Report by the Ahwazi Centre for Human Rights – on the Arbitrary Arrest of a Cultural Activist in Toster (Shushtar)
Report by the Ahwazi Centre for Human Rights – UK on the Arbitrary Arrest of a Cultural Activist in Toster (Shushtar)
Verified information received by the Ahwaz Centre for Human Rights – UK indicates that an Arab cultural activist was arbitrarily arrested in the city of Toster (Shushtar), located in the Ahwaz region, in clear violation of fundamental rights.
In the early hours of October 7, 2025 (15 Mehr 1404), security forces affiliated with the central authority, stationed in Toster, raided the home of Fares Kaab Karmallallah without presenting any legal warrant or prior notice. He was arrested and taken to an unknown location. The operation created fear and panic among family members, especially children. Witnesses report that he was not even given the opportunity to dress properly before being taken away.
According to eyewitnesses and local sources, during the search of the house, officers confiscated personal belongings, including a camera, mobile phone, computer, and other professional equipment.
Fares Kaab Karmallallah, 30, is married with two children and lives in the Gorieh area of Shoaibiyeh district in Toster. He has worked as a local photographer and videographer, documenting cultural, religious, and social events. Through sharing visual content on social media, he actively contributed to preserving Arab culture and identity. He was also independently engaged in agricultural work.
Several days after the arrest, no official information has been provided to his family regarding his whereabouts, health condition, or any charges brought against him. Some sources speculate that he may have been transferred to an intelligence facility based in Ahwaz.
This incident takes place amid an increasingly tense security atmosphere in Ahwaz. Notably, following the execution of six Arab political activists on October 4, 2025 (12 Mehr 1404), there has been a wave of arrests, summons, and intimidation against civil, cultural, and political activists — pointing to a systematic escalation in pressure on Arab community actors.
The Ahwaz Centre for Human Rights – UK expresses deep concern over the ongoing suppression of Arab cultural, civil, and political figures. The Centre calls for immediate clarification of Fares Kaab Karmallallah’s legal status, his access to legal counsel, and accountability from the authorities for this arbitrary detention.
The Centre further urges international human rights organizations and UN Special Rapporteurs to take immediate and effective action regarding the worsening human rights situation in Ahwaz. The Iranian regime, increasingly isolated for its repeated violations of international human rights obligations, must be held accountable and pressured to uphold its commitments.
Report by:
Feisal Asakereh
10 October 2025 / 18 Mehr 1404
Ahwaz Centre for Human Rights – UK
https://acfh.info
