Iran: Two researchers arrested, taken to unknown location

On Monday, Iranian Revolutionary Guard intelligence forces carried out two raids that resulted in the arrest of researcher and sociologist Mahsa Asadollahnejad, and writer, translator, and researcher Shirin Karimi.

According to a report by the Women's News Agency (NUJINHA), intelligence agents stormed the home of Mahsa Asadollahnejad’s father, arresting her and confiscating her electronic devices before taking her to an undisclosed location. The authorities have yet to provide any explanation regarding the charges or reasons for her arrest.

Another intelligence unit raided the home of writer, translator, and researcher Shirin Karimi, arresting her and transferring her to an unknown location, with no information available so far about the reasons for her detention, her whereabouts, or the accusations against her.

Asadollahnejad, born in 1980, is a well-known academic in the field of political sociology, with research focused primarily on the relationship between imagination, politics, and social structures in Iran.

Karimi, born in 1983, holds a master’s degree in sociology from the University of Tehran and is known for her intellectual and literary contributions. One of her notable works is the book “Fifty Years After Savushun: A Critique of the Realism of the Savushun Novel”, in which she presents an analytical critique from a social and philosophical perspective.

Karimi is also known for translating major intellectual works, including writings by American philosopher Judith Butler and Iranian scholar Afsaneh Najmabadi, reflecting her interest in gender issues and cultural history. She has also contributed to a series of philosophy books for teenagers, aiming to simplify philosophical concepts and present them to young readers in a modern and accessible style.

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ANHA