Iranian authorities arrest mother of protest victim

Security forces in the city of Lahijan arrested Nozhat Mir-Radi—the mother of two protesters killed during demonstrations in Iran—after she posted a video marking the birthday of her son, Emad Shoush. This arrest occurred amidst escalating security pressure in the city, according to the women's news agency NUJINHA

The incident takes place against a backdrop of intensifying security pressure in Iran, as authorities carry out a wave of arrests targeting the families of victims—a move that has raised concerns about an expanding scope of targeting and restrictions on communication with human rights organizations.

According to human rights reports, the arrest followed the circulation of a video in which Nozhat Mir-Radi delivered a message on her son's birthday; the city had simultaneously witnessed a significant security crackdown targeting victims' families.

Additionally, a group of "Dadkhah" families (families seeking justice for victims) in eastern Gilan had planned a gathering in Lahijan to celebrate the birthday of Houman Sabbagh—another individual killed in recent protests—but intelligence, security, and law enforcement agencies prevented the event from taking place at his gravesite.

Sources indicate that Nozhat Mir-Radi’s family lost two sons during the protests: Ali Shoush—a poet, theater actor, and musician from Lahijan—was killed during the 2022 popular uprising, while Emad Shoush was killed earlier this year by direct gunfire from security forces during protests in the city.

Sh-S

ANHA