URMIA, South Azerbaijan

Araz News: Civil rights activists Ali Azizi, Ghulam Gholizdeh who were arrested by Iranian security forces last week in the city of Urmia, were released on bail today, June 16.

They join two more Azerbaijani activists, Sina Hasani and Ata Karimi, who were released from arbitrary detention on Sunday, June 14.

On June 6 and 7, Iran’s Intelligence Ministry (commonly referred to as Etelaat) arbitrarily detained Sina Hasani, Ali Azizi, Ghulam Gholizdeh, and Ata Karimi. Ali Azizi and Ghulam Gholizdeh were accused of “propaganda against the regime,” while Sina Hasani and Ata Karimi were accused of “actions against national security” for their roles in distributing leaflets and publicizing a public demonstration to raise awareness for the drying of Lake Urmia.

It should be noted that on June 6, Etelaat agents unlawfully entered the Urmia home of Azerbaijani activist Ghulam Gholizdeh, harassed his family, and proceeded to conduct a warrantless search of his personal and family belongings.

Araz News will continue to monitor the situation for any further developments.