Aref Naderi, a Kurdish political activist residing in Norway, reported that his family members have been threatened with 'murder and rape' by agents of the Islamic Republic's intelligence agencies. In an interview with VOA on Thursday, March 1, he stated that individuals affiliated with the Iranian government have made repeated calls to his mother and two sisters in Qorveh, Kurdistan Province, threatening to burn their homes, kidnap them, sexually assault them, and murder them after filming the incidents. According to him, these individuals also threatened to blow up his brother, Saber, in his car. Aref Naderi mentioned that his mother, Mahbubeh Abbasi, filed a complaint about these threats with the judicial authorities on Thursday, March 1. Amiar Fathollahi, Aref Naderi's nephew, was also tortured in Qorveh's intelligence detention center in October of this year to extract a 'forced confession,' resulting in kidney bleeding. Government agents told this 16-year-old student that he must confess that he was encouraged and convinced by his uncle, Aref Naderi, to carry out what they termed 'terrorist actions.' Aref Naderi stated that his nephew has not returned to school due to the trauma caused by the torture. The political activist added that he and his other brother, Salahuddin, who reside in Norway, have also been threatened with assassination. This former member of the Qorveh City Council told VOA that individuals linked to the Islamic Republic's intelligence agencies accused him of collaborating with Mossad, Israel's intelligence agency, and told his family members that they would have to pay the price. Aref Naderi denied this accusation, calling it 'absolute falsehood.' This Kurdish political activist, who has been forced to leave Iran since 2007, told VOA that his family members have continuously faced pressure, threats, imprisonment, and detention over the years, and the pressure on his family has intensified following the nationwide protests for 'Women, Life, Freedom.' Many families of journalists and political activists opposing the Islamic Republic have repeatedly faced pressure and have been summoned or threatened by the Islamic Republic's intelligence agencies.
Exclusive; Family Members of Kurdish Political Activist Threatened with 'Murder and Rape'
Aref Naderi, a Kurdish political activist in Norway, reported threats against his family in Iran by Iranian intelligence agents, including threats of murder and sexual violence. This situation highlights the ongoing repression faced by activists and their families in Iran, especially in the wake of recent protests.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Aref Naderi, a Kurdish political activist in Norway, reported that his family in Iran has been threatened with violence by Iranian intelligence agents. These threats include murder, rape, and forced confessions against his nephew.
- Aref Naderi's family members in Iran have received threats of murder and sexual violence.
- Aref's nephew was tortured to extract a false confession linking him to alleged terrorist activities.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Iran has a history of suppressing political dissent, particularly among ethnic minorities like the Kurds, who have long sought greater autonomy and rights.
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Translation confidence: 85%