Resurgence of Oppression: Keyvan Rashozadeh’s Re-arrest and Torture in Iran

In a troubling turn of events, Keyvan Rashozadeh, a former Kurdish political prisoner released from Orumiyeh Central Prison in October 2024, was re-arrested by the IRGC’s Intelligence Organization on December 21, 2024. The raid at his family home in West Azerbaijan Province led to his swift transfer to a military-security detention facility. Rashozadeh later disclosed to his family that he had been moved back to Orumiyeh Central Prison.

Rashozadeh’s revelations of severe torture during his latest detention paint a grim picture of his suffering. He bears visible injuries and yet, shockingly, prison authorities have denied him treatment at the prison clinic. His plight underscores the systemic cruelty faced by political prisoners in Iran and raises alarms about his well-being.

After his release, Rashozadeh found himself in a nightmarish cycle; he was repeatedly harassed by authorities who pressured him violently to cooperate with their demands. Despite enduring physical abuse, he staunchly refused to comply, receiving threats that declared he had “no right to live in Iran.” Such intimidation tactics illustrate a broader pattern of oppression against dissidents.

Rashozadeh’s turbulent history began with his arrest in October 2019, alongside three others, under accusations related to national security for alleged ties to the Komala Party of Iranian Kurdistan. After a year-long ordeal, they faced harsh sentences, revealing the grim realities of Iran’s judicial system. His involvement in multiple hunger strikes showcased both his defiance and the dire conditions prisoners endure, as he sought to protest against inhumane treatment and lack of freedom.

Throughout his imprisonment, Rashozadeh’s protests included sewing his lips shut and enduring prolonged hunger strikes. His mother expressed deep concerns, detailing the brutal treatment he suffered at the hands of prison guards, who shackled and tortured him, further emphasizing the dire consequences faced by political inmates. Rashozadeh’s resistance presents a stark image of hope and struggle amid the oppressive regime, shedding light on the ongoing fight for human rights in Iran.

Keyvan Rashozadeh, a former Kurdish political prisoner, was re-arrested by the IRGC on December 21, 2024, shortly after his release. He reported being tortured and denied medical treatment while held in Orumiyeh Central Prison. Following years of intimidation and mistreatment during his previous imprisonment, Rashozadeh’s situation underscores the broader human rights abuses faced by political prisoners in Iran.

Keyvan Rashozadeh’s re-arrest and the brutal treatment he continues to endure reveal a distressing snapshot of human rights violations in Iran. His resilience in the face of repeated torture and threats adds a poignant layer to the ongoing struggles experienced by political prisoners. The urgent need for intervention and awareness around such cases is paramount to combat the oppressive tactics of the Iranian regime and advocate for the rights of dissidents.

Keyvan Rashozadeh is a significant figure in the landscape of Iranian Kurdish political prisoners, illustrating the severe crackdowns faced by activists in the region. His repeated arrests highlight the Iranian government’s persistent efforts to silence dissent through intimidation and torture. The historical context of Rashozadeh’s previous imprisonment and activism sheds light on broader issues of human rights and political oppression in Iran, particularly towards ethnic minorities like the Kurds.

Original Source: kurdistanhumanrights.org

About Oliver Henderson

Oliver Henderson is an award-winning journalist with over 15 years of experience in the field. A graduate of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, he started his career covering local news in small towns before moving on to major metropolitan newspapers. Oliver has a knack for uncovering intricate stories that resonate with the larger public, and his investigative pieces have earned him numerous accolades, including a prestigious Peabody Award. Now contributing to various reputable news outlets, he focuses on human interest stories that reveal the complexities of contemporary society.

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