecution for Civic Activism
Bijan Kazemi, a peaceful advocate for citizens’ rights, has faced repeated arrests and harassment. His latest detention aligns with a broader crackdown on activists amid rising regional tensions in Iran. This pattern of targeting civic activists, journalists, and minorities reveals the regime’s systematic efforts to suppress dissent, violating Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on freedom of expression.
Dangers of Ministry of Intelligence Safe Houses
Safe houses, operated outside judicial oversight, are notorious for human rights abuses, including torture and prolonged isolation. Kazemi’s transfer to such a facility raises alarms about his physical and mental well-being. Human rights activists demand transparency to prevent further violations, as these secretive detentions often lead to enforced disappearances, breaching Article 16 of the Convention Against Enforced Disappearance.
A Mother’s Plea for Justice
Ms. Khosravi shared her anguish on Instagram, stating, “Bijan is in a Ministry of Intelligence safe house, held in a separate cell. The lives of Bijan and other political prisoners are in danger.” She urges a national call for justice and freedom. Her plea highlights the human cost of Iran’s repression, as families endure uncertainty and fear for their loved ones’ safety.
Human Rights Violations in Kazemi’s Case
Kazemi’s detention reveals clear violations of international standards:
– Arbitrary Detention: No formal charges or trial, violating Article 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
– Denial of Fair Trial: Lack of legal counsel and judicial transparency breaches Article 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
– Risk of Torture: Safe house detention raises concerns of inhumane treatment, against Article 7 of the International Covenant.
– Enforced Disappearance: No information on his whereabouts violates Article 16 of the Convention Against Enforced Disappearance.
– Suppression of Free Speech: Targeting his activism violates Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Urgent Call for Action
Bijan Kazemi’s transfer to a Ministry of Intelligence safe house demands immediate global attention. His case reflects Iran’s brutal crackdown on dissent. Human rights organizations must pressure authorities to disclose his location, ensure his safety, and uphold his rights. Silence enables further abuses. Act now to amplify his voice and demand justice.
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