On October 6, 2025, Iranian intelligence forces arrested Ahwazi activist Fares Kaab Karmallah in the city of Shushtar (Toster) after raiding his home without prior warning or a judicial warrant. The officers confiscated several of his personal belongings, including his mobile phone, laptop, and a number of books.

Local sources confirmed that the arrest was carried out without any formal charges or explanation, suggesting a political and security motive, as Iranian authorities continue to target Ahwazi activists.

During the arrest, Fares Kaab Karmallah was insulted and physically assaulted in front of his family members, including children, leaving them deeply traumatized.

Authorities have refused to disclose his location or allow contact with his family, heightening fears that he may be subjected to enforced disappearance or torture, practices that have been documented in previous cases involving Ahwazi activists.

A Clear Violation of International Law

This arrest constitutes a blatant violation of Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which states:

“No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention. No one shall be deprived of his liberty except on such grounds and in accordance with such procedure as are established by law.”

The article also requires that detainees be informed of the reasons for their arrest and be allowed to communicate with legal counsel and prepare their defense.
As a signatory to the ICCPR, Iran is legally obligated to uphold these protections.

Condemnation and Demands

The Alahwazi Human Rights Organization strongly condemned this arbitrary arrest, describing it as part of a systematic policy of repression aimed at intimidating the Ahwazi people and silencing those who demand national and civil rights.

The organization called for:
• The immediate disclosure of the whereabouts of activist Fares Kaab Karmallah;
• Allowing him access to a lawyer and contact with his family;
• Holding accountable those responsible for the assault during his arrest;
• Ensuring his legal protection and physical and psychological safety.

The organization emphasized that the continuation of such violations places Iran under international accountability and exposes the extent of ethnic and political discrimination faced by Arabs in the Ahwaz region.

Alahwazi Human Rights Organization

Hussain Hazbavi