Arbitrary Execution of Six Arab Political Prisoners in Ahwaz and Ongoing Pressure on Their Families

Arbitrary Execution of Six Arab Political Prisoners in Ahwaz and Ongoing Pressure on Their Families

According to credible sources, six Arab political activists in Ahwaz were executed yesterday without prior notice to their families. These individuals had previously been tried and sentenced to long-term imprisonment by judicial authorities affiliated with the central government, following procedures lacking transparency and fairness.

The Ahwaz Centre for Human Rights – UK condemns this action and reports, based on conversations with the families of the executed prisoners, that the authorities have so far refused to release the bodies to their relatives for proper burial and mourning ceremonies. The families’ continuous efforts over the past 48 hours to obtain information about the burial locations of their loved ones have remained unanswered.

Field reports from local sources indicate that, following the executions, security forces intensified pressure on the families and tribal leaders in Ahwaz. According to these reports, security agencies summoned them to intelligence offices, where they were threatened and warned against holding any mourning gatherings, religious ceremonies, or public assemblies in mosques or other public spaces.

Furthermore, the use of loudspeakers to broadcast Quranic recitations, poetry, or any other cultural or religious rituals—an integral part of the traditions of the Arab people of Ahwaz—has been officially prohibited. Authorities have extracted written pledges from the families and tribal leaders, warning that any contact with media outlets or international human rights organizations would result in serious consequences and security-related reprisals.

The Ahwaz Centre for Human Rights – UK considers these actions a grave violation of human rights and a systematic attempt to suppress the Arab community in Ahwaz. The Centre calls for immediate international accountability, including from the United Nations Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial executions and the UN Human Rights Council.

5 October 2025 / 13 Mehr 1404
Ahwaz Centre for Human Rights – UK
https://acfh.info