The Ahwaz Human Rights Organization has received, with deep sorrow and concern, reports concerning the death of Hakim Vahidi (Albu Farhan), an Ahwazi Arab citizen from the city of Jarahi (Chamran). According to information and local reports, he lost his life following a shooting involving an officer of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s law enforcement forces.
According to the information received by the Organization to date, the incident occurred on 17 September 2026. Local sources allege that Hakim Vahidi was pursued by a security officer identified as “Iman Sharifi” and was shot during the pursuit. According to the same reports, he sustained severe gunshot injuries and died before reaching the hospital.
The Ahwaz Human Rights Organization emphasizes that the precise circumstances of the incident—including the circumstances surrounding the shooting, the reason firearms were used, the identity and responsibility of the officer or officers involved, and whether the use of force was lawful—must be established through an independent, transparent and impartial investigation.
Under human rights principles and international standards governing the use of force by law enforcement officials, the use of firearms against individuals must comply with the principles of necessity, proportionality and respect for the right to life. The Organization therefore calls on the responsible authorities to conduct, without delay, an effective and independent investigation into the incident and to make its findings publicly available in a transparent manner.
The Organization also expresses concern over reports alleging the recruitment, training and arming of minors and adolescents, and their possible use in activities related to the suppression of protests. Given the seriousness and sensitivity of these allegations, they should also be investigated by independent and competent bodies. If substantiated, those responsible should be held accountable in accordance with Iranian law and Iran’s international obligations.
The Ahwaz Human Rights Organization calls on the international community and public opinion to pay close attention to the human rights situation and reports of violations of citizens’ rights in the Ahwaz region, and to emphasize the need to respect the right to life and other fundamental rights.
The Organization further calls on international institutions and human rights organizations, including the United Nations human rights mechanisms, to take note of the death of Hakim Vahidi and, where possible, to call for an independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances and factors surrounding the incident.
The Organization also calls on the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran to examine reports concerning the possible use of minors in security operations and the suppression of protests and, should these reports be substantiated, to pursue appropriate action within the framework of the Special Rapporteur’s mandate.
The Ahwaz Human Rights Organization reiterates that the right to life, the prohibition of arbitrary and disproportionate use of force, and the accountability of state officials and institutions for their actions are fundamental principles of human rights. It calls on the authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran to safeguard the lives and security of citizens, conduct an immediate, independent and transparent investigation into this incident, and, should misconduct or criminal wrongdoing be established, ensure that those responsible are prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Ahwaz Human Rights Organization
18 September 2026
