Summons and Arrests of Dozens of Civil Activists Continue Amid Pressure on Plaintiffs

While the Islamic Republic claims that no protests occurred on the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death and that Iran has been peaceful, official sources report widespread arrests during these days, and pressure on plaintiffs continues. According to the state news agency IRNA, the commander of the Revolutionary Guards in Chahardangeh, south of Tehran, announced on Tuesday, September 19, the 'summons and warning' of 50 citizens, claiming they were 'leaders of social media' and played a significant role in issuing calls for protests. Vahid Yaraghi also claimed that these 50 citizens intended to 'exploit the pure feelings of various segments of the people,' and that 'one of the rap artists' he accused of intending to 'distort public opinion' had 'expressed regret.' Meanwhile, news sources reported that Shaya Shahouq, a civil activist and graphic designer, was arrested on Tuesday in Amol. Reports indicate that it is unclear which agency's forces 'broke down the door' to enter his home, 'violently and with confrontation,' and took his electronic devices with them. Additionally, the news organization of the Human Rights Activists in Iran, HRANA, reported that on Tuesday, a citizen in Zahedan named 'Zabihollah Kouhkan' was arrested and taken to an unknown location. According to this report, the government's forces entered his home by 'climbing over the courtyard wall' and arrested him. The arrests of protesters and civil activists have also been ongoing in recent days. In this context, pressure on the families of plaintiffs continues. According to reports published on social media, on Monday, September 18, a significant number of agents entered the neighborhood where the family of Erfan Khazaei lives and 'tore down anniversary banners' for him, warning the family that none of them were allowed to leave their home on Thursday (September 21). September 21 marks the first anniversary of the death of this young protester, who was killed by gunfire in Shahriar. Mahtab Ghorbani, a human rights activist, previously told Voice of America that the Islamic Republic, by arresting the families of plaintiffs, is showing 'its last teeth' to the people. On the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death in police custody, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that 'one year ago, the tragic and senseless death of Mahsa in the custody of Iran's so-called 'morality police' sparked protests across Iran that faced unprecedented violence, mass arrests, systematic internet disruptions, and censorship by the Iranian regime.' Blinken added, 'We will continue to take appropriate actions to hold accountable those who suppress the rights of Iranians, alongside our international partners.' Additionally, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, referring to the 'tragic' end of Mahsa's life last September, said, 'Her courage inspired a movement that has remained steadfast in the face of ongoing brutality.' She added, 'The United States' commitment to stand with the people of Iran will remain unwavering.' Robert Menendez, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, also issued a statement on September 16 marking the first anniversary of 'the brutal beating and killing of Mahsa Jina Amini by the Iranian regime,' calling for the international community to hold the Islamic Republic accountable.