News sources in Sistan and Baluchestan province reported that Amir Dadfarin and Mohammad Malazahi, the son and brother of Fariba Baloch, an activist residing in London, were arrested on Sunday in Iranshahr. According to the report by 'Rasank', which follows news related to Baluch citizens, the arrest occurred on Wednesday, June 21, while Mohammad Malazahi, 25, was welcoming his nephew Amir Dadfarin, 18, returning from a trip to Britain. An informed source told 'Rasank' that Amir Dadfarin had traveled to the UK to visit his mother, Fariba Baloch, and was arrested upon his return at the entrance of Iranshahr along with his uncle. Following their arrest, security forces took the two citizens to an unknown location, and the charges against them remain unclear. The report emphasized that Amir Dadfarin and Mohammad Malazahi had 'no political activities,' and officials arrested them 'to exert pressure on Fariba Baloch.' The arrest of relatives of civil and political activists and journalists active outside Iran has a precedent by the Islamic Republic. Fariba Baloch tweeted that their 'only crime' is being 'my son and brother.' Masoud Reisi, editor of the 'Rasank' website, stated to the Persian section of Voice of America that it is unclear which agency arrested them. He noted that Amir Dadfarin legally left the country and returned to Iran after visiting his mother in England. They had no political activities, and Mohammad Malazahi had been working in the office of the Iranshahr representative in the parliament until one or two months ago but was 'dismissed,' indicating pressure on Fariba Baloch's family to reduce her activities. Masoud Reisi suggested that their arrest was likely 'completely planned' and an attempt to exert pressure on Fariba Baloch to 'deter her from her activist path, which has been very prominent during the 2022 uprising.' The editor emphasized that the Islamic Republic has previously engaged in 'extrajudicial actions against many activists abroad and has a history of hostage-taking, and this could be entirely premeditated.'
Arrest of Two Family Members of a London-Based Activist in Iranshahr; Fariba Baloch: Their Crime is Being 'My Son and Brother'
Amir Dadfarin and Mohammad Malazahi, family members of London-based activist Fariba Baloch, were arrested in Iranshahr, Iran, while returning from a trip to the UK. Their arrest appears to be a tactic to pressure Fariba Baloch, who has been active in political dissent. This incident highlights the ongoing repression of activists and their families by the Iranian government.
👥 Key Players
⚡ Actions
📰 What Happened
Iranian authorities arrested family members of London-based activist Fariba Baloch in Iranshahr.
- Iranian authorities arrest Amir Dadfarin, Mohammad Malazahi
- security forces detain Amir Dadfarin, Mohammad Malazahi
- Iranian authorities pressure Fariba Baloch
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The arrest of family members of activists underscores the Iranian regime's oppressive measures against dissent.
📝 Key Evidence
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%