200 detained in Mashhad following protests

A “reliable source” has told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran that more than 200 people were arrested in the eastern city of Mashhad following opposition protests on 14 February, many of whom were later released.

According to the source, between 200-300 people were violently arrested near the Rahnamaei three-way crossing and the city’s Mellat Park. The campaign adds that some of the protesters were bleeding as they were being taken away by security forces who were beating them up. The detained were then taken to a detention in Reza Shahr’s Kouye Polis.

However, tens of those held in Kouye Polis, were blindfolded and taken to another security prison.

Student activists Hossein Ahmadnejad, Farzaneh Najjarnejad, Ali Razaghi, Morteza Bagherzadeh and Amir Sheibani were also jailed on Monday and there is currently no information about where they’re being held. Interestingly, the activists were not arrested for protesting on the streets, but either at work or home.

The University of Ferdowsi’s security, aided by plain-clothed militia, attacked students on Monday preventing them from forming any gathering or simply filming the protests. Many student activists also were arrested for a number of hours before being released.

There are currently no exact figures about the number of 14 February detainees, but Iran’s judiciary has confirmed the arrest 1500 protesters, many of whom have been freed.

GVF