Concerns of Widespread Arrests in Wake of Ayatollah Montazeri’s Death

(20 December 2009) The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran called on the Iranian government not to interfere with mourning ceremonies following the passing away of the Grand Ayatollah Montazeri in Qom and to end persecution and detention of his followers. The Campaign is seriously concerned that the government might target Grand Ayatollah Montazeri’s followers through a wave of detentions.

Ahmad Ghabel, a prominent student of Ayatollah Montazeri and a government critic, was arrested en route today as he was driving with his family from the Northeastern city of Mashhad towards Qom to attend the mourning ceremonies.