Based on information received by the Hana Human Rights Organization, in recent days, a 17-year-old child named Adib Ahmadi-Nejad was arrested by security forces in Sanandaj and transferred to an undisclosed location.
According to available reports, despite family inquiries, no clear information is available regarding the detaining authority, the reason for his arrest, or his place of detention. This complete lack of information about the child’s fate has caused deep concern for his family.
Hana Human Rights Organization emphasizes that, due to their vulnerable status, children are entitled to special protective standards in legal proceedings, even if accused of a crime. Under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Iran has ratified, and according to Article 9 of the Civil Code as part of domestic law, pretrial detention should only be used as a last resort and when strictly necessary. Similarly, Iranian law under Article 287 of the Criminal Procedure Code provides that children or adolescents should primarily be placed under the care of parents or legal guardians, and detention during preliminary investigations is permissible only under exceptional circumstances.
Violations of children’s procedural rights are not limited to the pretrial stage but also extend to the competent court and the special rights afforded to children during trial. These protective standards include limiting pretrial detention, ensuring immediate access to family, prohibiting physical or psychological pressure, and guaranteeing access to appropriate legal counsel.
Considering these principles, Hana Human Rights Organization holds the provincial prosecutor and director of intelligence directly responsible for the physical and psychological well-being of this child and calls for the immediate release of all detained children.