Iranian repression continues unabated as the anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death approaches. Authorities arrested one of his uncles on Tuesday, according to Kurdish sources. Safa Aeli, 30, was arrested by security forces in his hometown of Saqez (west) and detained at an unknown location, said the Kurdish human rights organization, Hengaw, and the Network for Human Rights. de l’Homme au Kurdistan, based in France, in separate press releases.
According to Hengaw, Iranian forces have taken over Safa Aeli’s residence without any warrant. According to activist networks, Saqez is placed under tight security surveillance a few days before the anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death, and cameras have been installed around the grave of the young woman who died at 22. The death of the young Iranian Kurd on September 16, after her arrest by the morality police, sparked months of protests.
Hundreds of dead
Activists say the crackdown left hundreds dead and thousands arrested. Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, accuse the Iranian government of implementing increased repression ahead of the anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death.
Family members of protesters killed during the protest have been arrested and interrogated to silence them and prevent further demonstrations, according to these sources. The father of Mohammad Mehdi, one of the men hanged in recent months in direct connection with the demonstrations, would be among those arrested, according to these sources.