The Hana Human Rights Organization expresses grave concern over the detention of Abdolrahman (Sherko) Abdollahipour, one of its members, in Turkey and his transfer to a facility for foreign nationals facing deportation.
Given Abdollahipour’s history of human rights activities and his cooperation with Hana, his return to Iran could expose him to a serious risk of security-related detention, torture and ill-treatment, criminal prosecution on security-related charges, and even the death penalty.
This risk is specific and individualized, given the history of threats and persecution targeting Hana members, as well as pressure exerted on the families of some of the organization’s members and affiliated activists inside Iran. It therefore cannot be regarded solely as a consequence of the general human rights situation in Iran.
Hana calls on the Turkish authorities to halt any efforts to deport Abdollahipour to Iran and, before making any decision, to independently and effectively assess the risks arising from his human rights activities and the potential consequences of his return. His immediate access to legal counsel and an effective opportunity to use available legal remedies to challenge any deportation decision must also be guaranteed.
The Hana Human Rights Organization issues a serious warning against any decision that, without a thorough assessment of these risks, could result in Abdollahipour’s return to Iran.