Three Civil Activists Arrested by IRGC Intelligence in Golestan

News sources in Iran reported that government forces of the Islamic Republic arrested three civil activists in Golestan province on Saturday, September 16, and transferred them to the IRGC intelligence detention center in Gorgan. According to reports published on social media, Nima Safar Safaeli, a 'poet, writer, and civil activist,' along with his brother Mani and his friend Majid Kalateh, who is also a writer, were arrested at Nima Safar's home by government forces and taken to one of the IRGC detention centers in the city. A source close to the Safar Safaeli family told HRANA that 'Mani Safar Safaeli and Majid Kalateh were guests at Nima's home when, around six in the evening, a number of government forces attacked Nima Safar's house' and arrested them by 'breaking the lock' of the house. Mehdi Mousavi, a poet and civil activist, reacted to the arrest of these individuals, describing Nima Safar and Majid Kalateh Arabi as 'two valuable poets and storytellers,' and wrote on the messaging platform 'X,' 'It is bitter to see so much fear of thought.' According to this report, the reason for the arrest of these three civil activists remains unclear. Pressure on civil activists and court families has intensified in the days leading up to the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death, and a significant number of them have been arrested. On Saturday morning, Amjad Amini, Mahsa's father, was detained for several hours by security forces after leaving his home and was then returned home. Nima Safar Safaeli, a poet, writer, and civil activist residing in Gorgan, has a history of arrest and conviction due to his activities. He, who is a poet, writer, and journalist, was sentenced to 80 days of imprisonment in 2017 and in another case in 2018 to 8 months of imprisonment. Safar Safaeli was accused in both previous cases of 'propaganda against the regime' and was released from prison after serving his sentence. Additionally, see: The execution of Nima Safar's prison sentence, a journalist and writer, on charges of 'propaganda activity against the regime in cyberspace.' Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, stated that 'a year ago, the tragic and unreasonable death of Mahsa in the custody of the so-called 'morality police' of Iran sparked protests across Iran, which faced unprecedented violence, mass arrests, systematic internet disruptions, and censorship by the Iranian regime.' Blinken added, 'We will continue to take appropriate actions alongside our international partners to hold accountable those who suppress Iranians' enjoyment of human rights.' Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, also referred to the 'tragic' end of Mahsa's life last September, stating, 'Her courage inspired a movement that has endured against the continuation of brutality.' She added, 'The United States' commitment to stand with the people of Iran will remain unwavering.'