Alahwazi Organization for Human Rights (A.O.H.R) expresses deep concern over the Iranian occupation authorities’ complete internet shutdown yesterday in Al-Ahwaz and across Iran, a repressive measure that constitutes a blatant violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms. This arbitrary action aims to deprive the people of Al-Ahwaz and the Iranian population in general of their legitimate right to communicate and exchange information. It is a direct assault on freedom of opinion and expression and the right to access information, rights guaranteed under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Iran is legally bound.

Al-Ahwaz holds a vital geopolitical position on the Arabian Gulf and is rich in energy and oil resources, making it, for decades, the focus of strict security and repressive policies by the Iranian authorities. Since the beginning of the revolution on December 28, 2025, Iran has deployed extensive security forces in Al-Ahwazian cities for fear of protests or movements demanding the overthrow of the ruling regime in Tehran and the restoration of their rights as the indigenous people of this region. Authorities believed this would intimidate citizens, yet many Al-Ahwazian provinces and cities, including Bushehr Province, Bandar Jeroon (Bandar Abbas), Ilam Province, and the cities of Abadan, Toster the capital Al-Ahwaz, and Quneitra, witnessed citizens taking to the streets in peaceful demonstrations. Security forces, alongside Basij and intelligence units, responded by firing live ammunition at demonstrators, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries and the arrest of dozens, in flagrant violation of fundamental human rights and freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly.

The organization emphasizes that the internet shutdown cannot be separated from the systematic repression faced by the Al-Ahwazian and Iranian people. Iranian authorities repeatedly resort to this measure as a prelude to committing grave violations, including suppressing peaceful protests, carrying out widespread arbitrary arrests, preventing documentation of crimes and violations, and covering up excessive use of force, including extrajudicial killings. The organization views the internet disruption as an attempt to isolate the population from the outside world and prevent their voices from reaching human rights organizations and international media, increasing the risk to civilians and peaceful protesters.

According to international standards and treaties, a mass internet shutdown constitutes a severe violation of human rights and amounts to prohibited collective punishment under international law. The United Nations and its special rapporteurs have repeatedly condemned the use of internet blackouts as a tool to oppress populations. Disabling the internet during protests is considered illegal and disproportionate, even under alleged security justifications. The organization warns that if this measure coincides with killings, arrests, or systematic torture, it may amount to crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute.

Alahwazi Organization for Human Rights (A.O.H.R) calls for the immediate and unconditional restoration of internet services in Al-Ahwaz and throughout Iran, ensuring freedom of expression and communication without restrictions, enabling human rights organizations and media to access information freely, and launching an independent international investigation into the committed violations, holding all perpetrators accountable for crimes against the Al-Ahwazian and Iranian people.

The organization urgently appeals to the United Nations, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Special Rapporteurs on Freedom of Expression and Extrajudicial Killings, and international human rights organizations to intervene immediately to protect the Al-Ahwazian and Iranian people and halt the grave violations they are facing.

Alahwazi Organization for Human Rights (A.O.H.R)