In the shadow of ominous protests, the Iranian regime has begun a sweeping campaign of arrests, targeting dissenters like Reza Khandan—human rights activist and husband of renowned lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh. “He was arrested because six years ago he spoke out against the mandatory headscarf,” she reveals, suggesting that his detention serves as a chilling message to all who dare criticise the regime.
Women in Iran have been compelled to wear the hijab since the 1979 revolution, yet many locals are defying this law, sparking ire from authorities and igniting protests. To illustrate his defiance, Khandan once designed buttons stating, ‘I’m against mandatory hijab,’ for which he was infamously arrested. Despite previous sentences, he faces renewed incarceration under the regime’s iron fist.
Sotoudeh, herself a fierce advocate for human rights, endured imprisonment from 2018 to 2023 for defending protestors. Though released, her spirit remains unyielded, as she continues to campaign for the end of mandatory hijabs, the death penalty, and violence against protesting women. In January, she co-authored a petition asserting that hijab laws primarily serve as tools for women’s oppression.
The regime’s trepidation over potential protests stems from violent street unrest following Jina Mahsa Amini’s death in custodial lockdown for hijab-related charges. The judiciary’s actions appear intended to inspire fear within civil society. Recent arrests include that of activist Marzieh Ghaffari, whose work with women and children has led her into the depths of Evin prison under undisclosed charges.
Human rights advocate Ali Abdi faced imprisonment after returning to Iran and was sentenced to 12 years for past writings about protests and gender issues. Alireza Bakhtiar’s father, a former Revolutionary Guards member, continues facing repercussions for his activism after a silent protest regarding political repression was violently dispersed. This alarming suppression of dissent signals the regime’s overwhelming anxiety about future protests.
The regime’s harsh crackdown on veterans and protestors reveals a growing fear that dissent is resurfacing, as voices echoing for change grow louder even amidst chaos and fear.
In anticipation of renewed protests, the Iranian regime has escalated arrests of dissenters, including prominent activist Reza Khandan, whose detainment sends a severe warning to critics. Women defying the compulsory hijab mandate are at the forefront of this unrest. Human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh continues to fight against these oppressive measures even after her own imprisonment. Various activists have faced severe repercussions, highlighting the regime’s fear of an uprising like in 2022 following the death of Jina Mahsa Amini.
The Iranian regime remains vigilant in its crackdown against dissent, employing a new wave of arrests to quell fears of renewed protests. Activists like Reza Khandan and Ali Abdi are targeted not only for their activism but also for voicing thoughts that challenge the status quo, illuminating the oppressive tactics utilised by the authorities. Voices like Nasrin Sotoudeh continue to advocate for human rights despite tremendous risks, reflecting the unwavering spirit of those who defy oppression in pursuit of justice. The repressive measures witnessed during protests reveal the regime’s desperation as it stifles dissent, aiming to silence anyone who raises their voice against the injustices faced in Iran today.
Original Source: www.dw.com
