Dozens Arrested Across Iran on Mahsa's Anniversary; Authorities Attacked Protesters in Hamadan

The Telegram channel of the Free Workers Union of Iran reports that on Sunday, protesting citizens in Hamadan demonstrated in the vicinity of Bouali Street and were attacked by government forces. On the first anniversary of the killing of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini, the Islamic Republic's security forces arrested dozens of citizens across Iran. The Hengaw Human Rights Organization states that the identities of at least 13 of those arrested in various provinces have been confirmed. According to the report, in Gorgan, Nima Safar, a poet and writer, along with Mani Safar and Majid Kalateh, were arrested at Nima Safar's home by the Intelligence agents of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and transferred to their detention center. In Shiraz, Sajjad Zare, a former political prisoner, was arrested by the Intelligence Ministry agents and taken to a detention center known as Plaque 100. In Zanjan, Mohammad Moeini, a blogger, was arrested at his home by government agents and taken to an unknown location. In Fasa, Saeed Fathipour, a 36-year-old worker and father of one, was arrested at his father's house by the Intelligence Ministry agents. He had previously been arrested during the November 2019 protests. In Bojnourd, Mahmoud Safdari, a retired teacher and member of the Iranian Teachers' Organization, was arrested by the Intelligence agents of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and taken to an unknown location. In Javanroud, Rahim Azizi, who holds a PhD in statistics, was arrested by the Islamic Republic's agents. He had previously been sentenced to four months of imprisonment by Branch 4 of the Revolutionary Court of Kermanshah last December. In Islamabad-e Gharb, Mohammad Baqer Moradian and Babak Zolghari were violently arrested by government agents. In Marivan, Bakhtiar Nazari, a photographer and videographer, was arrested after being summoned to the Intelligence Ministry. The whereabouts of this 43-year-old citizen are unknown. In Saqqez, Farzad Rahmati was arrested by government agents. The family of Mr. Rahmati has not received any updates regarding his status. In Sanandaj, 15-year-old Kavan Rezaei was arrested by the Intelligence Ministry agents and taken to an unknown location. Meanwhile, Rahim Jahangir, the police chief of West Azerbaijan, reported the arrest of 137 individuals on charges of 'disturbing public opinion.' For over four decades, the Islamic Republic's authorities have expressed their opposition to freedom of expression among Iranian citizens through accusations such as 'disturbing public opinion.' According to this police official, 85 of the detainees had published various materials, images, and videos regarding the protests. Jahangir added that 52 Instagram pages related to this issue were also blocked and deleted. On the first anniversary of Mahsa's death, Iranian citizens held protest gatherings and widespread strikes in several cities across Iran. Iranians abroad also held protest gatherings, reaffirming their solidarity with citizens residing in Iran. The United States and its allies, while commemorating Mahsa and all victims of four decades of repression by the Islamic Republic, imposed a new round of sanctions against officials and institutions responsible for the repression of Iranian citizens. The Iranian Artists' Association abroad stated: 'We stand with the mourners of Zhina's path.' Continuous protests in various regions of Iran on Mahsa's anniversary with the slogan 'We will take back Iran.' Conflicting reports about the death of a protester in Saqqez due to gunfire from government agents. Hunger strike of 13 political prisoners in Qazalhessar to support the protesters on Mahsa's anniversary. On Mahsa's anniversary, direct gunfire to the head of a citizen and the arrest of dozens of others. On Mahsa's anniversary, Robert Menendez stated: 'The international community owes Iranian citizens full support.' On Mahsa's anniversary, the International Federation of Journalists reported on a year of repression of journalists and media in Iran. On Mahsa's anniversary, reactions from some world leaders to the anniversary of the start of the 'Women, Life, Freedom' protests. The statement of the President of the United States on Mahsa's anniversary: 'We are committed to standing with the people of Iran.' On Mahsa's anniversary, more sanctions from Canada against Islamic Republic officials; the Deputy and Minister of Raisi are on the sanctions list. On Mahsa's anniversary, the European Union Council sanctioned 'four individuals' and 'six other entities' of the Islamic Republic. On Mahsa's anniversary, the United States sanctioned dozens of officials and entities responsible for the violent repression of protesters.