Wave of Arrests Continues After Ceasefire: Mass Detentions in Khuzestan
3-July-2025
Category: Arrests، Freedom of Expression
3 July 2025
News Category: Freedom of Expression – Arrests
Breathing in Confinement – At least 54 citizens have been arrested in Khuzestan Province on charges of “disrupting public psychological security” and “collaborating with Mossad.”
According to Breathing in Confinement, the news outlet of the Prisoners’ Rights League in Iran, information obtained from local sources and human rights activists indicates that a minimum of 54 individuals have been detained by security agencies in Khuzestan. The charges brought against them include “collaboration with Mossad” and “activities disturbing the public’s psychological security.”
Judicial authorities have alleged that these individuals were involved in collecting and transmitting information abroad. Meanwhile, the Ahvaz branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced in a separate statement that it had arrested an additional 26 individuals on accusations of links to Mossad and the British intelligence agency MI6.
Reports from human rights activists indicate that, following this widespread wave of arrests in Ahvaz and surrounding areas, the quarantine section of Sheyban Prison in Ahvaz has been used to house detainees. More than 60 of those arrested have reportedly been transferred there, many of whom have been subjected to torture and beatings. The physical condition of several detainees is reported to be critical.
It is also reported that approximately 20 others remain under interrogation in detention centres affiliated with the Ministry of Intelligence and the IRGC’s Intelligence Organization.
This new wave of arrests began after the announcement of a ceasefire between the Iranian regime and Israel. Many of the charges levelled in these cases lack transparency or clear legal basis. The regime appears to be exploiting vague accusations such as “disrupting public psychological security” or “collaborating with foreign entities” to foster fear and restrict civil and political freedoms.
It is worth noting that, contrary to allegations against some of the detainees, the transmission of information abroad is often carried out through state-affiliated actors and official channels. Accusing ordinary citizens of such actions is a tool for political repression and suppression of legitimate activities.