Systematic Repression of Arab Youth in Sheiban Prison, Ahwaz, by Security Forces Linked to Iran’s Central Government
Systematic Repression of Arab Youth in Sheiban Prison, Ahwaz, by Security Forces Linked to Iran’s Central Government
The Ahwaz Centre for Human Rights – UK has received reports indicating a sharp escalation in repression against the Arab people of Ahwaz, particularly Ahwazi youth, following a wave of arrests after the recent 12-day war between Iran and Israel. At least 80 individuals have reportedly been detained, subjected to torture, and transferred to Ward 5 of Sheiban Prison in Ahwaz.
Ward 5, with a limited capacity, is currently housing over 125 political prisoners under dire and unsanitary conditions. Severe overcrowding, lack of basic facilities, environmental contamination, and poor ventilation have created a humanitarian crisis, affecting both the physical and mental well-being of detainees. With only two toilets and two showers available for all inmates, and malfunctioning air conditioners in the intense heat of Ahwaz, the situation has become unbearable.
The spread of skin and respiratory diseases further threatens the health of prisoners. Cooking near sewage water, lack of medical care, and degrading treatment by prison guards are among the serious concerns raised in the reports.
In response to these inhumane conditions, the prisoners have warned that they will launch a collective hunger strike if the situation persists. Among them are several young men sentenced to execution or life imprisonment, including: Sayed Salem Mousavi, Habib Drees, Mohammad Davareshenas, Mehdi Sharifi, Mohammad Amin Obaiyat, Morteza Mehnapour, Mohammad Ali Amouri-Nejad, and others.
The Ahwaz Centre for Human Rights – UK once again condemns the Iranian regime for its systematic, racist, and oppressive policies targeting the Arab people of Ahwaz, and urgently calls on international human rights bodies to take immediate action to end this blatant injustice and secure the release of all political prisoners.
19 August 2025 / 28 Mordad 1404
Ahwaz Centre for Human Rights – UK
https://acfh.info
