Iran Arrests Another Relative of Slain 2019 Protester

The Islamic Republic's security forces have arrested a second relative of Pouya Bakhtiari, a protester killed during the November 2019 protests.

Arian Shirpisheh, Bakhtiari's uncle, was taken into custody on Monday night, according to his family.

Mona Bakhtiari, Pouya's sister, reported on social media that several intelligence agents raided her uncle's house and arrested Arian Shirpisheh.

The officers confiscated his phone and electronic devices, leaving the family without information about his current condition or whereabouts.

The arrest follows a pattern of targeting the Bakhtiari family. Last month, another uncle, Mehrdad Bakhtiari, was violently arrested at his home.

That arrest came after he posted a video showing his brother being beaten at the Revolutionary Court.

The family's ordeal extends further, with both of Pouya's parents already imprisoned.

The Iranian authorities have sentenced Manouchehr Bakhtiari, Pouya's father, to 18 years in prison and 74 lashes.

He was initially arrested on April 29, 2021, for seeking justice for his son.

Nahid Shirpisheh, Pouya's mother, is also in prison.

Pouya Bakhtiari was fatally shot on November 19, 2019, on the second day of widespread protests triggered by the government's sudden decision to raise gas prices.