Maryam Abdi, Civil Activist in Iran, Arrested

Maryam Abdi, a civil activist in Iran, was arrested on Monday morning, November 1, by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence at her home. According to the report from 'Emtedad', Maryam Abdi's electronic devices were also confiscated during her arrest. This media outlet also reported that 'it has been said that the reason for her arrest is related to the case of Mehdi Yarahee.' Abbas Abdi, the father of this civil activist, confirmed her arrest in an interview with the Ham-Mihan newspaper, but it has not yet been officially announced why she was arrested. Speculation about the connection between Maryam Abdi's arrest and Mehdi Yarahee's case comes while this protesting singer was released from prison on bail on October 17. Previously, judicial officials of the Islamic Republic had told the lawyer of Amir Hossein Balali, a detained political activist, that his case was 'joint' with Mehdi Yarahee's and would be handled 'together.' Earlier, Abram Pilly, the Deputy Special Envoy of the United States for Iran, described Mehdi Yarahee's arrest as an attempt by the Iranian government to 'silence the voice of the Iranian people.' Abram Pilly further urged the 'Iranian regime' to end the crackdowns and listen to its citizens' voices.