In continuation of the intensification of security pressures in Khuzestan following the nationwide protests of 2025, the forces of the Ahvaz Intelligence Department, by simultaneous raids on the homes of residents of the Kut Abdollah area, arrested at least 29 Sunni citizens and transferred them to unknown locations. The families of the detainees are unaware of their fate.
Iran Human Rights Society, Saturday June 20, 2026 – Local sources and human rights activists have reported the arrest of at least 29 Sunni residents of the Kut Abdollah area of Ahvaz. According to these sources, the forces of the Ahvaz Intelligence Department on the evening of Wednesday June 17, 2026 carried out extensive raids on residential homes and arrested a number of citizens without presenting a judicial warrant. These arrests have taken place in conditions where Khuzestan, following the nationwide protests of 2025, is still facing a severe security atmosphere, summons, widespread arrests, and suppression of civil and religious activists.
Why did security forces raid the homes of Kut Abdollah residents?
Based on published reports, the forces of the Ahvaz Intelligence Department on the evening of Wednesday carried out simultaneous raids on the homes of dozens of families in the Kut Abdollah area and arrested at least 29 people.
Human rights sources have stated that these arrests were carried out solely due to the religious inclinations and peaceful religious activities of the detainees. Some of the detainees had previously been arrested and sentenced due to religious activities, but despite the completion of their sentence periods, they have once again become targets of security actions.
Eyewitnesses say that security agents entered the homes without presenting a clear judicial warrant and, during extensive searches of the houses, also confiscated some personal belongings of the citizens.
Who was arrested in Kut Abdollah?
Mohammad Hezbavi
The identity of some of the detainees has been confirmed so far. Including:
Hossein Batrani, 40 years old, married
Hassan Obeidavi, 50 years old, married
Mohammad (Abu Aqil) Hezbavi, 36 years old, married
Abdulrahman Mohammad Hezbavi, 43 years old, married
Jasem (Abu Majed) Savari, 34 years old, married
Mohammad Khanfari, 22 years old, married
Mohammad Hezbavi, 21 years old, single
Human rights activists say that the actual number of detainees may be more than the announced figure and efforts to identify the identities of all arrested individuals are still ongoing.
What is the situation of the Kut Abdollah detainees?
As of the preparation of this report, no precise information has been published about the place of detention, physical condition, and legal status of the detainees.
The families of the detainees say that since the time of arrest until now, they have not had the possibility of telephone contact, in-person visits, or information about the status of their loved ones. Also, no information has been published about the responsible institution for their detention or the possible charges.
The deprivation of families from information about the fate of the detainees has increased concerns about their situation.
Why is Khuzestan still facing a wave of arrests and security suppression?
Civil activists believe that the new wave of arrests in Khuzestan should be evaluated within the framework of intensified security policies following the nationwide protests of 2025.
After widespread protests in various parts of the country, Khuzestan has become one of the provinces that has faced extensive presence of security forces, summoning of activists, widespread arrests, and increased pressure on ethnic and religious minorities.
In recent months, numerous reports have been published of the arrest of civil activists, Sunni citizens, cultural activists, and citizens residing in various cities of Khuzestan. Many of these arrests have taken place without presenting clear judicial documentation and in conditions where families have remained unaware of the fate of the detainees for long periods.
Human rights activists warn that the continuation of such an approach will not only not lead to reducing social discontent but can deepen the gap between society and the ruling power.
Legal examination of the case based on domestic laws
Legal ambiguities of the case
The most important ambiguity in this case is the arrest of citizens without presenting a clear judicial warrant and their transfer to unknown locations. Also, so far, no official authority has provided any explanation about possible charges, the detaining institution, or the judicial process.
The continuation of the families’ lack of information and the deprivation of detainees from access to a lawyer has also created serious questions about compliance with the principles of fair trial.
Related legal provisions
Article 32 of the Constitution: No one can be arrested except by order and in the manner specified by law.
Article 35 of the Constitution: In all courts, the parties to the dispute have the right to choose a lawyer for themselves.
Article 37 of the Constitution: The principle is innocence and no one is recognized as a criminal unless their crime is proven in a competent court.
Article 38 of the Constitution: Any torture for obtaining confession or gaining information is prohibited.
Article 23 of the Constitution: Investigation of beliefs is prohibited and no one can be harassed merely for holding a belief.
Instances of law violation
Arrest without presenting a valid judicial warrant.
Deprivation of detainees from access to a lawyer.
Detention of individuals in unknown locations and keeping families uninformed.
Possibility of arrest of individuals solely due to peaceful religious beliefs and activities.
Search of homes and confiscation of personal property without judicial transparency.
Violation of human rights in the case of Kut Abdollah arrests; Arbitrary arrests, deprivation of lawyer, and restriction of religious freedom
The widespread arrest of Kut Abdollah residents has created serious concerns about the violation of the fundamental rights of the detainees. Published reports indicate arbitrary arrests, deprivation of the right to access a lawyer, and restriction of religious freedoms.
Violated provisions
Violation of the right to liberty and personal security – Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Arresting individuals without clarification about the reasons for arrest and their place of detention violates the right to liberty and personal security.
Prohibition of arbitrary arrest – Article 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Arresting citizens without presenting a judicial warrant and without informing families is an example of arbitrary arrest.
The right to a fair trial – Article 10 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Depriving detainees of access to a lawyer and lack of information about the trial process violates the principles of fair trial.
The right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion – Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Arresting individuals solely due to peaceful religious activities violates freedom of religion and belief.
Prohibition of discrimination – Article 2 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Applying security pressure on individuals due to religious affiliation is contrary to the principle of prohibition of discrimination.
Human rights activists have called for the immediate release of the detainees, announcement of their place of detention, free access to a lawyer, and ending security pressures against Khuzestan residents.
See also the below articles:
- Zolfaqar Yazdandoost Faces Scabies in Gonbad-e Kavus Prison Crisis
- Karaj Central Prison Crisis: Intensifying Pressure, Poor Food, and Protest Suppression
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