Amnesty International:

Amnesty International is calling on theIranian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release activist Ebrahim Nouri, as well as anyone else still arbitrarily detained after the arrest of around 120 people in connection with two separate Azerbaijani Turkic cultural gatherings that took place in July and August 2018. The authorities must drop any charges against Ebrahim Nouri and anyone else targeted solely for peacefully exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly, including through their advocacy promoting the rights of theAzerbaijani Turkic minority in Iran. On the basis of research conducted over the last month, Amnesty International has concluded that Ebrahim Nouri is a prisoner of conscience.

Amnesty International’s research also reveals disturbing reports of torture and other ill-treatment committed by security forces during and after the arrests, particularly those which took place in July. The authorities must initiate a prompt, impartial, independent and effective investigation into these allegations, bringing those responsible to justice in trials that meet international fair trial standards. Amnesty International’s research included conducting interviews with more than 10 individuals, as well as a close study of court verdicts, independent and state media reports, and posts on social media. 

Go to link