The Hana Human Rights Organization announces with deep concern that Abdolrahman Abdollahipour, a member of this organization, has been transferred to the Akyurt Removal Center in Ankara following his arrest in Turkey. Despite the sensitivity of his situation, no clear and reliable information regarding the legal basis for his continued detention, potential decisions on deportation, and his access to effective legal representation has been provided to Hana thus far.
Abdollahipour’s transfer to the removal center, given his residency status and the potential initiation or continuation of deportation proceedings, has raised serious concerns regarding the possibility of his forced return to Iran. Hana emphasizes that due to his human rights activities and ongoing collaboration with this organization, Abdollahipour will face a specific and individual risk of arbitrary arrest, security interrogation, criminal prosecution, torture, or other forms of mistreatment if returned to Iran.
The principle of non refoulement, in cases where there is a real risk of torture, inhuman treatment, or other serious harm, is a fundamental guarantee of international law. Such a risk must be genuinely, individually, and independently assessed prior to the execution of any deportation decision. No immigration decision should result in the return of an individual to a country where their life, liberty, or physical integrity is at risk before they have had access to a lawyer, an interpreter, and effective avenues for appeal.
Hana calls on Turkish authorities to immediately clarify Abdollahipour’s legal status, guarantee his confidential and effective access to legal counsel, provide him with the opportunity to fully utilize avenues for appeal and international protection, and refrain from any action to deport or return him to Iran until the completion of legal reviews and risk assessments.
Furthermore, Hana calls on Front Line Defenders, the European Union human rights defenders protection mechanism, the World Organisation Against Torture, and other international entities active in protecting human rights defenders to urgently address Abdollahipour’s situation and take action to secure a lawyer, provide legal and protective support, monitor his detention conditions, and, if necessary, facilitate his emergency transfer to a safe location.
The Hana Human Rights Organization emphasizes that under the current circumstances, any return of Abdolrahman Abdollahipour to Iran without effective access to a lawyer, the possibility of judicial appeal, and a comprehensive review of the risks he faces could have irreparable consequences for his life and security. Hana calls for immediate action to guarantee his rights, security, and immunity from forced return.