Hamidreza Vatani

Hamidreza Vatani, a 65-year-old citizen from Firuzkuh and a children's rights activist, was abducted and arrested on January 9, 2024, with a body full of pellets, and is now facing the risk of execution [1]. According to the published report, he is confronted with serious charges of "Baghi" and "Conspiracy against National Security" by the Revolutionary Court; charges that have frequently been levied against protesters and civil activists in recent years and could result in the death penalty [1]. Vatani, a retired industrial electrician, is the father of two children and an inspector for the Children’s Rights Support Association [1]. His arrest occurred while he was seeking treatment at Firuzkuh Hospital. According to this report, he was arrested while returning home [1]. During the course of his detention, Hamidreza Vatani has been subjected to severe interrogations in Evin Prison for about a month; interrogations aimed at obtaining forced confessions [1]. The mention of a "body full of pellets" at the time of his abduction indicates that he had been subjected to physical violence prior to his arrest [1]. Given the charge of "Baghi," which is considered a serious security crime under the laws of the Islamic Republic, the situation of this children's rights activist has been reported as seriously concerning [1]. Sources: Iran International

Professional Background: Retired Industrial Electrician and Inspector of the Children’s Rights Support Association