Ahwazi Centre for Human Rights expresses concern over unfair prison sentences issued against seven Ahwazi Arab Sunni activists in Sheyban Prison, Ahwaz
Ahwaz Centre for Human Rights – UK expresses concern over unfair prison sentences issued against seven Ahwazi Arab Sunni activists in Sheyban Prison, Ahwaz
The Ahwaz Centre for Human Rights – UK strongly condemns the issuance of heavy prison sentences against seven Ahwazi Arab Sunni prisoners of conscience held in Sheyban Central Prison in Ahwaz. According to credible reports, on Monday, 13 October 2025 (21 Mehr 1404), prison authorities—operating under the control of Iran’s central security apparatus—formally notified these detainees of sentences handed down by the Ahwaz Revolutionary Court. These rulings were issued under the direct influence of state-affiliated intelligence agencies and lack any form of judicial independence. They were passed without adherence to fair trial standards and under clear political and security pressure.
These individuals, all Arab activists residing in Ahwaz, were targeted solely for their civic, cultural, and social activities. They were subjected to arbitrary arrest and violent treatment. The names of the prisoners and the sentences issued are as follows:
- Khalil Khazraji (single) – 5 years in prison
- Ali Khazraji (married) – 5 years in prison
- Ali Barwayeh (married, father of two) – 5 years in prison
- Abbas Hammadi (single) – 5 years in prison
- Hussein Silawi (married, father of two) – 5 years in prison
- Abdulmajid Hashemi (married) – 3 years in prison
- Younes Gharbawi (married, father of three) – 3 years in prison
These activists were arrested in March 2025 (Esfand 1403) by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) without a court order or any legal warrant. During their detention, they were held in security detention centres where they were subjected to physical and psychological torture. They were later transferred to Ward 8 of Sheyban Prison. It is worth noting that these arrests occurred only weeks after they had participated in peaceful cultural and social activities in Ahwaz in January 2025 (Dey 1403).
The Ahwaz Centre for Human Rights – UK stresses that these sentences—based on confessions extracted under torture and issued without due process—constitute a flagrant violation of fundamental human rights, including the right to freedom of expression, freedom of thought, conscience and religion, and the right to a fair trial.
14 October 2025 / 22 Mehr 1404
Ahwaz Centre for Human Rights – UK
https://acfh.info
