On the anniversary of the 2022 nationwide uprising in Iran, sparked by the tragic murder of Zhina Mahsa Amini, approximately 600 women have been reportedly arrested in Tehran, according to a committee monitoring the conditions of those detained during the protests.

The state-run Baharnews.ir, in its September 21 report, indicated that out of the total women arrested, 130 are currently being held in the quarantine ward of Qarchak Prison, located east of Tehran. Cases have been officially filed against these women with the Judiciary.

Previous reports shed light on a grievous incident that occurred on September 16, 2023. On that day, 360 women who were apprehended during the protests in Tehran were transported to Qarchak Prison. Disturbingly, the prison later became the epicenter of an internal protest which, when met with severe resistance from prison guards, resulted in the injury of at least 20 detainees due to open fire.

This confrontation also led to a fire within the prison facility. Presently, the detained women at Qarchak are denied access to basic necessities, including boiling water, food, and medicine. Adding to their woes, many prisoners are facing new charges. To speed up the legal proceedings, Judge Mohammad Reza Amouzad, known for his notorious reputation, has been stationed at the prison.

Families mourning their loved ones lost during the 2022-2023 nationwide uprising face an escalating crackdown from the clerical regime. Security measures include, but are not limited to, intimidation, arrests, and home invasions.

On September 21, security forces targeted the home of Javad Heydari in Qazvin. Heydari’s residence was besieged with tear gas, resulting in the injury of even children present. The climax of the attack was the arrest of Heydari’s sister and two brothers. It is worth noting that Heydari, a graduate in agriculture, was fatally shot by security forces on September 22, 2022.

Several families, like those of Nika Shakarami, Hannaneh Kia, Ghazaleh Chalabi, and Erfan Rezaii, have been under pressure, with authorities urging them to cancel memorial ceremonies commemorating their deceased loved ones. Notably, Hannaneh Kia’s parents and fiancée are in custody. Meanwhile, Farzaneh Barzekar, mother to Erfan Rezaii, has been imprisoned in Qaemshahr since September 3. Erfan, at just 21, was a casualty of security forces’ brutality in Amol, northern Iran, on September 21, 2022.

Farzaneh Barzekar

The escalating repression underscores the challenging times Iran is undergoing, with the government’s heavy-handed approach further polarizing its citizenry.

MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her site, Twitter & Facebook, NCRI  (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu